The increasing visibility of mental health challenges among elite athletes is no longer a peripheral concern, but a central issue demanding proactive solutions. While headlines often focus on individual athletes bravely sharing their struggles, a quieter, yet equally important, shift is underway in how athletic organizations are designing for mental wellbeing. This isn’t about adding a yoga studio to the training facility; it’s about applying principles of healthcare design – traditionally used in hospitals and clinics – to the unique pressures faced by collegiate athletes. The recent collaboration between JLG Architects, Sanford Health, and the Summit League to create a “Zen Zone” at the League’s basketball championship in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, exemplifies this emerging approach, but also highlights the gap between temporary interventions and systemic change.
The Zen Zone, available March 4-8 at the Holiday Inn City Centre for athletes, coaches, and personnel, isn’t simply a quiet room. As Brittney Nathan, CCLS, Lead Program Development Specialist at Sanford Health, explained, the space is “specifically designed to provide collegiate athletes with the mental health support they deserve.” It’s equipped with weighted blankets, specialized lighting, calming music, aromatherapy, and varied seating – elements deliberately chosen to offer sensory regulation and a respite from the intense competition. This year’s iteration builds on JLG Architects’ initial effort from the previous year’s championship, and crucially, incorporates the expertise of Sanford Health to amplify the impact. It’s important to note, however, that reports aren’t claiming this room solves the mental health crisis in college athletics; rather, it’s a targeted intervention offering immediate support during a particularly stressful event. The focus is on providing a readily accessible space for athletes to proactively manage their wellbeing, rather than waiting for a crisis to emerge.
The impetus for this initiative stems from a growing recognition that the physical and mental demands on student-athletes are often unsustainable. Adam Davidson, Principal in JLG’s Sports Studio, argues that architects have a responsibility extending beyond simply creating spaces for training and competition. “The environments we create are instrumental in promoting mental health and overall well-being,” he stated, emphasizing the need to integrate dedicated recovery areas and opportunities for privacy into athletic facilities. This perspective challenges the traditional model of athletic design, which historically prioritized performance metrics over holistic athlete support. The partnership with Sanford Health, according to Davidson, has been instrumental in translating these ideas into a “holistic space” that supports athletes and coaches alike. This isn’t about luxury; it’s about recognizing that mental wellbeing is a foundational component of athletic performance.
Original reporting: thesummitleague.org.
Josh Fenton, Commissioner of the Summit League, underscored this point, stating that the well-being of student-athletes is “always at the forefront of our mission.” The Zen Zone, he explained, reflects a “shared commitment to supporting the whole student-athlete – mentally, physically, and emotionally.” While the Summit League’s commitment is commendable, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this is one league, one tournament, and one temporary solution. The broader landscape of collegiate athletics often lags behind in prioritizing mental health resources, with funding and support frequently skewed towards physical training and recruitment. The Summit League’s initiative, therefore, serves as a valuable case study, demonstrating what’s possible when mental wellbeing is intentionally integrated into the athletic experience.
However, the true potential of this approach lies in its scalability. Todd Medd, JLG Principal and Healthcare Practice Studio Leader, points out that the Zen Zone is “a temporary installation in the hotel, but this is the kind of space collegiate campuses can easily replicate for long-term benefits.” He emphasizes that the same healthcare design principles used to create calming and supportive environments in hospitals can be applied to student-athlete facilities. This includes prioritizing privacy, sensory control, and access to natural light – elements that can significantly reduce stress and promote resilience. The key, Medd suggests, is to move beyond reactive mental health services and proactively design spaces that foster wellbeing.
Limitations to consider include the fact that the Zen Zone’s impact is difficult to quantify. While anecdotal feedback from athletes will undoubtedly be valuable, rigorous research is needed to determine the extent to which such spaces contribute to improved mental health outcomes. Furthermore, access to the Zen Zone is limited to those attending the Summit League Championship, and its effectiveness may vary depending on individual athlete needs and preferences. The temporary nature of the installation also raises questions about sustainability and the potential for long-term impact.
Looking ahead, the next crucial step is to translate the lessons learned from the Zen Zone into permanent, integrated features of collegiate athletic facilities. The question isn’t simply if colleges should invest in mental health spaces, but how to design those spaces effectively, ensuring they are accessible, culturally sensitive, and tailored to the specific needs of their student-athletes. Will we see a widespread adoption of healthcare design principles in athletic architecture, or will the Zen Zone remain a promising, yet isolated, example of a proactive approach to athlete wellbeing? The answer will likely depend on whether athletic organizations are willing to prioritize mental health as a core component of athletic success, not just an afterthought.
