Program on the Environment

Across all levels of play, athletes are facing rising rates of burnout, anxiety, and disconnection—challenges often overlooked in sports systems that prioritize competition over well-being. At the same time, growing evidence shows that time in nature enhances focus, recovery, and mental health. This project bridges those worlds, redefining “performance” by integrating environmental awareness and emotional wellness into athletic culture. Through my internship with The Nature Project, I collaborated with athletes, coaches, and community partners to gather data through surveys, interviews, and field activations. These engagements explored how nature-based practices and reflective storytelling—such as the Team Nature Athlete Series—can shape well-being, leadership, and team dynamics. Survey data from 39 athletes revealed that over 50% experience burnout or anxiety regularly due to their sport. That’s not a small number—it’s a culture issue, reflecting a system that normalizes overtraining, pressure, and silence around mental health. Similarly, 87% of athletes reported time constraints as the main barrier to accessing nature, signaling that the issue isn’t a lack of interest but a lack of design. In a post-activity survey, when outdoor experiences were integrated into team settings, 80% of athletes reported feeling more connected to teammates, 69% more reflective about their leadership, and 64% more grounded or at peace. These findings indicate that nature engagement is not an extracurricular benefit but a critical intervention for mental health, belonging, and leadership in sports. The Team Nature framework goes beyond the scoreboard, redefining winning as a balance between performance, connection, and care for the planet.