Jacksonville University, First Year Master's Student Major: Psychology Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Sport: Basketball Athletic Background: Wesleyan School (High School)  William & Mary (College)  ​ Personal Statement: “My name is Lanni Brown, and I have been passionate about basketball since late elementary school. Coming from a sporty family, I played high school basketball at Wesleyan School and continued to play DI collegiate basketball at William & Mary. During my time with the Tribe Women’s basketball team, I was honored to be on the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll and received the Provost Award. In my senior year, I was selected by the coaching staff to be a class representative for our team’s Tribe Leadership Council. Now, as a first-year Master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Jacksonville University, I aim to leverage my experiences and education to make a positive impact in the field of mental health.”

Dartmouth, Class of 2025 Major: History Sport: Lacrosse Athletic Background: Holderness School Varsity Football Team Holderness School Varsity Lacrosse Team 3D Lacrosse ​ Personal Statement: "I am excited to join the Better Together platform to offer an outlet for student-athletes to relate and enhance their athletic experience. Today, social media can be incredibly deceiving, leading many student-athletes to doubt themselves and feel pressured to compare with their peers. Having dealt with similar ups and downs through transitions in my career at Dartmouth, I hope to guide the next generation towards success by helping them realize that the process is not black and white."

William and Mary, Senior Major: Kinesiology and Psychology Sport: Women’s Soccer​ Athletic Background: Carle Place High School (Soccer, Lacrosse) Hofstra University William and Mary ​ Personal Statement: "I love giving back to the sport by helping others navigate their journeys through mentorships and coaching. I learned a tremendous amount of lessons along the way and I am extremely passionate about sharing those lessons with others. The sport has shaped me in so many ways and I love being able to stay connected to the game."

University of Saint Thomas, Class of 2022 Major: Psychology, Family Studies Sport: Swim and Dive​ ​ Athletic Background: South Metro Storm Swim Club  Lakeville North High School  Illinois State University  University of Saint Thomas  ​ Personal Statement: "Hi! My name is Liz, and I am a former competitive swimmer. My journey in swimming spans club, high school, and college levels. I competed at DI Illinois State University in the Missouri Valley Conference before transferring to the DIII University of Saint Thomas. During my time at UST, we transitioned to DI and joined the Summit League. Navigating the challenges of the Covid-19 era, switching conferences, transferring schools, and changing divisions multiple times has been tough, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve been a 2x Captain, involved in school clubs, an honor roll student, SAAC VP, and have stayed competitive at the club, collegiate, and national levels."

Macalester College, Class of 2025 Major: Double Major in Psychology and Religious Studies Sport: Water Polo Athlete​​ Athletic Background: Thunder Water Polo Guyer High School Personal Statement: “I’ve been involved in sports all my life, trying everything from volleyball to competitive jump roping, softball to synchronized swimming. In my freshman year of high school, I discovered water polo and fell in love with the sport.”

University of Notre Dame, Class of 2024 Major: Business Management Consulting Sport: Baseball ​​ Athletic Background: Georgetown Preparatory (Bethesda, MD) Evoshield Canes Mid-Atlantic Red Sox Baseball U FTB Baseball West Virginia Black Bears (Draft Prospect League) Personal Statement: “I played four years at the University of Notre Dame, competing in the Super Regionals and College World Series in 2021 and 2022. Over my college career, I played 250 games, starting in center field during my junior and senior seasons. I also played summer ball in Vermont, Michigan, and Virginia. Currently, I play professionally for the West Virginia Black Bears. I’ve experienced the highs and lows of baseball and am excited to share my journey.”

Frostburg State University Undergraduate, Loyola University Maryland Graduate Major: Communication Studies & Psychology; Master's of Arts in Emerging Media  Sport: Women’s Soccer Athlete​​ ​ Athletic Background: Baldwin Senior High School Pittsburgh Football Club PA West Olympic Development Team Frostburg State University (DII) ​ Personal Statement: "My name is Gwen Schemm. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and now live in Baltimore, Maryland. I started playing soccer at age 4 and achieved my dream of playing college soccer at Frostburg State University, where I earned degrees in Communication Studies and Psychology. I captained the team in my senior year and was the first Academic all-American in DII history at FSU. ​ I’m completing my Master’s degree in Emerging Media at Loyola University Maryland while working on the Marketing and Innovation team at United Way of Central Maryland. I’m excited to coach young soccer players this fall in South Baltimore to stay involved in the game. ​ I am thrilled to be part of Better Together to help empower the next generation of student-athletes. I’m ready to share my experiences to support student-athletes as they navigate their journeys."​​​

University of Connecticut Major: Graduate Student in Sport Management Sport: Women’s Lacrosse ​ Athletic Background: CT Grizzlies Greenwich Academy Johns Hopkins University University of Connecticut ​ Personal Statement: “I grew up in Darien, CT, and played club lacrosse for CT Grizzlies. At Greenwich Academy, I played lacrosse and ice hockey. I then attended Johns Hopkins University for my undergrad, playing Division I lacrosse and studying Political Science. After overcoming an ACL tear and a coaching change, I transferred to UConn to complete my final two seasons of eligibility and earned my Master’s degree in Sport Management. I am passionate about student-athlete mental health and aim to support others through similar challenges, just as my teammates, friends, family, and administrators supported me.”​

St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, Graduate Student  Major: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Sport: Soccer ​ Athletic Background: Wexford FC and Waterford FC (Pro Academy, Ireland) St. Mary’s University ​ Personal Statement: “I played for Professional Academy teams in Ireland from ages 15 to 18, captaining my high school to a regional title. At St. Mary’s (2019-2023), I was a four-time All-Conference, three-time All-Region, and All-American player. I also led the team to its first two Lone Star Conference titles and served as captain for two years.”​​​​​​

University of Florida, Gainesville, Class of 2023  Major: Exercise Physiology and Master’s in Kinesiology Sport: Swimming​ Athletic Background: Canadian National Team (2018-2019)  4X FSU School Record Holder  ACC Silver Medalist in the 200m Breaststroke (2018)  University of Florida School Record Holder in the 200m Breaststroke  SEC Silver and Bronze Medalist (2023)  NCAA All-American (2023)  Olympic Trials Finalist (2024)  ​ Personal Statement: "Swimming has shaped my life in profound ways, teaching me discipline, perseverance, and the value of hard work. As a member of the Canadian National Team and a record holder at both FSU and the University of Florida, I've learned the importance of setting goals and pushing beyond limits. I am passionate about using my experiences to mentor and inspire others in the swimming community, fostering a spirit of determination and resilience. My academic pursuits in Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology reflect my dedication to understanding the body and improving athletic performance. I look forward to continuing this journey and making a positive impact both in and out of the pool."

Boston College, Graduate Major: Public Health  Sport: Lacrosse​​ Personal Statement: “During my recruiting process, it would have been helpful to have someone to talk to who had gone through it before me. I would have valued not only the advice and guidance, but also the opportunity to share what I was experiencing. This program creates the forum for these conversations, and I hope to be the person that I never had for a younger athlete!“ “Andrea Reynolds played midfield for Boston College from 2020 to 2024. During her time there, she won two National Championships and two ACC Championships. In their National Championship win over Northwestern last May, Andrea had 5 draw controls, 2 goals, and an assist. She is currently 9th all-time for the program in draw controls. Before BC, Andrea was a multi-sport athlete pursuing ski racing and field hockey competitively.”

University of Massachusetts Amherst, Class of 2025 Major: Finance Sport: Women’s Lacrosse Athletic Background: Phillips Exeter Academy (Varsity Lacrosse, Soccer, Basketball) Laxachusetts (Club Lacrosse) NEFC (Club Soccer) ​ Personal Statement: “I’m a rising senior at UMass Amherst on the women’s lacrosse team. I attended Phillips Exeter for high school, where I played varsity lacrosse, soccer, and basketball. I played club lacrosse for Laxachusetts and club soccer for NEFC. I’m very excited to be a part of Better Together and to help athletes of all levels navigate the ups and downs of sports.”

Northern Michigan University, Class of 2025 Major: Secondary Education English Sport: Women’s Lacrosse Athletic Background: 3D Oregon 3D Pacific Westview High School Northern Michigan University ​ Personal Statement: “I played lacrosse at Westview High School, where I was a four-year varsity starter and captain during my junior and senior seasons. I was named 2021 Varsity Player of the Year, Metro Player of the Year, and First Team All-Conference Midfielder. In 2019, I was Varsity Midfielder of the Year and Second Team All-Conference Midfielder. In 2018, I was Varsity Rookie of the Year and received Honorable Mention All-Conference Defense.”

Palo Alto University, Class of 2026 Major: Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Sport: Soccer Athletic Background: Pacific Coast Charter Cabrillo College ​ Personal Statement: "Throughout my soccer career, I had the privilege of playing for several teams that shaped my growth as an athlete and individual. I began in youth leagues, where I developed my foundational skills and passion for the game. In high school, I played for Pacific Coast Charter, where I faced significant challenges, including two knee surgeries, but also experienced the camaraderie and support of my teammates and coaches. At Cabrillo College, I continued to grow both on and off the field, learning resilience, teamwork, and the importance of a strong support system. These experiences have profoundly influenced my approach to mental health counseling, particularly in supporting athletes through their own journeys."

Western Colorado University, Class of 2025 Major: Clinical Physiology and Psychology Sport: Lacrosse Athletic Background: Standley Lake High School Soccer Team Standley Lake High School Basketball Team Club Soccer Teams ​ Personal Statement: "My diverse athletic experiences have shaped my resilience, teamwork, and dedication. Competing in multiple sports taught me the importance of versatility and perseverance. As an outside defender for Western Colorado University, I bring these qualities to the field, striving to support my team and excel in every match. My background in Clinical Physiology and Psychology further fuels my passion for understanding the mental and physical aspects of athletic performance."

Cornell University, Class of 2025 Major: Government & Sociology Sport: Lacrosse Athletic Background: 3D Lacrosse Milton Academy Revolution Lacrosse ​ Personal Statement: "Playing multiple sports from a young age has instilled in me a deep appreciation for competition and teamwork. Discovering lacrosse in fifth grade was a turning point, leading me to join Revolution Lacrosse and later 3D Lacrosse, where I honed my skills and grew as a player. My high school years were filled with diverse athletic experiences, including soccer, squash, and cross country. Being recruited to Cornell was a dream come true, and my time here has been incredibly rewarding both academically and athletically. I am passionate about using my experiences to inspire and mentor others, and I look forward to making a positive impact in my future endeavors. My diverse athletic experiences have shaped my resilience, teamwork, and dedication. Competing in multiple sports taught me the importance of versatility and perseverance. As an outside defender for Western Colorado University, I bring these qualities to the field, striving to support my team and excel in every match. My background in Clinical Physiology and Psychology further fuels my passion for understanding the mental and physical aspects of athletic performance."

Tufts University, Class of 2025 Major: Economics Sport: Lacrosse Athletic Background: 3D New England St. John’s Prep Tufts University ​ Personal Statement: "Lacrosse has been a defining part of my life, teaching me the values of leadership, resilience, and teamwork. As a senior and captain at Tufts University, I have had the honor of leading my team to a National Championship and earning individual accolades such as 3rd team All-American and 1st team All-NESCAC. Balancing my academic pursuits in economics with my athletic commitments has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I am passionate about using my experiences to inspire and mentor younger players, and I look forward to making a positive impact both on and off the field."

University of Saint Thomas, Class of 2024 Major: Neuroscience Sport: Swim​ Athletic Background: High School Track & Field: Team captain, all-state, all-conference, section champion, Rookie of the Year) Swim & Dive: Team captain, all-state, all-conference, Most Dedicated Player College Swim & Dive: Conference team, Summit League Academic Honor Roll, letter ​ Personal Statement: "Swimming and athletics have shaped my life, teaching me discipline, resilience, and leadership. In high school at Visitation, I earned multiple honors in track and swim, serving as team captain and receiving all-state and all-conference selections. At the University of Saint Thomas, I’ve continued to excel as part of the conference swim team and Summit League Academic Honor Roll. Balancing neuroscience studies with swimming has been challenging but rewarding, and I’m passionate about using my journey to inspire others."

Union College and University of Vermont, Class of 2024 Major: Environmental Studies, pursuing MBA Sport: Lacrosse Athletic Background: 3D New England Deerfield Academy Union College University of Vermont ​ Personal Statement: "I grew up in Western Massachusetts, playing multiple sports like lacrosse, soccer, ski racing, and baseball. In high school, I focused on varsity soccer and lacrosse, which led to recruitment offers for both sports. I chose Union College and dedicated myself to lacrosse, helping my team reach the National Championship in 2022 and earning two All-American honors. With one year of eligibility left due to COVID-19, I’m now at the University of Vermont, finishing my lacrosse career and pursuing an MBA. Lacrosse has taught me dedication, resilience, and teamwork, and I’m excited to apply these lessons to my future career."

The College of Wooster, Senior  Major: Biology Major with an Education Minor  Sport: Golf Athlete​ Athletic Background: Record-breaking season with great team dynamics  Coach recently retired ​ Personal Statement: “I am a senior at The College of Wooster, majoring in Biology with a minor in Education. I had a record-breaking season in golf with great team dynamics, although our coach recently retired. I work at a golf course during the summer in Cleveland, Ohio, and I plan to go out west to ski after college. Last year, I served as a campus captain for The Hidden Opponent.”

William & Mary  Major: Graduate Student in Master of Business Analytics  Sport: Basketball​ Athletic Background: From Australia, moved to the USA 4 years ago during the pandemic  One of four children, with all siblings living in Australia except the oldest sister, who is moving to London to be a paramedic  Goes home once a year to see family and friends  ​​ Athletic Background: Member of the William & Mary basketball team  Practiced all summer with four new freshmen and two transfers  Parents can watch the games  Personal Statement: "I moved from Australia to the USA four years ago to attend college at William & Mary during the pandemic. I am currently a graduate student pursuing a Master of Business Analytics and a member of the basketball team. I practiced all summer with our new team members and went home for three weeks to see my family and friends. I am one of four children, and my parents can watch my games. I have been involved with The Hidden Opponent for two years and am passionate about supporting fellow athletes.”

Bryant University, Class of 2025 Sport: Women’s Track - Javelin Athlete​ ​​ Personal Background:  From New Jersey, home for the summer  Graduating in 3 years  Redshirted, had surgery in August  Has 1 more season of eligibility  Had to do PT off-campus, self-funded due to lack of support from athletic trainers  Athletic Background:  Track and field times submitted through high school  Played club soccer  ​​ Personal Statement: “Sport is a significant part of my identity. I’ve faced adversity, including a redshirt year and surgery, and had to navigate physical therapy on my own. Despite these challenges, I am dedicated to helping younger athletes through my experiences and giving back what I’ve learned. College sports can feel like a job, but it’s going to be okay. I’m here to share my journey and support others.”

Baruch College, Class of 2025 Major: Journalism and Sports Psychology  Sport: Softball and Cross Country Athlete​ Personal Background:  Grew up in Long Island, commuted to school by train  Living at home this summer, interning with the athletic department at Baruch College  Pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education Administration, starting the second year  Athletic Background:  Recruited for softball, walked on to the cross country team in the fall  Enjoyed a positive athletic experience, making an impact in a small community  ​ Personal Statement: “I am a senior at Baruch College, majoring in Journalism and Sports Psychology. I grew up in Long Island and commuted to school by train. This summer, I am living at home and interning with the athletic department at Baruch. I am also pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education Administration, starting my second year. I have eligibility left for both softball and cross country, and I have enjoyed a positive athletic experience, making an impact in our small community. I am involved with Morgan’s Message and have experienced the challenges of finding counselors who understand the unique needs of athletes.”

Manhattan College, Graduate Student Major: Psychology Major Sport: Soccer​ Personal Background:  From Long Island, NY  Volunteering at a crisis hotline over the summer, training throughout the spring semester to build up hours  Coaching soccer and playing in a summer league  Interning with All in Athletes, a non-profit focused on body positivity  Academic Background:  Finished 3rd year, graduated, and starting a master’s in school counseling and mental health counseling  Athletic Background:  Loves playing soccer at college, appreciates her coaches and team  Experienced body image challenges, focusing on “fit or fat”  ​ Personal Statement: “I am a graduate student at Manhattan College, majoring in Psychology. I grew up in Long Island and am spending the summer at home, volunteering at a crisis hotline and coaching soccer. I am also interning with All in Athletes, a non-profit that started as a clothing line and focuses on body positivity. I have loved playing soccer at college, and I appreciate my coaches and team. I have faced body image challenges, often thinking about ‘fit or fat.’ I am excited to start my master’s in school counseling and mental health counseling.”

University of Florida, Class of 2024 Major: Education Sciences (Psychology and Education) Sport: Golf​ ​ Personal Background:  From South Florida, currently in Delray Beach for the summer  Yoga training in California this summer  Transferred from Florida State to the University of Florida, had a positive experience  Plans to attend Vanderbilt for counseling  Athletic Background:  Competed at the highest level in college golf  Finished her career as a golfer  ​ Personal Statement: “College changed me and helped me find a purpose outside of sports. I have been involved in crisis work these past few months and have a more profound purpose. My sister, a lacrosse player at Ohio State, is transferring due to a new coach. I have been passionate about athlete mental health since my freshman year, when I faced my own struggles during my transfer. I started a chapter of The Hidden Opponent (THO) at Florida specifically for student-athletes. I have also been involved in the SCC conference, focusing on increasing mental health support for athletes. My experiences have taught me the importance of prioritizing oneself, managing performance anxiety, and creating attainable goals.”

University of Louisiana Lafayette, Graduate Student Major: Master’s in Exercise Science Sport: Track and Field & Cross Country Athlete​ Personal Background:  From Germany, moved to the USA in 2021 for college at Louisiana Tech University  Graduated in May with a Bachelor’s in Psychology  Starting a Master’s in Exercise Science on August 21  Has 2 years of eligibility left  Athletic Background:  Track and Field & Cross Country athlete for three years  The hardest challenge was moving to the USA and starting college, knowing no one  ​ Personal Statement: “I have been a student-athlete (Track and Field/Cross Country) for three years now, and the transition from high school to college was more than difficult. I didn’t have a mentor my freshman year and struggled a lot. Fortunately, I met my amazing mentor my second year, and her support and guidance made the biggest difference for me. I would love to be that person for someone! I just graduated with my Bachelor’s in Psychology and have been working with The Hidden Opponent (THO) as a mental health ambassador for two years. I believe that my blend of experiences and insights as a student-athlete and psychology graduate equip me perfectly for the mission of Better Together.”

Bates College, Class of 2025 Major: Politics & Sociology Sport: Lacrosse​ Athletic Background:   Bates College Men's Lacrosse  Roxbury Latin Lacrosse, Basketball, and Cross Country 3D New England Club Lacrosse ​ Personal Statement: "I believe that the student-athlete's ability to handle mental adversity sets the good from the great. Having a mentor who has your back as you go through the inevitable ups and downs of athletics is invaluable. It is an honor to be with the Athletes Better Together Program and I am excited to share my experience to guide younger athletes so they can feel supported and empowered, especially by mentors that they can directly connect to."

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Class of 2025 Master in Management Sport: Volleyball​ Athletic Background:  ​​ Texas Advantage Volleyball Boston College D1 volleyball from 2020-2024 ​ Personal Statement: "I want to be a mentor because I truly understand the value of having guidance as a young athlete, something I wish I had more of when I was growing up. With over 10 years of experience as a competitive athlete, I've learned valuable lessons both on and off the court that I want to share with the next generation. I’m passionate about supporting and positively influencing young student-athletes in any way I can, helping them navigate the unique challenges they face and empowering them to grow with confidence."

Yale University, Class of 2025 Major: Economics and Mathematics   Sport: Crew​ Athletic Background:  ​​ Phillips Academy Women’s Crew Community Rowing Inc. She rows coxswain Personal Statement: "Through Yale Women’s Crew, I’ve had the immense privilege of joining a community of passionate, kind, and exceptional athletes. In the darkest and brightest moments of my life, they’ve been my greatest supporters, and I believe every athlete deserves to have a village around them like the one I’ve had for the past four years and that I will carry into the rest of my life. I hope to pay that gift forward and grow my community as my time as a college athlete ends."

Colby College, Class of 2023 Major: Neuroscience and Psychology Sport: Soccer​ Athletic Background:  ​​ Pomfret School Varsity Soccer Lacrosse FSA FC ECNL Personal Statement: "My junior year of playing collegiate soccer while balancing being a student-athlete, recovering from an ACL injury, being a captain of my team, and supporting my teammates, an incredible sports performance coach said to me, “Maddie, you are like a duck. On the surface it seems as though you are effortlessly gliding on top of the water, staying afloat, while underneath, you are paddling furiously to keep your head above water.” To this day, this metaphor has stuck with me, reminding me of the intricate relationship between mental health and performance and that often we do not see how ferociously people are paddling underneath the surface. Better Together is an incredible platform to allow athletes to build a network of support and challenge us all to care for our emotional and mental wellbeing just as much as our physical health and wellbeing, recognizing and honoring all that’s going on beneath the surface."

Middlebury College, Class of 2025 Major: Psychology Sport: Lacrosse​ Athletic Background:  ​​ Mass Elite Notre Dame Academy (Hingham) Personal Statement: "I am super excited about the opportunity to be a mentor because I am passionate about supporting people, mentally and emotionally. As a psychology major in college, I have developed a deep understanding of the way people think. I held a leadership role in the Special Olympics where I learned the true value of genuine connection especially through the power of sports. I know how impactful it is to have someone in your corner and I am pumped to be that support system to people."

Northwestern University, Graduate Student Major: Management  Sport: Field Hockey ​ Athletic Background:  ​​ ​Undergraduate at Princeton University Greenwich Academy and AGH Field Hockey  Personal Statement: "I want to be a mentor because I’ve lived the highs and lows of competitive field hockey—from injuries and limited playing time to the intensity of the recruiting process. I’m here to be a steady, supportive resource for young athletes navigating those same challenges."

Boston University, Class of 2021 Major: Economics   Sport: Lacrosse​ Athletic Background:  ​​ University School (OH) OHSLA Regional Player of the Year Personal Statement: "I’m passionate about giving back to student-athletes because I’ve been in their shoes. Every athlete’s journey is unique, with its own challenges and successes. I find joy in serving others by listening, offering advice, and providing guidance when it’s needed most. My goal is to help athletes and leaders grow, both on and off the field, by being someone they can trust and turn to during their time as athletes and beyond."

Yale University Class of 2024,  University of Cambridge, Class of 2025 Major: BA in International Relations & German Studies, MPhil in Political & Economic Sociology Sport: Rowing​ Athletic Background:  ​​ U.S. National Team Rower ARION Elite Training Center ​ Personal Statement: "Being a student-athlete has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but it hasn’t always been easy. There were moments of isolation and challenge that tested me deeply. What helped me through was the courage to reach out and the kindness of mentors and teammates who became lifelong friends. That’s why mentorship means so much to me: it’s a chance to pass forward the compassion that carried me through my hardest times."

Bryant University, Class of 2025 Major: Finance Sport: Lacrosse ​ Athletic Background:  ​​ NH Tomahawks Phillips Exeter Academy ​ Personal Statement: “Over my time as an athlete, I’ve experienced a breadth of perspectives, both positive and negative, which has given me a deep understanding of what others may be going through. The strong female athletes who mentored and inspired me motivate me to lead by example every day, and I hope to be that light for someone else."