Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nafis Ricks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nafis , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
A defining moment in my career occurred in 2018 when I became a graduate assistant at the University of Missouri at the age of 30. My initial goal was to build a coaching career at the Division I level, aspiring to one day coach in a Power Five conference under the mentorship of Coach Cuonzo Martin. However, as I immersed myself in the role, my trajectory began to shift in an unexpected and profound way.
What started as a coaching opportunity evolved into something far more personal and meaningful. I found myself naturally connecting with the players beyond the X’s and O’s of basketball. Through organic conversations, I shared my struggles with mental health, and in return, the players began opening up about their personal journey hardships they endured on their paths to Missouri, the challenges of being student-athletes, and the pressures they faced both on and off the court.
Recognizing their need for support, I encouraged them to seek guidance from the team psychologist and mental performance coach. However, I noticed a common hesitation many of them felt more comfortable confiding in me, largely due to the relatability of my own lived experiences. This was the moment I realized that my impact extended beyond coaching. My true calling wasn’t in strategizing for wins and losses but in creating a safe space for these young men to process their emotions, navigate their identities, and gain clarity on their journeys.
This realization shifted my career focus from coaching to psychology. I saw firsthand the stigma surrounding mental health in athletics, particularly among Black male athletes, and I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. Rather than shaping players for the next game, I wanted to help them shape their futures by addressing their mental well-being. This moment of clarity led me down the path of becoming a psychologist ne who could bridge the gap between mental performance and mental health in a way that feels accessible, relatable, and transformative. So I decided to pursue in getting a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
Nafis , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Nafis Ricks, born on December 10, 1987, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has navigated a path marked by resilience and transformation. After his parents’ separation, his father relocated the family to Charlotte, North Carolina, aiming to provide a safer environment. However, Ricks returned to Philadelphia during his teenage years, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant basketball scene. His talent on the court became evident at Johnson County Community College in Kansas, where he led his team to a NJCAA National Championship in 2009 and earned the NABC NJCAA National Player of the Year award. This success paved the way for his transfer to Missouri State University, where he played under Coach Cuonzo Martin. As a senior during the 2010-11 season, Ricks started 35 games, averaging 9.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, contributing significantly to the Bears’ Missouri Valley Conference Championship win.
Despite his athletic achievements, Ricks faced profound personal challenges, including the loss of close friends and family members, which led to intense survivor’s guilt and mental health struggles. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, he sought therapy during his college years, an experience that ignited his passion for mental health advocacy. After a brief professional basketball career overseas, Ricks transitioned to roles that combined his love for sports and counseling. He served as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Missouri and pursued advanced degrees in counseling and psychology. Currently, Ricks is a doctoral student at Tennessee State University, focusing on Counseling Psychology. Through his social media platforms, he actively promotes mental health awareness, particularly within African American communities, emphasizing the importance of self-care, resilience, and seeking professional support.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between mental health and high performance, offering a holistic approach to mental well-being for athletes, entrepreneurs, and other high performers. As someone who has walked the path—from competing at a high level in basketball to transitioning into the mental health field—I understand firsthand the psychological pressures that come with striving for greatness. Many high performers struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, burnout, and identity challenges, particularly when their career or performance is tied to their sense of self-worth. I help my clients develop the mental skills necessary to excel not only in their sport or profession but also in their personal lives. Through mindfulness training, cognitive reframing, emotional regulation, and self-awareness techniques, I guide individuals in breaking past mental barriers, improving focus, and cultivating resilience.
What I am most proud of is my ability to create spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered to take charge of their mental health. Whether working with athletes transitioning out of sports, professionals navigating high-stress environments, or individuals striving for self-mastery, my work centers on mental conditioning that fosters both success and well-being. I want my clients and followers to know that mental performance isn’t just about optimizing for success it’s about long-term fulfillment, balance, and purpose. My brand is built on authenticity, lived experience, and a deep commitment to dismantling the stigma around mental health, particularly within communities of color. I provide not only coaching and education but also advocacy, ensuring that mental well-being becomes a foundational part of any high-performing individual’s journey. My Instagram Handle is @NafisRicks2 @Collabmgmt
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Nafis Ricks’ journey is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering determination. Growing up in Philadelphia, he was no stranger to the harsh realities of gun violence. He lost close friends and family members to senseless shootings, each tragedy leaving an unshakable mark on his soul. The trauma compounded over the years, leading to struggles with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. On top of that, he was diagnosed with a learning disability, making academic success seem like an uphill battle. For many, these challenges could have been overwhelming, but Nafis refused to be defined by his circumstances. Basketball became both his escape and his passion, allowing him to channel his pain into something greater. However, when his playing career ended, he faced a new challenge finding his identity beyond the game.
Instead of allowing his struggles to hold him back, Nafis turned his pain into purpose. He sought therapy, embraced his healing journey, and made it his mission to advocate for mental health, especially in communities where seeking help is often stigmatized. Through sheer perseverance, he not only earned his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees but went on to complete *three* master’s degrees, all while battling the mental health challenges that once threatened to consume him. Now, as a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Tennessee State University, Nafis is proving that resilience is more than just surviving it’s about thriving. He is on the path to becoming a psychologist, using his lived experience to support others who face similar struggles. And the most remarkable part? He has done it all without paying a dime, securing scholarships and grants to fund his entire education. Nafis Ricks’ story is a testament to the power of grit, faith, and the relentless pursuit of healing not just for himself, but for the communities he is determined to uplift.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons Nafis Ricks had to unlearn was the idea that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Growing up in Philadelphia, he was conditioned like many young Black men to believe that strength meant suppressing emotions, enduring pain in silence, and always projecting toughness. In a community where gun violence was a harsh reality, survival often depended on never letting your guard down. He internalized this mindset, carrying it through his years as a basketball player, where mental toughness was praised, but emotional struggles were often dismissed. However, the weight of unprocessed trauma began to take a toll. Losing loved ones to violence, battling PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and struggling with a learning disability all compounded into a silent storm that no amount of athletic success could outrun.
It wasn’t until Nafis sought therapy that he realized true strength lies in acknowledging pain and actively working through it. The turning point came when he embraced mental health as more than just a personal journey it became his mission. Through his education, from earning multiple degrees to now pursuing his doctorate in psychology, he has learned that healing requires openness, self-compassion, and community support. Unlearning the stigma around vulnerability allowed him to step into his true purpose: helping others navigate their mental health struggles with the same courage he once feared to show. Now, he teaches the next generation of high performers, athletes, and young Black men that seeking help isn’t a weakness it’s one of the bravest things they can do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: NafisRicks2, Collabmgmt
- Facebook: Nafis Ricks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nafis-ricks-309092126/
- Twitter: NafisRicks
- Youtube: NafisRicks2
Image Credits
Cj Wolfe