Today, we speak with Kristin Sheehan from “Play Like a Champion Today.” This organization takes its name from a motivational slogan most famously slapped by Notre Dame football players before heading onto the field. We talk to Kristin about the organization’s roots to Notre Dame, along with her own ties to the college. We dive into what makes the program special and how it is serving student athletes across the country.

Kristin Sheehan

Program Director

Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series

Kristin has served as the Program Director of Play Like a Champion since the program’s inception. She leads partner relations, coordinates educational programs, and spearheads the development of new curricula. Kristin has co-authored numerous articles and publications while presenting Play Like a Champion workshops across the country. Kristin earned undergraduate and master's degrees in theology and psychology from the University of Notre Dame, where she was a varsity athlete on the cheerleading team.

Contact Information

Phone: (574) 250-6424

Email: kristin.sheehan@playlikeachampion.org

Visit Their Website

https://www.playlikeachampion.org/

Play Like a Champion Today provides leadership in a worldwide effort to change the culture of youth sports, partnering with sports organizations at the youth and high school levels to provide all children with an opportunity to play sports in a safe, fun and supportive environment. We do this by educating ethically responsible sport leaders, working together with coaches, parents, athletic administrators and athletes to foster programs that promote both character development and athletic growth. Yet we are more than just an educational program. We are a growing community of leaders committed to changing the culture by exchanging ideas, sharing best practices and translating values in to action. A research-based, independent non-profit initiative, Play Like a Champion works together with organizations to serve the needs of your community through unique access to interactive clinics, events, a national conference and much more. Learn more about our programs and join us as we work to provide A Team for Every Child.

______________________________________

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/

_______________________________

October 2026, prepare for a concert experience you’ll never forget.

Grand Ole Opry Inductee and CMT Music Award Nominee Craig Morgan @CraigMorganMusic

Two time Grammy Nominee Maggie Rose @iammaggierose

Finalist of Season 19 of The Voice and Hudson Valley Native Ian Flanigan @IanFlanigan

With Viral Sensation Jake Banfield and Special Guest Broadway to Country Star Brooke Moriber @JakeBanfieldMusic @BrookeMoriber

MHA of Dutchess County and Reviver Entertainment Group Present The Sound of Nashville, One Night Only @...

• (00:00:03) - Mental Health for Athletes
• (00:01:48) - Dan McGuire on The Mental Health Podcast
• (00:04:30) - Play Like a Champion
• (00:07:52) - Notre Dame Cheerleader's Identity
• (00:09:19) - Notre Dame's Play Like a Champion Program Director
• (00:10:36) - Notre Dame Alumni Speak Out on Sports
• (00:15:12) - The Michiana Academic and Recreation Alliance
• (00:17:59) - The 6 principles of trauma informed sports coaches
• (00:22:23) - Coach Philbin on the Circle
• (00:25:51) - sports parent workshop
• (00:29:34) - sports goals for parents
• (00:33:47) - The Moments That Made You Proud
• (00:36:18) - Play Like a Champion: Mental Health for Athletes