Mental Health in Soccer: Schuyler DeBree’s Story of Resilience and Advocacy
Mental health challenges affect countless athletes, yet the topic remains underdiscussed in the soccer community. Former Duke standout and NWSL defender Sc
Mental health challenges affect countless athletes, yet the topic remains underdiscussed in the soccer community. Former Duke standout and NWSL defender Schuyler DeBree opens up about her own crisis, how she navigated through it, and her mission to destigmatize mental health in sports.
The Reality of Mental Health in Soccer
Whether you realize it or not, many soccer players and teammates are battling mental health issues today. It is extremely common, yet conversations around it are still limited. The phrase “It is OK not to be OK” carries an important message that we should actively communicate to friends and family. When people feel alone, isolated, or in a dark place, letting them know those feelings are normal—and showing love and support—can help them move forward.
Schuyler DeBree’s Personal Crisis
Former Duke University standout and rising NWSL defender Schuyler DeBree suddenly found herself in a deep mental health crisis that made her question everything. In a conversation about her journey, she describes how she navigated through the hardest time in her life and now uses her own experience to help destigmatize athlete mental health.
Key Messages from Schuyler
“Mental health can impact absolutely anyone.”
Schuyler emphasizes that athletes are often seen as public figures and the epitome of strength. If the message reaches people that even athletes deal with mental health issues, it can help others understand just how widespread the problem is—and that it does not discriminate.
“I think a lot of people feel like if a coach found out that you’re not doing well mentally, no one is going to trust you on the field.”
This pressure to keep struggles to oneself remains a major barrier. Schuyler’s honesty helps shine a light on that hidden burden.
“I look at soccer in a really different way. I’m much better about separating my sense of self-worth from soccer.”
Her experience taught her to redefine her relationship with the sport, detaching her value as a person from her performance.
“I hope that I’m at least encouraging people to be honest. Other people sharing their perspectives and experiences can only be helpful.”
Schuyler’s goal is to normalize openness so that others feel empowered to speak up.
The Mental Matchup Podcast
Schuyler cohosts a weekly podcast called The Mental Matchup with former Duke lacrosse player Kat Zempolich. The show focuses on opening up dialogue about mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.
Presented by Morgan’s Message—a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community—the podcast brings together athletes, coaches, parents, and other perspectives. Through a diverse range of stories, the hosts aim to help listeners understand they are not alone and to continue destigmatizing mental health.
A Call for Community Support
Schuyler DeBree’s story is a powerful reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, including high‑level athletes. By sharing her journey and creating platforms for honest conversation, she is helping to change the culture around mental health in soccer and beyond.
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