Pushing Our Scholars Forward

Sports have shaped my identity for as long as I can remember. As a competitive volleyball player, I thrived in the structured, high-pressure environment of athletics. The sport taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of a strong mindset. But when my career was cut short by injury, I found myself in uncharted territory—grappling with the loss of something that had defined me for so long. The transition was disorienting. I realized just how much my mental well-being had been tied to my sport, and for the first time, I truly understood the struggles that many athletes face when their physical abilities no longer align with their ambitions. That experience solidified my passion for athlete mental health. I saw firsthand how often mental struggles in sports go unspoken, how the pressure to perform can overshadow emotional well-being, and how many athletes, especially Black athletes, are left to navigate these challenges alone. This realization led me to pursue a degree in psychology and dedicate my career to ensuring that athletes have the mental health support they need—not just to perform at their best, but to thrive as individuals. The MASPP program at the University of Denver is the perfect fit for my aspirations. It provides the rigorous training and applied experience necessary to make a real impact in sport psychology. More than that, it aligns with my mission to bridge the gap between performance and well-being, particularly in communities where mental health resources are limited. My goal is to develop sustainable, athlete-centered mental health initiatives that address Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) early, improve the coach-athlete relationship through mental performance training, and ensure that athletes at HBCUs have access to the same mental health resources as those at PWIs. Mental health in athletics is often treated as secondary to physical performance, but I believe they are inseparable. The knowledge and skills I gain in this program will help change that narrative—allowing athletes to see that mental well-being is just as important as strength, speed, and skill. Through my work, I want to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in sports, particularly for Black athletes who often face additional cultural and systemic barriers to seeking help. I want to create spaces where athletes feel safe expressing their emotions, discussing their struggles, and accessing the support they need. This means not only working with athletes, but also educating coaches, sports organizations, and institutions on how to integrate mental performance and well-being into their programs. My long-term vision is to develop comprehensive mental health and performance programs that are accessible to athletes at every level—from youth sports to professional leagues. By implementing early intervention strategies, particularly for athletes who have experienced childhood trauma or adversity, I hope to create a healthier, more sustainable sports culture where athletes don’t have to choose between success and well-being. Balancing full-time work while being a graduate student has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. As a clinical research coordinator, mentor, and coach, I wear multiple hats daily—often juggling responsibilities that demand my full attention. There are days when exhaustion sets in, the workload feels overwhelming, and imposter syndrome tries to creep in. But through it all, I’ve learned resilience in a way that no textbook could teach. I’ve developed time management skills that allow me to stay on top of my studies while remaining committed to my work. More importantly, I’ve learned how to prioritize my own mental well-being—practicing the same strategies I advocate for in athletes. These experiences allow me to approach my education with a deeper sense of purpose.