Written By: Victoria Williamson ~ Sports Editor
Abbey Barlow passing the ball. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.
The demands of assignments, deadlines, and athletic performance can take a toll on student-athletes’ mental health, especially during the season.
With the semester winding down at the University of Lynchburg, it becomes crucial for athletes to identify effective ways to manage stress and maintain well-being. Balancing academic pressures and athletic expectations requires intentional strategies, including seeking positive interactions and stress-relief practices, to ensure they stay mentally and emotionally healthy.
Abbey Barlow, a junior defensive specialist on the Women’s Indoor Volleyball Team, sees the benefit of quality time with the people in her life to her mental health.
“I definitely turn to hanging out with my friends and spending quality time with myself when feeling low or discouraged. Being a student-athlete and involved in many clubs and organizations can be tough. It is sometimes mentally draining, but I love the stuff I do so I try to turn it into a positive thought,” said Barlow.
Quinn Madden celebrating on base. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.
Preparing to graduate and take the next steps after college, senior from the Lynchburg Baseball Team, Quinn Madden, hopes to find time to reflect on the anxiety of new beginnings and bittersweet endings.
“I try to slow things down and breathe when times get tough, and sometimes call my grandma just to talk about life. On weekends I try to get away from campus and go to my farm to hunt & spend some time away from people and devices,” he said.
Kayla Terry dribbling the ball. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.
As the basketball season swings into gear, Kayla Terry, a junior Women’s Basketball player, has dealt with many late-night practices and the time management stress that comes with playing a sport, being a student, and being active in clubs. When things get hectic, Terry finds herself turning to faith to improve her mental health.
“I find that prayer and reading God’s Word helps improve my overall mood and mindset. Spending time with Christ reminds me of His love and truth over my life. Journaling helps me process my thoughts and feelings, providing me with a sense of peace,” she said.
Grasping onto the simple, easy things in life seem to be a common denominator for stress relief among these student-athletes; seen as a way to decrease the size of looming expectations and daunting tasks ahead. As the year nears its end, and many things come to a close, it remains principal to find the things that improve one’s mental health, and finish strong.
For more information on upcoming events, visit: Lynchburg Sports Calendar
