Breaking the Stigma: The Phillies’ First Mental Health Director Takes Charge of Player and Coach Well-Being

Dr. Deanna Nobleza has become the first-ever mental health director for the Philadelphia Phillies, taking charge of ensuring that the players and coaches’ mental well-being is taken care of. She understands the importance of mental health in overall wellness, especially in a demanding lifestyle like professional baseball with its rigorous travel schedule and time away from families. Despite initial concerns about the stigma surrounding mental health, Nobleza has found that there is a willingness among team members to embrace mental health initiatives and seek help when needed.

In her second season, Nobleza has started conducting sessions with players and coaches to address the pressures of playing in Philly and other mental health issues that may arise. She hopes that her work will pave the way for other women to enter similar roles in professional sports. Nobleza encourages athletes to seek help when needed and sees asking for help as a brave and beneficial step towards improving performance on and off the field.