We are so proud of JPII alumna Caylin Gecy ’25, whose journey as a student-athlete continues to inspire far beyond the court. Now attending Coker University on a volleyball scholarship, Caylin was recently featured in the article below accompanied by a video by Notre Dame University’s Play Like a Champion initiative for her powerful senior capstone project on student-athlete mental health. Rooted in faith, courage, and lived experience, her work sheds light on the pressures young athletes face today and offers hope, perspective, and purpose to those navigating similar challenges.

Student-Athlete Mental Health Educational Series
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." ~ Hebrews 13:16

We know that sports have a unique capacity to build character, but many young athletes also report that the pressures they face today can serve to tear them down. This paradox inspired the senior capstone project of student-athlete Caylin Gecy, who explored the mental health of high school athletes, sharing her own story while addressing the challenges faced by her peers. In the video to the right, Gecy shares what she learned and offers a key insight: it's critical that young athletes understand their "why" and embrace that each day they walk into practice or competition.

Gecy's project earned her the Rich O'Leary Community Sports Award at the 2025 Play Like a Champion Sports Leadership Conference. Her willingness to share her story and educate hundreds of student-athletes has made a lasting impact in her community. Through this newsletter, her words can inspire thousands of young athletes across the country.

If you're an athlete who is struggling, know that you're not alone. Listen to others like Caylin Gecy and talk to your coaches, parents and school counselors to find out what resources are available to you. Remember that while striving to achieve your personal and team goals can be really hard work, sports are also supposed to be fun. If that's not the case, understand that it's "okay to not be okay" and seek the guidance of trusted adults.

Whether you identify with this struggle or everything is currently great, make a commitment this week to lift up one of your teammates. Simple words or gestures of kindness and support can make a world of difference, so let someone know that you value his or her contributions to the team and you've "got their back", no matter what. Together, we can follow the example of Caylin Gecy, making sure that sports builds character, rather than tearing athletes down. - Play Like a Champion

Once a Golden Warrior, always a Golden Warrior—we are so proud of you, Caylin!!