Abstract
Mission-driven athletic programs aim to form the whole athlete—physically, emotionally, socially, morally, and spiritually. A critical component of this mission is equipping coaches to serve as ministers of the Church while embracing trauma-informed practices. This paper introduces the rationale, process, and techniques for trauma-informed coaching as a research-based approach to supporting athlete mental health. Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, this framework emphasizes community, participation, and the dignity of the human person, particularly care for the vulnerable. Drawing on neuroscientific and psychological research on trauma alongside Church documents and papal pronouncements, the paper demonstrates how trauma-informed coaching fosters healing and resilience through sport. Practical strategies are provided to help coaches recognize and respond to trauma, creating environments that promote accompaniment, justice, and human flourishing. By integrating faith and evidence-based practice, trauma-informed coaching advances the Church’s mission within Catholic school sports programs and offers a model for holistic athlete formation.
DOI
10.15365/joce.2902052026
Recommended Citation
Sheehan, K. K., Piscitello, P., & Cassidy, E. (2026). Trauma-informed coaching: An application of Catholic Social Teaching to formation and healing through sport. Journal of Catholic Education. 29(2), 78-95. https://doi.org/10.15365/joce.2902052026Included in
Catholic Studies Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Other Education Commons, Religious Education Commons, Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons
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