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Olympic Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by Nick Gangewere

Shannon Boxx continues shining beyond the field

For National Soccer Hall of Famer Shannon Boxx, it is the people, not the sport itself, that have helped her down the path to becoming a national icon. The former midfielder participated in three Olympics and four World Cups for the United States, but her career highlights stem well beyond the field. 

Boxx simply embraced every aspect of her life, from her multiracial heritage or numerous injuries, en route to a game that took her from the age of 4 to the age of 38. Despite receiving her first call-up at 26, Boxx ranks within the top-12 of Americans with the most career appearances and has the most USWNT appearances of any Black woman. She had a 12-year national team career, yet it was the choices outside of soccer that has stuck with Boxx the most. 

As a professional athlete I always knew I had a greater responsibility than just performing on the field. As a female athlete I knew how important it was for me to be a role model.

Shannon Boxx

And a role model she was. 

Boxx was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 30 during one of the best times of her playing career. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder where one experiences inflammatory fatigue from one’s own immune system attacking its tissue. This made not only soccer but life, difficult for Boxx. 

She had to learn how to understand her body in ways she never truly thought about before, noticing signs that could lead to sudden bursts of muscle and joint pain. 

The USWNT starter was just two years removed from a FIFA Player of the Year finalist berth in 2005 when Lupus tried to derail her. However, Boxx did not let the disorder dictate her lifestyle. It eventually sparked a new goal: wanting to help others. 

I was afraid to let people know about my Lupus but once I realized how important it was for me to share my story, to make Lupus visible, I wasn’t afraid anymore.

Shannon Boxx

What went from a fear of looking weak became her biggest strength. 

Today, Boxx is one of the biggest advocates for spreading awareness about Lupus and points to her passion for the subject as the key reason she wants to find new ways to help. 

“It wasn’t until around 2012 I realized with social media how important it was for me to use my platform to help others and to bring greater awareness to things I truly cared about,” Boxx said.

Athletes for Hope has helped Boxx in more ways than one and continues to stand alongside the former soccer star throughout her advocacy journey, becoming another name to the list of people that have had a mutual impact with Boxx along the way. 

When you are passionate about something it makes it easy to create space for it. I truly enjoy helping empowering others to reach their full potential and I have loved that Athletes for Hope has helped me find avenues to be able to do that.

Shannon Boxx

So while soccer as a game has given Boxx a platform to become a notable advocate for Lupus, without her family, friends, coaches, and teammates along the way, she does not believe she would have seen the same success. 

“I feel so blessed to have been able to do the things that I have done and I know everything I have accomplished is because of the support of the people around me who were willing to make time for me,” Boxx said. “I have always wanted to pay that kindness forward.”

Four Olympics and three World Cups do not define Shannon Boxx’s legacy. The mark she is leaving surpasses her success on the field as she has used her platform for good. She is helping create the change she once wished to see in the world, a change that shines a light on the disorder that she thought might bring her down. 

Boxx realized that her fears were in her head, and the impact she could make was important enough for her to overcome her own doubts. 

My advice is just get out there and try it even if you don’t know exactly what cause you are interested in yet. Use Athletes for Hope to help connect you and over time you will realize where your passion lies.

Shannon Boxx

Mental Health Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

Mental Health Is Not a Weakness

An interview with Remy Bikowski.

Remy is a University and current Co-Founder & Managing Director of Clutch ICONS, a clothing brand aimed to empower athletes. He attended the University of South Florida where he pursued his business degree while serving as an offensive lineman and student assistant for the Bulls football program.


What has your mental health journey looked like and how has it impacted your status as an athlete?

My mental health journey began at Temple University when I tore my ACL. The medical staff recommended that I have a session at TUWELL, the on-campus therapy service for athletes. While my first few sessions focused mostly on my injury, I slowly started opening up and working towards understanding the roots of some of my emotions. As a child, I became accustomed to insecurity, not knowing what the future held, and anxiety that I had to do extremely well to set myself up for a chance at a better life. I often felt that I had to be perfect in my actions and daily tasks to have a chance at making something of myself. This anxiety carried over into athletics, where I consistently imposed my will to control everything, which I thought might improve my chances of success. Instead of looking inward, I focused on minute details such as my diet, sleep, flexibility, strength, injury prevention and rehabilitation, and hydration.

I often felt that my feelings did not matter and that my value as a person was solely based on my performance in sports and academia.

Remy Bikowski

Why are you passionate about mental health awareness?

I am passionate about mental health awareness due to my personal struggles and the struggles of my teammates. Through sports, I’ve had many conversations with teammates where I feel unequipped to help them. I always provide a listening ear and compassion to my teammates, but I often saw how athletes in hyper-masculine sports, such as football, chose to diminish their feelings and focus solely on sports. Additionally, the constant pressure to prove toughness and grit becomes exhausting. I have personally been made fun of by coaches for being “soft” or not playing through an injury, even though later MRIs revealed that I had a herniated disk. The level of anger I felt towards the coaching and medical staff was unhealthy, and I am grateful that I reached out for appropriate support instead of mishandling the situation and losing my temper. If there were less of a stigma around being “soft,” playing with serious injuries could be avoided, as it is dangerous and may result in further injury.

What resources have you found helpful in your mental health journey?

Throughout my playing career, I found on-campus mental health services made specifically for athletes to be the most beneficial. I greatly appreciate Dr. Stephany Coakley at the TUWELL offices at Temple University, as well as Dr. Lee Dorpfeld, Director of Sport Psychology at the University of South Florida. These two people greatly impacted my life for the better and inspire me to continue improving through my mental health journey. These sessions helped me get through surgical procedures, family hardship, and personal dilemmas.

Athletes endure more stressors than the average student, and the pressure to perform can wear us down. Feeling understood and knowing that there is someone to turn to is an invaluable resource for athletes.

Remy Bikowski

What advice would you give to someone who might be struggling with their own mental health?

The advice I would give to someone struggling with mental health, especially someone dealing with a constant perfectionism, shame, and guilt cycle, is to show up for yourself just one time. Too often, we will defend friends and family, and provide support and empathy to others, but never ourselves. It is much more difficult to rationalize neglecting and hurting ourselves when we take a moment to reconnect with our inner child. Try to be more forgiving and realize that you are human too. We all make mistakes, react poorly, and fail to communicate sometimes. This does not mean that we are unworthy of love, kindness, or patience.

What do you hope the future of sports and mental health looks like?

I hope that the future of mental health in sports is one of open communication and understanding. I hope that athletes feel comfortable leaning on their peers and resources for support. A future where a seriously injured athlete can get checked out by medical staff without being made fun of or belittled. 

I hope that one day, talking about genuine mental struggles will not be associated with being “soft.”

Remy Bikowski

How can people be more supportive of mental health and advocate for change?

People can become more supportive of mental health by gaining a deeper understanding of each other. Isolated thoughts tend to spin out of control quickly, but if we communicate more with each other, we could find comfort in mutual understanding. Often, just talking it out can significantly reduce stress and increase empathy for others and ourselves. Advocate for change by being there for someone, and most importantly, be there for yourself!

Paralympic Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

Cycling Towards Inclusion

Paralympic Athlete Katie Walker discovered the Paralympic Movement in 2013, competing in Para track & field from 2013-2016. In 2020, she found her passion for indoor cycling, making the U.S. Paralympic Cycling Team in 2022. Katie has been an AFH Athlete since 2021 and is passionate about representation in sports.

What has your experience been as an athlete with a disability?

I grew up playing able-bodied sports, softball/baseball and basketball, from age 5-20. I then transitioned to training for the Paralympics at age 25-present. 

You may fail or find it difficult to adapt in the beginning, but be persistent and don’t give up if it’s what you want to do. It will get easier with time. 

Katie Walker

Who has been your biggest support?

Currently, U.S. Paralympics Cycling is providing support. In addition, my coaches and teammates have all been hugely supportive. Growing up, I did not have a ton of role models who looked like me. I did, however, find inspiration from Jim Abbott at an early age. I think because of his exposure, I gained confidence knowing I could also play baseball (and play well) even though I was missing my left forearm/hand. In addition, I think because my coaches had awareness of him, they were better able to coach an athlete who had a similar disability.

How can athletes at all levels support their peers with disabilities in sports?   

Keep an open mind and be patient. Don’t be scared to ask questions or offer support if that is what you are feeling. Be accepting, encouraging and respectful.

Why do you think it is important to celebrate differences?   

Celebrating differences spreads awareness and increases exposure to what may have been considered fearful or shameful. With greater exposure and awareness comes more knowledge surrounding those differences.

Knowledge dispels fear, and when fear is diminished, understanding and acceptance come into existence. 

Katie Walker

What do you think will help raise awareness and inclusion when it comes to disability in sports?

I think continuing to increase the exposure of the Paralympic Movement will increase awareness and inclusion of disability in sports. 

Collegiate Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

Creating A Legacy At Clark Atlanta

In this special edition of our Athlete Spotlight, Benjamin Raspberry reflects on his time at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

Photos courtesy of Benjamin Raspberry and Gaiter Sports.

What is your name, school, and sport?

My name is Benjamin Raspberry and I attend the illustrious Clark Atlanta University. I play basketball and run Cross Country as a student-athlete here.

Why did you decide to attend an HBCU?

I decided to come back home to Clark Atlanta because of the family environment and overall opportunities it gave me. You can always find yourself networking, eating different food from your peers, and enjoying amazing experiences. 

In what ways does your sports team integrate into your school’s community through service?

Family. I think that is the one thing that we integrate into the community. That’s always been the one thing I love about Clark Atlanta. No matter the good or the bad, you have a family to come to and rely on. From my experience, it’s always showing love, taking pictures with kids, and dancing with the community, serving food, or just having important conversations to impact Atlanta and our University.

Giving back is the least we can do and there is so much more that we can bring to the community. Focusing on the bigger picture is what I and my team members value. 

Benjamin Raspberry

Who is a professional athlete you look up to and why?

Kawhi Leonard & Damian Lillard. I picked these athletes because of their quiet personas and “actions speak louder than words” personalities. They do a lot for the community, but they allow other people to shine because the people brought them up and made them who they are today. 

How does being an athlete help you give back to your community? 

Being an athlete helps me to be a mentor to the next generation. I was fortunate enough to be a ranked athlete in Georgia and was able to give advice or take pictures with kids just to make their day. I know what it’s like to see and look up to an older player. To move, act, and carry yourself the way that the mentor carried himself. For me, those guys were Brandon Robinson, Colin sexton, and Jaylen Brown.

What are your career aspirations? 

I want to be a professional basketball player, but every athlete has several backup options. Other options for me are an FBI Agent, successful entrepreneur for my clothing brand ( FLO – Family, Love, Opportunity), and the last option would be to work on an NBA marketing team.

What would your advice be to other student-athletes considering attending an HBCU?

My advice to future students wanting to attend an HBCU is to do your research. Get all the financial aid you can possibly find, network with faculty & staff early, and get involved early as well.

The perfect word for my experience is probably legacy. Wanting to leave your mark is the best way to go to the next chapter of your life once graduating.

Benjamin Raspberry

Hear from other AFH University student-athletes talk about their experiences attending an HBCU in the first episode of our HBCU Panel Series below!

Olympic Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

STEM Leader, Philanthropist and Olympic Gold Medalist 

Katie Ledecky is the most decorated female swimmer of all time with seven individual Olympic gold medals and 19 World Championship titles, owning 18 out of 20 of the fastest 1500m freestyle times. She has prioritized community service and giving back throughout her career, earning Athletes for Hope’s 2022 Community Hero Award for her work in communities across the United States. 

What inspired you to give back to your community and use your platform for good?

It is important to me to be able to give back to my community, inspire others and be a positive force in the world. As a young swimmer growing up, I never imagined I would be in a position to make a difference. Now, I really try to embrace the opportunities that I have, whether it’s in my community or around the country and even around the world, to try to inspire young athletes or young adults to dream big, go for their goals and to find the things that they’re passionate about and be the best that they can be at those things.

It’s one thing to be recognized for my accomplishments in the pool. But it’s really special to be recognized for what I do outside of it.

Katie Ledecky

When was the first time you got involved in community service?

I got involved in community service after I went to my first Olympics at age 15. When I got back from London I had a lot more opportunities to give back. One of my first visits back in Maryland after winning my first gold medal was to Walter Reed where I met with the Wounded Warriors.

I’ve found that there’s really a power to the gold medal. It can really light up someone’s face. And so if I can make someone smile on any given day, that makes me smile, makes me happy.

Katie Ledecky

What area of service are you most passionate about?

I’m really passionate about education and I love speaking to young students about the importance of education. I work with Panasonic and Discovery Education on an equal-opportunity STEM program called STEM Forward that encourages young students to get involved in science, technology, engineering and math.

Any opportunity I have in life to inspire young kids to pursue their passions, especially in STEM education, I’m going to take it. Whether students use STEM skills for better problem-solving or critical thinking in life, or for a future career, it’s important that they have equal access to help propel them forward.

Katie Ledecky

What are some other community service initiatives you are involved in?

I am a huge advocate for teaching others how to swim and making sure that as many young kids learn how to swim as possible because the drowning rate is still way too high. I enjoy visiting children’s hospitals whether it is in-person or a virtual visit. I also support organizations like Bikes For The World and the Wounded Warrior Project as well as Shepherd’s Table.  

I try to help out in my community as much as I can. I think all athletes, no matter the level that they’re at, have the opportunity to give back and to help others.

Katie Ledecky

*photos courtesy of Panasonic

International Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

Fijian Basketball Player Joshua Fox on the Importance of Giving Back

Fiji native Joshua Fox played college basketball at UC Davis before playing professionally across both Europe and Australia. Joshua has also been given the opportunity to represent his home country of Fiji in international competitions. Currently, Joshua is transitioning from being a professional athlete, to a retired athlete and is focusing his work on creating a positive impact in his native county of Fiji.

What was the first moment you realized the importance of using your platform to give back?

There were two occasions that truly stuck out to me. The first was seeing my mom pack and send things back to Fiji despite us not having much. The second was kids and adults messaging me from Fiji. I never realized the impact and reach I had on people back home. It became clear that I have more influence than I could have imagined.

How do you balance being a professional athlete and participating in service?

The balance is similar to when you have your practices and workouts. You organize your schedule to make time to give back to your community.

Giving back not only allows you to chase your passion for helping others, but it gives you a needed escape to get away from thinking only about yourself. 

Joshua Fox

What has inspired you when giving back to your community?

I was inspired by all the people who helped my family and I when we first arrived in the United States. This helped us get our footing and once we did, my mom started sending supplies and money back to the communities in Fiji.  

I am blessed to have what I have and I am lucky enough to give back to Fiji.

Joshua Cook

What is your advice to other athletes across all levels of sports who are looking to get more involved in community service and giving back?

Just start. Like everything else you have in life once you start, you gain experience, knowledge, and momentum. Do not worry about how big or small the impact is. Any impact that helps someone is incredibly positive. Enjoy it and make friends with other volunteers and people within the communities you are helping.

What does the future of your charitable involvement/advocacy look like? What are your long-term goals?

My long-term goal is to create a nonprofit focused on giving back to Fiji. I want to help change and push the country forward by being able to give back on a bigger more impactful scale. At the moment I have been focused on clothes, school & work supplies, non-perishables, and shoes.

Do not worry about how big or small the impact is. Any impact that helps someone is incredibly positive

Joshua Fox