Ever felt the pressure—on the field, in class, or juggling life’s curveballs? If so, you’re in good company. The path of an athlete is rewarding, but it’s also a grind. That’s why we’re talking about the real MVPs behind the scenes: mentors.

Why Mentorship Matters—On and Off the Field

Mentors aren’t just people shouting advice from the bleachers. They’re the ones who:

• Help you manage performance anxiety with proven strategies like visualization and relaxation techniques.

• Guide you through tough times, so you don’t feel like you’re running alone.

• Teach you to set realistic goals for both your sports journey and future career.

• Talk openly about mental health

“Mentorship isn’t just about the skills. It’s about building confidence, resilience, and knowing someone’s got your back when pressure hits hard.”

Squad Goals: The Mental Health Connection

Athletes face unique stressors—balancing school, games, recruiting, maybe even NIL deals. Mentorship can make facing those challenges a whole lot less stressful. Research and real stories show that athletes who have mentors:

• Feel less alone and more supported

• Learn to handle setbacks both in sports and life

• Find healthier ways to manage mental pressures like doubt or anxiety

• Develop tools for emotional intelligence—key both during competitions and long after your playing days

• Mentors create safe spaces—zero judgment, all support—to talk about everything from performance slumps to the high stakes of athletic scholarships and NIL negotiations

The NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) Game-Changer

With the rise of NIL, athletes face new opportunities—and stressors. Mentors and mental health pros can help you:

• Understand contracts and make good long-term choices.

• Keep your personal brand strong while staying true to yourself.

• Balance financial, academic, and athletic pressures without burning out.

“NIL can open doors, but mentorship makes sure you’re walking through the right ones—and that your mental well-being doesn’t get sidelined.”

ATHLETE VOICES: What Mentorship Means to Us

We sat down with college and pro athletes who opened up about the mentors who changed their game—sometimes even saved it. Watch these short video stories to hear:How a mentor helped Student Athlete, Sydney excel beyond the first year of her collegiate track and field experience.

• Advice from Sydney, "Have A Conversation"!

• Sydney shared how her mentor, her coach supported her throughout her college journey especially when it came to navigating corporate culture as a black women in the industry and how to excel beyond sport.

Quick Resource Hub: Build Your Support Network

Explore these athlete-tested resources:

• The Total Athlete Collective Mentorship Program

• Headspace: Create a free account for access to lifelong mental health support

• Calm App: Create a free account for access to the #1 App for meditation, relaxation and sleep

• The Hidden Opponent: Mental Health Resources

Stay in the Network—Join the Total Athlete Collective 🚀

• Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for more athlete stories, mental health tips, and NIL guidance.

• Apply for the opportunity to join our Total Athlete Collective Mentorship Program

  Application Deadline: September 1st

• Tag #TotalAthleteCollective to show how you’re building your mind and your game.

Athletes, you’re more than your stats. Your path is YOURS. Get out there, build your network, fuel your mind, and if you need a guide along the way—reach out. We’ve got you.