In this episode of Coats in Conversation, host Kendrique Coats, LMFTA sits down with Megan Harrington, a former elite gymnast and former Illinois State University gymnastic coach to discuss the powerful connection between athlete identity, mental health, and coaching culture.Megan opens up about her journey as a collegiate gymnast, the challenges of finding identity after sports, and the mental hurdles many athletes face when transitioning out of competition. We dive into the importance of athlete mental health, how team culture shapes openness and honesty, and why coaches play a vital role in creating safe spaces for athletes to thrive beyond performance.Megan reminds us that coaching isn’t just about showing up, it’s about seeing the whole athlete: mind, body, and spirit.Whether you’re a gymnast, coach, student-athlete, or sports parent, this episode will inspire you to view athletes as more than their results and to embrace the full journey of the whole athlete mindset.Check out previous episodesThe Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGcWubkj5fFQ7NQV6b9DN?si=N9oo7xuUT8qILxUvY9Tgmw⁠⁠Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=aOlcEUHYQmas4EygQyjxtw⁠⁠About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Coats in Conversation is a mental health podcast hosted by Kendrique Coats, a licensed associate therapist who works with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Each episode features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. Disclaimer: This podcast (Coats in Conversation) is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services.

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