Olivia Samkavitz wants to help student-athletes and raise awareness of the challenges they face off the field and court.
“I’ve always been interested in mental health for athletes,” said the 16-year-old Central Bucks East High School junior, who plays a number of sports.
In an effort to bring more attention to the sometimes severe emotional and psychological problems teen athletes encounter, but often don’t share with friends or family, Samkavitz created Next Play Sports, a school club with a focus on support.
With some 150 members and counting, the club has been embraced by students and staff at Central Bucks South and CB West high schools, too. A school in Pennington, N.J., has also expressed interest in starting a chapter, said Samkavitz.
The goal, she explained is to “be there” for students who, “even if they’re doing great on the field, beat themselves up after a mistake.” Samkavitz said she speaks from experience. “I know what that’s like.”
Samkavitz was, and still is, an ambassador with Morgan’s Message, a national nonprofit with a powerful mission to help student-athletes. The organization, founded after the death by suicide of Morgan Rodgers, a former Duke University lacrosse student-athlete, describes its purpose this way, on its website:
“Morgan’s Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. We aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.”
Similarly, on a local level, Next Play Sports hopes to do the same, explained Samkavitz.
During a recent Central Bucks East girls soccer team game, the club dedicated the game to Morgan’s Message and staffed a table with information and resources for students.
“We’re here to help students on and off the field, help their mindset and raise awareness about the mental health of athletes,” Samkavitz said.
Next Play Sports members make encouraging and caring notes for athletes and put them on their lockers during game seasons. They share supportive posts on Instagram on how to get over mistakes and help students find the resources they may need.
“I’m really happy to be doing this,” said Samkavitz, “mental health needs to be treated the same as physical health. The strongest thing you can do is reach out for help.”
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