Marshall University Establishes Chapter of 'The Hidden Opponent' to Support Student-Athlete Mental Health

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – From October 3 to October 10, Marshall University marked Student-Athlete Mental Health Week, culminating on World Mental Health Day. The university has taken significant strides in supporting student-athlete mental health with the establishment of its chapter of "The Hidden Opponent," an organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues in athletics.

Deja James, Senior Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Welfare, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it reflects the department's commitment to prioritizing mental wellness within the student-athlete experience. "Seeing our student-athletes take the initiative to establish a chapter of The Hidden Opponent makes our work even more meaningful," James said.

The organization aims to not only provide mental health resources but also to cultivate leaders and advocates among student-athletes, such as Charlotte Thompson and Allison Dodd from the Marshall Swim & Dive team, who played pivotal roles in launching the chapter.

Dodd expressed her alignment with The Hidden Opponent’s mission, noting that her experiences in athletics inspired her to promote a supportive culture around mental health at Marshall. Similarly, Thompson highlighted her passion for mental health advocacy, drawing from her nursing background to reinforce the chapter’s goals.

Marshall's chapter will focus on three primary pillars: Education, Advocacy, and Support. Through events, advocacy initiatives, and peer support, the chapter aims to foster a campus-wide dialogue prioritizing mental health within the athletic community.

Becoming part of a global network of over 100 chapters, Marshall's chapter will enhance support and resource availability for student-athletes. This development is part of a broader initiative, including the recent training by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in suicide prevention, and the launch of 'HERD Cares,' a sport psychology and wellness program developed in collaboration with Marshall Health Network.

The creation of 'The Hidden Opponent' chapter and 'HERD Cares' coincide with the goals of Student-Athlete Mental Health Week, which is focused on promoting mindfulness and connecting student-athletes with vital wellness resources. For updates on Marshall Athletics, follow @HerdZone on social media.