Setting the Standard: Michael Locksley

Michael Locksley, head football coach at the University of Maryland, has become a leading advocate for mental health awareness in athletics. His commitment to this cause is deeply personal, stemming from the tragic loss of his son, Meiko, in 2017. Meiko, a talented Division 1 quarterback, battled mental health issues, including schizoaffective disorder, and was later found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) posthumously. 

This profound loss transformed Locksley's perspective, motivating him to prioritize mental wellness within his football program. He implemented initiatives like the "Three H's" exercise, where players share their Happiness, Hardship, and Hero, to foster deeper connections and facilitate open dialogue about mental health. 

“Because of that, the tragedy of losing my son, which may have been attributed to his mental health issues has motivated me to take care of the 18-22 year olds who I have the opportunity to develop from boys to men,” Locksley said in a Health Equity in Youth Sports panel hosted by The Aspen Institute in 2024. 

To support this effort, Locksley also ensures that his coaching staff is equipped to support players by facilitating Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, making Maryland's staff among the first in the state to receive such certification following the passage of Maryland Senate Bill 165 on May 16, 2024. This bill, supported by Locksley and signed by Governor Wes Moore, mandates, "All Maryland public schools and public institutions are required to provide mental health training to coaches."

“Because of that experience and going through that, it led me to believe as a coach, for me to get the players that I coach to be the best version of themselves, I’ve got to make sure that I am giving them all the resources to be the best version of themselves,” Locksley said in an interview with SiriusXM Radio on June 12. 

Since starting his career at Maryland, Locksley notes that the football staff's dedication to mental health support has increased from one full-time employee to five, a true testament to his and the school’s advocacy and commitment to the holistic well-being of student-athletes and a focus on the importance of mental health support. 

Beyond his team, Locksley advocates for broader systemic changes. In addition to supporting  Maryland Senate Bill 165 last year, he also hosted a Mental Health Symposium to promote awareness and resource sharing. His efforts aim to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage proactive support for athletes at all levels. 

Locksley's journey underscores the critical role coaches play in addressing mental health. He has set a standard for athlete and staff care that is sure to inspire other coaches, athletes, and administrators for decades to come.

Thank you, Coach Locksley, for using your voice, your platform, and your personal journey to lead with empathy and purpose. Your dedication to mental health advocacy has not only created a safer, more supportive environment for your athletes but has also inspired meaningful change across the broader sports community. Go Terps!!