Suspenders4Hope®, a program developed at Wichita State University, is highlighting
different departments and individuals on campus who are advocates for mental health
in hopes that their stories will inspire others to continue supporting one another
in the community.
Shocker Athletics is being recognized as a Suspenders4Hope Mental Health Advocate
for its team’s commitment to supporting its student-athletes and their mental well-being
through targeted and proactive training and outreach for its staff, students and the
community. Through events such as its annual Mental Health Summit and Black Out Mental
Health Stigma games, Shocker Athletics has become one of WSU’s strongest ambassadors
for mental health.
At Wichita State University, success for Shocker Athletics is measured not only by
championships, high graduation rates and personal-best performances, but by the holistic
health, safety and well-being of every student-athlete.
Recognizing the intense pressure, high stakes and unique physical and psychological
demands placed on modern student-athletes, Kevin Saal, director of athletics, and
other Shocker Athletics leadership have prioritized mental wellness and comprehensive
support as core pillars of the department.
A central figure in driving this standard of care is Taylor Spyker, deputy athletic
director and senior woman administrator. Spyker has worked tirelessly across student-athlete
support areas, including performance and mental health, strength and conditioning,
sports medicine, nutrition, and general wellness, which builds an integrated ecosystem
of care that supports Shocker student-athletes in every aspect of their lives.
“My priority has been to build a culture where mental health is part of how we care
for our student-athletes every day,” Spyker said. “That means connecting our support
services, making it easier to ask for help and ensuring our student-athletes feel
valued beyond their performance. This recognition reflects the expertise and dedication
of our mental health department who focus not only on the individual but team culture
and building leaders within each team. There is a shared passion and drive within
the department to support our student athletes both on and off the field in any way
possible.”
Through strategic investments, proactive mental health education and bold public advocacy,
Saal, Spyker and the entirety of Shocker Athletics have transformed WSU into a national
model for athlete well-being and stigma reduction.
Building a foundation: Annual fall Mental Health Summit
A cornerstone of Shocker Athletics’ proactive approach is the annual WSU Athletics
Mental Health Summit. Hosted each fall, the summit brings together student-athletes,
coaches and athletic staff for dedicated education, open discussion and practical
skills building.
The summit breaks down traditional barriers in athletics by normalizing conversations
around stress, burnout, performance anxiety and help-seeking behaviors. By bringing
athletes and staff into the same room, department leadership sets a clear tone at
the start of every academic year: prioritizing mental health is essential for high
performance, personal growth and winning outcomes.
Visibility on the big stage: Black Out Mental Health Stigma games
To spread this message beyond locker rooms and training facilities, Shocker Athletics
has partnered closely with WSU’s Suspenders4Hope mental wellness program to host annual
Black Out Mental Health Stigma games across multiple sports.
These high-visibility events turn game days into powerful platforms for community
education and advocacy. Fans, coaches and student-athletes wear black Suspenders4Hope
apparel, uniting the crowd around the shared commitment of ending the stigma surrounding
mental health and reminding everyone in Shocker Nation that they are never alone.
Comprehensive support and proactive training
Kevin Saal speaks at the annual WSU Wellness Retreat on Friday, Nov. 6
Recognizing that elite performance requires specialized, trauma-informed care, Shocker
Athletics expanded its internal resources by adding dedicated mental health therapists.
Dr. Mouhamad Ballout, director of mental health, and Mallie Hall, assistant director
of mental health, specialize in the unique psychological needs of performance athletes.
Having embedded mental health professionals within athletics ensures that student-athletes
can access tailored care designed for the physical and emotional demands of NCAA Division
I competition.
Since 2023, clinical appointments for student-athletes increased by 144%, including
a 17% increase in the last academic year. The average number of appointments per student-athlete
also increased by 81%, indicating increased engagement with clinical care.
In 2026, Shocker Athletics emphasized mental performance sessions for its teams, providing
17 sessions this fall in addition to clinical care. Those sessions brought the combined
total to 100 sessions, a 41% increase in total service activity over the previous
year. Overall, total service activity has increased by 194% since 2023.
Shocker Athletics also introduced in-house ADHD assessments last fall and has since
completed 15. By bringing the assessment process in-house, student-athletes get answers
and access to support sooner.
Additionally, under the department’s leadership, Shocker Athletics instituted department-wide
suicide prevention training for athletic administrators, coaches and support staff.
Utilizing Suspenders4Hope principles and the “Share, Ask, Support” protocol, athletic staff members are trained to recognize warning signs, ask direct
questions and connect individuals in distress with immediate, compassionate care.
Leading by example: HOPE Fest
The department’s commitment extends deep into community action. At the annual HOPE
Fest, a campus and community event dedicated to mental health awareness, suicide prevention
and honoring lost loved ones, the Wichita State women’s basketball team took center
stage by leading the Memorial Walk.
Walking side-by-side with campus leaders, students and community members, the student-athletes
demonstrated visible, vocal leadership in action. Their presence underscored the message
that Shocker student-athletes and staff are active partners in fostering a compassionate,
supportive culture across Wichita and beyond.
A lasting cultural shift across Shocker Nation
Through dedicated staffing, comprehensive training, public advocacy and hands-on community
engagement, Shocker Athletics continues building a program where mental wellness and
holistic support are integrated into every aspect of the student-athlete experience.
Driven by a shared vision across leadership, coaches and support personnel, Shocker
Athletics is building hope, strengthening connections and leading the way on campus
and in the community.
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas’ only urban public research university, enrolling
more than 24,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences
and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more
than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered
and innovation-driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in
the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),
Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of
applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering
R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for
engineering R&D.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one
of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing
over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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Source: www.wichita.edu
