Central Michigan University Athletics
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
Photo by: Josie Ransley '25,M'27 - @josieransmedia
CMU Athletics Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Week With Several Events
10/3/2025 11:39:00 AM | General, Our Stories
Student-athletes had the benefit of attending several educational on-campus events.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—Central Michigan Athletics highlighted Mental Health Awareness Week with a variety of on-campus activities, events, and resources throughout the past week.
"Student-athletes have unique challenges," Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Amy Folan said. "Our goal with all of these activities and discussion is to emphasize the importance of mental health and create awareness within our student-athlete population and beyond."
Monday night, Mark and Kym Hilinski visited McGuirk Arena to share the story of their middle son Tyler, a Washington State quarterback, who died by suicide in January 2018. The Hilinskis spoke to the entire group of Central Michigan student-athletes. They have established a foundation Hilinski's Hope, which promotes mental fitness for student-athletes and to tell the story of their son. The impactful and heartbreaking story featured video and photos. Their message to student-athletes: it's okay to seek help and please seek help, you are not alone.
On Tuesday night, student-athletes had the benefit of listening to Memphis Grizzlies Director of Mental Performance and Wellness Dr. Chelsi Day speak about mental health awareness. A former MAC athlete herself, Day spoke about recognizing the signs and how to ask for help. In addition, therapy dogs were present and available in the Indoor Athletic Center.
On Wednesday, student-athletes had the benefit of attending a Destress Activity Event all day in the Indoor Athletic Center. Activities included a gratitude wall, painting, gratitude letters, bracelets, and stress balls.
All Central Michigan student-athletes have access to two individuals who are on campus to assist with mental health and wellness: sport psychologist Dr. Megan Manierski and dedicated student-athlete counselor Cecily Barnaud.
"Student-athletes have unique challenges," Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Amy Folan said. "Our goal with all of these activities and discussion is to emphasize the importance of mental health and create awareness within our student-athlete population and beyond."
Monday night, Mark and Kym Hilinski visited McGuirk Arena to share the story of their middle son Tyler, a Washington State quarterback, who died by suicide in January 2018. The Hilinskis spoke to the entire group of Central Michigan student-athletes. They have established a foundation Hilinski's Hope, which promotes mental fitness for student-athletes and to tell the story of their son. The impactful and heartbreaking story featured video and photos. Their message to student-athletes: it's okay to seek help and please seek help, you are not alone.
On Tuesday night, student-athletes had the benefit of listening to Memphis Grizzlies Director of Mental Performance and Wellness Dr. Chelsi Day speak about mental health awareness. A former MAC athlete herself, Day spoke about recognizing the signs and how to ask for help. In addition, therapy dogs were present and available in the Indoor Athletic Center.
On Wednesday, student-athletes had the benefit of attending a Destress Activity Event all day in the Indoor Athletic Center. Activities included a gratitude wall, painting, gratitude letters, bracelets, and stress balls.
All Central Michigan student-athletes have access to two individuals who are on campus to assist with mental health and wellness: sport psychologist Dr. Megan Manierski and dedicated student-athlete counselor Cecily Barnaud.
—CMU—
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