By Litzy Grijalba
As college athletics continue to gain prominence, the mental health of student-athletes has emerged as a critical issue deserving attention. Balancing the intense demands of rigorous training, academic commitments, and high-stakes competition can take a toll on anyone’s well-being. However, prioritizing mental health enhances athletic performance and supports athletes in managing their identities, coping with injuries, and navigating the transition to life beyond sports.
Managing mental health as a college athlete can be a challenging balancing act for some. Peter Moe, a sophomore majoring in communications, demonstrates a constructive approach to how he processes stress and pressure while balancing classes and basketball.
“The way I cope with stress and pressure is to have the mindset of control and learn to embrace the pressure and stress that it is just a part of life. some other ways are a day off just relaxing or doing things that take my mind off my sport,” said Moe.
At such a critical time in a student’s life, success on the field does not guarantee security for the future. Benito Valle-Jhanda, senior majoring in communications, reflects on his fears of the future as a baseball player.
“Athletics can put a lot of pressure on me at times. There are a lot of conflicting thoughts trying to figure out what I am going to do after graduation," said Valle-Jhanda. "Baseball has taken up so much of my time throughout my life I am not sure I have many other interests for work if it does not work out.”
Fortunately, solutions and techniques exist to deal with stress-relief, ranging from meditation to journaling. In Valle-Jhanda’s case, he has a proactive approach to managing stress through physical activity and prioritizing his sleep.
A student-athlete’s lack of downtime can also hinder the ability to relax, which is essential for both mental and physical well-being. Continuous engagement in intense training, travel, and academic responsibilities often leaves little room for rest, leading to a constant state of busyness.
“It can be overwhelming at times simply because there is never really a break and to be good at your sport you must do even more than what is required. Part of it is poor time management, but there is also not much free time to manage, and turning in quality assignments at times is often difficult. Making sure I have energy in class is tough at times too,” said Valle-Jhanda.
Benito's mention of poor time management reflects a common struggle among student-athletes, as they often find it difficult to allocate sufficient time to complete quality assignments amidst their packed schedules. Additionally, the challenge of maintaining energy and focusing on class reveals the physical toll that such a demanding lifestyle can take, which can detract from their learning experience and overall well-being.
Understanding the mental health needs of students is increasingly important in today's educational landscape. Support systems for student-athletes are integral for keeping a healthy balance between academics, sports, and mental health. Outside resources and a little encouragement can go a long way in maintaining this balance.
“The baseball program is lucky to have a sports psychology team that is specifically with us to help with everything that is the mental side of baseball. Whether it is stress, pressure, or even our baseball IQ ,” said Valle-Jhanda.
Though not as often discussed, the mental aspect is just as critical as the physical. By having a dedicated sports psychology team, the program recognizes that mental health is an essential component of athletic success.
“A way my school offers support for my team is we have once-a-week meetings with our team psychologist, Daniel. He does a wonderful job making sure we are all doing good and on the right track. His sessions are extremely helpful and informative towards our mental health as athletes,” expressed Moe.
The valuable support provided by Barry University through regular meetings with their team psychologist demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing the mental health of athletes. Moe's acknowledgment of the sessions as helpful and informative underscores the positive impact of such support on athletes' mental health, enabling them to navigate the pressures of competition more effectively.
The camaraderie among teammates frequently transcends the field, also notably helping in the management of issues inherent in high-pressure situations. When faced with adversity, the support of teammates can make a significant difference.
“We all push each other to make sure we are on top of our daily schedule. Confidence is a huge thing in baseball because of the amount of failure that comes with it," said Benito. "The game is very humbling, and I think having teammates remind you that you are a talented player can go a long way.”
The experiences shared by student-athletes like Benito and Moe shed light on the vital intersection of mental health and collegiate athletics. As they navigate the pressures of training, academics, and personal commitments, it becomes clear that prioritizing mental well-being is essential for their overall success.
This is the most informing & well put article I’ve ever read. Amazing job!
An amazing and insightful article!