### Hailey Van Lith's Journey: From Struggles to Strength in Mental Health Hailey Van Lith, a prominent player for TCU's women's basketball team, has recently opened up about her mental health journey, revealing the challenges she faced during her college career. After her team's success in reaching the Sweet 16, Van Lith expressed her gratitude for the support she received, particularly from TCU coach Mark Campbell, who played a significant role in her transformation. Her candid discussions about mental health have resonated with many, highlighting the importance of addressing such issues in sports and beyond. ### Breakdown of Hailey Van Lith's Mental Health Journey 1. **Initial Struggles**: Van Lith faced severe mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts, during her early college years. She described feeling "trapped" and at her lowest point, which she openly shared after a recent game against Louisville [https://nypost.com/2025/03/25/sports/tcus-hailey-van-lith-gets-raw-on-mental-health-struggles]. 2. **Support from Coach Mark Campbell**: Coach Campbell has been a pivotal figure in Van Lith's life, providing guidance and support that she credits with helping her navigate her mental health issues. She stated, "God put him in my life to transform it" [https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/article/hailey-van-lith-opens-up-about-tcu-coach-mark-campbell-helping-her-on-mental-health-journey-god-put-him-in-my-life-to-transform-it-055146806.html]. 3. **Public Disclosure**: Van Lith's decision to speak publicly about her mental health has been a positive experience for her. She emphasized that sharing her story has been beneficial, allowing her to connect with others who may be facing similar struggles [https://espn.co.uk/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44421494/tcu-hailey-van-lith-glad-opened-mental-health]. 4. **Impact on Others**: By opening up about her experiences, Van Lith aims to inspire others to address their mental health challenges. She believes that discussing these issues can help reduce stigma and encourage more athletes to seek help [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaw/2025/03/26/hailey-van-lith-tcu-mental-health/82677865007]. ### Supporting Evidence of Hailey Van Lith's Impact - **Emotional Testimony**: After a significant victory, Van Lith expressed her emotional journey, stating, "I felt trapped" and revealing her past suicidal thoughts, which she has now overcome [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6229300/2025/03/25/tcu-hailey-van-lith-mental-health]. - **Positive Reception**: Her openness has been met with support from fans and the media, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness in sports [https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/03/27/hailey-van-lith-tcu-mental-health]. - **Continued Advocacy**: Van Lith's story is not just about her struggles but also about her commitment to advocating for mental health awareness, showing that athletes can be vulnerable and still succeed [https://www.news4jax.com/sports/2025/03/26/tcus-hailey-van-lith-glad-to-have-shared-publicly-about-mental-health-issues-she-dealt-with-in-past]. ### Conclusion: Hailey Van Lith's Inspiring Transformation **Hailey Van Lith's journey illustrates the profound impact of mental health awareness in sports.** 1. **Struggles**: She faced significant mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts. 2. **Support**: Coach Mark Campbell's guidance was crucial in her recovery. 3. **Public Disclosure**: Sharing her story has been a positive experience, helping to inspire others. 4. **Advocacy**: Van Lith continues to advocate for mental health awareness, aiming to reduce stigma in athletics. Through her openness and resilience, Van Lith not only highlights her personal growth but also encourages a broader conversation about mental health in sports [https://dailymail.co.uk/sport/college-basketball/article-14536505/college-basketball-hailey-van-lith-mental-health.html].