A Proactive Playbook: UNC Focuses on Mental Health

The University of North Carolina Athletics department is taking a proactive approach to student-athlete well-being, hosting a mental health expo to support its athletes. Instead of waiting for a crisis, the university is focusing on preventative care.

Earlier this month, more than 400 Tar Heel student-athletes attended the 2025 Student-Athlete Mental Health Expo. The event was a collaborative effort led by the school’s Mental Health and Performance Psychology department, providing a range of resources in a low-pressure environment.

The expo was designed to connect student-athletes with on-campus mental health resources, student-led organizations, and affinity groups. It aimed to provide a space for students to explore different forms of support and to encourage proactive self-care.

Activities at the expo were aimed at relaxation and stress reduction, including interactions with therapy puppies, snacks, giveaways, and time to connect with peers and staff.

According to Dr. Jeni Shannon, Director of Mental Health and Performance Psychology, the event is part of a larger strategy to help student-athletes “thrive both on and off the field.” The expo reinforces that mental well-being is a key component of athletic and academic success, just as important as a training session or a study hall.