Pandemic amplifies mental health struggles in already vulnerable young athletes

.....“A lot of my teammates have hoops in their alleys, but I don’t have an alley,” said Charlotte O’Toole, a rising high school senior who plays on the 17U Flow team. “I literally could not shoot for two months, which was really, really hard and so discouraging for my mental health.

“You feel like you’re losing something.”.....

.....Mayer said athletes are lost without sports. Many develop substance abuse, among other unhealthy coping mechanisms....

.....Nicole Mann, mother of Natalie Mann, a rising senior on the Flow 17U team, called the tournaments “nerve-racking.”

“Basketball is a passion for her, so we’re willing to take that risk,” Nicole said. “We’re being pretty careful in most other areas of our life. We’re choosing to take a risk in that one because it’s a high priority......   ...more

Bethany`s Notes: Access to even a chance at facilities is a test during COVID-19. Every family can and should decide what risks they are willing or want to take.