Winning State of Mind

When it comes to health, being of sound body and mind helps everyone perform at their best. The mental health of athletes in the world of sports is no different. It can determine whether or not athletes excel during the most vital moments of a competition, or even hit the game-winning shot.

At Duke University, the safety and well-being of student-athletes representing the school across every collegiate sport now have access to a top program that ensures they can freely access mental health and wellness services. Nancy and Danny Katz ’80 P’15 have donated $500,000 in funding — which is now being used to match gifts of $50,000 or more — launching the Katz Family Behavioral Health and Wellness Project.

Their generosity makes possible the creation of endowments to benefit the Behavioral Health and Wellness department in Duke Athletics. Other donors can share their love and support for student-athletes at Duke by rallying behind this unique opportunity to have their gifts matched 1:1, creating their own operational endowments toward this cause. With the match, Duke Athletics will have $1 million in total to support the mental wellness of student-athletes in perpetuity.

This important program not only ensures the availability of these essential services. It also showcases the value and acceptability Duke and its donors place on the well-being of our athlete-scholars. Thanks to the Katzes, athletes and fans alike can rest assured that adequate funding is available in the long term to provide a high standard of support for those we cheer.