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AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Athletes for Hope Announces Athlete Mental Health Alliance

WASHINGTON D.C.- Athletes for Hope (AFH) is proud to officially announce our Athlete Mental Health Alliance (AMHA), a coalition of athletes, mental health advocates, parents and partners invested in making athlete mental health a national priority.

The Athlete Mental Health Alliance (AMHA) aims to leverage the lived experiences and amplify the voices of athletes demanding a change in the sport system, as it pertains to their mental health. Through research, advocacy, and partnership we aim to facilitate a national plan supporting athlete mental health, developed with athletes, for athletes.

Our vision is to lift the ‘athlete voice’ as it leads the way in mental health solutions for elite athletes. Each of these voices combined will lead the charge in working with lawmakers to establish universal legislation that would create mental health rights for all athletes. Legislation created nationally could influence elite athlete programs as well as state and local youth mental health sports programs to create best practices and recommended training for athletes, coaches and trainers. Athletes for Hope is uniquely positioned to unite this national group with our experience in athlete advocacy and a strong network of professional, Olympic, Paralympic and student-athletes continues to grow.

“Athletes for Hope is proud to be convening this incredible group of athletes and mental health advocates who want to break down barriers to create change for athletes at all levels. Athlete mental health impacts millions of young people involved in sports of all ages and abilities, and our athlete network is poised to take action as advocates and community leaders.” Suzanne Potts, LMSW, MPH, Chief Wellbeing Officer at AFH. 

Members of the AMHA include individual athletes, Alston for Athletes, the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, American Psychiatric Association Foundation, Athlete Empowerment Initiative, Bipartisan Policy Center, the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sports, Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation, Enough Suffering in Silence, The Hidden Opponent, Hilinski’s Hope, Katie’s Save, Mindz Matter, Morgan’s Message, Philadelphia Youth Sports Collective, Sara Shulze Foundation, and Tackle What’s Next.

For media inquiries, please contact: Suzanne Potts, Spotts@athletesforhope.org

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About Athletes for Hope

Founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm, and nine other elite athletes in 2006, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a cause-neutral non-profit that educates, encourages, and empowers athletes to find their passions and use their time to positively engage with their communities. Over the past 16 years, AFH has educated more than 12,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and helped athletes volunteer with hundreds of underserved schools and impactful community organizations through core programs that focus on helping underserved children become more physically active, changing the public stigma around mental health, and brightening the lives of children in hospitals. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the world.

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

Athletes, Mental Health & How AFH is Addressing the Stigma

Reflecting on our work in advance of World Mental Health Day Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

One in five adults experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. For athletes, the issue of mental health is even more prevalent with around 35% of elite athletes suffering from burnout, eating disorders, and/or anxiety and depression. On the collegiate side, data suggests out of the general student population experiencing mental health challenges, 30% of them seek help, whereas out of the student-athlete population, only 10% do.1  Furthermore, suicide is the third leading cause of death among athletes.2

Performance anxiety, relentless pressure, and the emotional turmoil that can follow a career-ending injury can significantly impact an athlete’s mental well-being. These facts underscore that mental health isn’t a trivial matter; rather, it stands as a crucial element affecting an athlete’s performance and overall wellness.

As we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is underlining its dedication to emphasizing the importance of mental health in both athletics and society at large. Led by our Whole Being Athlete Program and our 22 Mental Health Ambassadors, our goal is to create and strengthen a network that inspires and activates a robust community to break down existing stigmas of mental health, in and out of sports. Since the inception of the program in 2021 and the addition of our Mental Health Champions Club in 2023, we have aimed to make a significant impact through various initiatives, always focused on changing the stigma around mental health by empowering athletes of all backgrounds to advocate for systemic change.


Education: We collaborate with organizations and experts in the field to provide athletes with training, resources and support. This ensures they have access to the tools necessary to address their mental health needs – and to support others – through our Mental Health Resource Hub.

Storytelling: We believe that sharing stories and opening up conversations about mental health is an enormous part of the work to break down the stigma. We feature athlete-written mental health stories and panel discussions, giving athletes a platform to share their stories, advocate for change, and find community with each other. 

Convening: AFH works to spread awareness in communities by hosting and supporting events nationwide, including the first Athlete Mental Health Advocacy Day at the U.S. Capitol this May and by holding monthly or quarterly committee meetings with our advocates, athletes, and key stakeholders.

Advocacy: Initiatives such as the Mental Health Champions Club and the Pledge to Reach Out are using the power of sports to bring wellness, kindness, and self-care tips to our community members. We work every single day to convene athletes and organizations that work every day to strengthen athlete mental health collectively.

AFH’s commitment to mental health in athletics is not just a matter of advocacy; it’s a matter of fundamental importance. As research shows, mental well-being significantly impacts athletics performance, and by extension, it touches the lives of millions who look up to these athletes. With an estimated 55% of kids in the U.S. participating in youth sports programs, there is a remarkable number of young people looking to elite athletes as role models in how they manage their careers, community, and mental health. It is critical that youth today have access to resources and support through their mental health journeys.

This World Mental Health Day, we invite you to join us in recognizing the profound significance of mental health in athletics and beyond. Together, we can create a world where mental health is prioritized, the stigma is eliminated, and support is readily available to all. Athletes for Hope stands strong in this mission, and we invite you to stand with us.

Mental Health Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

Boston College multi-sport athlete understands the importance of balance

Boston College multi-sport athlete Sydney Segalla may only be a sophomore, but the soccer and track star has already carved out a key role in both programs at her school. The 19-year-old committed to Boston College at the age of 15 and didn’t start running track until her senior year of high school, but her athletic ability was of no doubt to coaches. 

Sydney Segalla is photographed on the track in lane 7 as she gets set to run.

“Since I was already going to Boston College, the track coach just kind of reached out to me and was like since you’re already here, do you want to run track too?” Segalla said. 

Segalla comes from a family of athletes with a dad who played baseball at Quinnipiac University and a sister who played six years of soccer at West Virginia. The recruiting and training process for her and her two little sisters had been made easier because of the family’s experience, but two Division I sports at once is no easy task. 

Segalla has switched between positions on the soccer field and events in track, filling holes left by graduating players or injured teammates. As a freshman, she even helped break the program record in the 4×400-meter relay. 

“I remember as we went to Louisville for ACC indoors for track,” she said. “I flew back a day earlier than everyone and played in the game versus Northeastern for soccer the next day.”

It is this dedication that has allowed Segalla to perform at such a high level. She stays conditioned year-round and continues to make technical strides in each of her sports. The physical attributes are prevalent, but the mental aspect is the most difficult part. 

Boston College soccer player Sydney Segalla photographed juggling a soccer ball during a match.

To combat the pressures of high performance and a busy schedule. Segalla’s secret to success is so simple yet oftentimes overlooked- sleep. She has felt mentally drained during the season, but a consistent sleep schedule goes a long way in keeping her healthy and happy. 

“We have a lot of sports psychologists that like they’ve even reached out to me because they were like, ‘We know you have a lot going on if you really wanna chat,’” she added. 

Her journey has by no means been a solo battle either. Her coaches and advisors are constantly supporting Segalla to be the best athlete and person she can be while remaining mindful of her mental health. 

“[My soccer coach] was always open to me running track if he knew there was a possibility of me being successful,” she said. 

Sydney Segalla photographed with teammates Cleary and Krawczyk at the ACC Championships.

When she isn’t around her teammates, Segalla finds herself trying to relax and take her mind off of sports. She is constantly in practice and working out, so it can almost be a breath of fresh air away from the field or track. 

That being said, she knows she loves the competition and the idea of improving herself day in and day out. 

“I feel like I just kept running myself to the ground when I didn’t need to,” she said.”People understand you need a break. Don’t be afraid. I ask my coaches sometimes ‘Hey guys, I need to take the day off’ and people understand that.”

Athletics is more than just physical ability, and Sydney Segalla knows that in order to break more program milestones she is going to need to be aware of how she is feeling. Peak performance is not about burning yourself out, but consistently making sure you can maintain the level of activity you strive for. 

Segalla does just that.

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

AFH Transforms Popular AFH Fit Program

As Athletes for Hope continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing needs of students across the country, we are thrilled to announce that the AFH Fit Program has undergone a transformation this summer and will now be known as the CHAMPS Program.

Originally created to address the critical issue of childhood obesity, AFH Fit has been a part of hundreds of classrooms nationwide, impacting hundreds of thousands of kids. As the need for mental wellness in schools grows, AFH Fit has combined with our H.E.A.R.T. Curriculum to put children’s mental and physical well-being first.

Only one in four children in the U.S. is getting the recommended amount of physical activity each day. Getting kids moving – no matter the time of year – is important now more than ever as rates of depression and anxiety in youth have surged, a trend that has only intensified due to changes and stressors since the COVID-19 pandemic (www.childrenscolorado.org, 2023). According to Mental Health America, as of 2022 over 10% of America’s youth have severe major depression with approximately 15% having experienced a major depressive episode within the previous year.

Leveraging the structure of AFH Fit, the CHAMPS curriculum will integrate mental wellness lessons alongside our existing physical movement and leadership activities, creating a holistic approach to youth well-being. Program participants can expect to see brand new on-demand videos, student workbooks, and teacher guides that pair with each of the 6 sessions following the curriculum brought to them by professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes.

Courage | Honesty | Accountability | Mindfulness | Positivity | Strength

The monthly sessions reinforce the importance of physical activity, and children’s mental wellness, help to identify helpful behaviors and practices that promote daily mental health, and create a setting for open conversations about what wellness means for kids.

If you are a teacher who is interested in bringing an athlete to your classroom this fall (virtually or in-person), please fill out this signup form by September 29, 2023.

Mental Health Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

Just another player: How David Kubiak found joy in baseball

From college baseball to 36th round MLB draft pick to securing spots in 4 different organizations, David Kubiak’s baseball journey has been a series of ups and downs. 

Many baseball players picture themselves being drafted and having a long and lustrous career in the majors, but that is oftentimes not the case. Kubiak was cut from the Tampa Bay Rays on the last day of spring training and two years later found himself in Independent ball before taking time away from the game.

photo of David Kubiak pitching

“I think I still had some left in the tank,” Kubiak said. 

Upon his return to baseball, he went on to play several years in the Frontier League and Atlantic League before playing in the minors again. Stints in Mexico, Taiwan, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic have brought him to where he is today, playing winter ball. 

While it is a windy path, Kubiak counts his blessings for being able to play the game he loves for a living. 

“I was fortunate enough to get drafted,” he said. “I probably would have played four or five years, now I’m in my twelfth. The stability of affiliated ball is fickle for sure.”

Whether it is the politics within baseball or the sheer number of talents, Kubiak found himself in a unique position. On two separate occasions he decided to take a step away from the game, and each time he came back with a positive attitude. 

As a “faith-driven career,” baseball’s landscape is not for everybody, and mental health is an essential piece to the sport. 

“Mental health is finally starting to make its way into normal, non-taboo talk,” Kubiak said. “When I grew up it was kind of just shut up and play. You just wear it.”

Photo of David Kubiak meditating before a baseball game

The direction sports is headed in the mental health space has carved out roles for people like Kubiak to become advocates, sharing their stories and helping others find peace. 

Kubiak serves as Marketing and VIP Relations Coordinator at WhiteFlag App, a mental health app dedicated to changing the way people communicate and heal. He has worked with dozens of clients and ambassadors to help promote the app and change lives. 

He doesn’t try to mask his own struggles either. 

“I wasn’t happy playing,” Kubiak said about the times he had to step away. “It wasn’t fun to come to the field every day and that wasn’t how I wanted sports to be.”

His support system at home and two years of therapy have helped Kubiak realize that he is not alone. 

Photo of David Kubiak celebrating after a great performance on the mound.

“Everybody goes through this stuff, everybody has insecurities no matter how much people tell you they don’t,” he added. “It’s nice to have somewhere to outlet that.”

The resources being invested in the game from mental skills coaches to other athletes who have struggled speaking out are a few ways in which baseball is helping their own. 

David Kubiak may not have had the easiest journey, but he has found happiness within himself after every twist and turn. 

“Mental health is a really important part of sports,” Kubiak said. “I’m really glad it’s starting to come out of the shadows.”

Mental Health Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

Overcoming Mental Struggles By Leaning On Support

For University of Texas swimmer Riley Courtney, she knew when it was time to step out of the pool and focus on her mental health. 

Her eating disorder had begun to consume her life and impact her performance in the water. She entered the locker room one afternoon with her entire team present and explained the situation. Essentially, she told them she needed a break. 

“I was really worried about people thinking that I wasn’t committed or that I wasn’t hard-working,” Courtney said. 

Instead of viewing Riley as a quitter or feeling dismayed towards their teammate, the team rallied around her. Through hugs and messages, Riley’s departure away from the pool was the strongest decision she could have made in their eyes. 

The University of Texas women’s swimmers do periodic shout-outs to one another for performing well or doing something good for themselves. Riley’s shout-out and the sense of community surrounding the program helped her overcome the internal battles. It gave her people to turn to in her time of need. 

Swimming was a prominent piece of who she was at that moment, but when she decided to take time for herself, she not only learned the power of a healthy mindset but that she was capable of even more in her sport. 

“Everyone was on the same page that I was doing a different kind of work outside of the pool,” Courtney said. “That made me feel like I was bettering myself in the sport, because even though I’m not training physically…I’m working on a totally different aspect of myself that is going to help me.”

And even though she was not swimming, she still attended practices and meets to cheer on the same teammates who supported her day in and day out. 

Through the first few weeks, Riley felt all sorts of emotions, from frustration to impatience. She simply wanted to be back on the deck where she belonged with her anger rooted in a “genuine desire to swim.”

She decided that her well-being was more important, though, and this decision to improve her mind and body exclusively allowed for her to improve. She stopped blaming herself for letting the team down and began to view her self-help as crucial to her individual success and contributions. 

“By helping me I’m helping my team,” Courtney said. “I was actively working very hard.”

Outside of the sport, Riley’s interactions with friends and family reflected that of someone with an eating disorder. Yet even when she tried to mask her problems, her support system remained intact. 

They disassociated Riley from the eating disorder, and that made all the difference. 

“My best friends came to treatment with me and came to therapy with me to learn how to help me,” Riley said with a smile. “I didn’t like leaning on other people for help, and I have done a really good job of doing that.”

This realization helped save her life, and Courtney recognizes the importance of relationships in battling a mental illness. 

She knows it is never good to battle solo. 

“Lean on the people that care about you and love you,” Courtney said.