As someone who has always been fascinated with the role sports play in shaping identity and community, I’ve seen firsthand how athletic culture often reinforces harmful stereotypes about masculinity. These stereotypes, while unspoken, can become barriers to mental health and emotional well-being for young men. As someone who has personally struggled with mental health both on and off the pitch, I know how difficult it can be to navigate the mental pressures of sports.

 For me, the hardest part wasn’t just dealing with the challenges of performing on the field—it was losing the joy I once had for the game because of those pressures. Worse still, I often found it difficult to talk to anyone about how I felt, as I was frequently told to “toughen up”. Sports, in many ways, serve as a metaphor for life, and unfortunately this culture is no exception. Many of my male peers have shared similar struggles—not just on the field, but in the classroom and in the world—yet they, too, feel unable to express themselves honestly and fully. Men in this society grow up being told not to show “weakness,” “not to cry”, and to keep our feelings bottled up. These beliefs often carry into adulthood, creating men who think it’s less masculine to express normal human emotions or seek help when needed. I hope to change that culture through Stronger Minds, Stronger Men to create a future where men feel comfortable talking about how they feel and embracing vulnerability as a “strength."

Through Stronger Minds, Stronger Men, I hope to create a space where male athletes and young men feel supported in their mental health journeys and empowered to redefine what it means to be “strong.” Sports are not just about competition—they’re about connection, joy, and personal growth. By addressing mental health in this context, we can challenge harmful stigmas in our modern day culture and promote healthier forms of masculinity that benefit both men and communities.

Our goal is to provide educational resources, spark open conversations, and collaborate with mental health professionals, coaches, and athletes to create real change. Whether through blogs, podcasts, or events, we aim to work with young men and the people who influence them, offering tools and support to help them navigate the pressures of sports and society.

This is about more than just mental health—it’s about creating a culture shift. My hope is that Stronger Minds, Stronger Men will inspire a generation of young men to embrace vulnerability, build resilience, and find strength in authenticity. Together, we can redefine the game—for the better."

- Caleb Wong '26