Mental health among athletes is becoming more prevalent and outspoken in modern college athletics, including Coffeyville Community College.

 

Fans of collegiate athletes, including the CCC Red Ravens, have grown accustomed to only seeing a player on the field or court. The truth is the process of training, balancing school and sport, and nerves of competing at a high level all contribute to what can be a difficult mental health journey.

 

Red Raven volleyball coach Deardin Kelley says that while all athletes experience emotion, it's expressing those emotions that looms large.

 

A number of athletes may be playing away from home, or adjusting to life as a young adult, which adds stress and anxiety. Kelley says she had to learn how to ask for help as a college athlete herself.

 

The biggest piece of the culture that Kelley is building at CCC is that of honesty and sincerity. She says that she gives and takes with her players so that everyone can feel heard.

 

Kelley has already experienced success on the court, winning 26 games and reaching the Plains District A Finals in her first season as head coach. But the program building she's doing off the court may be leading to greater success in the near future.