University of Delaware Athletics
Men’s Basketball to Host Bryant in SL24 Awareness Game
10/3/2024 6:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware men's basketball is set to host Bryant on Monday, November 18 in an SL24 UnLocke the Light awareness game, the schools announced jointly Thursday.
SL24 UnLocke the Light was founded in 2019 after the passing of University of Delaware alumnus and men's basketball player Sean Locke. Sean struggled with depression and anxiety and died by suicide in 2018. Family and friends rallied together to form SL24 to educate, assist, and support youth on their mental health journey. As part of this important mission to help youth struggling in darkness Sean's House was created at 136 W Main St. in Newark as a 24/7, 365 peer support safe/brave space.
"SL24 and Sean's House are excited and honored to have the first inaugural SL24 College Basketball game with University of Delaware and Bryant University," Sean's father and SL24 Co-Founder Chris Locke said. "Both schools and their coaching staff have been 'lighthouses' in changing the conversation about mental health and student athletes. Martin Ingelsby, Bill Phillips and the newest coaching member Danny O'Connor have been leaders in college sports to bring awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness. They understand the important role they play as coaches to the mental wellness of their players.
To have Bryant University be a part of this very important game makes it even extra special. Head Coach Phil Martelli Jr. was Sean's basketball coach during his playing days at UD. Coach Phil and Sean had a special friendship which continued after their UD days. Phil Martelli has been part of SL24 since its inception. He is a dear friend to the Locke Family. It is only fitting to welcome him home at the SL24 basketball game."
With over 30,000 guests since opening just four years ago, there have been so many people impacted by the open doors and trained peer supports at Sean's House. This mental health awareness game serves as an excellent opportunity to educate the community on the disease of depression and the availability of resources for people that are going through a mental health challenge. Help is available and suicide is preventable.
"We are excited to play this basketball game against Bryant University to honor Sean Locke and SL24, and to support the incredible work their organization is doing," Delaware head coach Martin Ingelsby said. "It's a chance to celebrate their legacy and come together to raise awareness for mental health in our community."
During his time on the men's basketball team at Delaware, Sean was coached by current Bryant head coach Phil Martelli Jr. when the Bulldogs' head man was an assistant coach for the Hens.
"We are excited for our program to go play at UD for such a wonderful organization like SL24," Bryant head coach Phil Martelli Jr. said. "I have fond memories of my time at Delaware and Sean Locke is part of each of those memories. To honor Sean in this way is a personal privilege as he is in my heart every single day."
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SL24 UnLocke the Light was founded in 2019 after the passing of University of Delaware alumnus and men's basketball player Sean Locke. Sean struggled with depression and anxiety and died by suicide in 2018. Family and friends rallied together to form SL24 to educate, assist, and support youth on their mental health journey. As part of this important mission to help youth struggling in darkness Sean's House was created at 136 W Main St. in Newark as a 24/7, 365 peer support safe/brave space.
"SL24 and Sean's House are excited and honored to have the first inaugural SL24 College Basketball game with University of Delaware and Bryant University," Sean's father and SL24 Co-Founder Chris Locke said. "Both schools and their coaching staff have been 'lighthouses' in changing the conversation about mental health and student athletes. Martin Ingelsby, Bill Phillips and the newest coaching member Danny O'Connor have been leaders in college sports to bring awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness. They understand the important role they play as coaches to the mental wellness of their players.
To have Bryant University be a part of this very important game makes it even extra special. Head Coach Phil Martelli Jr. was Sean's basketball coach during his playing days at UD. Coach Phil and Sean had a special friendship which continued after their UD days. Phil Martelli has been part of SL24 since its inception. He is a dear friend to the Locke Family. It is only fitting to welcome him home at the SL24 basketball game."
With over 30,000 guests since opening just four years ago, there have been so many people impacted by the open doors and trained peer supports at Sean's House. This mental health awareness game serves as an excellent opportunity to educate the community on the disease of depression and the availability of resources for people that are going through a mental health challenge. Help is available and suicide is preventable.
"We are excited to play this basketball game against Bryant University to honor Sean Locke and SL24, and to support the incredible work their organization is doing," Delaware head coach Martin Ingelsby said. "It's a chance to celebrate their legacy and come together to raise awareness for mental health in our community."
During his time on the men's basketball team at Delaware, Sean was coached by current Bryant head coach Phil Martelli Jr. when the Bulldogs' head man was an assistant coach for the Hens.
"We are excited for our program to go play at UD for such a wonderful organization like SL24," Bryant head coach Phil Martelli Jr. said. "I have fond memories of my time at Delaware and Sean Locke is part of each of those memories. To honor Sean in this way is a personal privilege as he is in my heart every single day."
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware men's basketball, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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