Marquette Athletics Enhances Student-Athlete Mental Health Support
Marquette University Athletics has announced a significant partnership with Onrise, a virtual provider specializing in athlete-focused mental health services. This collaboration is designed to bolster the mental health resources available to the university's nearly 350 student-athletes, who compete across 17 different programs. The initiative aims to provide accessible and comprehensive support, meeting student-athletes wherever they are in their academic and athletic journeys.
The partnership integrates Onrise's virtual capabilities with Marquette Athletics' existing mental health services and its student-athlete-first philosophy. Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, Kenny Wilka, stated that the goal is to expand the resources and support systems necessary for student-athletes to navigate the complex demands of collegiate athletics and life beyond their sport. He emphasized that student-athletes deserve care tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Resources
Director of Student-Athlete Mental Health and Sports Performance, Kari Lewis, expressed optimism about the collaboration's potential to significantly benefit student-athletes. She highlighted that the partnership will broaden access to mental health services and resources, offering additional avenues for athletes to seek the support they require. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the holistic well-being of student-athletes within the Marquette Athletics department.
The collaboration with Onrise is intended to supplement the ongoing efforts of on-campus staff members who are already dedicated to student-athlete welfare. By leveraging virtual support, Marquette aims to overcome potential barriers to access, ensuring that a larger number of student-athletes can benefit from timely and effective mental health care. This proactive approach underscores the university's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for its athletes.
Broader Trends in Student-Athlete Wellbeing Initiatives
The partnership between Marquette and Onrise reflects a growing trend across collegiate athletics to prioritize and enhance mental health support for student-athletes. Institutions are increasingly recognizing the unique pressures faced by these individuals, including academic rigor, demanding training schedules, and the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Institutions are implementing a variety of strategies to address these challenges. For instance, the Patriot League, in collaboration with The Inclusion Playbook, observed Student-Athlete Wellbeing Week from October 5th to October 11th, 2026. This initiative aimed to foster open conversations about student-athlete wellbeing, belonging, stress management, and boundary setting. A key event during this week was a virtual panel discussion titled “Beyond the Game: Staying Grounded When the World Feels Heavy,” featuring student-athletes like Boston University's Kyomi Apalit.
Furthermore, financial commitments are being made to establish dedicated centers for student-athlete well-being. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Athletics is set to establish the Joe and Marybeth Markiewicz Student-Athlete Well-Being Center, made possible by a $1.36 million commitment. This center, to be located in Clark Gymnasium, will serve as a hub for development and leadership programming, reinforcing RIT's dedication to the holistic development of its student-athletes. The commitment includes funds for renovations, a graduate assistant position, and ongoing programmatic expenses through an endowed fund.
Addressing Specific Student-Athlete Challenges
The transition to college presents a unique set of challenges for student-athletes, which institutions are actively working to mitigate. Boise State University Athletics, for example, has implemented a peer mentoring program where Bronco soccer players serve as mentors to first-year student-athletes. Junior Jill Anderson and senior Olivia Collins recalled their own experiences navigating the steep learning curve of college life, including new academic expectations, unfamiliar surroundings, and increased independence, all while balancing athletics and the added complexities of revenue sharing and NIL opportunities.
Beyond the general pressures of college life, student-athletes also face risks associated with their athletic pursuits. A report from Grist on October 5th, 2026, highlighted a critical incident where Matthew Mayich, a hockey player at Arizona State University, was placed on life support following extreme heat exposure during an early morning practice on August 20th. The incident occurred as temperatures approached 90 degrees Fahrenheit during a strenuous practice session involving intense physical exercises. This event underscores the critical importance of environmental safety protocols and adequate hydration during athletic training, especially in extreme weather conditions.
In another initiative focused on community and awareness, Lehigh student-athletes engaged in community support through Team Impact. Senior men's wrestler Ethan Smith participated in a daily running challenge throughout September to raise awareness for children with disabilities or chronic illnesses in sports. This effort culminated in a large-scale 5K fundraiser on Halloween, demonstrating how student-athletes can leverage their platforms for social good and community engagement, while also drawing on their own mental and physical resilience.
Financial Support and NIL Initiatives
Financial support structures are also evolving to aid student-athletes. The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation announced a $1.5 million gift from the Kānaka Foundation to establish the Kuʻupau Endowment. This endowment will provide a permanent funding stream for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives at UH Mānoa. Named after the Hawaiian concept for giving one's all, the endowment aims to ensure student-athletes receive sustained NIL support and competitive resources, building on the foundation's previous contributions.
These varied initiatives, from virtual mental health partnerships and dedicated well-being centers to peer mentoring programs and community engagement efforts, illustrate a comprehensive approach to supporting student-athletes. The focus is increasingly on the holistic development of individuals, addressing not only their athletic and academic needs but also their mental, emotional, and social well-being, while also navigating the financial opportunities presented by NIL.
What This Means
The partnership between Marquette University Athletics and Onrise signifies a proactive approach to addressing the growing mental health needs of student-athletes. By integrating virtual support, Marquette is expanding the reach and accessibility of mental health services, ensuring that nearly 350 athletes across 17 sports have more avenues to seek help. This move aligns with a broader institutional trend of recognizing the unique pressures faced by student-athletes and investing in comprehensive well-being programs, as seen with initiatives like the Patriot League's Wellbeing Week and RIT's new Student-Athlete Well-Being Center. The collaboration highlights a commitment to providing tailored care that supports athletes both during and after their collegiate careers, acknowledging that their mental health is as crucial as their physical performance.
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