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Beyond the Game: Supporting Athlete Mental Health

Episode 215 Feb 6, 2026
Beyond the Game: Supporting Athlete Mental Health

Athletes often carry an emotional load that isn’t always visible from the sidelines.

Therapist and former athlete Kendrique Coats shares how stigma, performance anxiety, and identity struggles can shape an athlete’s mental health.

The conversation explores practical ways to help athletes feel safe, regulate stress, and understand what their bodies are communicating. Kendrique also highlights the impact of rising demands around competition, injury, and name, image, and likeness on young athletes today.

Learn how intentional care and understanding can help athletes thrive through every chapter of their journey.

Kendrique Coats, ALMFT

MEET THE GUEST

Kendrique Coats, ALMFT

I work with couples, individuals healing from trauma, and athletes/high performers who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, from themselves or in their relationships. Many of the people I support are outwardly capable and driven, yet internally carrying anxiety, depression, chronic stress, or emotional exhaustion. My approach is grounded, relational, and nervous-system informed. I believe meaningful change happens when people feel safe, regulated, and understood, not rushed or “fixed.” Together, we focus on how stress, trauma, and attachment live in the body and in relationships, and how to build steadiness, awareness, and compassion in response. Whether you’re navigating relationship challenges, performance pressure, or the impact of anxiety, depression, or trauma, therapy with me is a space to slow down, reconnect, and move toward lasting, sustainable change. Outside of his clinical work, Kendrique enjoys golfing, reading, and exploring new Indian and Thai cuisines.
View Kendrique's Profile

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