Jeff Behrens, Athletic Director at Pewaukee Schools (WI), opens up about a part of the job most people never see—the solitude that comes with leading from behind the scenes. Whether it’s the high of a championship win or the heartbreak of a sectional loss, Behrens reflects on what it means to carry both with humility, without a group to lean on like athletes, coaches, or parents often have. And yet, in the quiet, he finds meaning through the relationships that last beyond the final whistle.
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.
