In this episode, LG explores the critical importance of centralizing and integrating mental health support within student-athlete communities, exploring strategies to foster a supportive environment and enhance overall well-being, in schools, at home, and beyond. Host Taylor Rooks, alongside panelists Victoria Garrick Browne, Dr. Katie Nichols and Eric Gross sit down to discuss student-athlete mental health at the 2024 Women’s Volleyball Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.
Taylor Rooks Host & Moderator
Victoria Garrick Browne 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient; TEDx speaker of the viral talk “The Hidden Opponent”; Founder of The Hidden Opponent, a nonprofit for athlete mental health; Former D1 athlete and PAC-12 Champion with USC Women’s Volleyball Team; Podcast host of Real Pod; Social media influencer with 2M+ followers, known for #RealPost; Featured in Forbes, Women’s Health, and The New York Times; National speaker touring universities to destigmatize mental health and promote authenticity
Dr. Katie Nichols Director of Mental Performance, Louisville Athletics and UofL Health; Former Mental Performance Coach, Amplos and Clemson Athletics; Coordinator for Student-Welfare and Development, University of Notre Dame; Award-Winning Mental Performance Coach (AASP 2017 Doctoral Student Practice Award); Ph.D. in Sport Psychology, University of Missouri
Eric Gross Louisville Athletics – Athletic Program Therapist (Sept 2022 - Current); EMG Therapy – Owner (2014 - Aug. 2022); Started crisis intervention team for U of L Athletics Dept. (2015); Played varsity tennis, Mitchell University, New London, CT. (1988 - 1990); Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor- Supervisor (LPCC-S)
