TAMPA, Fla. — With pressures mounting on college basketball athletes, notable players such as Paige Bueckers, Hailey Van Lith, and Azzi Fudd have each sought help from mental health professionals. The athletes are looking to address challenges that arise from high expectations, the pervasive presence of social media, intense scrutiny from sports bettors, and the emotional toll of recovering from injuries. In today’s sports environment, there is a growing openness to seeking mental health support, breaking away from the stigma traditionally associated with it.
Ashley Harmon, the director of Clinical Behavioral Health at Texas, has observed a notable uptick in the utilization of mental health services among student-athletes. Harmon notes that this new generation is more willing to confront mental health challenges, seeking assistance for issues such as anxiety, depression, and managing relationships within the team environment. Although there is no specific data on how many athletes are pursuing mental health support, many are candidly discussing their positive experiences.
Support can often come from coaches, teammates, and family, but external professional guidance often proves essential. Bueckers and Fudd, both recovering from significant injuries while part of the UConn team, have acknowledged the pivotal role sports psychologists have played in their recovery journey. Bueckers explained that having a support system where judgment is absent can ease nerves and help in focusing constructively, allowing athletes to be their best selves.
Rori Harmon sheds light on how crucial mental health resources can be, especially when dealing with injuries like her torn ACL sustained in December 2023. She emphasized the mental resilience needed for recovery but shared she hadn’t personally turned to a sports psychologist, highlighting the universality of these challenges.
The broader sports environment has seen increased attention to mental health, with UCLA’s Lauren Betts discussing her challenges against the backdrop of COVID, political climates, and the impact of social media. Transfer portals present another area of stress for athletes; Ashley Harmon’s team at Texas provides confidential counseling for those contemplating such moves.
The demand for mental health support continues to grow in athletic departments. For instance, Texas’ department, which initially had only Harmon in a full-time capacity, now includes nearly nine professionals. UConn also offers a suite of mental health services for its athletes, including counseling and psychological support.
Over at Tennessee, Joe Whitney, leading Mental Training for over 20 years, collaborates closely with another group dedicated to mental health. The integration of mental health and performance psychology is vital in supporting athletes through their distinct pressures. Establishing a confidential environment is crucial, ensuring athletes have a safe space away from the pressures of their public lives.
In this evolving landscape, colleges are increasingly committed to helping student-athletes navigate the challenging mental aspects of sports, providing essential support to ensure their well-being.