FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jada Wilson, Media Intern
Email: Jada.wilson@smsbacademy.com
Sound Mind Sound Body Completes Youth Impact Training Initiative
DETROIT, Michigan — Sound Mind Sound Body (SMSB) has completed its Youth Impact Training Initiative, made possible through a $50,000 grant from the Children’s Foundation of Michigan and support from partners the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport (CHJS) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Completed in June, the initiative strengthened the knowledge and skills of the adults who mentor student-athletes, helping create a safer, more supportive environment for them.
Coaches and mentors often serve as trusted role models in the lives of young people. With that in mind, SMSB provided professional development courses focused on trauma-informed guidance, youth development, healing-centered engagement, child safety, and emergency readiness, equipping coaches and staff with practical strategies to better support youth.
Initiative Highlights
- 974 staff and coaches completed required background checks.
- 974 staff identification badges were issued following onboarding and verification.
- Trauma-informed, neuroscience-based, healing-centered, and inclusive coaching trainings were delivered in partnership with CHJS and FCA.
- 5 CPR certification classes were conducted, further strengthening staff readiness to respond to youth emergencies.
- More than 3,000 student-athletes are now benefiting from coaches and mentors who are better prepared to recognize individual needs.
Student Impact
(Post-Program Survey, Angel Allwood, Program Coordinator/Academic Advisor)
- Students who felt mostly or very safe in the program increased from 81.4% to 86.4%.
- Students who felt mostly or very supported by SMSB staff increased from 55.8% to 75.8%.
- Students reporting they thought about their future education increased from 37.2% to 48.5%.
- Students missing only 0–3 school days decreased from 46.5% to 27.3%.
- Students reporting a GPA of 3.0 or higher increased from 46.5% to 51.5%.
Coach Impact
(Post-Training Survey, analyzed and provided by CHJS)
- 90–100% of participants reported feeling more equipped to support youth mental health.
- 94–100% reported increased confidence serving as healing-centered coaches.
- 94–100% reported learning new trauma-informed coaching strategies.
- 100% of participants reported confidence supporting youth impacted by trauma after the training.
- Participants rated the training an average of 5.0 out of 5 for overall satisfaction.
“The Youth Impact Training reminded me that coaching is about much more than sports. It gave me practical tools to better understand trauma, build trust with my athletes, and create an environment where every young person feels safe, supported, and valued. I know I’m a better coach because of this experience.” — Justin Ward, 8u Falcons Football Coach
The Youth Impact Training Initiative showcases SMSB’s ongoing dedication to supporting student-athletes by investing in the adults who guide them. Through continued education and strong partnerships, the organization is helping young people develop the skills needed to succeed both on and off the field.
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