JLG Architects and Sanford Health Partner to Support Athlete Mental Health at Summit League Basketball Championships
As part of JLG Architects’ ongoing efforts to champion mental health within its Sports and Healthcare Studios, the firm is partnering to provide dedicated mental health rooms for student-athletes during the Summit League Basketball Championship, held March 4-8 in Sioux Falls, S.D.
This year marks JLG Architects’ second year teaming with the Summit League to offer a designated Zen Zone room at the Holiday Inn City Centre, where some athletes, coaches, and team personnel are staying during the tournament. This year, Sanford Health’s Sioux Falls team joined the project to further amplify the impact of the private room, which is designed to be a calming break space and sensory-stimulating experience.
Balancing stress at the height of competition, the Zen Zone is a wellness experience appointed with items specifically tailored to strengthen the mental health of athletes and league operations. Within a welcoming place for relaxation, meditation, and prayer, the room provides varied seating, weighted blankets, specialized lighting, calming music, and stress-relief aromatherapy, among other features.
“Sanford Health is proud to contribute towards the creation of the Zen Zone, a space specifically designed to provide collegiate athletes with the mental health support they deserve. This partnership reinforces our commitment to ensuring mental well-being is prioritized alongside physical performance. By working together, we are fostering a supportive environment where student-athletes have the tools and resilience necessary to thrive both on and off the court. Our goal is to lead the way in destigmatizing mental health, ensuring every athlete feels empowered to seek the support they need without hesitation.”
Brittney Nathan, CCLS
Lead Program Development Specialist, Sanford Health
“As architects working in collegiate athletics, our responsibility goes beyond designing places to train and compete," said Adam Davidson, Principal in JLG’s Sports Studio. “The environments we create are instrumental in promoting mental health and overall well-being, integrating dedicated recovery areas, spaces for privacy, and opportunities for connection. Thoughtful sports architecture helps reduce stress, promote balance, and ensure student-athletes are supported, not just as competitors but as people. Last year’s Summit League Championships were a great starting point, and our partnership with Sanford Health has helped put ideas to work within a holistic space that truly supports both student-athletes and coaches.”
Summit League Commissioner Josh Fenton applauded the continued collaboration and its impact on the championship experience.
“At the Summit League, the well-being of our student-athletes is always at the forefront of our mission,” said Commissioner Josh Fenton. “The intensity of championship competition brings incredible excitement, but it also brings unique pressures. The partnership with JLG Architects and Sanford Health to provide the Zen Zone reflects our shared commitment to supporting the whole student-athlete — mentally, physically, and emotionally. We are grateful for their leadership in helping us create an environment where our student-athletes can thrive both on and off the court.”