Founder & Principal Strategist
Dr. Roberts is the visionary behind Gladiator Advocates, with a PhD in Strategic Communication and a track record of research on the intersection of sports, advocacy, and communication. Her pioneering work in the field has helped shape the firm’s unique approach to athlete advocacy and performance. Her research focuses on how identity and culture influence communication, particularly within high-performance environments like sports. By examining these issues through innovative frameworks, including the Gladiator Syndrome and Gladiator Complex, Dr. Roberts addresses the complex dynamics athletes face both on and off the field.

The Gladiator Syndrome framework explores how athletes’ identities are shaped by external pressures and performance expectations, while Gladiator Complex highlights the challenges they face transitioning beyond their competitive careers. Driven by a commitment to holistic athlete support, Dr. Roberts founded Gladiator Advocates to offer athletes a platform for advocacy and personal growth, helping them navigate identity, performance, and life transitions.

Dr. Roberts is also recognized for her pioneering contributions to peace communication. Her award-winning academic work, published as a chapter in a doctoral-level text, applies Johan Galtung’s peace journalism and framing theory to foster conflict resolution and constructive dialogue in high-stakes environments.

For CV go to: https://myrnaroberts.com/about-myrna.html

Dir. of Clinical Advocacy and Mental Health Dr. Emmett Roberts brings over three decades of clinical expertise to Gladiator Advocates, where he serves as Director of Clinical Advocacy and Mental Health. A licensed therapist (LADC, LCSW) and core faculty member at a major teaching university, Dr. Roberts is uniquely positioned at the intersection of clinical research, mental health practice, and community impact.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Dr. Roberts holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, and both his MSW and BSW from the University of Oklahoma. His deep roots in the state and longstanding service through mental health initiatives reflect his commitment to accessible, culturally competent care.

At Gladiator Advocates, Dr. Roberts leads mental health strategy and intervention support for athletes, performers, and their families. He specializes in helping clients navigate the high-pressure demands of competitive environments—addressing identity formation, performance anxiety, trauma recovery, and the impact of external expectations on mental health.

With compassion and clinical rigor, Dr. Roberts works closely with our team to provide referrals, design therapeutic interventions, and develop resilience-based support systems. His approach is grounded in research but tailored to the real-world complexities of arena life—where performance meets pressure, and healing meets hope.

When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen. For confidential support or referrals, email:MentalHealth@GladiatorAdvocates.com
In immediate crisis? Call or text 988.