Brave Vulnerability
In a candid post-game interview on Monday evening, Hailey Van Lith revealed that during her early college years, she battled severe depression, experienced suicidal thoughts and relied heavily on medication. She described feeling trapped, stating, “When I was younger in college, I was suicidal, I was heavily medicated and felt trapped. And you would never know it because I was having a ton of success on the court.”
A Turning Point
The turning point for Hailey came after learning about the tragic passing of Stanford soccer player Katie Meyer in March 2022. This event prompted her to prioritize her well-being and seek assistance from a sports psychologist. Reflecting on this decision, she noted, “I personally invested in a sports psychologist who doubles as a normal therapist at the same time. And, I think I’ve matured a lot. I’m older than I was.”
Her Faith as an Anchor
Throughout her mental health journey, she credits her faith as a cornerstone of her recovery. She expressed profound gratitude, stating, “I’m really standing on God’s shoulders right now. He’s delivered me from so much pain and suffering and confusion… it’s all glory to God, truly.”
Coach Support
TCU‘s head coach, Mark Campbell, played a pivotal role in Hailey’s transformation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and vulnerability. She acknowledged Campbell’s influence, saying he taught her “how much better life can be if you just let people see who you are. And that’s hard for me.”
Openness to Share and Seek Help
Van Lith’s openness about her mental health struggles underscores a broader shift in collegiate athletics, where athletes are increasingly encouraged to seek support without stigma. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, faith, and the power of seeking help during life’s most challenging moments.
