MICHAEL MALIK GAINES

"I would just say as student-athletes we already have so much innate pressure to perform at a high level in our given sports and it can be stressful at times. You combine that with the challenges in the classroom and things we just go through in our normal personal lives and a lot can pile up and really take its toll. Especially as men though, there’s a stigma for us to hide or mask these things we’re going through and put on a tough face all the time. Personally I’ve been through a lot of my own challenges on and off the playing field over the last few years just dealing with life. What I’m learning though and hope others learn too is that it’s ok to drop your guard some when you’re not on the playing field. Being vulnerable and honest and letting your own personality shine is what helps keep me mentally healthy when I come across my own struggles."

- MICHAEL MALIK GAINES II

PENN STATE SOCCER