Breaking the Silence: Tackling Mental Health in Education-Based Athletics

Bound for Greatness Podcast Highlights: Athletic Directors Mark White and Jeremy Schlitz on Mental Health and Wellness

In the latest episode of Bound for Greatness, host Scott Garvis dives into a critical conversation with Mark White and Jeremy Schlitz, two dynamic leaders who are paving the way for mental health and wellness in education-based athletics. White and Schlitz, who co-chair the newly established Health and Wellness Committee for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), shared the committee’s objectives and the importance of prioritizing emotional and mental health for athletic directors, coaches, and student-athletes.

The Formation of a Visionary Committee

Mark White explained that the formation of the committee was inspired by the challenges athletic directors (ADs) and educators faced during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The toll on mental and emotional health became more apparent, and the NIAAA responded by creating a platform to address these issues. “We realized that people are struggling, and we needed to offer support,” White said. The committee, now an official standing body within the NIAAA, is tasked with developing professional development initiatives, providing resources, and creating a support network for ADs across the nation.

White emphasized the committee’s goal to not only support ADs but eventually expand its impact to coaches and student-athletes. “We need to start from the top,” White said. “If we help ADs manage their mental health, they’ll be better equipped to support their schools and communities.”

Caring for Others by Caring for Yourself

Jeremy Schlitz highlighted the importance of self-care for ADs, who often spend their time helping others without focusing on their own needs. "I was always advising others to seek therapy or mindfulness practices, but it took time for me to realize I needed to follow my own advice," Schlitz admitted. He shared his experience working on mental health services at the state level, where he implemented newsletters and Zoom trainings on emotional well-being. This work, alongside his personal journey, has influenced the committee's mission to create sustainable support systems for athletic directors.

Schlitz also pointed out that athletic directors are often “on an island,” facing challenges that others in their school districts may not understand. The committee’s work is designed to break this isolation by fostering a network of support. "We’re turning that island into an archipelago," Schlitz noted, illustrating the sense of community they hope to build among ADs.

The Emotional Toll of Being an Athletic Director

One of the recurring themes in the conversation was the immense emotional burden placed on athletic directors. Garvis, White, and Schlitz discussed the constant stream of stress that ADs endure—from dealing with irate parents to managing student issues. "People don't realize what’s really going on in these kids’ and parents' lives," Garvis noted. "Everyone is struggling with something, and we, as ADs, often carry that weight."

White added that a key component of the committee’s work is to educate ADs on emotional wellness and give them practical strategies to navigate the pressures of their role. He highlighted the importance of understanding cognitive dissonance and how it can help ADs manage difficult interactions. "In order to understand what's going on now, you have to know what came before," White, a former social studies teacher, remarked, stressing the need for historical and emotional context in their work.

A Call for Change in Mental Health Support

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that there is a larger issue at play—how mental health is addressed within school systems. Garvis referenced a conversation with Dr. Baghurst from Florida State University, who pointed out that while corporations spend significant resources on the mental health of their employees, many school districts do not invest similarly in their educators, coaches, or athletic administrators.

Schlitz agreed, noting that many ADs find it challenging to “turn off” their work mode and maintain a healthy balance at home. He emphasized the need for ADs to be better partners and parents by equipping them with the tools to manage stress and avoid burnout.

Looking Ahead: Intentional Support and Impactful Solutions

White and Schlitz’s vision for the committee is bold and impactful. They aim to provide consistent resources for ADs through articles, videos, and expert speakers. Additionally, they plan to establish health and wellness coordinators in each state, creating a nationwide network dedicated to the well-being of athletic leaders. “Our hope is that by January 25th, you’ll start seeing something impactful from us every month,” White said, setting clear expectations for the future.

As the episode concluded, Garvis praised the duo for their commitment to improving the lives of athletic directors across the country. “The work you’re doing is tremendous, and it’s going to make a huge impact on the NIAAA organization,” Garvis said.

This episode of Bound for Greatness serves as a vital reminder of the importance of mental health and wellness in the athletic community. With leaders like White and Schlitz at the helm, the future of education-based athletics looks brighter, healthier, and more compassionate.

Bound for Greatness Podcast

Bound for Greatness is a podcast that addresses current issues facing athletic professionals and also offers leadership strategies for coaches and athletic administrators. Coach and athletic administrative veteran, Scott Garvis, tackles the issues facing education based activities from a unique perspective; sometimes irreverent, sometimes cynical, and sometimes serious. Scott covers current topics while also providing leadership lessons from his career as coach and administrator.

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