Mental health remains a critical yet under-prioritized issue among student-athletes. According to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report, 36.2 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25, approximately 12.6 million people, experienced a mental illness. Student-athletes are a part of this demographic, and more must be done to create a supportive environment where they feel empowered to seek help and openly discuss their struggles.
California has recognized the importance of this issue through the CalHOPE Courage Award, which celebrates college student-athletes who have overcome substantial challenges to excel academically and athletically. The monthly award highlights the resilience of these student-athletes and demonstrates that facing and overcoming challenges is a natural part of the journey.
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In October 2024, Aaliyah Gayles, a sophomore at USC, and Jalen Daniel-Dalton, a senior at San Francisco State, were honored for their courage and perseverance in overcoming significant physical and mental health challenges. Aaliyah’s life changed in April 2022 when she was shot at a house party, suffering injuries to her arms and legs. Despite a grueling recovery, she returned to the court for USC in November 2023, playing with determination and heart. Reflecting on her journey, Gayles shared:
This journey has been the hardest battle of my life. There were days when the pain and fear felt overwhelming, but basketball was my motivation to keep pushing. Every step I took was about getting back to the game I love. I leaned on my family, coaches, and teammates, who lifted me up when I needed it most. Their belief in me, along with my passion for basketball, helped me overcome every obstacle.
Jalen Daniel-Dalton, in 2023, balanced the demands of being a student-athlete with the responsibilities of becoming a father. The experience took a significant mental toll on him, yet he remained committed to his goals. Daniel-Dalton shared:
Through it all, I am proud that my resilience and commitment to both my family and team has defined my journey and made me stronger both on and off the court. My challenges have been a test of mental strength and resilience. Balancing basketball, school, and becoming a father pushed me in ways I never expected. There were moments I felt overwhelmed, but I relied heavily on the support of my family, teammates, and coaches. They helped me stay grounded and focused. Without them, I don’t know how I would have made it. I’ve learned that you don’t have to face challenges alone; you can lean on those around you. While stories like Gayles’s and Daniel-Dalton’s inspire and encourage others, they also highlight the broader mental health challenges faced by student-athletes. These challenges are exacerbated by factors like online harassment and the harmful effects of sports betting culture.
With the legalization and rise of sports betting across the U.S., student-athletes have faced increased scrutiny, pressure, and harassment from gamblers. The mental health effect is undeniable. Many athletes report receiving abusive messages on social media when their performance affects betting outcomes, often from strangers who have placed bets on games. This harassment can range from insults to threats of violence, creating an overwhelming environment for athletes already under immense pressure to perform.
In a recent statement, the NCAA described the pressures student-athletes face:
Imagine playing a sport you love, giving it your all in every game. In addition, you’re balancing your academic studies as you pressure yourself to succeed in the classroom and on the field. If that weren’t enough pressure, you also have strangers harassing you via social media, spouting abusive threats because they’ve lost money based on your performance or that of your team.. It’s a mental health nightmare. Harassment related to sports betting can cause serious harm to student-athlete mental health and well-being. The NCAA is doing more than ever to address the rise of sports betting — including monitoring and flagging abusive social media content, providing e-learning content, educating on campuses and even lobbying states to change sports betting laws.
In response, the NCAA has begun addressing sports betting’s negative effects through increased education, monitoring social media abuse, and advocating for policy changes to regulate betting more effectively. However, these efforts are only a starting point.
Beyond sports betting and online harassment, other issues also affect student-athletes, such as weight and body image struggles, substance abuse, overtraining, and the pressure to maintain peak performance. These challenges not only affect athletic and academic success but also take a toll on their mental well-being.
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Although the NCAA has taken steps by offering resources and raising awareness, universities must do more to protect and support their student-athletes. Institutions should implement comprehensive mental health programs, including mandatory counseling sessions, regular mental health evaluations—especially for injured athletes—and access to on-campus mental health professionals.
Higher education has a responsibility to foster environments where mental health is prioritized as much as athletic and academic achievement. By taking proactive measures, universities can ensure that student-athletes are equipped to thrive not only in their sports and studies but in every aspect of their lives.
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