Head Coaching Mentor Remote

VOICE UP SPORTS & MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT INTERNSHIP For High School Athletic Programs INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW The Voice Up Sports and Mental Health Impact Internship is an applied learning experience designed to support high school athletic programs in strengthening athlete wellbeing through coaching practice and team culture. High school athletes are navigating critical developmental years while balancing athletics, academics, social pressures, and future aspirations. These pressures can influence motivation, identity development, confidence, and mental health. Coaches are often among the most influential adults in a student-athlete’s life and play a critical role in shaping healthy team environments and supportive leadership cultures. This internship introduces students to evidence-based principles from sports psychology, youth development, and athlete mental health awareness. Participants learn how coaching behaviors, team expectations, and athletic culture affect student wellbeing and long-term engagement in sports. The internship emphasizes the importance of positive coaching practices, where performance and athlete wellbeing develop together. Participants explore how athletic environments can build resilience, confidence, leadership skills, and healthy identity formation in young athletes. PROGRAM FOUNDATION The internship is grounded in research related to youth sports and athlete development, including: Mental health and wellbeing in youth athletics Positive coaching and leadership practices Psychological safety in team environments Motivation and confidence development Burnout prevention and healthy participation in sports Identity development during adolescence Students learn how high school sports programs can support both competitive success and healthy personal development. LEARNING GOALS By the end of the internship, participants will be able to: Explain key principles of mental health awareness in youth sports Recognize how coaching behaviors influence athlete wellbeing Identify common stressors faced by high school athletes Distinguish between healthy motivation and excessive performance pressure Analyze how team culture impacts athlete confidence and participation Develop resources that support coaches in creating healthy athletic environments INTERNSHIP STRUCTURE Weeks 1 2: Foundations of Athlete Wellbeing Participants are introduced to the basics of youth athlete mental health and sports psychology. Topics include confidence development, identity formation in adolescence, and the influence of coaching leadership on athlete wellbeing. Weeks 3 4: Coaching and Team Culture Participants explore how coaching communication, expectations, and team dynamics shape athlete experiences. Case examples may include confidence challenges, stress related to performance, and maintaining motivation during adversity. Weeks 5 6: Applied Observation and Resource Development Students analyze examples of coaching environments and identify practices that support positive team culture. Participants may assist in developing educational resources for coaches focused on mental health awareness and healthy motivation. Weeks 7 8: Capstone Project Participants complete a capstone project applying internship learning. Example projects include: A High School Coach Mental Health Awareness Guide A Positive Team Culture Toolkit A Youth Athlete Confidence and Resilience Framework A Healthy Motivation in Youth Sports Resource KEY DELIVERABLES Athlete Wellbeing Reflection A short reflection on the role of coaching and team culture in student-athlete wellbeing. Coaching Environment Analysis An analysis of coaching practices and their potential impact on athlete confidence and motivation. Capstone Project A practical resource designed to support high school athletic programs. Professional Learning Summary A final reflection outlining key insights gained through the internship. PROGRAM VALUE FOR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS This internship helps athletic programs support priorities such as: Student-athlete mental health awareness Positive coaching development Healthy team culture Athlete retention and engagement Leadership development for young athletes The program encourages athletic environments where students can develop confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and lifelong healthy relationships with sports. CAREER PATHWAYS Participants interested in this internship may pursue careers in: Coaching and athletic leadership Sports psychology Youth development and education Athletic administration Counseling or mental health professions Sports medicine and athlete support services PROGRAM DETAILS Length: 8 weeks Format: Remote or hybrid Setting: High school athletic programs or partner organizations Type: Academic or experiential internship Contact: