By Kam Stokes
Many people experience the struggle of mental health. Many factors go into mental health including the environment that a person is in. Athletes can experience the struggle of poor performance, coaching, and teammates but are still expected to proform their best every time they step out on the field or court.
“Student athletes experience many emotions depending on wins and losses.” Said Mishawaka High School (MHS) Head Coach Keith Kinder. Head cross country and track coach, Chris Kowaleski (Kov) commented, “Noticing athletes who are struggling with mental health takes a whole team approach, especially using your assistant
coaches to help identify warning signs. The issues must be addressed and talked about...”
Coaches and players agree that the proximity of coaches and players is critical to student athletes. Kinder said, ” We’ve got eyes on all of our kids all of the time. So typically if we see someone struggling we pull them aside, talk to them...fortunately we are able to build the relationships with our kids so they can share those things with us. “ Kov added,” If we can keep a positive and welcoming team environment, that is like a security blanket when the going gets tough. The best teams are also teams that are friends and got each other's back.” Daniel Phillips, a golfer at MHS said, “ If there is a time when one or more players underperform, there will be a coach or teammate(s) that will do something to support the player.”
Kinder tried something different after the team’s loss to East Noble in the Semi-state game. “ We brought the team on Saturday morning and had breakfast together... a lot of the moms said that it was good for their kids to get them out of bed and get them around each other. So I think just having the support system of each other was a valuable experience for those guys,” said Kinder. Kov added,”We try to provide a team culture and environment where everyone feels supported no matter what their result is, as long as they give their best effort. When people feel loved and supported, they have more confidence in taking risks; your time or performance is not
who you are, but what you were able to give that day.”
Phillips said, “After a tough match or practice, Coach Hahn [golf coach] and/or Sandefer [golf coach], both of which go throughout whichever golf course we're playing to watch each player, will point out the positives of our performance and layout a plan of how to work on what needs improvement.” At the end of it all, even after a taxing season Phillips stated, “During the spring, I have minimal stress when it comes to academics, I'm excited to go to practice. I just wish it was a school -year long commitment. Golf erases my anxiety and insecurities, as well as eliminates my moments of depression.”
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