The Unspoken Athlete

Tag: mental-health

  • Wrapping Up Freshman Year

    As my freshman year comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting deeply on my first year of college track and everything that came with it. This year didn’t go the way I imagined or hoped it would. I fell short of many goals I set for myself. Goals I had worked hard toward and believed were within reach. Despite the setbacks, I’m learning to be grateful for the lessons this season has offered me, even if they didn’t come wrapped in the victories I initially envisioned.

    At the start of the year, I expected to hit big marks and qualify for the major meets. When that didn’t happen, my confidence took a hit. I started questioning myself: my training, my worth, my place on the team. I thought I was doing everything right: putting in the time, staying focused, giving it my all. But I wasn’t getting the results, and that was hard to accept. It led to some tough moments mentally, where self-doubt crept in and made it hard to see the bigger picture.

    Through many open and honest conversations with my coach, I started to realize that success doesn’t always come right away. We discussed things like timing, training cycles, and the small details that might be affecting my performance. I also had the chance to reconnect with Mike Higgins, someone who has been deeply influential in both my athletic journey and personal development, as I mentioned in my last post. After not seeing him for several months, our conversation brought a lot of clarity to where I am in life right now, and I’m truly grateful for that. These discussions, both with my coach and with Mike, helped me shift my mindset, from frustration and self-doubt to patience and personal growth.

    One unexpected outlet that helped me navigate this experience was this blog. Writing became a way to process what I was going through. It was more than just documenting my season, it became a safe space to unpack the weight I was carrying. It also allowed me to reach out to teammates and mentors, building a sense of connection and shared understanding. I realized I wasn’t alone in my struggles, and that brought a lot of comfort.

    Of all the topics I explored here, the one that resonates with me most is learning to find what works for you. I spent too much of the year looking sideways, comparing myself to others, measuring my worth by their successes. That mindset left me feeling empty. But I’m starting to accept that everyone’s path is different, and that doesn’t make mine any less valid.

    This year has taught me resilience. I may not have achieved everything I wanted, but I’ve built relationships, learned about myself, and grown in ways that will shape who I am moving forward. And for that, I’m proud. 

    Even so, there’s still progress to be made. Next year, I’ll be coming in with a different approach and renewed mindset.

  • Saying ‘No’ without FOMO

    As an athlete, there’s a lot you end up missing out on during college. Friday night parties when you’ve got a 6 a.m. meet, spring break trips that overlap with training, spontaneous weekday hangouts. It’s tough. And if you’re anything like me, that fear of missing out can hit hard. Sometimes it feels like you’re watching your college years pass by from the sidelines.

    I used to question it. I’d scroll through social media and feel that sting of “I should be there” or “I’m missing something.” There were moments when I felt isolated, like I was trading the full college experience for a never-ending cycle of workouts, meets, and exhaustion. But over time, I started to shift my perspective.

    I’ve learned to find meaning in the discipline. I feel proud of the times I’ve said no, because I know exactly what I’m saying yes to instead. Growth, progress, and becoming the best version of myself.

    That doesn’t mean I never make time for fun. In fact, staying social is what keeps me sane. I’ve just learned how to be intentional about it. Here are a few things that help:

    • Quality over quantity: You don’t have to go to every event. In fact, going to few social events make them that more special. 
    • Surround yourself with people who get it: When your friends respect your goals, you don’t feel bad for skipping out. My best friends are the same people I go through college athletics with, my teammates. 
    • Plan ahead: Know when your off days are, and build in time for rest and fun. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out to take a breather.
      Protect your peace: Social media can fuel FOMO. Mute, unplug, or take a break if it starts affecting your mindset.

    Since being in college, I can say it’s hard sometimes to not imagine my life now as anything else than it is. I may not be able to go to the 18+ bars on a Thursday or to the lake on  a saturday, but I honestly wouldn’t have my life with my tight group of friends any other way. 

    Being a student-athlete teaches you a lot. One of the biggest lessons is learning that you don’t have to be everywhere all the time. You’re choosing something bigger and more important to you, and that’s a good and mature thing. 

    It’s not about shutting yourself off from the world, it’s about knowing your priorities and finding balance. Because at the end of the day, I know the memories I’m making on the track, in the weight room, and with my teammates are just as real and just as meaningful as any party I didn’t go to.

  • Finding What Works for You

    In my last post, I talked a bit about comparison. How it creeps in, especially as athletes, and how the little things we overlook in our daily lives can actually have a big impact on our performance. I’ve been reflecting a lot recently, and I want to continue that conversation, especially for anyone who’s ever struggled with watching others succeed and wondering, “Why not me?”

    If you’ve ever found yourself comparing your progress to your friends, teammates, or competitors, you’re not alone. This season, I found myself trapped in that cycle more often than I’d like to admit. I’d wonder why I wasn’t hitting the marks I worked so hard for while others around me seemed to get there effortlessly. I’d do everything “right”. Go to bed early, get my homework done, stick to my routine. Meanwhile, I’d see teammates staying out late, skipping stretches, and still performing well. It was frustrating, confusing, and at times, disheartening.

    But over time, I learned a huge lesson: just because someone else’s path looks different, doesn’t mean yours is wrong. What someone else does has NOTHING to do with what you need to succeed. The biggest shift for me came when I started focusing on controlling my own controllables. I can’t control what time someone else goes to bed, what they eat, or how they train. And honestly? Some people thrive under totally different circumstances than I do, and that’s okay.

    I’ve learned that my body doesn’t function well at morning practice if I go to bed past 11:30 p.m. And even though I’ve been told I should eat a big breakfast, I’ve realized I perform better with just a smoothie or a yogurt. That’s what works for me. Your needs might be completely different. Maybe you function best with eight hours of sleep, or maybe you need to journal at the end of each day to stay focused. Maybe you need to plan your entire week on Monday so you can relax later. Whatever it is, find it.

    There are so many little habits we carry out every day that we rarely question. But those tiny things might be holding you back more than you realize. I’ve found that journaling regularly and staying grounded through my faith and attending church has helped me stay accountable and connected to my purpose. Those things keep me focused when doubt starts creeping in.

    So, if you’re not happy with where you are, whether that’s in athletics or just in life, try changing something small. One little shift in your schedule, one habit, one mindset change could be the missing piece to unlocking your full potential. Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it seems insignificant.

    At the end of the day, it’s about learning what YOU need, not what everyone else is doing. Because success doesn’t come from copying someone else’s formula. It comes from figuring out your own.

  • Change Something

    Over the past week, I’ve had time to reflect on this past indoor season and look ahead to the outdoor season. I haven’t been able to compete outdoors yet because of a knee injury I suffered two Mondays ago. Between slow recovery and inconsistent treatment, staying motivated has been a real challenge.

    Last week, I had a deep conversation with my coach where I opened up about everything I’ve been feeling. The frustration, the lack of progress, and why I think I haven’t been performing at the level I want to. After really listening, he suggested something unexpected: maybe what needs to change isn’t my training.

    As athletes, when we don’t see the results we want, our first instinct is often to train harder or switch up our workouts. But the truth is, performance is influenced by everything we do—not just what happens during practice or in the weight room. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, every decision we make affects our energy, recovery, and performance.

    It might sound strange, but being a great athlete isn’t just about lifting heavier or running faster. And I’m not just talking about eating clean or getting enough sleep, we’ve all heard that before. I’m talking about the little things we overlook. The things that don’t seem like they matter but just might.

    After that talk with my coach, I started journaling. Each day, I picked out small habits I could tweak. Things that might be impacting my performance in subtle ways. One example: I realized I always take super hot showers, the kind that fog up the whole bathroom. But after doing a little research and reflecting, I learned that hot showers were irritating my skin and making it super dry. It seems like a small thing, but if your body isn’t healthy, how can you expect it to perform well?

    Other things I’ve looked at: eating too late at night, slouching throughout the day, not wearing the right shoes. These may seem unrelated to athletic performance, but everything adds up. This past week, I focused on adjusting these tiny habits. Honestly, I’ve felt more energized in the mornings, less fatigued, and way more refreshed overall.

    Now, I’m not saying what worked for me will work for everyone. Maybe you’re fine with hot showers or eating dinner late. But maybe, for you, it’s your hydration or how much sunlight you get. That one small, overlooked detail could be holding you back.

    It’s something worth exploring. Because once you accept that everyone’s body needs something different, you stop comparing yourself to others. You stop wondering why someone else is thriving while you’re struggling. What works for one person might not work for you, and that’s okay.

    Everybody needs something different.

  • Outdoor!

    The outdoor season of track is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to take a fresh approach to mental health. 

     I can’t speak for every track athlete out there, but going into the outdoor season this year has been tough. Since the indoor season did not go as I hoped, it’s been hard to be mentally checked in for going outdoors. For me, it’s hard to enjoy a sport if I’m not excelling. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my performances and feeling frustrated with where I’m at. That pressure to do better and the comparison to others can make it hard to stay positive.

    At times when I feel helpless, I try to remind myself of why I love the sport in the first place. The milestones I’ve overcome, the high from accomplishments, and the people I’ve met are the reasons I keep going. It’s not just about crossing the finish line first or setting a personal best—there’s a deeper connection to the sport that keeps me pushing forward, even when the results aren’t what I expected.

    By reconnecting with the reason you love your sport, I believe you can preserve your mental health while chasing goals. It’s essential to not let the pressure of expectations steal the fun from your season. Track and field, like any sport, is meant to be enjoyed and cherished, and it’s okay to take a step back and focus on the process rather than just the outcomes.

    Remember, taking care of your mind is just as essential as strengthening your body. It’s about finding balance, embracing the ups and downs, and celebrating the small wins along the way. Keep showing up, trust the journey, and never forget why you started in the first place.

     It’s the passion that keeps you going when the road gets tough.

  • The Mental Game: A Conversation with Alison Hoodak 

    Being a student-athlete comes with a unique set of challenges. Balancing academics, training, performance pressure, and the occasional injury are all aspects of college athletics. For Alison Hoodak, a freshman on the University of Nothern Colorado Track Team, the experience is rewarding and demanding. 

    I had the chance to talk with Hoodak about her journey in college athletics so far. She provides a fresh perspective on the physical and mental challenges of sports and shares a unique story about the student-athlete experience. Hoodak is a sprinter and runs the 60, 100, 200, and 400-meter dash as well as various relays. 

    Being a student-athlete comes with expectations on and off the track. With the added visibility that comes with the athlete role, maintaining a positive image is almost second nature. 

    “We’re held to a higher standard, especially in public settings because there are more eyes on us,” Hoodak said. 

    College athletics isn’t just about competing well, it’s about representing their school, team, and the sport they play. Responsibility comes with its own set of pressures. Stress is an inevitable part of the experience. 

    Every athlete experiences anxiety and performance pressures differently. For some, it’s easier to maintain composure in a relaxed and focused setting such as practice. Conversely, Hoodak finds it easier to manage nerves during competition than when she’s training. 

    “When I’m competing, I’m a lot better at managing my mentality and not freaking out. If I’m having a bad day at practice, it’s a lot harder to keep myself in a positive headspace,” Hoodak said. 

    One of the toughest battles an athlete can face is injury. Trine University published an article titled “Mentally Overcoming Injuries” stating that when an injury occurs, athletes who have not developed a healthy coping mechanism to deal with failure may feel like they failed themselves. This past indoor season, Hoodak experienced a hamstring injury that prevented her from competing in the first half of the season. 

    “It was a battle to even show up every day since I was doing such easy rehab exercises instead of running and training. It felt like I wasn’t improving at all,” Hoodak said. 

    Hoodak said she has always been used to pushing her limits, so adjusting to the slower pace of recovery was a process for her. Despite the hardship that injury brings, Hoodak reminds herself that progress isn’t always going to look the same. 

    “Even if it doesn’t feel like I’m doing anything, I know I’m improving in some way. I might not be getting faster right now, but I’m getting stronger from when I first got injured,” Hoodak said. 

    Coming back from injury is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. The process can be frustrating, and athletes often don’t have a perfect answer for the stress and anxiety that come with it. What matters is showing up, trusting the journey, and recognizing that every step forward, no matter how small, is still progress. 

  • A Conversation with Jaelynn Lane

    When it comes to identity and mental health challenges, it can be difficult to realize that others are going through similar struggles. This is especially true when it involves a teammate. It takes a lot of courage to set aside the competition and training to be open with each other about sensitive topics. 

    My teammate and friend, Jaelynn Lane, generously shares her journey and highlights how her athletic experiences have influenced her perspective on sports and life. Lane is a freshman at the University of Northern Colorado, where she majors in sports and exercise science and is an athlete on the track team. Lane is a jumper and competes in the long and triple jump. 

    At the first indoor competition in December, Lane quickly excelled jumping new personal bests in the long and triple jump. 39’4.5 feet in the triple jump and 18’10 feet in the long jump ranked her top 10 in both events in the Big Sky Conference.

    Success is often accompanied by moments of struggle, a challenge that athletes face throughout their entire careers.

    Lane has been involved in athletics since she was three years old. From basketball and volleyball to soccer and track and field, sports have always been a part of who she is. “As an athlete, I rely heavily on my performance and that’s how I feel valued a lot of the time,” Lane said. As an athlete, it can be extremely difficult to accept that your worth as a person isn’t solely based on your performance. However, recognizing that the feeling is real and present is the first step toward growth, both as an athlete and as an individual. 

    The transition from high school to college athletics often brings changes in how athletes approach and manage their emotional well-being. The National Library of Medicine performed a study in 2024 discovering how moving into elite sports exposes athletes to various risk factors for mental health issues and demands a quick adjustment to integrate into the new environment successfully. For many athletes, the pressure to perform intensifies in the collegiate setting, making it a difficult adjustment for freshmen to handle. “It’s hard to stay positive if a meet didn’t go well and it gets to me more because now I’m competing at a higher level,” Lane said. College tends to amplify the highs of performing well and makes them feel incredibly rewarding, while the lows feel more difficult to bear than ever. 

    Positive self-talk plays a key role in maintaining an athlete’s mental well-being both during and outside of competition. By cultivating a growth-oriented mindset, it can alleviate anxiety and address other mental health concerns. Additionally, seeking support from trusted individuals can further contribute to an athlete’s mental health and resilience. “I try to tell myself that it’s okay to struggle and everything can’t be perfect. It’s okay to take a break and ask for help because you don’t have to deal with everything yourself,” Lane said.

    Being an athlete is being okay with not always having to be strong. 

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10924853/