What Happens When We Actually Train Coaches to See the Whole Athlete

Trained coaches produce measurably better outcomes

An Ohio State randomized study found that athletes on teams with Coach Beyond-trained coaches reported more positive team climates, better athlete outcomes, and higher season win percentages. The percentage of coaches who felt confident supporting athletes with mental health concerns rose from roughly 40% to around 80% after training.

The QPR model adapted for coaches

Coach Beyond adapted the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention framework into a coach-specific model. Coaches learn to ask open-ended questions, pause to validate feelings without trying to fix everything, and connect athletes to support resources. The key insight from athlete focus groups: "I don't need you to fix it. I need you to listen."

"The number one thing athletes said they wished their coach did more of was pause and listen instead of try to fix. Don't fix it."

Parents are part of the equation

One of Coach Beyond's in-person training sessions — Building a Community of Support — walks coaches through communication strategies for working with parents. The SBAR framework (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) gives coaches and parents a shared language for difficult conversations. The same framework works in reverse: athletes talking to coaches about playing time, or parents raising concerns about sideline behavior.

The tipping point is here

Ten states now require mental health training for school-based coaches — up from zero in 2020. The culture of coaching is shifting. "Tough" is being redefined. As Bates puts it: "Being tough is not leaving someone out because the easier path is to leave someone out. That's not tough."