LG Transparent Conversations

In this episode, LG explores the critical importance of centralizing and integrating mental health support within student-athlete communities, exploring strategies to foster a supportive environment and enhance overall well-being, in schools, at home, and beyond. Host Taylor Rooks, alongside panelists Victoria Garrick Browne, Dr. Katie Nichols and Eric Gross sit down to discuss student-athlete mental health at the 2024 Women’s Volleyball Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.

Taylor Rooks Host & Moderator 

Victoria Garrick Browne 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient; TEDx speaker of the viral talk “The Hidden Opponent”; Founder of The Hidden Opponent, a nonprofit for athlete mental health; Former D1 athlete and PAC-12 Champion with USC Women’s Volleyball Team; Podcast host of Real Pod; Social media influencer with 2M+ followers, known for #RealPost; Featured in Forbes, Women’s Health, and The New York Times; National speaker touring universities to destigmatize mental health and promote authenticity

Dr. Katie Nichols Director of Mental Performance, Louisville Athletics and UofL Health; Former Mental Performance Coach, Amplos and Clemson Athletics; Coordinator for Student-Welfare and Development, University of Notre Dame; Award-Winning Mental Performance Coach (AASP 2017 Doctoral Student Practice Award); Ph.D. in Sport Psychology, University of Missouri

Eric Gross Louisville Athletics – Athletic Program Therapist (Sept 2022 - Current); EMG Therapy – Owner (2014 - Aug. 2022); Started crisis intervention team for U of L Athletics Dept. (2015); Played varsity tennis, Mitchell University, New London, CT. (1988 - 1990); Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor- Supervisor (LPCC-S)

In this episode, LG explores the critical importance of centralizing and integrating mental health support within student-athlete communities, exploring strategies to foster a supportive environment and enhance overall well-being, in schools, at home, and beyond. Host Taylor Rooks, alongside panelists Victoria Garrick Browne, Dr. Katie Nichols and Eric Gross sit down to discuss student-athlete mental health at the 2024 Women’s Volleyball Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.

Taylor Rooks Host & Moderator 

Victoria Garrick Browne 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient; TEDx speaker of the viral talk “The Hidden Opponent”; Founder of The Hidden Opponent, a nonprofit for athlete mental health; Former D1 athlete and PAC-12 Champion with USC Women’s Volleyball Team; Podcast host of Real Pod; Social media influencer with 2M+ followers, known for #RealPost; Featured in Forbes, Women’s Health, and The New York Times; National speaker touring universities to destigmatize mental health and promote authenticity

Dr. Katie Nichols Director of Mental Performance, Louisville Athletics and UofL Health; Former Mental Performance Coach, Amplos and Clemson Athletics; Coordinator for Student-Welfare and Development, University of Notre Dame; Award-Winning Mental Performance Coach (AASP 2017 Doctoral Student Practice Award); Ph.D. in Sport Psychology, University of Missouri

Eric Gross Louisville Athletics – Athletic Program Therapist (Sept 2022 - Current); EMG Therapy – Owner (2014 - Aug. 2022); Started crisis intervention team for U of L Athletics Dept. (2015); Played varsity tennis, Mitchell University, New London, CT. (1988 - 1990); Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor- Supervisor (LPCC-S)

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of NIL opportunities, shedding light on the challenge many college students face in balancing entrepreneurial ventures with their academic and extracurricular commitments. Guest host Paxton Elrod, alongside panelists Christian Scott, Derrick Furlow Jr., and Yvonne Whaley, explore how this balancing act affects their mental health, wellness, and overall success as budding entrepreneurs and students.

Paxton Elrod Host & Moderator 

Christian Scott Former collegiate baseball player at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville , B.A. in Journalism and Communications, 2 Men’s College World Series appearances, SEC champion, Field Operations Associate at S2 Cognition, a scientifically validated digital platform that dives into how athletes process information during game time decisions 

Derrick Furlow Jr. Former collegiate and professional football athlete, with B.A. in Legal Studies and M.S. in Sports Psychology from the University of Tennessee, CEO of Sport Life Business: Speaker and author, Founder of SLB The Agency, the first NIL-focused mental health sports agency, Co-founder of Onrise, an athlete mental health company, President of XHunger, a nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger in America

Yvonne Whaley Former Division I softball athlete (Texas Tech and Pitt), Former professional Softball athlete (OKC Spark), Current GA for Student-Athlete Development at the University of Tennessee, B.S. of Psychology - University of Pittsburgh, Graduating May 2025 M.S. Sports Management - University of Tennessee

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of NIL opportunities, shedding light on the challenge many college students face in balancing entrepreneurial ventures with their academic and extracurricular commitments. Guest host Paxton Elrod, alongside panelists Christian Scott, Derrick Furlow Jr., and Yvonne Whaley, explore how this balancing act affects their mental health, wellness, and overall success as budding entrepreneurs and students.

Paxton Elrod Host & Moderator 

Christian Scott Former collegiate baseball player at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville , B.A. in Journalism and Communications, 2 Men’s College World Series appearances, SEC champion, Field Operations Associate at S2 Cognition, a scientifically validated digital platform that dives into how athletes process information during game time decisions 

Derrick Furlow Jr. Former collegiate and professional football athlete, with B.A. in Legal Studies and M.S. in Sports Psychology from the University of Tennessee, CEO of Sport Life Business: Speaker and author, Founder of SLB The Agency, the first NIL-focused mental health sports agency, Co-founder of Onrise, an athlete mental health company, President of XHunger, a nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger in America

Yvonne Whaley Former Division I softball athlete (Texas Tech and Pitt), Former professional Softball athlete (OKC Spark), Current GA for Student-Athlete Development at the University of Tennessee, B.S. of Psychology - University of Pittsburgh, Graduating May 2025 M.S. Sports Management - University of Tennessee

In this episode, LG invites guests to delve into the journey of overcoming setbacks and injuries as a student-athlete, offering insights and strategies to navigate challenges, remain optimistic and prioritize mental well-being amidst adversity. Host Taylor Rooks, alongside panelists Kameron Nelson, Coach Rustam Sharipov, and Dr. James Houle, dive into the importance of mental health in gymnastics and beyond.

Taylor Rooks Host & Moderator 

Kameron Nelson 2024 Graduate and Gymnast at OSU,  Three-time 2023 All-American: Floor (3rd), Vault (5th), All-Around (6th), 2024 NCAA All-American on floor (finished seventh), 2024 CGA regular season All-American (floor), All-Big Ten First Team (2022), All-Big Ten Second Team (2023, 24), 2022 Big Ten Vault Champion (14.800), OSU Scholar Athlete (21, 22, 23, 24), Academic All-Big Ten (2022, 23, 24), Big Ten Gymnast to Watch (2023, 24)

Coach Rustam Sharipov 18 All-Americans (35 All-America awards), 2 Big Ten Team Championships, 1 Big Ten Regular Season Team Championship (2022), 13 Big Ten Individual Championships, 2016- Big Ten Coach of the Year, 1996 – Gold Medalist on parallel bars, Atlanta Olympic Games, 1996 – Team bronze medal (Ukraine), Atlanta Olympic Games

James Houle, PhD Director of Sport Psychology and Wellness Services for Ohio State Athletics, Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at OSU, Former All-American Gymnast, 2001 NCAA Team Championship with OSU, 2001 and 2002 Big Ten Team Championships with OSU

In this episode, LG invites guests to delve into the journey of overcoming setbacks and injuries as a student-athlete, offering insights and strategies to navigate challenges, remain optimistic and prioritize mental well-being amidst adversity. Host Taylor Rooks, alongside panelists Kameron Nelson, Coach Rustam Sharipov, and Dr. James Houle, dive into the importance of mental health in gymnastics and beyond.

Taylor Rooks Host & Moderator 

Kameron Nelson 2024 Graduate and Gymnast at OSU,  Three-time 2023 All-American: Floor (3rd), Vault (5th), All-Around (6th), 2024 NCAA All-American on floor (finished seventh), 2024 CGA regular season All-American (floor), All-Big Ten First Team (2022), All-Big Ten Second Team (2023, 24), 2022 Big Ten Vault Champion (14.800), OSU Scholar Athlete (21, 22, 23, 24), Academic All-Big Ten (2022, 23, 24), Big Ten Gymnast to Watch (2023, 24)

Coach Rustam Sharipov 18 All-Americans (35 All-America awards), 2 Big Ten Team Championships, 1 Big Ten Regular Season Team Championship (2022), 13 Big Ten Individual Championships, 2016- Big Ten Coach of the Year, 1996 – Gold Medalist on parallel bars, Atlanta Olympic Games, 1996 – Team bronze medal (Ukraine), Atlanta Olympic Games

James Houle, PhD Director of Sport Psychology and Wellness Services for Ohio State Athletics, Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at OSU, Former All-American Gymnast, 2001 NCAA Team Championship with OSU, 2001 and 2002 Big Ten Team Championships with OSU

LG shares stories of resilience and perseverance from student athletes who have overcome mental health challenges to achieve success both on and off the field. Host Taylor Rooks, alongside panelists Antonia Bates, Coach Coquese Washington, and Dr. Pete J. Economou, dive into the importance of mental resilience in student-athletes.

Taylor Rooks Host & Moderator 

Antonia Bates Junior #4 G/F on Rutgers Scarlet Knights Women’s Basketball Team 

Coach Coquese Washington Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Rutgers (2022 - Present), WBCA Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award (2023), Big Ten Coach of the Year (2012, 2013, 2014), WBCA Region 6 Coach of the Year (2012, 2013), WBCA National Coach of the Year Finalist (2012, 2013), BCA Female Coach of the Year (2011, 2013), Greater Flint Hall of Fame Inductee (2009), WBCA "Rising Star" Award Winner (2008), First President of WNBA Players Association (1999-2001)

Pete J. Economou, Ph.D. ABPP in Counseling Psychology, Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness - Sport Psychology at Rutgers University, Board-certified in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), Licensed psychologist (NJ, NY, PSYPACY), Author of Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners and Meditation Journal for Anxiety

LG shares stories of resilience and perseverance from student athletes who have overcome mental health challenges to achieve success both on and off the field. Host Taylor Rooks, alongside panelists Antonia Bates, Coach Coquese Washington, and Dr. Pete J. Economou, dive into the importance of mental resilience in student-athletes.

Taylor Rooks Host & Moderator 

Antonia Bates Junior #4 G/F on Rutgers Scarlet Knights Women’s Basketball Team 

Coach Coquese Washington Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Rutgers (2022 - Present), WBCA Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award (2023), Big Ten Coach of the Year (2012, 2013, 2014), WBCA Region 6 Coach of the Year (2012, 2013), WBCA National Coach of the Year Finalist (2012, 2013), BCA Female Coach of the Year (2011, 2013) , Greater Flint Hall of Fame Inductee (2009), WBCA "Rising Star" Award Winner (2008), First President of WNBA Players Association (1999-2001)

Pete J. Economou, Ph.D. ABPP in Counseling Psychology, Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness - Sport Psychology at Rutgers University, Board-certified in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), Licensed psychologist (NJ, NY, PSYPACY), Author of Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners and Meditation Journal for Anxiety

In this episode, LG challenges conventional perspectives by exploring how prioritizing mental health can enhance athletic performance. Host Taylor Rooks, along with panelists Dr. Brett Haskell, Jessica Gardner, and Luca Virgilio, discuss shifting the narrative towards a holistic approach to student-athlete well-being. They explore how social media can be leveraged to enhance performance, tactics to avoid hindering it, and the relationship between social media habits and overall mental health.

Taylor Rooks Host & Moderator 

Dr. Brett Haskell Consulting Team Psychologist for the New York Yankees, Director of Mental Health and Performance for the National Women’s Soccer League, Principal Owner of Momentum Labs, Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), Former Director of Sport Psychology at the University of Nebraska

Jessica Gardner University of Nebraska Alum, D1 Pole Vaulter on the Track and Field Team , Member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Member and Advocate for student-athlete welfare at N-Volved 

Luca Virgilio Director of Basketball Strategies for Nebraska Men’s Basketball

In this episode, LG challenges conventional perspectives by exploring how prioritizing mental health can enhance athletic performance. Host Taylor Rooks, along with panelists Dr. Brett Haskell, Jessica Gardner, and Luca Virgilio, discuss shifting the narrative towards a holistic approach to student-athlete well-being. They explore how social media can be leveraged to enhance performance, tactics to avoid hindering it, and the relationship between social media habits and overall mental health.

Taylor Rooks Host & Moderator 

Dr. Brett Haskell Consulting Team Psychologist for the New York Yankees, Director of Mental Health and Performance for the National Women’s Soccer League, Principal Owner of Momentum Labs, Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), Former Director of Sport Psychology at the University of Nebraska

Jessica Gardner University of Nebraska Alum, D1 Pole Vaulter on the Track and Field Team , Member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Member and Advocate for student-athlete welfare at N-Volved 

Luca Virgilio Director of Basketball Strategies for Nebraska Men’s Basketball