Mental Huddle Foundation
Empowering coaches and athletes to prioritize mental wellness in sports. Join us in building a healthier future for athletic communities.
Our Mission: Championing Psychological Wellness in Sports
The Mental Huddle Foundation is dedicated to fostering psychological wellness in the sports community. We equip coaches and athletes with essential tools and knowledge, ensuring mental health is prioritized alongside physical performance. Our mission is to integrate holistic well-being into every aspect of athletic development.
Our Vision: A World Where Mental Health Thrives in Athletics
We envision a future where mental health is not only accepted but celebrated and proactively supported across all levels of sports, from youth leagues to professional arenas. By normalizing conversations and providing accessible resources, we aim to create athletic environments where every individual feels valued and mentally resilient.
Normalize
Breaking down stigmas.
Value
Recognizing its importance.
Support
Providing proactive care.
Thrive
Athletes reaching full potential.
Our Core Values: Guiding Principles for Impact
Our work is built upon a foundation of core values that drive every initiative. These principles ensure we remain focused on the well-being of every athlete and coach, fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
Empathy
Always putting people and their well-being before performance outcomes.
Education
Equipping leaders with critical knowledge and practical tools.
Empowerment
Building confidence and resilience through awareness and proactive strategies.
Equity
Serving all communities, with a special focus on under-resourced populations.
Community
Connecting coaches, athletes, and families to foster a network of support.
Our Why: Addressing Urgent Needs in Youth Sports
The landscape of youth sports is evolving, presenting new challenges for athlete well-being. Rising rates of burnout and mental health crises, coupled with a lack of resources for coaches, highlight a critical need for intervention. Mental Huddle exists to bridge this gap, transforming how mental health is perceived and supported in athletics.
1
Rising Challenges
Increased suicide rates and burnout in youth sports.
2
Unprepared Coaches
Many coaches lack the training to address athlete emotional distress.
3
Lingering Stigma
Mental health still faces significant stigma in athletic environments.
4
Our Solution
Mental Huddle champions change and provides solutions.
Our Programs & Services: Comprehensive Support for Mental Wellness
Mental Huddle Foundation offers a multi-faceted approach to integrate mental health support into sports. From empowering coaches with essential certification to fostering athlete resilience through workshops and community partnerships, our programs are designed to create a supportive ecosystem.
Mental Huddle Certification
An online course for coaches covering warning signs, crisis response, and team wellness. Graduates receive a digital credential.
- Recognize warning signs
- Create safe spaces
- Implement crisis response
- Promote coach self-care
Athlete Workshops
Interactive sessions for athletes to normalize mental health, learn coping skills, and build peer support networks (coming soon).
Community Partnerships
Collaborating with schools and healthcare providers to expand training access and reach more communities.
Scholarship Fund
Providing financial assistance for underserved schools and coaches to access our certification program at no cost.
Target Audiences: Who We Serve
Our programs are designed to reach key stakeholders across the sports community. By focusing on these specific groups, we can create a ripple effect, fostering widespread mental health awareness and support in athletic environments.
Coaches & ADs
High school and youth coaches, athletic directors, and sports program leaders.
Athletes
Students in grades 6–12 seeking mental wellness tools and peer support.
Families & Communities
Parents, community organizations, and local support networks.
Professionals
Mental health professionals specializing in sports and athlete well-being.
Past media & events…
FOX 2 Detroit
Rob Murphy joins FOX 2 Detroit to discuss the upcoming premiere of DEEP: The Rob Murphy Story at Emagine Royal Oak.
The film highlights Murphy’s inspiring journey through basketball, leadership, and personal growth.
The film highlights Murphy’s inspiring journey through basketball, leadership, and personal growth.
Outstanding Laker Award
Jaylen Rutherford, all-time scoring leader and mental health advocate, honored with Outstanding Laker Award.
Community Outreach
Jaylen Rutherford at Hamilton Community Network’s Family Day, raising awareness for mental health and fostering community support.
Rob Murphy and Friends Visit C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
Spending time with patients and families on the 4th floor with children battling cancer. Their visit brought hope, encouragement, and smiles reflecting Murphy’s ongoing commitment to compassion and community impact.
Our Funding Model: Powering Our Mission
The Mental Huddle Foundation relies on a diverse revenue model to sustain and expand our vital programs. Every contribution directly supports our mission to promote mental wellness in sports, ensuring accessible resources for coaches and athletes nationwide.
Key Goals (2025–2026): Scaling Our Impact
Over the next two years, we are committed to significantly expanding our reach and impact. Our strategic goals focus on certifying more coaches, forming key partnerships, and securing critical funding to bring mental wellness resources to even more athletic communities.
1
Coach Certification
Certify 1,000 + coaches nationwide to champion mental health.
2
Strategic Partnerships
Collaborate with 25 school districts or sports programs.
3
Fundraising
Raise $200,000 + to support underserved communities and expand access.
4
Workshops
Develop and launch mental wellness workshops for athletes and teams.
5
Annual Summit
Host a flagship Mental Huddle Summit, connecting leaders and sharing insights.
Join the Movement: Take Action for Mental Wellness in Sports
Your involvement is crucial to breaking the stigma and building a supportive environment for athletes. Whether you're a coach, an advocate, or a supporter, there are many ways to contribute to the Mental Huddle Foundation's vital mission.