FORT WORTH, Texas – As the TCU women’s basketball team prepares for their historic appearance in the Sweet 16, star player Hailey Van Lith courageously shares her personal battle with mental health. With the spotlight on her team as they face Notre Dame, Van Lith’s story comes at a crucial time, emphasizing the significance of mental health awareness.

This year marks a significant achievement for TCU as they advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time. However, the excitement of this milestone is combined with a powerful message from Van Lith, who candidly opened up about her struggles with depression and thoughts of suicide shortly after her team’s second-round victory in the NCAA Tournament.

Van Lith stated, “When I speak on suffering and pain, it’s like I didn’t even want to live. So, like, to come from that to this is incredible,” underscoring her journey of overcoming adversity.

In a further emotional revelation, she remarked, “When I was younger and in college, I was suicidal. I was heavily medicated. And I felt trapped in.” Despite her achievements on the court, the internal battles she faced were profound and life-threatening.

The turning point for Van Lith’s mental health journey came after the tragic death of Stanford soccer player Katie Meyer. Reflecting on this moment, Van Lith explained, “When I decided I needed to get help and get serious is when I saw the story of the Stanford goalie who committed suicide.” Recognizing that many others struggle silently, she felt compelled to take action.

Van Lith has credited her support system and TCU’s culture for aiding her recovery, particularly highlighting the role of the sports psychologist on staff. This resource has been vital for both her and her teammates, emphasizing TCU’s commitment to mental health support within athletics.

TCU’s head coach, Mark Campbell, lauded Van Lith’s bravery in sharing her story. He stated, “Hailey is impacting lives that we will never know because of the platform that she has and who she is. More proud of that and her testimony, that’s more powerful than any game we’ve won.”

Van Lith concluded by expressing her commitment to continue sharing her journey: “I accepted God’s challenge of sharing it, and now I need to walk in it, and I am glad it has helped people. That is the whole point.”

As TCU prepares for its first Sweet 16 game against the No. 3 seed Notre Dame, the women’s basketball team stands at a historic juncture. The game will take place at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, where they will not only aim to win but also advocate for mental health awareness, inspired by Van Lith’s courageous testimonies.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, there are resources available:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Offers free, confidential emotional support 24/7. Call 1-800-273-8255 or text to 741-741.
• Trevor Lifeline: A crisis intervention service for LGBT youth available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.