Hilinski's Hope committed to bringing awareness to student-athlete mental health
CBS 19
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Tyler Hilinski threw his first touchdown at Washington State University as a red-shirt sophomore against Arizona, a 71-yard bomb.
But just a few months later, he died by suicide in January of 2018.
"We had no idea he was struggling. He never sought treatment. He never had seen a therapist. He just didn't tell anybody that he was struggling with his mental health. He was suffering in silence," said Kym Hilinski, Tyler's mother.The nonprofit was created by the parents of Tyler Hilinski to prioritize mental health among student-athletes.
To honor his legacy, Tyler's parents started Hilinski's Hope, a nonprofit that focuses on bringing awareness to student-athlete mental health.
"We understand the grind that they're under, you know, COVID happened, NIL, the transfer portal, social media," said Kym.
When Hilinski's Hope first started, it had a partnership with 17 schools. Now, it has more than 250 universities that work with it.
"Every time somebody signs up, that school is making a commitment to doing something right," said Mark Hilinski, Tyler's father.
One of those schools is the University of Virginia.
"The partnership with Hilinski's Hope is really our student-athlete's initiative around acknowledging that mental health is an important issue, but also establishing the importance around getting care," said Jason Freeman, UVA Athletics Sport Psychologist.
But Freeman says Hilinski's Hope can serve more than just one demographic.
"Hilinski's Hope is not just about student-athletes, but it's really about saving a life. If our student-athletes can have that platform, use that platform to recognize how important it is to advocate for mental health and getting care from mental health and reminding people you're not alone," said Freeman
UVA student-athletes recognized Mental Health Week with different events throughout the week.
