From Victory to Vulnerability:

Reflections and Recommendations on the Mental Health Landscape from a Former College Athlete

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33043/ksv4ugpbxe6

Keywords:

College Athlete, Mental Health, athlete mental health, MTSS, College Sport

Abstract

This commentary provides reflections and recommendations on the mental health landscape of college sport from a former Division I college athlete. The aim is to share my perspective and highlight opportunities to improve mental health conditions for college athletes. Specifically, I argue that mental health services in college athletic departments should be strengthened through the offering of services across multi-tiered systems of support. Providing mental health support and services across each of the three tiers in the multi-tiered systems of support framework may strengthen support systems, address diverse needs, destigmatize mental health in sport, and improve holistic college athlete well-being.

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Published

2026-04-11