"There's this misconception that asking for help is a sign of weakness when, in reality, it's a strength," said Olivia Buzzelli, senior on the AU women's hockey team.

Buzzelli is set to begin her season as captain for the Spartans, but that is not the only group that Buzzelli is captain of at AU. In addition to being a leader on the AU women's hockey team, Buzzelli is AU's Campus Captain for The Hidden Opponent (THO), a non-profit advocacy group that brings attention to the mental health struggles athletes face around the world.

"The Hidden Opponent is dedicated to breaking the stigma that surrounds mental health in sports by providing a platform for athletes to share their stories, access resources, and create a community of support. Our goal is to normalize these conversations and make seeking help more acceptable," Buzzelli said.

The Hidden Opponent brings mental health initiatives and awareness directly to college campuses through passionate student ambassadors, known as a "Campus Captain" like Buzzelli. These individuals are an extension of The Hidden Opponent team and work to improve culture and promote conversations at schools across the globe.

In addition to this role at AU, Buzzelli is also President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Treasurer of the Sport Management Association, and Senate Chair of Aurora University Students Association. She first heard of The Hidden Opponent through social media and AU's Assistant Athletic Director, Morgan Stenson and was immediately drawn to its mission.

"I knew she would be a great fit as a campus captain, considering she is a leader not only within our athletics community but also in various other areas around campus. As an aspiring sports attorney, her determination to build connections and use her voice is something we can all learn from," Stenson said.

THO and mental health advocacy is extremely important to Buzzelli because of the impact it has played on her life and those close to her. A large amount of student athletes face immense pressure day in and day out across the world. In fact, according to data from last year's NCAA Student-Athlete Health and Wellness Study, only about 50% reported feeling comfortable seeking support from a mental health provider on campus.

"I became a Campus Captain for THO because I wanted to extend the resources we have here at AU and connect with a larger network. I want to be a source of support and encouragement for them," Buzzelli said.

Several others including Stenson have been helpful in spreading awareness of the support student athletes have off the playing field at AU. Tasha Simmons is a staff counselor that has been incredibly supportive in spreading awareness around campus as well. Project Resilience is an organization at AU that recognizes the potential challenges that college athletes face with mental health and strives to provide a safe space where student athletes can share their experiences. 

"The progress made since my time as an athlete to my current role as an administrator is remarkable. However, the work doesn't stop here. Coming together in groups helps spread the word more effectively and makes mental health a norm," Stenson said.

Some other goals for Buzzelli and others involved with THO at AU include hosting events on campus and at sporting events that advocate not just directly to athletes, but faculty and fans. By making the topic of mental health a normal conversation in these spaces, the hope is that the stigma becomes reduced. 

"The competitive nature of sports can also make athletes feel pressure to push through emotional struggles without addressing them, but with advocacy efforts like THO, we're working to change that mindset. Reducing the mental health stigma starts on campus, in the locker rooms, and on the field or ice," Buzzelli said.

AU and Buzzelli have plans to host a Mental Health Awareness game on Dec. 6 against Lawrence University.

"We are working to get shirts for the women's hockey players as well as the Lawrence hockey players to wear for pregame and have helmet stickers to wear during the game.  Events will help foster discussions and remind athletes that their mental health is just as important as their physical health," Buzzelli said.

With efforts like these, Buzzelli hopes to build a lasting legacy at AU that inspires future student-athletes to prioritize their mental well-being.