# @jakevarrato on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CiqZMICvEX6
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/25710473-jakevarrato-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/699b8115fe.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-09-18T21:01:05.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Jake Varrato (@jakevarrato) — https://gondola.cc/jakevarrato

## Caption

Their names are Katie Meyer, Tyler Hilinski, Lauren Bernett, Jayden Hill, Robert Martin, Arlana Miller, and Sarah Schulze. These are the names of NCAA student athletes we have lost in 2022 and in recent years due to suicide. This does not include the almost 40 other student athletes we have lost to suicide since 2003 (Ashwin et al. 2015).

These were beyond talented, and beautifully spirited human beings, who were supposed to feel the love they deserved. Not because they got certain grades, and not because they were awarded certain athletic accolades, but because above all, they were human beings.

Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are only the main core of many mental health disorders affecting student athletes today. The best medicine we can provide as a National Collegiate Athletic Community is to continue to focus on building cultures within our athletic programs that look at student athletes holistically.

- Building cultures that prioritize and promote sustainable training, studying, and lifestyle habits which not only prepare student athletes for success in college but also beyond their 4 years of eligibility. 
- Building cultures that see and celebrate the character of athletes regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. 
- Building cultures who have vulnerable leaders that open up about their own mental health. Vulnerability is NOT a weakness, it welcomes the opportunity for others to speak up. It can and it will saves lives. 

Let's be the change student athletes today need. Continually and honestly check in on your teammates and everyone else in your life. Let them know their value and purpose in your life. Be open to receiving help when you need it too. Another set of eyes can help you see the beauty you still have in your struggle. And with time, your gratitude for who and where you are, even if it’s at your lowest, will ALWAYS be greater than the worry of where you’ll end up. 

God Bless & Go Knights 🫶🏻💚💚

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 572
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 31

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Arcadia University | @arcadiauniversity | https://gondola.cc/arcadiauniversity | University |
| The Hidden Opponent ©️ | @thehiddenopponent | https://gondola.cc/thehiddenopponent | Non-Profit Organization |
| Arcadia University Mens Soccer | @arcadia_msoc | https://gondola.cc/arcadia_msoc | NCAA Men's Soccer Team |
| Arcadia Knights | @arcadiaknights1062 | https://gondola.cc/arcadiaknights1062 | Athletic Department |
| The Hidden Opponent @ Arcadia | @tho_arcadia | https://gondola.cc/tho_arcadia | Student Organization |
| Jake Varrato | @jakevarrato | https://gondola.cc/jakevarrato | Athlete |
| Joe Kraus | @photoxjoe | https://gondola.cc/photoxjoe | Photographer |

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