Can we talk about something that nobody in the athletic world wants to admit?
A female rugby player in a recent study described what happened when she was having anxiety attacks before games. Her coaches’ response? “Suck it up or sit out.”
If that hits close to home, I need you to know: you did not deserve that. And you are not alone.
Here’s what researchers actually found when they studied the barriers female athletes face when seeking mental health support:
The real list looks like this:
Nobody taught you what burnout vs. depression actually looks like
Asking for help feels like showing weakness — especially when you’re supposed to be the strong one
The resources available weren’t designed with your experience in mind
Your schedule leaves zero room for weekly therapy appointments
You worry about who else will find out
And when institutional support falls short? Athletes are building their own informal networks just to survive. That burden should not be on you.
Here’s what I love about what scripture says in the middle of all this:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
That rest isn’t passive. It’s the kind of deep, soul-level exhale that no performance bonus or championship ring can give you. And it’s available right now — not after the season. Now.
The Girls Anthem Locker Room exists to create the space the system hasn’t built yet. Six weeks. Community. Faith. Tools you can actually use.
The August cohort registration is open. Investment: $199. All athletes welcome. All backgrounds welcome. All you need is a willingness to show up.
Check out our promo video that includes testimonials from our first cohort!
Based on original research by Mya K. Douglas, Liberty University, 2026.