Marist High School Launched Whole Athlete Initiative
The program supports student-athletes in managing academic, social, and performance-related demands.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Marist High School has launched the Whole Athlete Initiative to support approximately 200 student-athletes. The program focuses on helping participants manage various emotional, academic, and social pressures.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses the complex challenges young competitors face by providing structured guidance during their athletic seasons. It aims to improve student well-being through collaborative efforts involving school leadership and coaches.
The initiative serves 200 student-athletes across boys and girls basketball and wrestling. The pilot program is scheduled to span a 5-month duration.
The players
Kendrique Coats
He is a leader of the Whole Athlete Initiative.
Dr. Amand Hardiman
She serves as a program leader for the initiative.
Dr. Jessica Hardiman
She is a program leader working with the Student Services Office.
Marist High School
This Chicago educational institution is the site of the new student-athlete program.
The details
Led by the Student Services Office, the initiative combines in-person team sessions with a virtual curriculum and follow-up facilitation. It operates through collaborative planning between administrators, staff professionals, and team coaches.
Timeline
August 20, 2026: Initiative leaders visited the campus for planning.
November 2026: The program pilot launch begins.
March 2027: The program pilot concludes.
Culture Shift
This initiative reflects a growing national trend of high schools prioritizing holistic wellness alongside athletic achievement. It parallels the NCAA's Student-Athlete Mental Health and Well-Being mandate by institutionalizing mental health support for competitive students.
Student-athletes participating in basketball and wrestling will now engage in mandatory virtual and in-person wellness sessions throughout their seasons. Parents and students should anticipate these sessions being integrated into standard athletic training schedules.
The takeaway
Schools are increasingly recognizing that athletic performance is inseparable from emotional and social health. Implementing dedicated support initiatives can help students maintain a balance between their competitive goals and academic requirements.
What happens next
The pilot program for the initiative will run from November 2026 through March 2027.
Further reading
For more on local academic developments, visit Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
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