Amid Youth Mental Health Crisis, California Lawmakers and NBA Champion Team Up to Get Coaches Into the Game

SACRAMENTO, CA - Last week, the California State Legislature passed AB 1626, key legislation that will put mental health and substance use disorder training in the hands of youth sports coaches. Authored by Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey), and Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), AB 1626 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk.

"For many young people, mental health intervention can be the difference between life and death," said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino). "Coaches are uniquely positioned and are often the first to notice when young people are struggling and in need of help. This bill will empower youth sports coaches with the tools and training they need to help students in crisis."

"I'm grateful for all the coaches who have helped me build confidence and resilience, on and off the court," said Stephen Curry, NBA Champion. "Through Eat. Learn. Play., we've seen what's possible when coaches have the training and resources to support a young athlete's well-being, not just their game. Every kid deserves that kind of coach, and we've been proud to make investments to ensure coaches in Oakland have the tools to be a great leader. Policies like Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel's bill help create a strong foundation for coaching practices that can make a lasting impact in an athlete's life."

For coaches across California, AB 1626 turns good intentions into real preparation. It requires K-12 sports coaches to complete training on recognizing the warning signs of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation - and on how to connect a struggling student athlete to resources. It also directs the California Department of Education to build a model training that recreational and club coaches statewide can use to do the same.

A Crisis Playing Out on California's Fields and Courts

The numbers behind AB 1626 tell a stark story. Studies show that teenagers throughout the state are struggling with mental health issues at an increasing rate. More isolated than ever before, California's young men and boys have experienced an alarming rise in suicide rates and feel more disconnected from school, work, and relationships. Nearly one in four men under 30 report having no close friends at all. Meanwhile, young female athletes face their own elevated risks of depression, anxiety, body image struggles, and eating disorders.

Coaches are often uniquely positioned to catch the warning signs, as they see young athletes for numerous hours each week, through wins, losses, and everything in between - and they're frequently the first to notice when something is wrong. Yet only one in five coaches report feeling highly confident in their ability to support a student dealing with a mental health or substance use disorder, and four in five say they feel less than fully prepared. Left without guidance, coaches may miss the moment to step in, or at worst, make a difficult situation harder, as stigma keeps students from speaking up.

AB 1626 tackles the problem from both ends: it sets statewide training requirements for K-12 coaches, and it directs the state to build a model training that recreational and club programs can put to use. The goal is simple - to make sure the adults kids already trust are ready to help when it matters most.

Backed by Champions On and Off the Field

AB 1626 is sponsored by the California Alliance of Children and Family Services, Mental Health America of California, the Play Equity Fund, and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and backed by a broad and diverse coalition that includes State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, the San Francisco Giants, U.S. Soccer Foundation, San Francisco 49ers, NAMI California, the American Academy of Pediatrics of California, the Association of California School Administrators, and dozens of other education, youth, and mental health organizations.

"As we work to address the youth mental health crisis, we must look at the full circle of adults who support our students," said Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey). "Coaches are trusted mentors who see student athletes in high-pressure moments, yet many don't have the tools to respond to mental health challenges. I'm glad to partner on AB 1626, in coordination with my bill, AB 1665, to equip coaches to recognize when a student is struggling and connect them to support."

"This bill is about turning awareness into life-saving action," said Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks). "The community I represent in Ventura County lost a remarkable person when the life of Sarah Shulze was tragically cut short by suicide in 2022. Sarah was a talented multi-event runner, and her loss underscores the urgent need to better equip the adults our students trust to recognize and respond to mental health warning signs."

"We are proud to support AB 1626 and its focus on equipping coaches with the tools to better support the mental health and wellbeing of young athletes. Through our work with partners like CalHOPE, Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY), and Beyond Sport, we've seen firsthand the impact coaches can have on improving mental health outcomes in young people. By further strengthening these relationships and resources across the state, we can help create safer, more supportive environments where every young athlete has the opportunity to thrive." - Justin Prettyman, Executive Vice President, Philanthropy and Executive Director, 49ers Foundation

"I commend Assemblymember Gabriel for recognizing the positive influence of coaches on young athletes, and for introducing AB 1626 to ensure coaches are equipped to support youth mental health and strengthen the connection between physical and emotional health. Coaches play a pivotal role in building relationships and creating team environments that help young people thrive. At a time when many youth face a crisis of isolation and disconnection, coaches can help them feel a sense of belonging." - Renata Simril, President, Play Equity Fund

"By equipping coaches with the tools to foster supportive team environments, identify mental health risks, and connect student athletes to appropriate professional support, this bill strengthens the safety net around our youth and advances our statewide commitment to serve the whole child and protect school-based wellness and prevention." - California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond

"Our young people don't experience life in silos, so our support system shouldn't be either. We must meet youth where they are, and AB 1626 helps us accomplish that. Coaches are on the front lines and notice when there are changes in a student athlete's behavior, stress, and well-being. Equipping coaches with the appropriate tools to identify, respond, and support youth creates a proactive system of care that is youth-centered and culturally responsive, improving their long-term mental health and wellness. AB 1626 is an important step toward strengthening California's behavioral health continuum of care for youth and represents the type of investment California urgently needs. Mental Health America of California is grateful for Assemblymember Gabriel's commitment to reshaping systems of care to reflect the diverse experiences of youth and help close gaps in access to quality services and supports." - Tiffany Murphy, Chief Operations Officer, Mental Health America of California

"Everyone talks about prevention, but few invest in it. AB 1626 is what prevention looks like in practice. Youth mental health has reached a crisis point, but early identification can change the trajectory of a young person's life. When a trusted adult, like a high school coach, is trained to recognize when a young athlete is struggling and also knows how to respond, that coach can connect that young athlete with care and, in some cases, save their life. The California Alliance represents more than 200 members who serve children, youth, and families every day, and we're proud to sponsor this common-sense bill and are grateful to Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel for his leadership." - Pete Weldy, Chief Executive Officer, California Alliance of Children and Family Services

What's Next

The legislation now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk, where he will have until September 30 to decide whether to veto the bill or sign it into law.