In professional sports, athletes are celebrated for their physical strength, grit and determination.

But as the world of sport evolves, so does our understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels.

Athletes like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Kevin Love have bravely stepped forward to remind us that mental health is just as important as physical fitness.

Their openness sparked a much-needed conversation, challenging beliefs about mental toughness and resilience in sports.

The question is not whether mental health matters, but how the world of sport will respond to this growing awareness.

Historically, athletes were expected to be invincible, and their mental health was often overlooked or downplayed in the pursuit of victory.

But that is changing.

Former USC volleyball star Victoria Garrick, who was once at the top of her game, has dispelled the myth of athlete invulnerability by speaking openly about her struggles with anxiety and depression during her college career.

Garrick, who once helped lead her team to the NCAA Final Four, revealed that the pressures of performance, combined with expectations to maintain a perfect image, took a toll on her mental health.

Her honesty in sharing her story has made her a leading voice in the mental health movement, especially for student-athletes.

Garrick’s bravery is helping to remove the stigma surrounding mental health, and her advocacy is pushing organizations to better support the mental wellbeing of athletes at all levels of competition.

The shift in how we view mental health in sports has been significant, with leagues and teams increasingly recognizing the importance of psychological well-being.

The NBA, for example, launched a mental health and wellness program that gives players access to therapists and mental health professionals.

According to a 2022 study by the NCAA, nearly 30 percent of student-athletes reported feeling “mentally exhausted,” highlighting the pressure to perform at every level of competition.

These developments reflect a wider cultural shift where athletes are no longer expected to ‘go hard’ at the expense of their mental health.

What is happening in sport reflects a wider change in society. Athletes are models of physical excellence, self-care and vulnerability.

The word is empowering millions of people, fans and even non-fans, to prioritize their mental health. It’s a reminder that no one, not even world-class athletes, is immune to mental health struggles.

Their courage normalizes conversations about wellness and reminds us that strength comes in many forms.

As mental health continues to evolve, it is clear that the future of sport depends on the continued integration of mental wellbeing into athlete care.

Leagues and organizations must strive to provide resources, not only for elite athletes, but also for competitors at every level. The sports community is learning that true strength isn’t just about pushing through adversity and recognizing when to seek help.

By doing so, athletes pave the way for a healthier and more supportive sports culture.

Jadeyn Price is a junior at Penn State Altoona and a member of the school’s volleyball team. She is originally from Altoona.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Indiana Fever hired Stephanie White as coach Friday, putting her in charge of a team led by WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark.

White spent the past two seasons as the Connecticut Sun’s head coach before parting ways with the team earlier this week.

The former Purdue star was on the Fever coaching staff from 2011-2016, including as head coach the last two of those seasons. The Fever won the WNBA title in 2012 with White on staff.

“I am incredibly proud and honored to return home to Indiana and lead the Fever at such an important time in the history of this franchise, as well as such an important time in women’s athletics,” White said in a statement . “This franchise is and will always be committed to winning, and I look forward to working every day to deliver another WNBA title to the greatest basketball fans in the world.”

White replaces Christie Sides, who led the Fever to a 20-20 record last season and the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2016. The organization announced that he will move on from Sides, who served as head coach for two seasons , before being released last Sunday. .

Indiana is the first of seven head coaching vacancies around the league to be filled.