²PLAY LAB

The OSU ²PLAY Lab, led by Will Massey, partners with Jackson Street Youth Services to provide weekly physical activity sessions for youth experiencing homelessness or trauma in Linn and Benton counties. Held at OSU’s Langton Hall, these sessions offer a safe, youth-led space where participants aged 11–17 can engage in movement-based activities like volleyball, kickboxing, and group games.

The program emphasizes healing through physical activity and connection, helping youth regulate emotions and build relationships in a supportive environment. This initiative aligns with the Hallie Ford Center’s Youth and Young Adults Core by promoting resilience, well-being, and empowerment through community-based, trauma-informed practices.

Thriving Through Sport: The Transformative Impact on Girls' Mental Health

Sports play a powerful role in supporting girls’ mental health, offering benefits like reduced anxiety and depression, stronger peer connections, and a greater sense of purpose.

The Thriving Through Sport report by the Women’s Sports Foundation shows that when girls participate in inclusive, supportive sports environments, they experience unique mental health boosts that go beyond other activities—thanks to the mix of physical activity, teamwork, and goal-setting.

However, not all girls have equal access. Those from marginalized communities—such as girls of color, LGBTQ+ youth, and those in low-income areas—face more barriers to participation. The report calls for community-driven efforts to make sports more inclusive and accessible, emphasizing that well-designed programs can be a powerful tool for mental wellness and personal growth.