From September 30 to October 7 is Student-Athlete Mental Health Week, and the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) used the home games at KSC to spread the message and raise awareness about student-athlete mental health.
SAAC’s message as stated on the KSC athletic website says their mission, “is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting athletic, academic, and social opportunities for all student-athletes; protecting student-athlete welfare; fostering a positive student-athlete image; providing a forum for student-athletes throughout the campus, conference, and NCAA; encouraging the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, while maintaining the tenants of the NCAA Division III philosophy: DISCOVER, DEVELOP, DEDICATE.”
Over Student Athlete Mental Awareness Week SAAC showed their support by supporting the other Owl sports at their home games/meets while spreading the message of their sponsors Hilinski’s Hope and Morgan’s Message.
Molly Edmark, the president of SAAC, and Captain of the field hockey team said, “Hilinksi’s Hope came and talked to student-athletes in the winter of last year and it was something that we invested in and we partnered with for such a good cause. We definitely are looking forward to making this a campus-wide thing in the years to come.”
SAAC’s partnership with Hilinski’s hope will reach a year in February, Edmark explained. “We’ve been pushing for student-athlete mental health and resources and awareness for almost two years now.”
During KSC’s home athletics shirts that said, “Mental Health Matt3rs” were being passed out to all the student-athletes either participating or spectating the events. Along with spreading Hilinski’s message, SAAC is also trying to get student-athletes more involved with the campus. Edmark said, “Owls for Owls is something we are doing within athletics where other athletes are required to go to other athletes’ games, but we are definitely trying to make it more campus-wide this year.” At the Volleyball game against Umass Dartmouth, men’s basketball and field hockey both made an appearance to support their fellow Owls.
Edmark explained that she hopes it will eventually go beyond athletics. “If there is a musical or a performance or an event held by a club, we are really trying to make sure athletes are getting out and supporting the campus because the campus does a really good job at supporting us,” she said.
Molly Lu McKellar can be contacted
at mmckellar@kscequinox.com
