Athletes OnBalance

Cailin Bracken on Her Mental Health Journey as a Student Athlete

Cailin Bracken, a lacrosse player at Vanderbilt University, joins Walt on this episode of Athletes OnBalance. Cailin, who plays attack for the Commodores, is entering her senior year. As a college freshman, she made the decision to step away to address her mental health. After eventually returning to campus and to the sport she loves, she wrote a powerful letter to college sports, demanding everyone involved be better at caring for the mental health of student athletes. During this episode, Cailin discusses her experience as a student athlete when the pandemic began, how a concussion affected her mental health, the importance of taking time off, being vulnerable and communicating with teammates and coaches, setting clear intentions as a student athlete, and the support she received throughout her mental health journey.

Jimmy Johns on His Redemption Story and Journey Ahead

Jimmy Johns, a former University of Alabama football player joins Walt on this episode of Athletes OnBalance. Jimmy, who was a star quarterback in high school in his home state of Mississippi, went on to play football at the University of Alabama. As a member of the Crimson Tide from 2005-07, he primarily played running back and later converted to linebacker. In 2006, he was selected as Alabama’s Special Teams Player of the Year. During this episode, Jimmy shares his mental health journey and opens up about the adversity he has overcome throughout his life. He also discusses his close relationship with Coach Nick Saban, returning to Alabama to finish his degree, depression, family, loss, his continued pursuit of personal growth, and the importance of treating mental health like a physical illness.

Coach Nick Saban on Advocating for Athletic Mental Health Care

On episode 2, Walt is joined by Nick Saban, Head Coach for the University of Alabama Football Team. Coach Saban has won seven national championships, which is the most in college football history. Of those seven titles, he has won six at Alabama since he took the helm there in 2007 and eight SEC championships. He has coached four Heisman Trophy winners and hundreds of players who have gone on to star in the NFL. Aside from all those accolades, Coach Saban has long been an advocate for the mental health of athletes. In this episode, he discusses how crucial it is to recognize the connection between an athlete’s physical ability and their mental approach. Coach Saban also talks about individualized approaches to helping athletes based on their specific needs, finding the right people to help athletes be the best version of themselves, and the importance of being goal oriented and self-disciplined.

Dr. Ginger Gilmore on the Mental Health Journey of Collegiate Athletes

On episode 1, Walt is joined by Dr. Ginger Gilmore, Director of Behavioral Medicine and Athletic Trainer at the University of Alabama. Dr. Gilmore has been with Alabama for nearly 30 years, including the last 16 with the school’s football team where she works closely with Head Coach Nick Saban to spearhead mental health efforts for the team. She’s also responsible for creating the behavioral health program for the entire athletic department at Alabama which is now considered the premier program in the NCAA. In this episode, Dr. Gilmore discusses her work in helping support the mental health of student athletes and the “why” behind the behavioral health program. She also talks about the contributing factors to the rise in mental health challenges and offers insight for coaches, teammates and family members.