Helping Student-Athletes Thrive
Student-athletes are often celebrated for their strength, resilience, and commitment. But behind the highlight reels and game day victories, many carry a heavy and often unseen mental load. Balancing academics, practices, competitions, relationships, and personal growth can be overwhelming, and the pressure to perform can take a toll on emotional well-being.
We understand the unique challenges that come with being a student-athlete because we’ve lived them. Our therapists, Becca Bargamian, LCSWA, and Alyssa Coon, LCMHCA, both have firsthand experience in competitive athletics, giving them a deep understanding of the physical, mental, and emotional demands that athletes face.
Common Challenges Student-Athletes Face
While every athlete’s experience is unique, some common struggles include:
- Performance Anxiety: Worry about meeting expectations from coaches, teammates, family, or themselves
- Identity Beyond the Sport: Difficulty separating self-worth from performance or team role
- Injury and Recovery: Navigating the emotional impact of being sidelined and fears about returning
- Burnout: Balancing intense training schedules with school, social life, and rest
- Transitioning Out of Sports: Adjusting to life after competition ends
- Team and Coach Dynamics: Managing conflicts, communication, and changing roles
- Academic Pressure: Keeping up with schoolwork while maintaining athletic commitments
Why Our Approach Works
Because our therapists have walked in your shoes, they bring empathy, understanding, and practical strategies tailored for athletes. They know what it’s like to push through early morning practices, compete at high levels, and balance multiple commitments, and they also know the toll it can take.
Through counseling, they help student-athletes:
- Build Mental Resilience: Learn coping tools for pressure, setbacks, and self-doubt
- Explore Identity Beyond Sport: Discover strengths, values, and passions outside of athletics
- Develop Healthy Coping Skills: Manage stress, anxiety, and perfectionism in healthy ways
- Navigate Change and Transitions: Whether it’s injury, graduation, or life after sports
- Strengthen Communication: Improve relationships with coaches, teammates, and family
Meet Our Athlete-Therapists
