On today’s episode of Your Best You, we speak with Sara and Lucia from The Kevin Love Fund. Sara and Lucia share their experiences in athletics and academia, and how those moments shaped their advocacy for mental health education on and off the field.

The Kevin Love Fund (KLF) was founded in 2018 by NBA star Kevin Love after he publicly shared his struggles with anxiety and mental health in a groundbreaking Players’ Tribune article titled “Everyone is Going Through Something.” In this article, Kevin detailed a panic attack he experienced during a 2017 game, sparking a crucial conversation about mental health. By sharing his personal journey, Kevin shed light on the importance of addressing the need for an open dialogue around emotional well-being.

Recognizing the stigma surrounding mental health, the Kevin Love Fund provides both tools and support to help individuals embrace vulnerability and live healthier lives. As an evidence-based organization, KLF focuses on research, education, and narrative change to break the stigma around mental health.

______________________________________

Hosted by Conor Walsh Produced by CMJW Entertainment Inc https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

Brought to you by Mental Health America of Dutchess County https://mhadutchess.org/

Mental Health for Athletes Initiative: https://mhadutchess.org/support-mha/mha-athletes/

Brought to you in part by the Northern & Souther Dutchess Community Coalitions https://capedc.org/ndcc/

https://capedc.org/sdcc/

_______________________________

Sign up for MHA's Fall Coach's Conference happening on November 4th at Mount Saint Mary College, featuring presentations from The Kevin Love Fund, Notre Dame's Play Like a Champion Today, and West Point Academy's Dr. Mitchell DeSimone Ph.D.

https://mhadutchess.org/athletes/conference-msmc/

• (00:00:00) - Introduction and Overview of the Podcast
• (00:01:15) - Kevin Love's Story and Origins of the Kevin Love Fund
• (00:03:52) - Launching the Athlete Program
• (00:06:20) - Reflections on the Coaches Conference
• (00:09:32) - How the Training and Curriculum Work
• (00:12:54) - Where the Lessons Are Used (Classrooms, Camps, etc.)
• (00:14:49) - The 'More Than My Sport' Lesson Explained
• (00:18:40) - Personal Stories: Host and Lucia's Panic Attacks
• (00:20:50) - Lucia's Journey to the Kevin Love Fund
• (00:23:54) - Sarah's Path and the Power of Vulnerability
• (00:27:43) - Generational Pushback and Building Safe Spaces
• (00:31:43) - Normalizing Mental Health Resources on Campus
• (00:34:38) - Personal Reflection on Seeking Help
• (00:35:36) - What Athletes Want From Leadership
• (00:38:05) - Tangible Tools and Lasting Impact
• (00:40:39) - Journaling, Growth, and Closing Thoughts
• (00:41:53) - How to Get Involved with the Kevin Love Fund