Athlete Mental Health, Identity, and Growth | Lauren Huber, Notre Dame Track and Field
Sun Jan 25 2026
In this Coats in Conversation Podcast episode, Host Kendrique Coats speaks with former Illinois Wesleyan University standout athlete, now University of Notre Dame track and field athlete, Lauren Huber. We talk about the realities of being a college athlete, from playing through injuries and feeling the pressure to lead, to navigating mental health that isn’t always visible.
Lauren reflects on her time at Illinois Wesleyan, the transition from Division 3 to Division 1 at Notre Dame, and how leadership, competitiveness, and self-worth have evolved along the way.
This conversation highlights why mental health matters in college sports and why strong athletes still need support. Be sure to like and subscribe to Coats in Conversation to catch more episodes like this!
Check out previous episodes:
The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGc...
Life After The Game: Mental Health & Identity in Sports | Josh Kauten https://open.spotify.com/episode/51Qq...
An athlete's battle with cancer and mental health | Gabby Orlet
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hnZ...
About Kendrique Coats: is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Illinois. Kendrique is also the athlete mental health advisor for the Illinois High School Association. Coats in Conversation Podcast features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts, 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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In this Coats in Conversation Podcast episode, Host Kendrique Coats speaks with former Illinois Wesleyan University standout athlete, now University of Notre Dame track and field athlete, Lauren Huber. We talk about the realities of being a college athlete, from playing through injuries and feeling the pressure to lead, to navigating mental health that isn’t always visible. Lauren reflects on her time at Illinois Wesleyan, the transition from Division 3 to Division 1 at Notre Dame, and how leadership, competitiveness, and self-worth have evolved along the way. This conversation highlights why mental health matters in college sports and why strong athletes still need support. Be sure to like and subscribe to Coats in Conversation to catch more episodes like this! Check out previous episodes: The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGc... Life After The Game: Mental Health & Identity in Sports | Josh Kauten https://open.spotify.com/episode/51Qq... An athlete's battle with cancer and mental health | Gabby Orlet https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hnZ... About Kendrique Coats: is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois working with couples and athletes in Illinois. Kendrique is also the athlete mental health advisor for the Illinois High School Association. Coats in Conversation Podcast features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts, 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.