188. Why Coaches Need Mental Health Support Too with Carly Baker

Warriors Unmasked

In this important and timely episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss welcomes Carly Baker, head coach of the Women's Rugby program at Endicott College and Assistant Director of the Graduate Sport Leadership Program. Carly brings a powerful and honest voice to a topic that often goes overlooked—the mental health and wellbeing of coaches.

As a former multi-sport athlete turned professor and coach, Carly shares a unique, dual perspective. She opens up about the pressure to win, the relentless expectations placed on coaches, and the emotional toll it can take behind the scenes—even in moments of outward success.

Carly’s message is clear: while strides have been made in supporting student-athlete mental health, coaches are often left to navigate their own struggles alone. In this conversation, she and Chuck dive into how to build a healthier, more sustainable coaching culture—one that values vulnerability, open communication, and real support.

Whether you're a coach, athletic director, administrator, or just someone who cares about mental health in athletics, this episode is a wake-up call and a message of hope.

✅ 6 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

1. Mental health support for athletes has improved, but coaches are still often overlooked.
2. Coaches face unique pressures—recruiting, winning, administration, and player support—that can lead to burnout.
3. Leading by example means taking care of your physical and mental health so your team can see it modeled.
4. Coaches don't have to have all the answers—and it's okay to seek help.
5. Building relationships and trust with players and staff creates healthier, more resilient programs.
6. Institutional change is needed, but peer-to-peer support among coaches can start today.

LINKS:

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Carly Baker and today’s topic: mental health in coaching
• 02:00 – How Carly’s experience as a student-athlete shaped her coaching philosophy
• 04:00 – The unseen pressures coaches face in 2025 and beyond
• 06:00 – Burnout, long hours, and the cost of constantly striving for more
• 08:00 – Why coaching is about more than just winning games
• 10:00 – Building a team culture rooted in trust, openness, and authenticity
• 13:00 – The myth that coaches must have all the answers
• 15:00 – How Carly’s personal growth changed how she supports her athletes
• 18:00 – The connection between physical and mental health
• 20:00 – Why reflection, self-care, and small daily habits matter
• 22:00 – The need for mental health resources for coaches at every institution
• 26:00 – Barriers to accessing support and the fear of stigma
• 30:00 – Creating a culture where coaches can ask for help without fear
• 33:00 – How peer-to-peer support among coaches can make a difference now
• 36:00 – Final encouragement: Remember why you started coaching
• 38:00 – Chuck’s challenge: Share this episode with a coach you know
• 40:00 – Closing thoughts and gratitude for coaches everywhere