Public Revelation:: Hailey Van Lith discussed experiencing suicidal thoughts and needing medication during her early college years, despite appearing successful externally.
Motivation:: She was partly moved to seek help and eventually share her story after learning about Stanford goalie Katie Meyer's suicide.
Current State:: Van Lith emphasizes she is now in a much better place, crediting faith, maturity, and professional help.
Positive Reception:: She has received encouragement and messages from people who relate to her story since sharing it publicly.
Platform for Change:: Van Lith feels blessed to use her platform to potentially help others who may be struggling.
Why this matters: High-profile athletes like Van Lith sharing their vulnerabilities helps destigmatize mental health issues, encouraging others, especially young people, to seek help and understand they are not alone. It highlights that success on the outside doesn't always reflect internal well-being.
Hailey Van Lith's revelation comes as her team, the TCU Horned Frogs, advances to the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA Tournament for the first time, marking her fifth consecutive appearance in this round across her career with Louisville, LSU, and now TCU. Her emotional comments came after TCU's second-round victory over her former team, Louisville.
Van Lith explained that the pressures of media attention and social media exposure at a young age significantly contributed to her struggles. She specifically mentioned that the story of Stanford goalie Katie Meyer, who died by suicide in 2022, prompted her to seek professional help, investing in a sports psychologist.
Now, Van Lith emphasizes her improved mental state, crediting her faith, personal growth, and professional support. She hopes that sharing her experience, despite the initial fear and vulnerability, will resonate with others facing similar challenges and underscore that athletic success doesn't preclude internal struggles. Her journey highlights a growing conversation around mental wellness in high-pressure environments like elite college sports.
Who is Hailey Van Lith?
Hailey Van Lith is a standout guard for the TCU Horned Frogs women's basketball team, previously playing for Louisville and LSU. She is the 2025 Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
What did Hailey Van Lith share about her mental health?
She revealed that during her younger college years, she struggled with suicidal thoughts and was heavily medicated, feeling trapped despite her success on the court.
Why did she decide to speak out now?
Van Lith felt it was time to share her story, inspired partly by the tragic story of Stanford goalie Katie Meyer, and believes her journey can help others. She credits her faith and maturity for helping her through.
How has the response been?
Van Lith stated the response has been very positive, with much encouragement and people relating to her story or feeling understood.
Mental Health is Health:: Recognize that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of external success or public profile.
Seeking Help is Strength:: Van Lith's story underscores the importance of seeking professional help (like therapy or counseling) when needed.
Vulnerability Can Empower:: Sharing personal struggles, when ready, can not only aid personal healing but also help others feel less isolated.
Support Systems Matter:: Faith, family, friends, and professional support played roles in Van Lith's journey.
Hailey Van Lith's willingness to share her struggles highlights the importance of mental health awareness in sports. What are your thoughts on athletes speaking out about mental health?
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Source 1: TCU's Hailey Van Lith glad to have shared publicly about mental health issues she dealt with in past (KPLC)
Source 2: TCU star Hailey Van Lith opens up about mental health journey (USA TODAY - *Note: Example link structure, actual URL might differ*)
Source 3: TCU's star shares mental health journey (FOX 4 DFW - *Note: Example link structure, actual URL might differ*)
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