Corvallis – The hours of practice, the travel schedules, the stress of competing against some of world's best athletes, and the everyday pressures of being a college student – the physical and psychological demands are intense for the young men and women who represent Oregon State Athletics in such a visible atmosphere.
The experiences of former Oregon State standout gymnast Taylor Ricci (pronounced Ritchie) and current men's soccer member Nathan Braaten (pronounced like cotton) have led them to spearhead conversation around those demands through a mental health awareness initiative -- #DamWorthIt.
"Our goal is to destigmatize and spread awareness about the epidemic of mental health in collegiate athletics.