UToledo’s Spring Sneakerball Dismantles Mental Health Stigma

Students walking around and enjoying the attractions at Sneakerball 2026 - Photo by Lauren York

By: Lauren York TOLEDO, Ohio – At the UToledo Rec Center, the sound of squeaking sneakers typically means a basketball game, except for this past Thursday, when the shoes were paired with dresses and sharp blazers for the first Spring Sneakerball.

From 7 - 9 p.m, the basketball courts were transformed into a judgment-free zone, trading athletic drills for a semi-formal dance floor. This event, a collaboration between the University Counseling Center and Rec Center, had a goal to provide a high-energy escape during the stressful spring semester while also weaving in essential mental health advocacy.

For Dr. Latasha Sullivan, director of the Counseling Center, the inspiration for the Sneakerball was rooted in meeting students where they are–literally and emotionally.

“We want to try to engage students as best as we can and do things that are fun,” Sullivan said. “Sometimes, we feel like we have to go to the students so they can get to know who we are. When they get to see us outside of our offices, it increases their likelihood to want to engage with our services.”

By hosting the event at the Rec Center, organizers leaned into the natural connection between physical and emotional health. Sullivan noted that the venue was a wonderful partner, offering a space that many students possibly haven’t visited, all while celebrating with a fun twist on traditional formal dances.

The event featured a DJ, line-dancing and mocktails, but the heart of the event was within the interactive wellness stations. Rather than a standard lecture on mental health, students had the opportunity to engage in “creative expression” activities, such as decorating therapeutic journals, making creative buttons, and much more.

Lisa Moguel, a student attendee, found the creative stations fun and innovative.

“I really liked the decorating,” Moguel said. “It’s a good way to decorate your notebook so you can later use it to look at your feelings and see how you feel throughout the day.”

Moguel also noted that the relaxed environment made it easier to learn about the resources available.

For many students, the Sneakerball offered a rare opportunity to prioritize mental health without the rigid structure of a class lecture. Hannah Goins, another student attendee, appreciated the low-pressure atmosphere.

“It’s nice for it to be something fun and you don’t feel like you have to be here,” Goins said.

As the night concluded with gift bags and take-home wellness items, one thing among attendees was clear: Mental health doesn’t always have to be a heavy topic. By lacing up their favorite sneakers and having fun, UToledo students showed that self-care can be as stylish as it is essential.

“Mental health should be talked about more,” Moguel said. “These kinds of events just open up the conversation.”

All university mental health resources can be found at the University Counseling Center website: Counseling Center