My undergraduate studies gave me an exposure to the mental health component of sports performance. It wasn’t until my graduate studies that I realized mental health was equally important for athletes. This realization was my ‘light bulb’ moment that athletes should have access to trained professional counselors to assist them as they face mental health challenges. An athlete’s mental health is often overlooked and can impact their ability to compete. Now as I pursue my PhD, my focus is on athletes getting mental health support one year prior to retirement and one year following their exit from their sport to alleviate mental health difficulties.