Mission Statement:

“Don't be soft!” “Suck it up!” “You need to be tough!” These phrases are often programmed in the mind of the developing athlete, from the time they are in little league to the grander stages of the collegiate and professional level. The translation is clear and sends a message that does not allow any signs of weakness or emotion. However, this mentality, where one shows no sense of vulnerability, occurs off the fields and the courts, forcing the athlete to bear through the pain that they are enduring. Lacking understanding that this issue is interfering with the person's mental health, it shoves their feelings away and dismisses a call for help.

A way to share this information at the University is to have a mental health awareness social event for student-athletes. A social event specifically for student-athletes at ULV could incorporate relevant and current information for athletes and coaches to promote performance and life skills. The focus of the event would be mental health and the student-athlete, with an open invitation and information for staff, coaches, other students, and more. This could include posters for the event with QR codes to mental health information and outreach programs offered at ULV. The event could appeal to the athlete with fun activities. It could also appeal to staff that support student-athletes with research and ideas to integrate mental health skills into their programs so that all athletes have mental health support.