Nominations for Coaches Who Care Mental Health Hall of Fame Open Until Sept. 30

DETROIT, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Samaritas and be nice. are calling on Michiganders to nominate high school coaches for induction in the 2026 Coaches Who Care Mental Health Hall of Fame. This statewide initiative recognizes high school coaches who go beyond the scoreboard to prioritize their student-athletes' mental health and emotional resilience.

"Coaches Who Care acknowledges the critical role coaches play as mentors in young people's lives," said Dave Morin, CEO of Samaritas. "Those selected are on the front lines every day, creating safe places where mental health is prioritized and the whole person, not just the athlete, is nurtured."

The 2026 initiative follows the 2025 inaugural class, which set a high standard for mentorship across Michigan:

• Andrew Stepanovich, varsity wrestling coach, Northview High School
• Randall Taylor, varsity basketball coach and dean of students, Redford Union High School
• Kim Gallagher, associate coach-in-chief for female development, MAHA, and USA Hockey coach developer
• Jason Scott, varsity ski coach, Lakeland High School

Building on the success of the 2025 program, the 2026 Hall of Fame aims to further destigmatize mental health and highlight how youth sports can ease mental health challenges and build social connection. Engaged coaches play a pivotal role in a teenager's life, often serving as the first to notice changes in behavior or signs of distress.

"We're thrilled to enter our second year with Samaritas. Combining our mental health education with their deep roots in community service allows us to reach coaches in every corner of Michigan, and we've seen firsthand how this partnership empowers coaches to change the culture of their locker rooms," said Christy Buck, CEO and founder of be nice.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) joined the initiative for the 2026 year, providing an even stronger foundation to celebrate the deserving coaches who will be honored for their contributions.

With support from presenting sponsor Meridian, nominations are open and encouraged to be submitted by students, parents, administrators and community members across Michigan. The nomination deadline for the 2026 class is Sept. 30. Nominees are vetted by an impartial team of judges based on their commitment to fostering supportive environments and their use of mental health resources within their programs.

For more information on how to nominate a coach or to learn more about the initiative, please visit https://samaritas.org/coaches-who-care/.

SOURCE Samaritas