September 2023 Edition

“A pain that does not go away.”
 

• “Katie was radiant and brilliant.” Katie Meyer was a star soccer player and team captain at Stanford. She died by suicide in 2022.

• “Arlana was so talented. She could do anything.” Arlana Miller was a star cheerleader at Southern University. She died by suicide in 2022.

• “Morgan was a rock star, charismatic and a win the room over personality.” Morgan Rodgers was a lacrosse star at Duke. She died by suicide in 2019.

• “Tyler was awesome and was just one of those likeable guys.” Tyler Hilinski was a star quarterback at Washington St. He died by suicide in 2018.

 
These are statements made by the parents of four high-achieving student-athletes who are now courageously speaking out to help other parents, student-athletes, and everyone in the ecosystem of collegiate athletics. All four student-athletes came from loving and caring homes, and they were talented in both athletics and academics. They all had everything going for them…until it was too difficult to live on. What happened?

College athletes are uniquely driven in striving for perfection. They have high expectations of themselves, and they know others have high expectations of them as well. Up at 6 a.m. for “first practice,” followed by classes, followed sometimes by another practice, and then studying into the night. This is an everyday itinerary, and in most sports throughout the entire year (into the summer for some). It’s a grind for any age, and especially for 17 to 22-year-olds that are away from home.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for college students. A recent NCAA study showed the rates of mental exhaustion, anxiety, and depression are two times greater since the pandemic. Studies also show that those who strive for perfection are less reluctant to seek help. Social media has exasperated the pressures student-athletes feel through peer group negativity and constant performance judgement.

Competitive, strong-minded people do not like to show or admit weakness. Morgan’s mom said there were no “red flags,” and she was in counseling. Katie, Arlana, Morgan and Tyler all suffered in silence.

What’s the solution for other student-athletes suffering in silence today? The list for resolution is long, though first, universities and athletic departments must understand the severity of this issue and provide meaningful counseling resources dedicated to student-athletes. Second, modern coaches and trainers need to be properly educated on mental health, and understand the fine line between pushing through, and pausing to get treatment…without judgement.

This is a heartbreaking story for everyone. However, open discussions and heightened awareness lead to improved mental health knowledge. The outcome we seek in awareness is to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, or challenges, and help those in need seek help without fear of judgement.

Let’s work to treat those suffering in silence.

Be well.

Walt Norley
OnBalance Founder & CEO

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September is National Suicide Prevention Month and this week (9/10-16) is National Suicide Prevention Week. At OnBalance, we pledge our support for this initiative.

OnBalance is the mental health care and performance management platform for athletics. If you want to better protect your athletes from tragedy, OnBalance can help.

In The News

Sha’Carri Richardson storms to 100m gold in stunning redemption tale

“I always say never give up.” 

The Guardian - Aug. 21, 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 this clip from our latest episode below featuring Cailin Bracken from Vanderbilt University. For more episodes and to listen to the full episode with Cailin, visit our website.

To learn more about OnBalance, or if you have interest in scheduling a demo, visit us here.