Kodiaks recognized for mental health efforts

March 1, 2022 – The Lethbridge College Kodiaks recent efforts to raise mental health awareness have been recognized with an achievement award.

The annual ‘Make Some Noise for Mental Health’ campaign, which is presented in partnership with the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) and RBC, promotes mental health awareness and aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health concerns. Institutions and teams across the conference were challenged to create their own unique campaigns to promote mental health awareness among student-athletes and their communities.

A panel of judges chose the Kodiaks to receive one of two achievement awards, worth $1,500 each, for their "tremendous efforts" during the campaign 

The Kodiaks campaign was led by the Kodiaks Leadership Council (KLC), a group of 11 student-athletes comprised of representatives from all Kodiaks teams. Over the course of four weeks, the student-athletes led a multi-faceted mental health awareness campaign aimed at reducing the stigma associated with discussing mental health concerns. 

“In order to beat the stigma attached to mental health you first must have the comfort and support to share,” says Todd Caughlin, Manager of Kodiaks Athletics. “I’m so proud of the work the KLC did to create an environment of comfort and support that all Kodiaks student-athletes can be a part of.”

Many student-athletes stepped out of their comfort zones to share personal mental health experiences.

Carter Van Roon, a first-year cross country and indoor track student-athlete, shared his struggles with suicidal thoughts and overcoming mental health obstacles by penning the first instalment of “The Kodiaks Tribune.” The tribune platform will live on and give student-athletes an outlet to share their own experiences with mental health.

Olivia DePasquale, a second-year soccer and futsal student-athlete, took the opportunity to share her journey with mental health by creating a personal video posted on the Kodiaks social media accounts. The video was shared widely and reached over 3,500 unique Instagram users.

The MSN campaign also sought to bring awareness to the many mental health resources available within the Lethbridge College community. The Kodiaks hosted two designated “Make Some Noise for Mental Health” theme nights, where fans received mental health facts and resource information through a variety of PA announcements.

Liam Frost, a second-year men’s volleyball student-athlete, collaborated with the Lethbridge College Wellness Services department to deliver information sessions to Kodiaks student-athletes and coaches that touched on the wide range of mental health services and resources available on campus.

Kodiaks Athletics assistant Emily Greeno helped guide the student-athletes through the organization of the campaign. She says she was blown away by the creative thinking, openness and courage the student-athletes displayed throughout. 

“The KLC truly came together to plan their own campaign,” says Greeno. “Not only were student athletes taking ownership over planning, but they also had conversations about their own mental health within their weekly meetings. A highlight for me was watching Carter and Olivia be willing to share their personal stories about their journeys. I believe their courage has inspired and encouraged other Kodiaks to be more open and have conversations about their own mental health.”

The Kodiaks Leadership Council says they will use the funds from the achievement award for mental health supports and initiatives that will benefit student-athletes both now and in the future.  

Caughlin is appreciative for the support the Kodiaks have received from the ACAC and RBC and looks forward to seeing his student-athletes continue the important discussion around mental health beyond the scope of the MSN campaign.  

“Thank you to RBC and the ACAC for promoting such an incredible initiative,” says Caughlin. “We are excited that our Kodiaks student-athletes will continue to promote this important initiative year-round.”