Behind the competition, the pressure, and the performance, there is a side of being a student-athlete we do not always see.

In a recent Mental Health Awareness Month episode of * The Right Way to Play® podcast *, the NAIA sat down with Samantha Silver, former NAIA student-athlete, coach, and now Student-Athlete Mental Health Coordinator at Bushnell, to talk about what mental health really looks like in college athletics.

From building team-based counseling systems to navigating the tension between mental toughness and real well-being, Sam shares both her personal journey and practical ways programs can better support student-athletes. This conversation is not just about awareness. It is about action, access, and creating an environment where student-athletes can truly thrive. Because competing at a high level should not come at the cost of losing yourself.

To view the podcast, click the "play" button on the image above or visit: Strong on the Outside: The Mental Health Reality of Student-Athletes 🎙️ - YouTube