With Mental Health Awareness month of May coming to a close, the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) wanted to take a look back at the new program started within the conference in 2024-25 to help spread awareness and destigmatize mental health.
 
After the first-ever CCAA Mental Health Initiative Day was held on Oct. 25 with the Fall teams, there was another MHI Day on Feb. 22 for the Winter and Spring student-athletes. Teammates and opposing teams in the sports of men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s basketball, men's and women's track & field, baseball, and softball stood side-by-side united as they held signs they each personally filled out about ‘Why is Mental Health Important?’  
The idea was championed by the conference’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The conference SAAC members have continually emphasized the need to spread awareness of this topic and bring conversations into the open. This was the first step in what they hope is a series of actions to help destigmatize mental health, especially in athletics.
 
“The CCAA and CalHOPE creating this conference-wide initiative that stems from SAAC discussions is so meaningful and a great step in the right direction,” said former student-athlete and current CCAA intern Samiya Terry.  "Mental health is crucial for student-athletes, as it directly impacts their performance, recovery, and overall well-being. By fostering open discussions about mental health, we create a supportive environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field, developing resilience and coping strategies that benefit them for the rest of their lives. It makes the student-athlete in me hopeful for the future!”
 
In the CCAA, we believe that awareness is the first step in tearing down some of the stigmas around Mental Health. By working with SAAC and the CalHope Courage Award, we aim to continue this initiative in future years, ensuring that all CCAA student-athletes have the opportunity to discuss their own mental health and encourage others to do the same.
 
If you or someone you know needs help or to speak with someone about your Mental Health, do not hesitate to visit DHCS.CA.GOV or call 800-541-5555.

NCAA Mental Health Best Practices