Joliet West Alum Hosts Innovative Basketball Clinic: Enhancing Mental Health Alongside Athletic Performance

A college student is making a difference in his community. Justus McNair, 19, founded Justus League Hoop Inc., a nonprofit focused on helping young athletes. This August, he will host his second basketball clinic, the “Back-to-School Basketball Classic.” It’s set for August 10, from 1 to 5 p.m., though the location is still in the works.

Justus is an alumnus of Joliet West High School and a sophomore basketball player at Valparaiso University. He’s passionate about sports and understands the pressures young athletes face. After experiencing a challenging injury in high school, he wants to support others through similar struggles.

At the clinic, students will not only learn about basketball but will also receive school supplies. Mental health professionals will be available to speak with parents about supporting student-athletes’ mental well-being.

Justus believes mental health is critical for young athletes. He shared that the pressure to excel can be intense, especially after setbacks. “I had to cope with my feelings when I broke my leg,” he explained. “It’s important for kids to reach out when they’re feeling overwhelmed.”

His vision extends beyond the clinic. Justus dreams of creating facilities across the U.S. that serve as both recreational and mental health centers. “I want a safe space where kids can play and be heard. They need support to reach their dreams,” he said.

His mother, Andrea, emphasizes the importance of mental health, especially in sports. She sees how parents often push their athletic dreams onto their children without considering their emotional needs. “We want our kids to succeed, but we also need to ensure their mental health is a priority,” she noted.

Recent studies show that nearly 1 in 3 young people experience mental health challenges. With sports being a significant part of many kids’ lives, Justus League Hoop Inc. aims to change the narrative around athlete wellbeing. At his first clinic, 40 children attended, and he hopes to host multiple events each year.

In today’s world, where youth often face high expectations in sports, Justus and his team are committed to being there for families and athletes. They want to encourage healthy discussions about stress and mental health.

If you’d like to contribute, book bag supplies can be donated until July 25. For more information about the clinic, check out Justus League Hoop Inc. on Facebook or call Andrea at 815-272-3736.



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