Matt Ryder, Director of Athletics at Maine South (IL) High School, explains how his coaches take responsibility of fundraising efforts, bringing partial funds to the table before making big asks. This collaborative approach eases the pressure on the AD’s budget and empowers coaches to take ownership of their programs.
Supporting Student Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being
From anxiety and depression to social media stress and questions of belonging — today’s student-athletes are facing incredible mental stressors. ADs are training coaches, creating referral pathways, supporting injured athletes, and balancing compassion with policy to fight against one of the most complex challenges in modern-day schools.












