Last Friday, students and fans of Braintree High’s football team gathered in green in support of the nonprofit organization, The Hidden Opponent. The project was founded in 2020 by Victoria Browne, a former D1 athlete. The objective of her project is to aid and educate other student athletes who struggle with mental health.
“The ‘Hidden Opponent’ is the mental side of being an athlete,” senior Lucy Carr explains, “It’s a challenge most athletes face, but it isn’t a visible injury.”
While student athletes at Braintree High put a lot of physical strength into the game, they still face daily psychological struggles as any student would.
“1 in 4 people have mental health struggles, and athletes aren’t an exception,” Lucy continues.
The student representatives from the organization encouraged peers to wear green to the football game on Friday, September 27, in order to encourage the cause. They handed out glasses, bandanas, wristbands, and more at Friday’s game.
“Athletes are at a higher risk to mental health struggles but are the least likely to reach out for help when needed.”
This being the case, the student section certainly did not disappoint. Students showed up covered in green, providing a victory not just for the Braintree High football team but for all student athletes.
“Sports are 80% mental after all.”
