At Fresno City College, athletic counselors are also underdogs in the college athletics world as they support student athletes to balance the demands of school, sports and personal life.
Brandon Wong, Kelley Suhovy and Tasha Johnson are the three counselors who work closely with FCC athletes to ensure they have the guidance and resources they need to succeed both academically and athletically.
Wong, who was a Division 1 gymnast at the University of Iowa, brings a personal understanding of the challenges that athletes face. He knows that sports can be the anchor that connects student athletes to their teams and schools.
Having grown up in Clovis, Wong experienced a culture shock when he moved to Iowa, and it was his gymnastics team that helped him adjust.
“Gymnastics was the only thing I really knew. It helped me connect with my teammates especially since I didn’t know any of them when I first got there,” Wong said.
Suhovy, another athletic counselor at FCC has helped many student athletes who have transferred from out of state by addressing common concerns, making sure they can identify what their immediate needs are and ensure they’re met.
“Do they have food? Do they have housing? Do they have transportation? These are things we need to take care of first, and then we move on to academics and sports,” Suhovy said.
Suhovy, a multi-sport athlete in high school and a dual-sport athlete in college, understands the pressure athletes face better than most. Having previously competed year-round, traveled frequently, while working three jobs at the time, Suhovy knows what it’s like to juggle multiple commitments.
“I truly understand the dynamic of having a lot on your plate. Being a student athlete is not easy. You’re balancing your academics, practice, travel, competition and often working part-time jobs. It’s a lot for any student, let alone an athlete,” Suhovy said.
The counselors also collaborate with athletic trainers, coaches and the athletic director to make sure athletes are supported from all angles.
For example, when an athlete sustains an injury, Wong and Suhovy work with the athletic trainers to ensure the athlete’s eligibility and academic standing aren’t affected. Their role is not to provide athletic training, but they help manage the academic side and ensure athletes remain in good academic standing.
“For injured athletes, we work with trainers and coaches to ensure they’re on track for next season, whether that’s academically or athletically. We want to preserve their eligibility and make sure they’re ready for whatever comes next,’’ Wong said.
The counselors also assist athletes who are redshirting, ensuring they don’t waste their eligibility clock. Depending on the sport and level of competition, different rules apply, and it’s important for athletes to meet certain academic requirements while redshirting.
“Redshirting means that an athlete won’t compete in their first season, but we still need to make sure they’re enrolled in the right classes,” Wong said.
Both stressed the importance of making sure student athletes feel supported in every way. They aim to provide a safe space where athletes can talk about their struggles, whether it’s difficulty in a class or a tough practice.
For some athletes, it’s a matter of needing help with study habits, while for others, it’s dealing with personal challenges like homesickness or stress. Regardless of the issue, Suhovy and Wong work to offer practical solutions while keeping an open line of communication.
“We walk them through their emotions, acknowledge their feelings, and help them find solutions. Sometimes it’s something as simple as asking, ‘What did you have for breakfast?’—things that may seem small but can make a big difference in their performance,” Wong said.
Many student athletes are navigating college for the first time, often far from home, without the support system they are used to.
“We really try to get to know them. This isn’t just about picking classes or managing schedules. It’s about understanding their lives, their challenges, and being a resource for everything from academic struggles to mental health,” Suhovy said.
While Suhovy and Wong are actively involved with student athletes, Johnson, the third athletic counselor at FCC, contributes to the department’s work, though she chose not to participate in this interview.
Johnson is another key member of the team who works with athletes to ensure their needs are met.
Handling burnout is another challenge that counselors often face. The constant pressure to perform in both academics and athletics can take a toll.
Wong, having been a student athlete, is particularly empathetic to this struggle. When athletes feel burnt out or overwhelmed, he encourages them to reflect on their long-term goals.
“It’s important to step back and think, ‘Why am I here,’” Wong said. Questions such as “Are you in school because of athletics or because of your academics?” are important to ask to see the bigger picture.
Wong and Suhovy both agree that a strong partnership with coaches is essential to supporting athletes. Coaches are also teachers, and by working together, counselors and coaches ensure athletes have the resources they need to succeed.
“The coaches are great to work with. They want their athletes to succeed just as much as we do. It’s all about teamwork. We’re here to support the students, and we’re all on the same team,” Suhovy said.
Both Wong and Suhovy both agree that their role as athletic counselors is about much more than picking classes or helping student athletes with their schedules. It’s about building relationships, providing a safe space for athletes to talk, and offering support in every aspect of their college experience.
“We want our student athletes to know we’re here for them. We’re here to help them with anything they need, whether it’s academic, athletic, or personal. We want them to reach their full potential,” Wong said.
Suhovy echoed that sentiment, adding that the office isn’t there for just handling paperwork—it’s a place where athletes can come to be supported and guided through their college journey.
