Suicide in NCAA Athletes and the Crisis We Can't Ignore
In the world of college athletics, athletes are looked at for their toughness, discipline, and grit. But beneath the surface of highlight reels and scholarship press releases lies a troubling reality: suicide is one of the leading causes of death among NCAA athletes. As competition intensifies and expectations grow, more student-athletes are quietly battling depression, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. And tragically, some never get the help they need.
I wanted to take an in-depth look at suicide in NCAA athletes using studies and data from national health organizations. Hopefully putting this info to good use so as a society we can keep raising awareness for athletes all over the country that need the courage to speak up.
What the Numbers Say
According to the NCAA's 2022 data, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college athletes, accounting for 7.3% of all athlete deaths from 2003 to 2021.
Between 2003 and 2013, there were 35 confirmed suicides among NCAA athletes, with 83% of these cases involving male athletes. This disparity underscores gender differences in how mental health issues are internalized and acted upon.
A 2021 study in the Journal of Athletic Training reported that 25% of NCAA athletes experience suicidal ideation during their college career, with a higher prevalence among female athletes.
Female athletes are more likely to report suicidal thoughts, while male athletes are statistically more likely to die by suicide. This reflects broader societal patterns around mental health disclosure and help-seeking behavior.
According to a 2022 survey by the American College Health Association, over 50% of student-athletes reported feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or mentally exhausted in the past year. For athletes in high-profile sports like football and basketball, the percentage was even higher.
Alarmingly, a 2023 NCAA well-being study revealed that only 39% of athletes who experience mental health symptoms seek professional help—highlighting the gap between awareness and action.
Common Risk Factors
Performance Pressure and Perfectionism: NCAA athletes often juggle demanding training schedules, academic responsibilities, and public scrutiny. This creates a high-pressure environment where athletes feel a constant need to prove themselves. Research has shown that perfectionistic tendencies correlate with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Injury and Loss of Athletic Identity: Career-ending or season-disrupting injuries can shatter an athlete's sense of purpose. For many, their sport forms the core of their identity. Without it, athletes may experience a profound identity crisis, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and hopelessness.
Mental Health Stigma in Sports Culture: A culture that prioritizes mental toughness often discourages vulnerability. Athletes may fear repercussions—such as loss of playing time, scholarships, or respect from peers—if they admit to struggling emotionally. This stigma often prevents athletes from seeking timely help.
Sleep Deprivation and Overtraining: Heavy training loads combined with travel and academic demands can disrupt sleep, which is directly linked to poor mental health. Chronic sleep deprivation and overtraining have been associated with mood disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and an elevated risk for suicidal ideation.
Transitions and Uncertainty: The end of a college athletic career—due to graduation, deselection, or injury—can spark existential crises. Athletes face uncertain futures, especially those who do not move on to professional sports. This can amplify feelings of anxiety, worthlessness, and despair.
What’s Being Done—and What’s Not
In 2021, the NCAA released a revised set of Mental Health Best Practices, encouraging universities to create inclusive and supportive mental wellness environments. However, implementation varies widely across institutions, and many schools lack the resources or motivation to fully commit.
Many athletic departments still do not employ full-time, licensed mental health professionals who are trained in the unique psychological stressors student-athletes face. Instead, athletes are often referred to general campus counselors unfamiliar with the culture and demands of collegiate sports.
Organizations like The Hidden Opponent and Morgan’s Message have gained national traction by using athlete voices to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster community support. Their peer-to-peer advocacy is helping shift the narrative around mental health in sports.
Some Division I programs have developed in-house crisis intervention teams and offer round-the-clock mental health access, but such systems are far from the norm. Smaller schools and Division II/III programs often lack these critical resources altogether.
According to the 2023 NCAA report, less than 40% of athletes experiencing psychological distress receive professional treatment. Even when resources are available, cultural and structural barriers still limit utilization.
Real Stories
Tyler Hilinski (Washington State, Football): In 2018, Tyler died by suicide shortly after starting a high-profile game. His autopsy revealed signs of CTE, and his family founded Hilinski’s Hope Foundation to raise awareness and advocate for mental health care in collegiate athletics.
Katie Meyer (Stanford, Soccer): Katie took her life in 2022. Her death highlighted the crushing academic and athletic expectations placed on high-performing student-athletes. It prompted national conversation about perfectionism, punishment, and athlete well-being.
Harry Miller (Ohio State, Football): In 2022, Harry publicly shared his experience with suicidal ideation and left the sport to focus on his mental health. He now works as a mental health advocate, challenging the stigma in locker rooms and athletic departments nationwide.
Solutions and Prevention Strategies
Normalize Mental Health Conversations: Coaches, staff, and athletes should regularly discuss mental health just as they do physical injuries. Creating an open and supportive dialogue reduces stigma and helps individuals feel safe to ask for help.
Embed Mental Health Services Within Athletics: Universities should ensure mental health professionals are part of the athletic department—not isolated in student health centers. When psychologists are present and visible in team settings, athletes are more likely to engage.
Mandatory Training for Coaches and Staff: Staff should receive regular education on recognizing warning signs of suicide and referring athletes to professional support. Evidence shows that suicide prevention training leads to increased identification of at-risk students.
Peer Support and Advocacy Programs: Initiatives like The Hidden Opponent, Morgan’s Message, and Hilinski’s Hope show how powerful peer networks can be. Student-athlete ambassadors should be trained to lead discussions and support teammates.
Routine Screening and Confidential Check-Ins: Schools should implement routine mental health check-ins alongside physical evaluations. Confidential tools like the PHQ-9 or GAD-7 can help clinicians flag early signs of crisis.
Mental Health Support After Injuries: Every injury recovery protocol should include psychological care. Athletes recovering from injury are at significantly higher risk for depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts.
My Thoughts
Suicide among NCAA athletes is a crisis that cannot be ignored. These young individuals, who are often perceived as invincible, carry the weight of expectations, identity, and pressure far heavier than many realize. The good news is that suicide is preventable—but only if we are willing to listen, invest, and act. Universities must prioritize mental health with the same seriousness they apply to strength and conditioning. Coaches and teammates must normalize vulnerability. And athletic departments must build environments where help is not just available—it’s encouraged and embraced.
Every athlete’s life is worth protecting. It’s time we prove it.
Sources
NCAA Mental Health Trends Report (2022)
Journal of Athletic Training (2021). "Mental Health and Suicidality in Collegiate Athletes."
American College Health Association Survey (2022)
The Hidden Opponent (https://thehiddenopponent.org)
Morgan’s Message (https://morgansmessage.org)
Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology (2020)
Hilinski’s Hope Foundation (https://hilinskishope.org)
NCAA Mental Health Best Practices (2021)
Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
NCAA Student-Athlete Well-Being Study (2023)
CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2021)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988)