” Mental Health, Mentorship and the Athlete” Episode 11 with Co-Founder of Athletes Better Together Maura McCarthy, retired ATC, retired Sargent Massachusetts State Police

Summary

Maura McCarthy, a retired athlete trainer and state police sergeant, shares her journey and the importance of mental health and well-being for young athletes. She discusses her transition from athletic training to becoming a state police officer and the challenges she faced. McCarthy also talks about her program, Athletes Better Together, which helps high school athletes transition into college athletics by providing group sessions, mentoring, and mental skill building. The program aims to prepare athletes for the challenges they may face in college and help them develop the necessary skills to navigate those challenges. Better Together is a platform that aims to support student-athletes in their transition from high school to college. The platform focuses on mental health and provides resources and mentorship to help athletes navigate the challenges they may face. The founders, Maura McCarthy, Dr. Kim O'Brien, and Daphne Faldy, have personal experiences and expertise in mental health, trauma, and athletics. They emphasize the importance of building connections, relationships, and bridges to create a support system for student-athletes. The goal is to prepare athletes mentally for the next level and provide them with the tools to handle adversity and maintain their well-being.

 

Takeaways: 

1. Mental health and well-being are crucial for young athletes transitioning into college athletics.
2. Programs like Athletes Better Together provide support, guidance, and mentoring to help athletes navigate the challenges they may face.
3. Effective communication, self-advocacy, and understanding different perspectives are important skills for athletes to develop.
4. Athletic trainers play a vital role in the overall well-being of athletes and can provide valuable support and guidance. Better Together focuses on supporting student-athletes in their transition from high school to college.
5. The platform emphasizes mental health and provides resources and mentorship.
6. Building connections and relationships is crucial for student-athletes.
7. The goal is to prepare athletes mentally for the next level and provide them with the tools to handle adversity.