Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Athletics, Marshall Health Network Partner For New HERD Cares Initiative
10/9/2026 10:30:00 AM | General, Student-Athlete Health and Wellness, Student-Athlete Success
New sport psychology and mental wellness program takes student-athlete care to next level for now and beyond
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Athletics is proud to announce a collaboration with Marshall Health Network for a new initiative called HERD Cares that takes student-athlete care and well-being to a new level.
HERD Cares enhances the previous Be HERD model by directly integrating a sport psychology and mental wellness program within the Marshall Athletics framework through the partnership with Marshall Health Network.
"At Marshall, our commitment to student-athletes extends well beyond competition," said Gerald J. Harrison, Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics. "HERD Cares brings together the resources and expertise to support the total student-athlete – from mental and physical health to academic achievement and preparation for life after athletics. Competing for championships and preparing our student-athletes for lifelong success go hand in hand. We are grateful to Marshall Health Network for helping us build a program that puts that commitment into action – One Goal. One Herd."
Overseen by Marshall Athletics' Student-Athlete Welfare, this new program focuses on prevention, education, early identification, timely access to care, mental performance and coordinated support to promote student-athlete health, well-being and success during their collegiate careers and beyond.
"HERD Cares reflects our commitment to supporting the whole student-athlete and making mental wellness an integrated part of their experience at Marshall," said Deja James, Marshall's Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Welfare. "Our partnership with Marshall Health Network has been instrumental in making this work possible and expanding our ability to provide accessible, comprehensive and coordinated care that meets our student-athletes where they are."
The new HERD Cares program will be housed within the Buck Harless Center for Student-Athlete Success – a strategic move that continues the movement of keeping all vital student-athlete services within one central location while also making sure the HERD Cares forum is one that is familiar and comfortable for student-athletes.
"HERD Cares takes a holistic approach to student-athlete health and well-being," said Beth L. Hammers, M.B.A., chief engagement officer for Marshall Health Network and vice dean for administration at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. "By connecting student-athletes with mental health resources and the broad clinical expertise of Marshall Health Network, we are reducing barriers to care and putting our mission of advancing health, inspiring hope and serving our community into action."
In the near future, Marshall Athletics will add a Director of HERD Cares who will lead clinical services, mental performance, outreach, education and program development that will ensure that needs are met for every Marshall student-athlete.
HERD Cares will offer confidential counseling, mental wellness support, sport psychology and mental performance evaluation, crisis support, consultations and referrals.
In collaboration with Marshall Health Network's department of psychiatry and behavioral health, the program will also offer a monthly wellness clinic at the HERD Cares offices.
For Marshall Athletics and Marshall Health Network, the celebration of this joint announcement comes during Student-Athlete Mental Health Week, which started on Oct. 3 and ends on World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10.
About Marshall Health Network
Marshall Health Network (MHN) is a leading academic health system dedicated to advancing health, inspiring hope and serving families across West Virginia, southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky. MHN unites four hospitals – Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary's Medical Center, Hoops Family Children's Hospital and Rivers Health – along with a comprehensive network of primary and specialty services through Marshall Health. In partnership with the Marshall University schools of medicine, nursing and pharmacy, and the St. Mary's schools of medical imaging, nursing, respiratory care and sonography, MHN is committed to delivering clinical excellence, expanding access and providing compassionate care at every stage of life. Learn more at marshallhealthnetwork.org.
About Marshall Athletics
Marshall Athletics is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competing in Division I as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. Marshall currently has 18 varsity sports with 10 women's sports and eight men's sports, providing academic and athletic opportunities to Marshall University for more than 500 student-athletes. Marshall Athletics has a tradition of academic and athletic excellence throughout its sports programs and takes pride in providing student-athletes with a championship experience on and off the field by remaining steadfast in the pillars of the 'Herd Mentality', which includes Honoring The Journey, Engaging With Purpose, Rising Through Innovation and Dedicating To Others.
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