August 2023 Edition
Athlete mental health continues to make the news, as seen in our monthly roundup. I wanted to highlight one mental health journey in particular. It's a story I find inspirational.
Cailin Bracken, a women's lacrosse player at Vanderbilt University, battled mental health challenges and stepped away to focus on her mental health during her freshman year.
I applaud Cailin for recognizing that she needed help – that is one of the most difficult things when you are dealing with a mental health struggle.
With all the pressure that comes with being a student athlete, she chose to take time to address what is most important – her mental health. It's commendable that she prioritized her mental health over competition, especially during her first year at Vanderbilt. This is a powerful example of strength, not weakness.
After her own journey and hearing about so many other athletes suffering in silence, she wanted to raise awareness. So Cailin penned a letter to college sports, challenging everyone involved to be better about caring for the mental health of student athletes. Her letter is a reminder that so many athletes are still struggling, and we must do more to help them.
Hear more from Cailin in her interview with Good Morning America. I am so happy she is doing well today as she soon enters her senior year at Vanderbilt.
We look forward to sharing more mental health journeys next month.
Walt Norley
OnBalance Founder & CEO
In The News
'It Was My Attitude, My Character': Dion Waiters Gets Real About NBA Exit
“Depression, anxiety and just not knowing my future. It got serious, bro. I had to get a therapist.”
Bleacher Report - July 12, 2023
A Champion Swimmer Returns, Slowly but Determinedly, to Competition
Caeleb Dressel, an Olympic champion, swam in the nationals after taking a break for mental health reasons.
The New York Times - July 2, 2023
Athletes Onbalance
Check out our podcast, Athletes OnBalance, where we hear from top athletes, coaches and experts discussing and destigmatizing mental health in sports. Don't miss the episode below featuring Coach Nick Saban from the University of Alabama Football Team. For more episodes, visit our website.
Onbalance News
The Sports Business Journal featured OnBalance in its "Startups" series.
The Philadelphia Inquirer published a story about OnBalance.
We welcomed Scott Addis as an OnBalance Advisory Board Member.
Check out the latest on our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
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