In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition podcast, I talk with former collegiate athlete, coach, and COO of The Hidden Opponent, Leeann Passaro. We explore what the Hidden Opponent is and its mission to raise awareness of student-athlete mental health. Leeann explains how a friend’s suicide introduced her to mental illness as a child, before then struggling herself with anxiety and self-confidence in high school and college. These experiences prompted her advocacy for student-athlete mental health that we talk about today.

We discuss the far reaching impacts of toxic team cultures on everyone involved, even after stepping away from sport. Leeann opens up about her negative experiences in college with her coach and offers up advice to athletes for maintaining good mental health. As well as normalizing mental health struggles, we emphasize that health is out there and you can find a happier place! Leeann and I talk about the good and bad sides of social media, and its influence on student-athlete NIL deals. We leave listeners with actionable advice for achieving and maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit, as well as resources like The Hidden Opponent for further support and community.

I highly recommend you check out The Hidden Opponent on Instagram @thehiddenopponent and at https://www.thehiddenopponent.org/

Tune in to the Female Athlete Nutrition podcast episodes #118 and #114 to hear from more of The Hidden Opponent team.

Follow Leeann on Instagram @leeannp27 and me, your host Lindsey Cortes, @female.athlete.nutrition

We have a huge announcement! We are launching patreon! Female Athlete Nutrition podcast patreon is now LIVE and we are excited to offer our community unique perks. Join today and receive bonus episodes, merch, monthly recipes, access to an exclusive community message board, and have the chance to ask Lindsey your questions and get a podcast shoutout, and more! Head to patreon today patreon.com/femaleathletenutrition

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In this episode we talk about:

1:00 Exciting announcement! We are on patreon!

5:45 What is The Hidden Opponent?

8:45 Leeann’s athletic journey and playing college soccer

12:00 Healing toxic relationships with sport

16:00 Learn more about patreon!

20:15 Toxic team cultures and the lasting impact of unhealthy environments

25:00 Leeann’s introduction to mental health and her own struggles

28:00 Loosing a friend by suicide in high school; The book “What Made Maddy Run” by Kate Fagan

31:30 The social media dilemma, balancing the pros and cons, including NIL deals for college athletes.

35:15 Tips for a healthy mind, body, and spirit, as well as good mental health

38:30 It’s okay to not be okay! And the importance of your relationship with yourself.

43:00 Taking action and creating change with The Hidden Opponent

48:00 End of the podcast questions