Dear Athlete,

Here are a few words from Coach regarding Mental health awareness for you and your teammates...

Dear Athlete,

Mental Health Matters for Healthy Humanhood!

As your coach, I want to address an issue that is crucial for all of you as student-athletes - your mental health and wellbeing. Just like training your physical abilities, developing strong mental fitness is essential for performing at your highest level.

The stresses and demands you face every day are immense. Between tough workouts, relentless schedules, academic responsibilities, money pressures from NIL deals, team dynamics, career decisions looming, and more - it's easy to become overwhelmed. Your mental health can take a serious hit if you don't proactively care for it.

That's why this Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm urging all of you to make your psychological wellbeing a top priority, just like conditioning and skills training. An injury to your mind can be as detrimental to your game as a physical injury. We have athletic trainers to keep your bodies healthy - you need to be your own mental health trainer too.

Here are some key tips and strategies I want you all to start implementing as habits:

? Practice mindfulness and breathing exercises daily to calm anxiety and increase focus. Apps like Calm and Headspace are great for guided meditations.

? Journaling releases pent-up emotions and worries from your mind. Write out your thoughts before bed.

? Get adequate sleep every night - at least 8 hours. Fatigue drastically impacts mental sharpness.

? Limit your social media and watch less TV to avoid mindless stimulation overload.

? Exercise regularly for mental release, but have true off days too for rest and recovery.

? Talk to a counselor or sports psychologist if you need help coping with stress, trauma, etc.

? Voice struggles to your teammates, coaches, family. We're here to support, not judge.

The strongest competitors are those who train their minds just as hard as their bodies. Don't neglect your mental game - it may be the most critical component of all for achieving your full potential while staying happy and healthy in this high-pressure world of elite athletics.

I believe in every one of you to be a teammate who uplifts the entire group through your dedication to excellence - both physical and mental. You've got this. I'm here whenever you need me.

Love,

Coach Gunn

#ForeverAnAthlete

#MentalHealthAndWellbeing