I’ve been playing softball since I was old enough to hold a ball.
My dad played collegiate baseball, and he helped me learn the game.
He taught me how to throw and even coached me through rec ball.
At first, I just wanted to spend time with him, and it was a great bonding experience for us. But as time went on, I started playing travel ball and doing well.
When I was about 12 or 13 years old, I attended a college camp, and one of the coaches actually told me that I was good enough to play at the collegiate level.
That was the moment I set my sights on college softball.
I had never thought of it as an opportunity for myself before, but from that point on, it became a goal.
I worked hard, and eventually, I ended up at the University of San Diego.
Keep Learning
If I had to give advice to someone who wants to be where I am today, it would be to always keep learning.
Whether it’s in school, life, or sports, the more we learn, the more we grow.
Staying curious and expanding my softball IQ has been crucial in my journey to reach this level.
It has allowed me to develop skills that I will carry with me throughout my life.
Another important piece of advice is to give yourself grace.
The journey to get to where I am now has been incredibly challenging.
I put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed and be the best, and it took a toll on my mental health.
I wish I could go back and tell my younger self that perfection is not necessary.
Giving myself grace and understanding that I don’t have to be flawless would have made a significant difference.
Mental Health in Sports
My advocacy for mental health, specifically in sports, began after I reached one of the lowest points in my life.
I was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and I even contemplated suicide.
Everything felt dark, and I had no hope or plans for the future.
Fortunately, I had teammates and friends who were there for me during this difficult time.
They helped me get the care I needed, and I started advocating for mental health in college athletics.
My goal was to provide resources and create awareness about mental health so that others wouldn’t feel alone like I did.
I began sharing my story on social media and even conducted a study at my institution to calculate the mental health rates of our athletes, which I took to the administration.
I channeled my activism by becoming a head campus captain with The Hidden Opponent and an ambassador for Morgan’s Message, both nonprofit organizations.
I’m also proud to have created my own clothing brand, where 100% of the profits go back to mental health nonprofits.
The goal is to spread positivity and help others realize that they are not alone.
PTSD is something I particularly want to shed light on, as it often goes unnoticed, especially in athletics.
My journey with mental health started when I suffered a skull fracture and brain bleed while pitching in a softball game at the age of 14.
I developed PTSD about six months later, which manifested in elevated heart rates, panic attacks, and difficulty throwing strikes.
I didn’t understand why I was acting the way I was, and I felt isolated.
It’s important for people to know that PTSD is a normal and treatable condition, even in athletes.
The stigma surrounding mental health in sports suggests that if we’re struggling mentally, we’re weak and risk losing our starting positions.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
I strive to talk about it openly and help others realize that they’re not alone and that their worth is not defined by their performance.
Balance
Balancing the demands of training, academics, and personal life can be challenging, especially during the season.
One strategy that has been effective for me is having a schedule and planning my days.
Being organized allows me to manage my time better.
Journaling has also been helpful in dealing with anxiety.
It allows me to express my emotions and clear my mind, enabling me to focus on the tasks at hand.
Taking each moment as it comes and grounding myself in the present has been another valuable strategy for maintaining balance.
As I continue on my path, I have two strong women who inspire me.
My mom has shown me that I can do anything I set my mind to, both in my career and in having a family.
She has beautifully balanced both aspects of her life, and I look up to her immensely.
In the world of softball, one of my greatest role models is Danielle Lawrie, a former softball pitcher at the University of Washington and a member of the Canadian national team.
She taught me how to use my voice, be mentally tough, and stand up for myself.
I’m grateful for her guidance in helping me grow as a pitcher and player.
Looking Ahead
I have big plans for my future.
I’m currently applying to medical school with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist or sports medicine doctor.
I want to find my way back into athletics with a medical degree and make a difference in how we treat mental and physical health, especially in sports.
In the next year, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in sports administration at Gonzaga University.
I believe that in order to change the system, you have to understand it from the inside out.
I’m excited to continue making a difference in the lives of athletes, both mentally and physically.
My journey in softball and my advocacy for mental health have shaped me into the person I am today.
I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the impact I’ve been able to make.
I will continue to learn, grow, and spread awareness about mental health in sports, with the hope of creating a more supportive and understanding environment for athletes.
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📷 McKenna Braegelmann and University of San Diego Athletics
