Erin Purcell '24: Helping People on their Worst Days
For career inspiration, Erin looked no further than her family of first responders and their calling to “help people on their worst days.”
THO was founded in 2019 to raise awareness regarding student athlete mental health, as well as addressing the mental health stigma within sports culture.
The organization has grown to over 500 campuses with "Campus Captains" who serve as ambassadors for the initiative. Alyssa Santangeli '23, a double major in sports management and political science with a minor in legal studies, is the president of the EC chapter of The Hidden Opponent.
Santangeli shared, "The chapter is going to focus on promoting mental health and defeating the stigmas often attached to it. The chapter is led by student-athletes on campus. Studies have revealed that many student-athletes suffer from mental health issues, but because of stereotypes surrounding mental health issues, they often don't get the help they need. The mission of the club is to promote the conversation of what mental health really is about, where to get help, and how to assist others that seem to be struggling with their hidden opponent."
Alyssa Santangeli '23 in athletic uniform
