In this episode, host Kendrique Coats, sit down with Fiona Hatton, a Worcester State University Women's Hockey student-athlete, to talk about college athlete mental health, anxiety, and the unseen pressures of student-athlete life.

Fiona shares what it’s like balancing academics, performance, and identity in college sports, and how learning to reframe stress and anxiety became a turning point in her journey.

She opens up about struggling with mental health, the guilt many athletes carry, and the reality that mental health does not discriminate. We also address the difficult but necessary conversation around suicide in college athletics, resilience, and recognizing emotional limits.

Towards the middle and end of the conversation ,we explore women’s mental health in sports, double standards faced by female athletes, and why better support for athlete mental health, especially from coaches matters.

This episode is an important reminder that no one escapes being human, and that mental health and performance are deeply connected.

Check out previous episodes

The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGcWubkj5fFQ7NQV6b9DN?si=N9oo7xuUT8qILxUvY9Tgmw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Life After The Game: Mental Health & Identity in Sports | ⁠Josh Kauten⁠

⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/51Qq9bNqllDuXBcmGz2v8H?si=c2qEHR4nSpS37Refc3o0EQ⁠

An athlete's battle with cancer and mental health | ⁠Gabby Orlet⁠

⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hnZjoaauAesysXyxvIBui?si=CNPiPUsHSPSQ3bI_MoafDQ⁠

About ⁠Kendrique Coats⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Illinois. Kendrique is also the athlete mental health advisor for the Illinois High School Association. Coats in Conversation Podcast features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. 

Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.

Welcome back to Coats in Conversation I'm your host Kendrique Coats! In today's episode I interview professional football athlete, Wesley Steiner. Wesley was a standout football athlete at Auburn University and Washington State University before making it to the big leagues.

In this conversation, Wesley shares his journey in football, losing close family members, the importance of faith, and athlete mental health. Wesley also highlights some of the changes he would like to see specifically with a more holistic emphasis placed on athlete mental health.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or someone navigating change, this episode is a reminder: you are more than the game, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Check out previous episodes

The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGcWubkj5fFQ7NQV6b9DN?si=N9oo7xuUT8qILxUvY9Tgmw⁠⁠⁠⁠

Life After The Game: Mental Health & Identity in Sports | Josh Kauten

https://open.spotify.com/episode/51Qq9bNqllDuXBcmGz2v8H?si=c2qEHR4nSpS37Refc3o0EQ

An athlete's battle with cancer and mental health | Gabby Orlet

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hnZjoaauAesysXyxvIBui?si=CNPiPUsHSPSQ3bI_MoafDQ

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Illinois. Coats in Conversation Podcast features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. 

Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.

In this episode, athlete therapist, Kendrique Coats, sits down with Josh Kauten, a former college and professional baseball player who's now the owner of K's Training Academy, in Bloomington Illinois.

We talk about what it’s really like with dreams of playing baseball at a highest level, the “chip on the shoulder” mindset, and the kind of resilience it takes when you’re not the star player… yet.

Josh opens up about the identity shift that happens when sports end, the ego hit that comes with retirement, and how he eventually found purpose on the other side of being “just a baseball player.” We also explore the mental health challenges many athletes face today, and what he sees in the players he coaches.

For parents, this conversation hits on the pressure young athletes feel, the reality of travel ball, why letting your kid fail actually matters, and how to prepare them for the world of college baseball without burning them out, or tying their entire identity to a scholarship.

If you’re a parent, coach, or athlete who cares about development on and off the field, this episode is for you.

Check out previous episodes

The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: 

⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGcWubkj5fFQ7NQV6b9DN?si=N9oo7xuUT8qILxUvY9Tgmw⁠⁠⁠

More Than an Athlete: Identity, Loss, and Mental Health: 

⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BXwpfJg6vAjSXlOOlVnS8?si=NfettVRSQi20NNcOSvJajw⁠⁠⁠

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=aOlcEUHYQmas4EygQyjxtw⁠⁠⁠

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Coats in Conversation Podcast features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. 

Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.

If you’re a parent, coach, or athlete trying to navigate today’s world of college recruiting, NIL deals, and the rising mental health pressures in sports, this episode is a must-listen.

Podcast host and therapist for athletes, Kendrique Coats interviews Barb Smith, former Division 1 basketball coach, now an expert in the recruiting space as the owner of Find My Team, a specialized recruiting service that helps athletes and families navigate the recruiting journey.

Barb breaks down what families consistently misunderstand about the recruiting process and why so many athletes end up overwhelmed, under-supported, or at the wrong school.

We also discuss everything from the real meaning of NIL to why some athletes never receive the money they were promised, and why starting the process early, even as early as 8th grade, can make all the difference.

This conversation goes far beyond recruiting. We highlight the mental and emotional demands placed on young athletes today, including identity, burnout, performance pressure, and the culture that tells athletes they can “never look weak.”

Barb shares actionable steps to help your athlete confidently navigate the recruiting process, and together we explore the importance of building strong mental health tools before stepping into college athletics.

If your athlete is serious about playing in college, if you’re a parent or coach trying to make sense of the recruiting world, or if you simply want to support your child’s mental well-being, this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and insight on how to navigate modern day sports recruiting.

Check out previous episodes

The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: 

⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGcWubkj5fFQ7NQV6b9DN?si=N9oo7xuUT8qILxUvY9Tgmw⁠⁠⁠

More Than an Athlete: Identity, Loss, and Mental Health: 

⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BXwpfJg6vAjSXlOOlVnS8?si=NfettVRSQi20NNcOSvJajw⁠⁠⁠

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=aOlcEUHYQmas4EygQyjxtw⁠⁠⁠

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Coats in Conversation Podcast features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. 

Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.

What’s it really like to grow up in a sports-centered household?

In this episode of Coats in Conversation, host ⁠Kendrique Coats⁠, LMFTA sits down with, Dr. Travis Dorsch, former Purdue University All-American, former NFL athlete, and now an Associate Professor and Founding Director of the Families in Sport Lab in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University, as we discuss the emotional, psychological, and relational dynamics that shape youth athletes and sports families.

We explore what most parents misunderstand about raising young athletes, the pressures of youth sports culture, and how a child’s sense of identity can become tangled up in their performance. As our Dr. Dorsch shares, “Good sports parenting is just good parenting.” But in today’s near $40 billion youth sports industry, that simple truth often gets lost.

We talk about what happens when families become emotionally invested in performance. “We’re emotional creatures,” and Dr. Dorsch reminds us, and those emotions can either strengthen or strain parent, child relationships.

With youth athletes now spending 20–30 hours a week training and competing, the line between healthy development and performance pressure is getting thinner. Dr. Dorsch reflects “We’ve professionalized youth sports,” and with that comes higher expectations, and higher emotional costs.

This conversation sheds light on the mental health challenges, family sacrifices, and cultural pressures behind youth sports. As Dr. Dorsch cautions, “Most kids will not advance to the highest levels, and we need to be careful about glamorizing professional sports so much.”

Whether you’re a sports parent, coach, or youth athlete, this episode will challenge you to rethink what success really means, and how to create a more balanced, connected, and mentally healthy sports experience for the whole family.

Check out previous episodes

The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: 

⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGcWubkj5fFQ7NQV6b9DN?si=N9oo7xuUT8qILxUvY9Tgmw⁠⁠⁠

More Than an Athlete: Identity, Loss, and Mental Health: 

⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BXwpfJg6vAjSXlOOlVnS8?si=NfettVRSQi20NNcOSvJajw⁠⁠⁠

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=aOlcEUHYQmas4EygQyjxtw⁠⁠⁠

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kendrique Coats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Coats in Conversation Podcast features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. 

Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.

In this episode of Coats in Conversation, host Kendrique Coats, LMFTA sits down with Megan Harrington, a former elite gymnast and former Illinois State University gymnastic coach to discuss the powerful connection between athlete identity, mental health, and coaching culture.

Megan opens up about her journey as a collegiate gymnast, the challenges of finding identity after sports, and the mental hurdles many athletes face when transitioning out of competition.

We dive into the importance of athlete mental health, how team culture shapes openness and honesty, and why coaches play a vital role in creating safe spaces for athletes to thrive beyond performance.

Megan reminds us that coaching isn’t just about showing up, it’s about seeing the whole athlete: mind, body, and spirit.

Whether you’re a gymnast, coach, student-athlete, or sports parent, this episode will inspire you to view athletes as more than their results and to embrace the full journey of the whole athlete mindset.

Check out previous episodes

The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: 

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGcWubkj5fFQ7NQV6b9DN?si=N9oo7xuUT8qILxUvY9Tgmw⁠⁠

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=aOlcEUHYQmas4EygQyjxtw⁠⁠

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. 

Coats in Conversation is a mental health podcast hosted by Kendrique Coats, a licensed associate therapist who works with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Each episode features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. 

Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.

From childhood football to the big leagues, Drew has seen it all, from navigating his identity after he retired from the NFL, to losing his father, his adult adhd diagnosis, and his work as a certified life and performance coach.  

This episode moved me, especially as Drew shared what it was like for him to navigate the healing journey through therapy. Therapy is something many of us men ignore because we are often made to believe that we have to suppress our own wants, needs, and emotions. I appreciate Drew for his openness in highlighting how therapy is helping him grow into a better person. 

Drew Davis:

Drew Davis is a certified Life & Performance coach as well as captain for The Trust powered by the NFLPA.

Drew played wide receiver for the Ducks & helped to elevate the school as they won back to back Pac 10 Championships for the first time in school history his final two seasons in Eugene. He was also a primary contributor in the Ducks reaching their first National Championship birth during the 2010-2011 season. He graduated with a degree in psychology and was later selected as a free agent in 2011 to the Atlanta Falcons where he played for four years. After his time in the NFL, Drew got into coaching at the high school level before ultimately reuniting with his college receivers coach, Scott Frost, at the University of Central Florida. That year, the UCF Knights were conference champions, earning their first undefeated season in school history, rising as high as number 8 in the rankings.

Drew wanted to contribute more to the development of student-athletes off the field & believed he would be better suited for this due to his passion for helping others. Drew was hired by his former college coach, Chip Kelly, as the Director of Player Development at The University of California, Los Angeles in 2018. Drew assisted UCLA football student-athletes off the field providing assistance in areas such as resumes, cover letters, internships, community service, life skills, public speaking, and career preparation.

Check out previous episodes

The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: 

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGcWubkj5fFQ7NQV6b9DN?si=N9oo7xuUT8qILxUvY9Tgmw⁠⁠

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=aOlcEUHYQmas4EygQyjxtw⁠⁠

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. 

Coats in Conversation is a mental health podcast hosted by Kendrique Coats, a licensed associate therapist who works with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Each episode features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. 

Music: 1080 Pale- Shadows & Stones 

Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.

In this amazing Coats in Conversation episode, Kendrique Coats speaks with Gabby Orlet, who is a volleyball student athlete at Grand Valley State University.

Gabby opens up about her battle with cancer and the mental health challenges that came with it. From diagnosis to treatment, she shares how she found strength in adversity, leaned on her sport, and cultivated a mindset of resilience and hope. Her story is one of grit, grace, and the unbreakable spirit of an athlete who refuses to give up.

Whether you're facing your own challenges or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light, and strength, in the fight.

Check out previous episodes

The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: 

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGcWubkj5fFQ7NQV6b9DN?si=N9oo7xuUT8qILxUvY9Tgmw⁠⁠

More Than an Athlete: Identity, Loss, and Mental Health: 

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BXwpfJg6vAjSXlOOlVnS8?si=NfettVRSQi20NNcOSvJajw⁠⁠

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=aOlcEUHYQmas4EygQyjxtw⁠⁠

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kendrique Coats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. 

Coats in Conversation is a mental health podcast hosted by Kendrique Coats, a licensed associate therapist who works with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Each episode features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. 

The show also offers educational insights from experts on topics such as performance anxiety, relationships, mindset, and emotional wellness. New episodes drop twice a month. Follow, rate, and leave a comment to support the show and help Coats in Conversation reach more listeners. #Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy #podcast

Music: 1080 Pale- Shadows & Stones

Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.

In this episode of Coats in Conversation, we dive deep into an often overlooked but urgent topic: suicide and depression in Men of Color. Mental health struggles in communities of color are frequently silenced or stigmatized, leaving many without the support they need. Our goal in this discussion is to break that silence and shine a light on the realities, challenges, and solutions surrounding mental health for men of color.

I (Kendrique Coats) sit down with Ron Downs, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who brings years of experience guiding individuals toward healing and well-being. We explore:

• ​The unique impact of suicide and depression on men of color
• ​Common warning signs and symptoms of depression to look for in friends, family, or loved ones
• ​Cultural and societal factors that create barriers to seeking therapy
• ​How therapists can build trust and support Men of Color in their healing journey

If you’ve ever wondered how to better support the Men of Color in your life , or if you’re seeking to understand mental health from a cultural perspective, this episode provides valuable insights and practical guidance.

Check out previous episodes

The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGc...

More Than an Athlete: Identity, Loss, and Mental Health: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BXw...

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9...

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kendrique Coats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois.

Coats in Conversation is a mental health podcast hosted by Kendrique Coats, a licensed associate therapist who works with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Each episode features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. The show also offers educational insights from experts on topics such as performance anxiety, relationships, mindset, and emotional wellness. New episodes drop twice a month. Follow, rate, and leave a comment to support the show and help Coats in Conversation reach more listeners. #Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy #podcast

Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.

 In this Coats in Conversation, I sit down with Millikin University student-athlete Kendra Manul to talk about the real challenges of transitioning from high school to college sports.

Kendra opens up about adjusting to a new team, balancing academics with athletics, and the mental toll of competing at the collegiate level. She shares her personal journey through sports injuries, the struggle to trust her body again, and how mental health nearly led her to walk away from the game she loves.

This conversation shines a light on athlete mental health, resilience, and what it truly takes to succeed as a Millikin University athlete on and off the field.

Check out previous episodes

The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity:

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGcWubkj5fFQ7NQV6b9DN?si=N9oo7xuUT8qILxUvY9Tgmw⁠⁠

More Than an Athlete: Identity, Loss, and Mental Health:

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BXwpfJg6vAjSXlOOlVnS8?si=NfettVRSQi20NNcOSvJajw⁠⁠

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=aOlcEUHYQmas4EygQyjxtw⁠⁠

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kendrique Coats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois.

Coats in Conversation is a mental health podcast hosted by Kendrique Coats, a licensed associate therapist who works with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Each episode features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth.

The show also offers educational insights from experts on topics such as performance anxiety, relationships, mindset, and emotional wellness. New episodes drop twice a month. Follow, rate, and leave a comment to support the show and help Coats in Conversation reach more listeners. #Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy #podcast

Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.