TAI BIBBS
"Being an NCAA collegiate athlete is no easy task. It comes with various challenges, both physical and mental. During my first two seasons of college basketball I experienced some of the darkest and most difficult moments of my life. I faced challenges on the court, in the classroom, and in my personal life. I began to question whether or not Division I basketball was truly for me; but instead of seeking help, I attempted to mask my emotions. The internalization of my struggles only prolonged the negative performances that I was delivering. However, I was able to learn some valuable lessons from those two years. I was able to see the direct correlation between negative MENtal health and the impairments that it had on my ability to effectively perform. I also learned the importance of speaking up about my struggles in order to allow myself to maintain a more positive mental space. MENtal health is a major component of our ability to be successful in our sport, in the classroom, and in life. As male athletes it is essential that we continue to de-stigmatized the talks surrounding MENtal health and begin to prioritize it in order to be the best version of ourselves in every aspect of our daily lives."
COLUMBIA BASKETBALL
