October 11th, 2024 @7:56 pm
Balancing the Mind and Body: A Female Volleyball Player’s Perspective on Mental Health
At the West Coast classic Usport Volleyball tournament, the vibes were high for the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack. Post Game, Addison Witkowski touches on her view of the importance of mental health within female sports.
In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of professional volleyball, maintaining mental well-being is just as crucial as physical fitness. Addison Witkowski opens up about the challenges she faces and the strategies she relies on to stay grounded throughout her career.
For this athlete, making space for mental wellness means intentionally carving out time for self-care beyond the court. “I take time to do things outside of it all to quiet the mind, like journaling, morning yoga, and walks,” she shares. These small yet vital rituals help her step away from the game’s intensity, allowing her to reconnect with herself. “Volleyball is a game of mistakes, and one inch off on a serve is an automatic point for the other team. It’s easy to get caught up in the little things,” she explains, emphasizing just how much of a mental challenge the sport can be.
She is candid about the struggles she faces, from anxiety to burnout. “I go through this at least once or twice a season. I need a break, some time and space to just be a person—not just an athlete or a machine.” Therapy has been a game-changer for her, allowing her to process the emotions she’s been carrying. “I never knew how much extra weight I was holding before going to a therapist. It almost removed the load for me,” she says.
When dealing with the pressure to perform, she finds motivation by remembering the passion that drew her to the game in the first place. “I try to remind myself to have fun, because that’s why I play. #pressuremakesdiamonds ;)” Staying grounded and present is key to managing the stress: “The only time my mental health poorly impacts me is when I’m stuck on the past or too concerned about the future.”
She’s also found strength in her teammates, who play a crucial role in her well-being. “The biggest thing they do is make each other feel supported. If I fall, they’ve got me,” she reflects. These relationships provide a sense of security in a sport that can feel isolating when things get tough.
For this athlete, the competitive nature of volleyball has shaped her resilience over time, but she believes there’s more that can be done. “We should have to get mental checks alongside physicals. You need to be mentally fit to handle the load of being a professional athlete.” Her journey is a reminder that mental health isn’t just an individual battle, it’s a team effort that needs to be prioritized both on and off the court.
( A. Witkowski, Personal Communication, October 10th 2024)