Maura F.

Photograph provided by Maura F.

If you're reading this know you are not alone.

As an athlete performing at one of the highest levels in sport, working alone is all too familiar. Far too often athletes are told that to be the best you must put in the work when nobody is watching. While that might be true, there is so much more to the story.

The pressure to be the best in your sport can be deafening and become defining. In my case, it took over my world. Throughout my sophomore year at school, I suffered from a shoulder and elbow injury resulting in slow swimming, and in my brain, failure. After I got both repaired, I was determined to do whatever it took to work back up to the highest standard I set for myself. In turn, I made a lot of sacrifices. I sacrificed my time, my freedom, and most importantly my well-being. My whole world revolved around getting back to sport and I thought I had to do it all alone. In reality, nothing could have been accomplished without my support system.

When my junior came around, I was ahead of my timeline. I was ready to get back in the water and start competing, but that was when everything crumbled. One of my family friends lost his battle to mental health and passed away. In the moment I found out, the only thing I could think about was how alone he must have felt. And how alone I felt. It was then that I realized asking for help can not only save you but make you stronger.

At the beginning of this journey, I could not imagine that I would be where I am right now. I did achieve my goals of a comeback, but not exactly the way I envisioned. I used my support system to not only get me through hard times but cheer me on in my successes. I wasn't weak for admitting to myself and others that I needed help, I was strong enough to be vulnerable. Most importantly, I am continuing to realize my worth is not associated with my sport, it's just a part of who I am.

I am the first to admit that this is something I still struggle with and continue to work on, but working on it with a team surrounding me is much better than doing it myself.

If you're reading this rely on the people that love you because they love you for a reason. Success is so much sweeter when you can share it.

Maura F., Penn State University

Penn State University Women’s Swimming

Dear student athletes, you are strong, capable, and resilient. We are here to support you on your journey. From around the country, five student athletes have come together for a letter series to offer their open support by sharing their unique, beautiful, and individual stories. Their mission is to create a safe community for student athletes to be there for one another through all the challenges and glories. Your mental and physical health matter and you are not alone.

Letter series facilitated and edited by Gabrielle Pack & Rachael Holp.