Coaches Can Only Benefit From Mental Health Knowledge

Written by James Love

Coaching of any sort can be more effective with the aid of a counselor or counseling skills. The minds of the kids have changed drastically with the spread of the internet and social media. No more secrets. Parents pray, even with all the protective software, that their child doesn’t go down the wrong internet hole. They pray for no bullying. And now, prayers are that AI will not convince their child to commit suicide. 

When coaches forget the mindset of the kids we coach, we do them a disservice. As coaches, we can take a couple CE courses not in coaching but in counseling. A course on conflict management could work wonders for a player who has an issue with another player. A course on Existential counseling could spark the realization that we are all uniquely motivated by something in light of our ever present end. What is the thing that motivates us?

In my experience as a counseling grad student who is giving back through coaching high school basketball, these kids need more hybrids. Even if counseling is too expensive for the program, a chaplain could also step in. I am asking a lot of mental health professionals, but we can also volunteer our time to these sports organizations, not just providing drinks and rides, but offering our expertise for the love of health. And I am sure many are already doing that in some way. I am one who thinks we need more of it and need to make coaches and ADs aware of the importance of it. School boards need to know as well. 

When a student athlete is questioning themselves, good coaching will help, but coaching with counseling skills will benefit much more. Coaches already go through a lot. Many have families. Many work multiple jobs. Some coaches are at bigger programs with different pressures and expectations. I am asking a lot for us to become hybrids, but I think our respective games need it. Understanding human development will serve us well as we communicate with student athletes, and couple that with research on the effectiveness of mindfulness and how it can assist in the overall mental health of our players–we would only be serving our players better in the long run of their lives. 

Perhaps in the future, because of our skills and transparency about mental health, our student athletes won’t think twice about seeking out a counselor, a coach, or a chaplain when they need help with something troubling them mentally or a social media bully. We can’t be perfect, but we can be better than we were yesterday, and yesterday, coaches didn’t have a staff member who had mental health knowledge. Coaches didn’t have the knowledge themselves. Today, we can change that. 

Building the Future: An Interview with Mr. Krauss on Robotics, Community, and the Next Generation

Building kids, not just robots — why robotics matters in Alamance County.

By James Love

Two student built robots 

When most people think of sports, they picture packed stadiums, roaring crowds, and dreams of going pro. But the reality is stark: only 8.1% of high school baseball players advance to the NCAA, and from there just 5.1% reach the major leagues — an overall 0.4% chance. For basketball and football, the odds are even slimmer, and if players make it ,professional careers average only 3–5 years. And yet, despite these realities, parents across Alamance County (and the United States) are continuing to encourage their children to pursue traditional athletics. Isn't there a sport where the success rates are higher? 

That’s where programs like FIRST Robotics come in. Founded by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST emphasizes two key values — Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition — which push students to work hard, innovate, and support one another while competing. 

FIRST Robotics info.

In Alamance County, Mr. Krauss has taken that mission to heart. A third-generation engineer, industry veteran, and now leader of a green-tech startup, he has turned his passion for problem-solving and teaching into a movement that is shaping the next generation of leaders.

Mr. Krauss and I took a moment to talk about his journey, his family, and why robotics may be one of the most important investments our community can make.

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Interview with Mr. Krauss

Mr. Krauss assisting a student/James Love capturing the moment

James Love (JL): Would you tell me some of your story?

Mr. Krauss (MK): I’m the grandson of German immigrants, and a third-generation Ph.D. in engineering — my father was the first, then my grandfather after he retired. I’ve worked for Dow Chemical, IBM, and SquareD — all massive companies — and now I’m part of a startup called PRTI. Our goal is to save the planet from waste tires, turning them back into diesel fuel oil, carbon, and steel while minimizing impact on the environment.

JL: Are robots a part of your family history?

MK: Not really--the only robotics touchpoint that I can think of is my father who taught at a community college in Michigan where the auto industry is big. He started a course to train technicians to work with assembly line robots and even had a lab for it. Robots are certainly part of our family now!

JL: Why robotics?

MK:  I have three sons who learn better by doing than by sitting in class. I love solving problems with sound technical fundamentals and math — and I love teaching. I pour way too much time into creating a safe, constructive environment (the team's build space and shop in Holly Hill Mall) where students can get off their phones, develop socially, learn how to use tools, and build systems that solve problems. That way they can learn, grow, and flourish.

[And] one thing led to another, like stepping stones across a river. My oldest son joined a robotics team at his high school. After two years, we formed our own team. Once you go to a competition and feel the excitement, you get hooked. Students work hard building a robot, and then they discover competitions are really--at heart--a celebration of their hard work together and not a matter of winning or losing individual matches. One parent told me they went to a Panthers game and later to a robotics competition — and said robotics was far more exciting. Plus, you don’t have to pay to get in.

3D printers are used to create parts for robots

JL: Why is it important for Alamance County to embrace robotics?

MK: Our goal is to develop confident students with top-notch, practical skills. Robotics is a tool toward that end. The way FIRST runs competitions makes robotics fun, which motivates teams to meet deadlines and iterate on designs. The motivation comes from within the students — not adults — and that’s powerful.

But robotics also teaches systems: electrical, mechanical, structural, software, and automation engineering. Look at medicine, transportation, agriculture, retail, and food service — automation is everywhere. Alamance County, with its farmland, transportation hubs, warehouses, and growing medical needs, is going to require skilled local talent.

What makes FIRST special is that it blends engineering with business: human resources, conflict resolution, finance, marketing, branding, presentations. Those skills are just as critical for our county’s future as technical skills.

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Final Thoughts

Mr. Krauss’s story reminds us that while professional sports may capture headlines, it’s education, innovation, and teamwork that build lasting careers and communities. Robotics in Alamance County isn’t just about machines — it’s about preparing young people for a future where automation, creativity, and leadership will shape every industry.

Or, as Dean Kamen once said: “We’re not using kids to build robots. We’re using robots to build kids.”

Mr. Stober helping a group of students problem solve

 

Early Morning Hoops at the Y Offer More Than Just a Game

Members playing pick-up basketball at the Alamance YMCA 

Circa: ? 

Image credit: The Alamance County YMCA

Local hoopers find health, fellowship, and mentorship on the court before sunrise

by James R. Love

BURLINGTON, N.C. — At 6:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Fridays, the basketball court at the Alamance County YMCA is already vibrant with the early risers getting in a few pick-up basketball games before work and school. For many, the early morning runs are as much about community as competition.

Brock Parker, a regular who often brings his sons to the early morning runs before dropping them off at school, says the routine keeps him grounded:

“Man, those morning runs at the Y—it’s a great thing to do in the morning. It gets you up, gets you going, keeps you healthy. It also allows you to fellowship and work with other guys. It’s a little competitive—we talk trash, we have fun, and we just enjoy the game. It lets us escape from whatever is going on in life, and we just make the best of it.

I think it’s needed throughout the community because it’s something very therapeutic—and [on top of that], we exercise. I suggest everybody get into it. That’s why I’m always wanting the younger generation to come out, because I think it’s something they can get hooked into instead of maybe adapting to the streets. It gives them an escape from what’s going on in their life. Maybe they’re going through a little peer pressure—well, let’s talk about it on the ball court.

You know what I’m saying? I think it’s needed. And I love it.”

For Parker, and many others, the benefits extend beyond physical health. The games provide a safe and positive environment for younger players while also giving adults a place to connect. The morning runs also create networking opportunities, as conversations that start courtside often spill over into professional connections, mentorships, and friendships.

As the clock nears 8 a.m., everyone begins to go their separate ways—some heading to work, others dropping children off at school, and some stay around to do extra cardio. Though they parted ways, the sense of connection lingers, carrying into the rest of the day and beyond. 

For Alamance County residents looking for an early-morning boost, the YMCA gym is open, the lights are on, and an awesome fellowship awaits.

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If You Go

• What: Early Morning Basketball Runs

• When: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Fridays at 6:30 a.m.

• Where: Alamance County Community YMCA, 1346 S. Main St., Burlington, NC

• Who Can Play: Open to YMCA members; middle school - adult players welcome

• More Info: Visit Alamance County YMCA or call (336) 227-8566

Today's the Big Day

I am excited and totally anticipating this afternoon's event. I couldn't sleep last night. I went over the program multiple times, just wanting to be sure that everything was ready to go. And the day is here, so it's go time! "Barbershop Talk with Dr. Carr" — LIVE from International Styles and Cuts, Whitsett NC. 

There's always the worry in the back of your mind that something unexpected will happen. Something always goes off script--it's bound to happen. That's the nature of this business. But we roll with the challenges. When life throws us curve balls, we do our best to get on base--and sometimes we hit a homer. We'll see what today holds. It feels like a homer kind of day.

 That same mentality is relevant to life. When we are challenged, we do not ask why us anymore. We ask what does it take to win here? Whatever the win is for that situation. 

Personally, there are things that I want to address, but not at the expense of making thought-provoking and inspiring visual art. So I let it cook, and trust our creator in my personal creative process. 

But for the record, my mom's passing is serving as an inspiration to me in ways I could have never imagined. Every single day, I wake up with a renewed sense of what it means to be alive, excited to have another opportunity to change a life for good. 

And today's event feels like it will be one of those life-changing moments. Someone asked if we will do this again, if we will do a women's event, if we will go to other barbershops. All of those are exciting possibilities. All I can do is say stay tuned and join us today for our livestream "Barbershop Talk with Dr. Carr" today at 4 pm LIVE from International Styles and Cuts in Whitsett, North Carolina. 

See you live at 4!

James