Powerful Speaker Series Tackles Student-Athlete Mental Health

The pressures on student-athletes have never been greater. Balancing academic demands, athletic commitments and personal challenges can take a toll on mental health.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, a May 14 town hall conversation brought together voices in sports, mental performance and leadership to discuss strategies for prioritizing emotional well-being and achieving success on and off the field.

Lou Holder, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and executive-in-residence in the Division of Academic Affairs presented another powerful program in his ongoing speaker series on social issues. Entitled "Strength Beyond the Game," two panel discussions featuring former professional athletes, coaches and student-athlete advocates explored anxiety, depression and techniques for managing crises. The program was held in the in the Student Center and is part of ongoing conversations focused on educating, elevating and uniting a community committed to growth.

Holder emphasized that mental health is a universal concern.

"Although student-athletes and sports are at the forefront of today's discussion, prioritizing mental health and emotional wellness is a universal human issue. You would be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't been affected directly or indirectly by mental health issues. Today's program is intended to address these challenges through conversations with high-impact speakers to discuss strategies for prioritizing emotional well-being and achieving success in the game of life."

The event also gave Bowie State students - many from Holder's oral communications class - hands-on experience in public speaking. Student-emcee Payton Swinton, '28, a Sport Management major and student-athlete, kicked off the program.

The first panel consisted of former professional athletes were introduced by Jade Lomax '28, a Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts major, and Maria Gonzalez '29, a Public Health Informatics & Technology major.

Panelists included Etan Thomas, a former NBA player and social justice activist; Josh Morgan, a retired NFL player and mentor; Todd Bozeman, a college basketball coach and community leader; and Lawrence Hamm, a former professional basketball player in Europe and vice president of business development for Events DC.

The conversation focused on the routines and strategies athletes use on and off the field to stay focused and manage pressure and distractions. Students gained valuable insight from former professional athletes on real strategies they used to maintain focus and alleviate stress.

The second panel featured mental health professionals and advocates, introduced by Brayden Pullins '29, a Computer Science major, and Nickalus Gibbs '29, a Biology major. The experts consisted of Dr. Lisa Daniels, sports psychotherapist at Howard University, Shawn Robinson, founder and president of Orange Arrow Players Association and Lisa Leonard, CEO of Competitive Edge EQ. They provided practical strategies students can use to balance school, social life and other obligations.

A key moment in the discussion centered on how colleges and universities can better support the mental well-being of its students. The program concluded with a powerful message from Dena Butler, a mental health advocate and the mother of Terrance Butler, a former student-athlete at Drexel University who died after a battle with depression. She urged families and friends to recognize warning signs and take preventive steps.

"This is a call to action for family members and friends to raise the alarm when a loved one is acting out of character."

The event underscores Bowie State University's commitment to supporting the well-being of its faculty, staff and students.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available:

• Call ProtoCall: 301-860-4164
• Chat: 988lifeline.org

You'll be able to speak with a trained crisis counselor any time day or night. Contact BSU's Counseling Services for appointments, resources and more information.