In professional sports, athletes are celebrated for their physical strength, grit and determination.

But as the world of sports evolves, so does our understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels.

Athletes like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Kevin Love have bravely stepped forward to remind us that mental health is as important as physical fitness.

Their openness has sparked a much-needed conversation by challenging beliefs about mental toughness and resilience in sports.

The question isn’t whether mental health matters but how the sports world will respond to this growing awareness.

Historically, athletes were expected to be invincible, and their mental health was often overlooked or downplayed in the pursuit of victory.

But that’s changing.

Former USC volleyball star Victoria Garrick, who was once at the top of her game, shattered the myth of athlete invulnerability by speaking openly about her battles with anxiety and depression during her collegiate career.

Garrick, who once helped lead her team to the NCAA Final Four, revealed that the pressures of performance, combined with the expectations of maintaining a perfect image, took a toll on her mental health.

Her candidness in sharing her story has made her a leading voice in the mental health movement, especially for student-athletes.

Garrick’s bravery is helping break the stigma surrounding mental health, and her advocacy pushes organizations to provide better support for the mental wellness of athletes across all levels of competition.

The shift in how we view mental health in sports has been significant, with leagues and teams increasingly recognizing the importance of psychological well-being.

The NBA, for instance, has launched a mental health and wellness program that provides players access to therapists and mental health professionals.

According to a 2022 study by the NCAA, nearly 30% of student-athletes reported feeling “mentally exhausted,” underscoring the pressure to perform at every level of competition.

These developments reflect a broader cultural shift, where athletes are no longer expected to “tough it out” at the expense of their mental health.

What’s happening in sports mirrors a broader societal change. Athletes are role models for physical excellence, self-care and vulnerability.

Speaking out empowers millions of people, fans and even non-fans to prioritize their mental health. It’s a reminder that no one, not even world-class athletes, is immune to the struggles of mental health.

Their bravery normalizes conversations about wellness and reminds us that strength comes in many forms.

Mental health continues to evolve, it’s clear that the future of sports depends on the continued integration of mental wellness into athlete care.

Leagues and organizations must step up to provide resources, not only for elite athletes but for competitors at every level. The sports community is learning that true strength isn’t just about pushing through adversity and recognizing when to seek help.

In doing so, athletes are paving the way for a healthier, more supportive sports culture.

Jadeyn Price is a third-year student at Penn State Altoona and a member of the school’s volleyball team. She is a native of Altoona.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Fever hired Stephanie White as coach on Friday, putting her in charge of a team led by WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark.

White spent the past two seasons as head coach of the Connecticut Sun before parting ways with the team earlier this week.

The former star at Purdue served on the Fever coaching staff from 2011-16, including as head coach for the final two of those seasons. The Fever won the WNBA title in 2012 with White on the staff.

“I am incredibly proud and honored to return home to Indiana and lead the Fever during such a pivotal moment in this franchise’s history, as well as during such an important time throughout women’s athletics,” White said in a statement. “This franchise has and always will be committed to winning and I look forward to working every day to help deliver another WNBA title to the greatest basketball fans in the world.”

White replaces Christie Sides, who led the Fever to a 20-20 record last season and the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2016. The organization announced it was moving on from Sides, who was the head coach for two seasons before being let go last Sunday.

Indiana is the first of seven head coaching vacancies in the league to be filled.