In the world of college athletics, athletes are expected to perform to the best of their ability while still maintaining a good academic standing. 

But behind their sports and schoolwork, many athletes face the silent struggles of mental health. At Ashland University a group of student athletes is determined to change the stigma and offer support resources and encouragement to others who are facing similar challenges. 

Through their roles on the wellness team, leadership positions, and personal stories, these athletes are making mental health a priority while sharing their stories and experiences to reach other AU students  

Hunter Colao: Football  

Hunter Colao is a senior on the Ashland football team and has been an advocate for mental health awareness. As part of the AU Wellness Team, Colao is passionate about reaching out and using his social personality to make others feel important. 

He believes in small everyday conversations to help him get through the day. 

“I’m very social and I strongly believe that the little conversations I have with people can go a long way. It might just be the light they needed for the day,” Colao said. 

Having been clinically diagnosed with depression and anxiety, Colao uses his experience to be an advocate for other athletes struggling with their mental health.  

“My main message for people who are struggling is that you are not alone” Colao said. “Whether that be by the friends and family that surround you or our Lord and Savior Jesus there is always someone who cares about you.” 

Colao encourages fellow students and athletes to take advantage of the wellness resources available on campus. He firmly believes that reaching out for help is a sign of strength not weakness.  

“There are many resources around campus that are here to help, so please reach out and use them” Colao said. “You are not alone in your mental health battle.” 

 Sarah Watson: Women’s Soccer 

Sarah Watson is a junior on the women’s soccer team and President of the Wellness Team. She also plays a large role in spreading awareness on campus and on her social media platforms. Watson’s journey and passion for speaking out is deeply personal.  

In 2014 she tragically lost her father which was an event that changed her understanding of mental health. 

“It was the passing of my father that made me passionate about mental health,” Watson said. “I knew that God didn’t put me through something like this if it wasn’t for a greater purpose, to help others.” 

Watson created suicide prevention and awareness shirts for her soccer team which she sold throughout the Ashland area during the month of September. As President of the Wellness Team Watson has worked to promote mental health initiatives across campus. 

Her message is “Stay another day, you are not alone, it is okay not to be okay and KEEP GOING!”  

Watson uses her platform to ensure that students, especially athletes, understand that taking care of their mental health is just as important as physical health.  

“You cannot have the good days without the bad days” Watson said.  “Everything that happens in life is meant to happen for a reason.”  

Rachel Crumbacher: Lacrosse 

Rachel Crumbacher is a Junior Lacrosse player and President of Morgan’s Message at Ashland.  Crumbacher has worked to create a safe place to speak about mental health among athletes who often face the pressure to appear strong. 

“I want people to know that it is okay not to be okay and that there is always something to look forward to in the future, even if it doesn’t seem like it now,” Crumbacher said. 

She has dedication games for various sports teams at Ashland, where teams wear Morgan’s Message shirts and announce the cause before the game. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help. 

Crumbacher’s own experience with mental health struggles has been impactful to spreading messages regarding mental health, 

“I went through a tough time in high school and the way I felt back then is something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone,” Crumbacher said.  

Her message is as follows: “You are never alone and there is always hope.” 

Nick Barber: Wrestling 

Senior wrestler Nick Barber’s story is one of resilience and recovery. Barber struggled with depression and anxiety which led him to make a tragic decision during his freshman year.  

Barber found the strength to recover and coping mechanisms as he continued his journey. 

“Finding ways to cope and deal with my mental health has been helpful.  I’ve learned to slow things down, take time for myself, and learn to say no when things get too overwhelming,” Barber said. 

Barber is committed to being open arms for others by reaching out to teammates and friends in other sports to ensure they feel supported.  

“Everyone is going through something you don’t know about,” Barber said.  “Smile and have conversations, open yourself up to people, and reach out if you need help. It’s the hardest step, but it’s the best step someone can take.” 

Barbers message is as follows: “It’s okay to not be okay. Athletes are not defined by their performance, and the stress or pressure of competition doesn’t have to control your life. Take care of yourself and always remember that better days are ahead.” 

Chase Carter: Baseball 

Chase Carter is a senior on the AU baseball team, and he brings a unique perspective to mental health awareness through his leadership in the team with a bible study group. By allowing a space for open conversation about the emotional challenges athletes face. 

 Carter helps his teammates cope with the stress and failures that are part of their sport. 

“Being able to relate to my teammates in that way allows us to talk about how to deal with the constant struggles we face as athletes. I love being able to help them deal with stress and to remind them that they aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure” Carter explains. 

Mental health has always been closely tied to his faith, during his freshman year, he struggled to find peace in his life and was feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. But through Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the support of those around him he found strength and purpose. 

“I was struggling to find peace in the actions in my life, but FCA showed me where to find peace and how to use the issues I was going through at the time to help others in the long run” Carter said. 

His message is as follows: “There is someone out there who is dealing with the same things you are. Struggling is something everyone goes through and facing it head-on will make you stronger in the long run. Keep fighting you are capable of a lot more than you think.” 

If you or a loved one need any help, please feel free to reach out to on campus resources mentioned above.