HAF Mental Health Panel

On July 30, 2026, we held our inaugural Mental Health Panel at Coolidge High School. Coach Kevin Nesbitt, his coaching staff, and 60 football players engaged in an impactful evening with a distinguished panel of former athletes, motivational speaker Keith Mercer, and moderator Dr. Larry Crenshaw.

Through candid conversation, personal stories, and meaningful dialogue, the evening created a safe space for student-athletes to openly discuss mental health and the pressures they face both on and off the field. Together, we began removing the masks and breaking down the stigma often associated with seeking help.

Most importantly, the players were reminded of a powerful message: “It’s OK not to be OK.” The evening reinforced that acknowledging mental health challenges is not a sign of weakness, but an important step toward strength, resilience, connection, and overall well-being.