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Houston, TX | April 30th - May 1st 2026Call for Papers & Breakouts
Theme: “Mental Health Has No Off-Season”: Championing Athlete
Well-Being Through Knowledge, Practice, and Innovation
Overview
Mental Health Has No Off-Season”: Championing Athlete Well-Being Through Knowledge, Practice, and Innovation invites scholars, practitioners, athletic leaders, athletes, and students to submit original research addressing the mental, emotional, and psychological well-being of collegiate athletes. We welcome empirical studies, conceptual papers, theoretical frameworks, and case examples from a range of fields including:
Sport psychology
Social work and counseling
Athletic training and sports medicine
Sociology and education
Coaching science
Suggested Research / Breakout Topics
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Issues across NCAA Divisions, junior college, etc.
What modalities are people using? What strategies are the most effective in this population?
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Apps, technology, events, peer athlete support/wellness, biofeedback wearables, and other initiatives
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Integrating Mental Health Care with Athletic Departments, Stigma Reduction & Help-Seeking Culture Change, Coach & Staff Mental Health Literacy
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Sports, Gender, SES, etc.
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Sports Psychology and Mental Performance compared to Mental Health
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Transfer portal, revenue share, professionalism, absence of community
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How practitioners, coaches, and administration can stay on top of their mental health as well
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How can athletes better navigate their time with an injruy?
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Any topics not covered above
Presentation Format
20 minutes each presenter
We ask that presenters use minimal slides (max 5) as we want presentations to be more like a “Ted Talk” and less
lecture-like
10 minutes total for Q&A
Submission Guidelines
Abstract Word Count: 300-500 Words
Format: Background, Method/Approach, Key Findings, Relevance
Submission Deadline: 3/17/2026
Notification of Acceptance: TBD
Camera-ready Paper or Slides Due: TBD
Authors MAY submit more than one proposal; at least one author must be available and register to present.
Review Criteria
Relevance to Collegiate Athletics
Contribution to knowledge or practice
Theoretical rigor or practical innovation
Clarity of methodology
Potential impact on athlete mental health and well-being