Last month, our Chief Health Officer, Dr. Shairi Turner, had the incredible honor of joining MLB’s  San Francisco Junior Giants Commissioners Camp, a flagship program of the Giants Community Fund. But this gathering wasn’t just about baseball—it was also about shining a light on mental health in youth sports.

Why Mental Health Matters in the Game

Sports are more than just a game. They teach resilience, teamwork, and confidence—qualities that extend far beyond the field. Yet, young athletes also face immense pressure, stress, and, at times, mental health challenges. Recognizing this, dedicated volunteers from across California came together to learn how to better support young athletes in times of stress or crisis.

Equipping Coaches with the Right Tools

Dr. Turner led a powerful discussion exploring key mental health insights and strategies, including:

• Crisis Text Line’s #AlwaysAsk initiative – Encouraging open conversations about mental health.
• Our Youth Resilience Report (in collaboration with Common Good Labs) – Providing data-driven insights on how youth use exercise and sports programs to cope with mental health crisis.
• The Impact of Online Volunteers – Highlighting how virtual support can create real-world change and a sense of personal well-being.

Key Takeaways for Supporting Young Athletes

Coaches, mentors, and community leaders play an essential role in shaping not just great athletes, but emotionally resilient individuals. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the event:

• Active listening – Because feeling heard makes all the difference.
• Exploring emotions – Helping athletes express what’s really going on.
• Collaborative problem-solving – No one should struggle alone.
• Exercise & sports as coping tools – Many young people use movement as a way to destress.
• The power of volunteering – Helping others can also improve personal well-being and mental health.

Mental health belongs in every locker room, every huddle, and every game. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or ambassador, help is always available.

Together, let’s break the stigma and make mental health a priority in youth sports. Because when we take care of our minds, we play the game of life even stronger. 

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Need support? Text MLB to 741741 to connect to a live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor. It’s free, 24/7, and confidential.