Kate Fagan spoke to UTM athletes and other students about the importance of mental health awareness on Monday, Feb. 4.
The UTM Student-Athlete Association sponsored a presentation hosted by Kate Fagan, a New York Times best-selling author and sports journalist, who spoke to UTM students about the stresses of being a student athlete.
Fagan used the story of college athlete Madison Holleran and the struggles Holleran faced as she transitioned to university life. The best-selling author also pulled stories from her personal life as a women’s basketball player for the University of Colorado Boulder and the pressures she faced.
Throughout her presentation, Fagan discussed three pillars that she believes affect students the most: technology, culture, and mental health.
While explaining the pillar of technology, Fagan introduced the concept she described as “Fracturing of Selves”.
The concept revolves around the idea that people have two versions of themselves: the version of self that manifests when no one is around to see, and the version of self that everyone sees. Fagan uses this notion to address how social media and technology affect a person’s communication between others.
According to Fagan, many college athletes live in what she described as an “achievement culture”.
Fagan argued that a majority of athletes have been taught only one way to achieve success throughout their high school careers, and now must redefine success in college. In her presentation, Fagan told the audience about a quote she heard from an Irish pastor that had resonated with her. She went on to share his quote, telling the students to “notice how close perfection is to despair.”
It was here that Fagan began to introduce her third and final pillar: mental health.
Fagan discussed her own story as a college athlete struggling with mental health. With that, she also went on to share more about Madison Holleran’s story, and how there was a lack of communication in the Holleran family when it came to topics regarding mental health.
Fagan stressed the importance of keeping one’s mental health in check and assured listeners that keeping communication open between friends and family was one of the best things for a student.
After the presentation, Fagan took part in a Q&A format session alongside Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner, Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP.
For more information on mental health safety, visit or contact the Student Health and Counseling Services at 731-881-7750.
