UT and Zepf Center are continuing their partnership to promote student-athlete well-being.
Toledo Athletics and Zepf Center Promote Student-Athlete Well-Being
9/29/2026 12:00:00 PM | Athletics
Collaboration supports “More Than A Bet,” a statewide initiative from Ohio for Responsible Gambling
TOLEDO, Ohio — The University of Toledo Department of Athletics and Zepf Center are continuing their partnership to promote student-athlete well-being and foster a healthier, more respectful sports culture amid the continued growth of legalized sports betting.
The collaboration supports "More Than A Bet," a statewide initiative from Ohio for Responsible Gambling that provides resources to help coaches, student-athletes, counselors, educators and community members understand and address gambling-related harassment.
As Toledo Athletics welcomes a new season, the department will amplify the campaign's message through a comprehensive awareness effort designed to remind fans that student-athletes are more than the results of a game or the outcome of a wager. The initiative will include:
"Legalized sports betting can be part of the fan experience, but we also recognize the darker side, including instances when student-athletes are subjected to harassment, online abuse and undue pressure tied to betting outcomes. Our young people are more than statistics or wagers. They are students, leaders and young adults striving for excellence in competition, in the classroom and in life. This campaign gives us an opportunity to educate our fans, shift public perception and provide critical resources to our student-athletes."
Zepf Center, a longtime partner in supporting mental health and wellness across Northwest Ohio, will continue to play an important role in community education and engagement throughout the season.
"Through this partnership, we have an opportunity to promote a sports culture grounded in respect, responsibility, and compassion," said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. "Every student-athlete is more than a score or the outcome of a wager. They are young people with goals, challenges, and futures ahead of them, and they deserve to feel safe, supported, and respected both on and off the field."
About Zepf Center
Celebrating more than 50 years of service, Zepf Center is dedicated to creating hope and recovery through integrated, trauma-informed, person-centered services. With a rich history of helping those in need, Zepf Center provides behavioral health and vocational services to youth and adults throughout Northwest Ohio. Through purposeful programs and comprehensive care, the organization empowers clients at every stage of recovery.
The collaboration supports "More Than A Bet," a statewide initiative from Ohio for Responsible Gambling that provides resources to help coaches, student-athletes, counselors, educators and community members understand and address gambling-related harassment.
As Toledo Athletics welcomes a new season, the department will amplify the campaign's message through a comprehensive awareness effort designed to remind fans that student-athletes are more than the results of a game or the outcome of a wager. The initiative will include:
- Game-day awareness: Stadium signage, scoreboard messaging, public address announcements and social media content throughout the season.
- Student-athlete storytelling: Highlighting Toledo student-athletes as students, leaders and multidimensional individuals beyond their athletic performance.
- Fan and community engagement: Outreach tables, brief gambling screens, campus educational events and collaborations with campus wellness programs.
- Education and resources: Connecting student-athletes, fans and members of the Toledo community with information and support related to responsible gambling and gambling-related harassment.
"Legalized sports betting can be part of the fan experience, but we also recognize the darker side, including instances when student-athletes are subjected to harassment, online abuse and undue pressure tied to betting outcomes. Our young people are more than statistics or wagers. They are students, leaders and young adults striving for excellence in competition, in the classroom and in life. This campaign gives us an opportunity to educate our fans, shift public perception and provide critical resources to our student-athletes."
Zepf Center, a longtime partner in supporting mental health and wellness across Northwest Ohio, will continue to play an important role in community education and engagement throughout the season.
"Through this partnership, we have an opportunity to promote a sports culture grounded in respect, responsibility, and compassion," said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. "Every student-athlete is more than a score or the outcome of a wager. They are young people with goals, challenges, and futures ahead of them, and they deserve to feel safe, supported, and respected both on and off the field."
About Zepf Center
Celebrating more than 50 years of service, Zepf Center is dedicated to creating hope and recovery through integrated, trauma-informed, person-centered services. With a rich history of helping those in need, Zepf Center provides behavioral health and vocational services to youth and adults throughout Northwest Ohio. Through purposeful programs and comprehensive care, the organization empowers clients at every stage of recovery.
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