Student club works to address athlete mental health

and SPHS was recognized in the non-profit THO Instagram account.

The group is open to everyone who feels they struggle with mental health, but is specifically focused towards discussing student-athlete stresses. They plan to give out motivational goody bags for the spring sports, and continue with their discussions based on cooperative activities.

“We look for club members who see the true value in mental health and will continue to advocate that to not only their teammates but anyone else,” Ramos said. “I hope to have this club continue past my graduating year. I would like to give every sport a mental health game and continue to impact incoming student-athletes.”

JUNIOR MIA RAMOS AND FELLOW OFFICERS have worked to help establish a chapter of the nonprofit organization The Hidden Opponent at SPHS for student athletes.

Story Morgan Sun

PHOTO EMIKO (EMI) ESSMILLER

Sports mental health has been a common topic of discussion at SPHS for student-athletes. The Hidden Opponent (THO) is a non-profit organization founded by a former USC volleyball player, Victoria Browne, that addresses these concerns with chapters at colleges and high schools across the country — including at SPHS beginning in the 2022-2023 school year.

Juniors Mia Ramos, Helena Foord, Kai Munoz, and Mia Holden partnered together to bring the organization to South Pas through a club chapter — all of whom are student-athletes that are passionate about the role of mental health in sports. Using education and support, they advocate for the importance of mental health with