The role of social workers in athletics is evolving rapidly, with new programs and initiatives expanding this specialized practice area. Collegiate athletes face unique mental health challenges as they balance academics, athletic performance, and social pressures. Despite the growing need, formal training for social workers to address the specific needs of student-athletes remains scarce.

However, as universities nationwide explore new applications of social work, students now have an emerging career path to consider within sports.

Dr. Emmett Gill Jr., PhD, MSW, LCSW, the Director of Mental Health Services for University of Houston Athletics, is a trailblazer in this field. He recently shared insights into his journey, passions, and advice for students looking to succeed at the intersection of social work and athletics.

Building Mental Health Services in Collegiate Athletics

Dr. Gill joined the University of Houston Athletics in Spring 2024, following his role as a Senior Psychological Counselor with the university's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). His work centers on providing direct and indirect mental health services for student-athletes through counseling, case management, and group work. To foster trust and break the stigma surrounding mental health, he organizes initiatives such as yoga and movie nights and plans to launch a sneaker-themed event next semester.

"Because athletes are often expected to be tough and work through challenges, cross-departmental collaborations are essential in creating bridges and delivering services," said Dr. Gill.

Reflecting on his own collegiate baseball experience in the early 1990s, Dr. Gill described how limited resources shaped his perspective:

“Academic support was informal, weight rooms were basic, and having embedded counselors in athletics was unheard of,” he recalled. This lack of resources instilled a reliance on supportive faculty members who helped student-athletes navigate their responsibilities. After earning his master’s degree at Howard University, where he was inspired by stories of athletes overcoming personal adversities, Dr. Gill pursued doctoral studies at the University of Maryland. His research centered on college athletics and identity. As a learning specialist at the Maryland Counseling Center, his contributions demonstrated the versatility of social work skills in athletics.

Justice and Advocacy in Sport Social Work

Social justice is a cornerstone of social work, and for student-athletes, having advocates like Dr. Gill ensures their needs are prioritized. “Justice in this space is situational,” he noted. “I’d rather win by getting a few athletes access to services than push for sweeping policy changes that may not succeed.”

Dr. Gill shared examples of resistance within athletics. “Some athletic departments still deny the existence of mental health issues among athletes. I’ve received calls where administrators dismiss my efforts, claiming, ‘None of our athletes have mental health problems.’ This mindset persists because athletics often emphasizes resilience—pushing through adversity and moving on to the next play.”

However, progress is evident. Mental health is now a topic of collective discussion across Big 12 Conference schools and NCAA power conferences. Coaches are increasingly encouraging athletes to seek help and engaging with mental health professionals to address team challenges. “To social workers entering this field: change may be slow, but it’s happening. This is still a new and evolving area, and being part of it is exciting,” said Dr. Gill.

Advice for Aspiring Sport Social Workers

For social workers interested in this field, Dr. Gill offered practical advice: “Being a sports fan isn’t enough to sustain you in this work. You must be clinically sound because mental health is not as prioritized as it should be. You’ll need to educate athletes, coaches, sports medicine staff, and athletic directors on its importance. Be well-versed in the DSM and able to differentiate between symptoms and disorders. This expertise earns respect.”

He also emphasized the importance of proactive engagement. “I tell field students that I’m not responsible for giving them a caseload—they need to earn it. Treat this role like running your own private practice within athletics.”

Opportunities and Encouragement

Dr. Gill looks forward to growing opportunities in high school and youth sports, where fewer professionals are currently working. “Parents are investing more in their children’s athletics, and there’s so much potential in this space. If you’re passionate about collegiate sports, start by gaining experience with high school and youth athletes,” he advised.

Reflecting on his former interns, Dr. Gill shared stories of success, including one working with the Kansas City Chiefs and another leading mental health efforts for a professional soccer league.

“Our field is still rare in athletics. When you look at directories, you mostly see sports psychologists or clinical psychologists. Social workers are often absent. Along with doing the work, we must build our visibility and create opportunities for others.” he concluded.

As sport social work continues to grow, driven by tenacious and innovative professionals like Dr. Gill, this emerging field offers new ways for social workers to make meaningful contributions to athletes’ lives.