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Clayton County Schools' Mindfulness Program Boosts High School Athletes' Performance
As fall sports ramp up, Clayton County Public Schools’ first-in-the-nation ‘Mindful Awareness’ program is helping student-athletes manage anxiety and stay in the game.
How we reported this
Clayton County Public Schools has become the first district in the nation to roll out the ‘Mindful Awareness’ program through Inner Explorer-a district-wide initiative that aims to reach all 67 schools by next year. For high school athletes juggling practice, games and exams, the timing couldn't be tighter.
According to district records, the program targets rising student anxiety and depression, a trend that intensified after the pandemic. At Clayton High School, a metro-area Wellness Center already offers daily essentials, 10-minute ‘brain breaks’ and crisis support from licensed mental health specialists-a resource that athletes are using more and more as they navigate the pressure of varsity competition.
From Brain Breaks to Game Day
The Wellness Center at Clayton High School opened after the pandemic exposed gaps in mental health support. Student-athletes can step away from practice for a quiet 10-minute session, grab a snack or talk to a specialist on the spot. The district’s broader plan puts mental health on par with physical conditioning: school officials say a calm mind is just as important as a strong arm or fast sprint.
For context, a local sorority in Clayton, North Carolina, hosted a ‘Walk-Run-Rise 5K’ in May 2024 during Mental Health Awareness Month, raising funds for youth mental health programs targeting vulnerable girls ages 12-17. That kind of community backing has helped normalize mental health conversations in youth sports.
Numbers That Matter
Clayton County Public Schools’ commitment is measurable. The district is aiming for full implementation in all 67 schools by next year, making it the largest such rollout in the country. Clayton High School’s Wellness Center has become a model for other metro-area schools looking to replicate the brain-break approach during athletic seasons.
Meanwhile, at Clayton Homes, the corporate arm has completed ‘Let’s Talk’ mental health training for over 500 leaders across 33 locations since 2020. That program focuses on breaking stigma and helping team members-including young athletes who work part-time-discuss mental health openly.
Any high school athlete in Clayton County can access the Wellness Center’s crisis support. For those who need help after hours, the Clayton Center in Jonesboro, Georgia operates a 24/7 crisis line at 1-800-715-4225.
As the fall season gets underway, the message from coaches and counselors is clear: taking a brain break isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s part of training for the long game.