By announcing the end of his basketball career, Sid Hilliard took the most courageous step an athlete has ever taken to make mental health a top priority. She was sad to hear her news, but she was proud that I had done something I had no courage to do.
And this isn’t the first time Syd has stepped away in harmony with her body.In early 2022, she took a break from basketball. I remember reaching out to her personally and letting her know that she was not alone and that I supported her decision.
Two months later, Badger track and cross-country runner Sarah Schulze took her own life. She counts at least five of her NCAAs who died that spring, including Katie Meyer of Stanford University, Jaden Hill of Northern Michigan University, Robert Martin of Binghamton University, and Lauren Barnett of James Madison University. She was one of the athletes.
These tragic events have brought into the conversation about athletes’ mental health. That conversation shouldn’t end after you’re left with shock and sorrow.
As a former college athlete myself, I am familiar with the demands of student-athlete life. Wake up early in the morning to attend class, cram a few hours into a part-time job, race to practice, and wrap up the night. homework. Daily tasks become daunting and athletes spend their days empty. But the sports culture we grew up with teaches us to get through the pain, get stronger, and get through it.
where do you draw the line? What obstacles can we overcome, and what problems do we really need to address?
In high school, I didn’t know that line. I often stayed up late to do my homework and got up early in the morning to finish it. I cried ugly by myself in my bedroom so that no one could see my weakness.I don’t cry about baseball after all [softball].
It wasn’t until college that I learned to take mental health into consideration. This is not to blame the coaches I had before college — my father, my aunt Noel, and Dale Buvid all cared deeply for me.
University of Oshkosh staff, head coach Scott Beyer, wife Laura and sister — former walk-on for the Badger softball team — Maria Van Abel [Stave], emphasized positive self-talk from the beginning. They checked in on us regularly to see how we were doing in class and life in general.
I remember having my first panic attack in college. I didn’t know what was happening to my body. I skipped the next class and went to the counseling center. After I calmed down, I called Coach Beyer to let him know what was going on. He told me, in the best possible way, that he didn’t want to see me at practice that night. I was to rest the rest of the night.
It was hard not being there, but rest was what my body and brain needed. Even if she misses one practice in March 2019, it won’t affect my life 10 years from now.
Looking back, I can’t thank him enough and his staff for putting me before my sport. Likewise, he applauds his coaching staff at UW for supporting Sid’s decision.
Coaches, I want you to ponder these questions. Do you know how each one of your athletes is doing right now? What does it mean if they are sick or injured or in good enough shape to perform ups and downs? No. So how do they balance school and sports? Do they feel pressured by the role they play on your team? Just take a night off to catch up on homework? OK, or should I just not worry about sports?
Athletes, please ponder these questions. 10-20 years from now, can you remember that one game or practice you missed? When did you take time out to do something fun?
Asking for help is not weak for coaches or athletes alike. It’s not weak to say you need a break or can’t handle the pressure. It’s incredibly brave to do these things, and a decision that requires more consideration.
— Natalie Dillon is a sports editor at The Times. Her contact is at her ndillon@themonroetimes.com.
