Robbye Fox, a graduate of the University of Maryland (’84), has always been a proud supporter of her son’s athletic journey. From 2009 to 2013, she cheered on her son as he competed in swimming at the University of Virginia, where he earned four ACC titles and served as co-captain in 2012-13. But beyond the victories and accolades, Fox witnessed the challenges her son faced after his swimming career ended, particularly the loss of identity many student-athletes experience when transitioning out of competitive sports.
“For him, so much of his identity was tied to the sport,” Fox shared. “These days, kids start sports at such a young age that the sport becomes a huge part of who they are.”
This experience opened Fox’s eyes to the unique mental health challenges faced by student-athletes. A Licensed Master Social Worker, Fox used her background in psychotherapy to advocate for better mental health support for athletes. She created the Mental Health Resources Endowed Program Support Fund for Intercollegiate Athletics at her alma mater, aiming to provide student-athletes at Maryland with the necessary resources to thrive both in sports and life.
Dr. Sue Sherburne, Maryland’s Executive Associate Athletic Director, praised Fox’s commitment: “Robbye’s professional expertise in restorative health and her dedication to student-athletes align perfectly with our mission to enhance mental health services at Maryland. Her contribution will make a lasting impact on our ability to support student-athletes during pivotal transitions in their lives.”
Fox’s connection to the University of Maryland runs deep. Growing up in Fort Washington, she was a passionate fan of the school, despite being in a household divided between Maryland and North Carolina supporters. She recalls attending games at Cole Field House in the early ‘70s, where legendary players like Tom McMillen and Len Elmore made a lasting impression. Fox transferred to Maryland from Boston University and graduated with a degree in Journalism, reflecting on her time there fondly: “The ‘80s were the best time to be a Maryland Terrapin,” she said. “It felt like home.”
After graduating, Fox worked in marketing communications for major corporations like Marriott and Fannie Mae. But after her children graduated from college, she returned to school to earn her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2022. For the past five years, she has worked as a therapist, specializing in anxiety, relationship issues, and anger management among young adults.
Her son’s experience with the pressures of being an athlete was one of the key factors that led her to pursue therapy. Fox recognized the need for a safe space where athletes could discuss their challenges openly, without judgment. “Sometimes, people just need a space to talk honestly,” she said. “They need perspective and encouragement, not criticism.”
Fox’s work on the mental health fund aims to reach all 20 of Maryland’s men’s and women’s varsity athletic teams. The fund is designed to provide ongoing support for athletes, helping them deal with the mental health pressures of college sports. Research shows that nearly one in five student-athletes experience mental health challenges, but fewer than half seek treatment, largely due to the stigma around mental health.
Fox hopes to reduce this stigma and encourage Maryland’s athletes to prioritize their mental well-being. She believes that mental health care is not just about addressing trauma; it’s about helping athletes manage emotions, build resilience, and improve their self-awareness. These skills can enhance their performance both on and off the field.
“I hope this program has a lasting impact,” Fox said. “At the University of Maryland, we care about you as students, athletes, and individuals. We want to equip you for life after college, in sports and beyond.”
By establishing this fund, Fox is not just investing in athletes’ well-being—she’s contributing to a cultural shift in how mental health is viewed in the world of collegiate athletics.
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