By Carroll student-athletes partnered with the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation to participate in Student-Athlete Mental Health Week from Oct. 12-16.
The Hilinski’s Hope Foundation was founded in 2018 in memory of Tyler Hilinski, a Washington State University quarterback who died by suicide.
The organization promotes mental health awareness among collegiate athletes and encourages conversations that treat mental health with the same importance as physical health.
“Mental health should be talked about just like injuries or illness,” said the foundation’s founders, Mark and Kym Hilinski.
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee organized daily events on campus to support athletes and increase awareness of stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Events began on Sunday with free bowling at Sleeping Giant Lanes. Lanes opened up to all athletes at 3 p.m. and went till 5 p.m.
On Monday morning, athletes were offered smoothies made by the coaches at the PE center. Tables were set up near the entrance to give students a chance to connect before class.
Puppies from the Scholar Collar Dogs set up in the CUBE on Monday afternoon as well to provide stress relief and interaction.
Tuesday evening, there was yoga at the HAC to help athletes relax and reset for the week.
On Wednesday, athletes had the chance to go have a free wellness experience at Augment Wellness.
Finally, Thursday morning, bright and early, athletes met behind the Carroll apartments for a sunrise gratitude walk around Centennial Park to start the day of classes before fall break.
This week of events was a hit for Carroll athletes, not only for their mental wellness but also for team bonding.
“The bowling helped release stress and also was a fun experience to do with my team,” said sophomore softball athlete, Kyla Cross, a business management major from Bonney Lake, Washington.
Campus leaders said mental health remains a year-round issue, not just during awareness campaigns.
Confidential counseling services are available at Carroll for students experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, academic challenges, sleep issues, trauma, substance use, or suicidal thoughts. All services are free to students.
