Student Athlete Launches National Literacy Program

High school senior Quade Kelley founded Reading Athlete to support youth mental health through team-based literacy sessions.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Youth

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring a water polo ball resting on an open, blank book, representing literacy and athletics. — High school senior Quade Kelley has expanded his nonprofit, Reading Athlete, to 92 schools, using literature to support youth athlete mental health. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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As of June 2026, high school senior and water polo captain Quade Kelley has expanded his nonprofit, Reading Athlete, to over 92 schools across 26 states. The organization utilizes picture books to facilitate discussions on mental health during student-athlete team meetings.

Why it matters

The program addresses anxiety and depression among young athletes, a mission Kelley started after witnessing a teammate struggle with a sports injury. By integrating literature into athletic culture, the initiative provides a structured environment for peer support.

Reading Athlete currently operates in 92 schools across 26 states. Each team session typically lasts 8 minutes, during which participants read a picture book aloud and discuss its personal relevance.

The players

Quade Kelley

A high school senior, water polo captain, and founder of the nonprofit Reading Athlete.

Kevin Love Fund

A charitable organization focused on mental health awareness where Quade Kelley serves on a youth advisory council.

Morgan's Message

An advocacy group dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health in student-athletes.

Athletes for Hope

An organization that connects athletes with charitable causes and community service opportunities.

Bank Street College of Education

A private graduate school of education where Kelley initiated the Robie Harris Youth Choice Award.

The details

Quade Kelley, a San Diego water polo captain, founded the nonprofit to help young people navigate mental health challenges through literature. The program incorporates picture books into K-12 team-building exercises, offering a space for athletes to open up about their lives.

In 2020, Quade Kelley earned status as a co-champion of the Random House Who Was? history bee.
Quade Kelley finished his tenure as a reporter for Scholastic Kids magazine in 2023.
As of June 2026, Reading Athlete had expanded its reach to 92 schools in 26 states.
Quade Kelley presented the Reading Athlete model at the American Library Association Annual in June 2026.

Culture Shift

The initiative reflects a broader shift toward integrating holistic mental health support within the competitive framework of high school sports. By leveraging the American Library Association Annual as a platform, Kelley aligns his grassroots efforts with established educational advocacy trends.

Students and coaches interested in the program can incorporate the 8-minute reading sessions into existing team-building schedules. The model provides a ready-made framework for high schools seeking low-barrier methods to improve team communication and emotional wellness.

The takeaway

Using picture books to facilitate group discussions can serve as an effective, accessible tool for athletes to express vulnerability. Teams looking to support mental health can implement similar short-duration literacy sessions to foster better communication among peers.