Former pro basketball player Chris Herren kicks off NOSOLO speaker series

In collaboration with mental health partner NOSOLO, Salve Regina University athletics held the first of a newly established speaker series Monday night with former professional basketball player and wellness advocate Chris Herren presenting about his own past substance use and journey toward mental health.  

Herren, who faced drug and substance addiction during his professional career, notably while playing for the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics, shared his family history and the support system which gave him hope and got him through a long struggle of substance dependence.  

The event brought together Salve student-athletes across all 20 teams as well as members of the NOSOLO community. Salve alums Sarah Holfelder Toracinta '13 '19 (M) and John Toracinta '21 (M) co-founded the brand in 2019 to start the conversation about mental health and also to fund initiatives that improve mental health support and access around the world.

"We've seen a lot of support from Salve and since we launched this brand, we've worked with just about every team here," recalled John Toracinta. "To start this speaking series at Salve was a no-brainer for us. NOSOLO means no one is alone. Chris Herren's story relates to that because of what he went through and the support system he had behind him. He talks about the people around him who helped him get through his rock bottom moments. At the end of the day, I want Salve students to know they have people in their corner supporting them."  

NOSOLO has partnered with the University to further mental health initiatives on campus through the speaker series and support of Salve's counseling services.  

"This partnership with NOSOLO represents an opportunity for our department to support its student athletes and the Salve community where it matters most for a young person – mental health and emotional wellbeing," said Salve Director of Athletics Dr. Sean Sullivan.  

"John and Sarah, the work that they do and the message they promote is a critical reminder of how important it is to recognize how life can affect someone in the most subtle yet deeply impactful ways," continued Sullivan. "All of us in the Salve athletic department are very proud to prioritize mental health awareness and we could not be more appreciative of having such a generous and thoughtful partner in John, Sarah and NOSOLO."  

NOSOLO and the Salve athletic department were eager to welcome Herren, who has a wealth of impactful and meaningful personal experiences to share. When asked why he continues to do these talks even after 16 years, Herren said, "Because it's so fulfilling. The outreach we get after the fact, knowing that I had an impact on a young kid, it's fulfilling. Last week after we spoke, we got 30 emails. To make that type of an impact on a school, it's tough to walk away from that."  

Herren noted that while the talk he gave at Salve was in line with what he has been doing for many years, recently he changed his presentation, gearing it to younger children. "It's a different rhythm, a different tone, and I love it. It's emotional, but I have a little bit of space. The type of presentation I'm doing tonight is hard for me. It's very difficult."  

Right from his brief video introduction through his discussion of the day he became sober, Herren never strayed from the message that one's support system does not give up on them even when they may have given up on themselves. The event gave Salve student-athletes an awareness of the importance of speaking up about mental health.  

"This event is important for Salve students because mental health is beneficial and critical for all," said Ryan Ciolfi '27, a midfielder on the men's lacrosse team. "It reminds us to check up on others because you never know what someone is going through."  

"Mental health education is so important for student athletes," added women's tennis player Emma Robert '27. "This event starts the much-needed conversation and encourages us to connect with others."

This event, along with the NOSOLO partnership, gives Salve community members a space where they can feel heard, spreads the message that no one is alone and encourages people to check in on those around them.  

"This NOSOLO partnership is a true blessing to the Salve community," said men's ice hockey forward Parker Mabbett '27. "From the events, merchandise and support that John, Sarah and their entire team give to Salve – we couldn't be more fortunate to be a part of it. Tonight's presentation from Chris Herren was unbelievable. His message is so powerful and gripping. It really teaches everyone to value quality of life, family and what's meaningful to them."  

NOSOLO has touched student-athletes and the Salve campus community as a whole. Nobody goes solo, and there are always support resources available.  

"It starts with a conversation, so check in, listen, notice, ask and stay," said Sarah Toracinta. "Don't disappear when the conversation gets uncomfortable. Check in on your friends. Check in on your homies – not because something is wrong but because you care enough to ask."