The new study builds off a 2016 study, funded by the NCAA and U.S. Department of Defense, in which Milroy and Dr. David Wyrick explored the impact of athlete-coach relationships on concussion disclosure in college athletics.
They found that communication from coaches matters. When athletes receive concussion-related messages from their coaches that specifically support disclosing symptoms, says Milroy, athletes are more likely to report problems.
But Milroy’s mission is much broader than concussions. His work is about creating a sport culture in which athlete mental and physical health is prioritized by coaches, parents, school administrators, and athletes themselves.
The Institute to Promote Athlete Health and Wellness, led by Milroy and Wyrick, is recognized as a national leader in this space and currently serves as the educational partner of the NCAA Sport Science Institute. The two institutes work closely together on a variety of issues – including mental health, sexual violence, and alcohol and drug misuse – that impact college athletes.
“When it comes to the student-athlete population, we have more data than any other group out there, besides the NCAA,” says Milroy.
The UNCG institute, which has received over $1.8 million in funding since it launched in 2013, also works with the NFL Foundation and other organizations that advocate for the health and wellness of student-athletes.
While the work often involves specific interventions for specific populations, the end goal is much bigger.
“When I have conversations with schools that are ahead of the curve, they’re talking about creating cultures to spur the holistic success of their athletes,” Milroy says.
While sport often gets a “bad rap,” he says, positive sport cultures have the power to do a lot of good. “It’s not just about wins and losses. It’s about developing and fostering a culture that views human development as paramount and encourages athletes to become their best selves, on and off the field.”
