Happy National Girls and Women in Sports Day (Week), everyone!

Honestly, this day was such a vibe. Seeing all the posts of girls killing it on the field, the court, and in the weight room makes me so proud to be an athlete. But while we’re all out here celebrating the wins and the “grind,” I wanted to take a second to talk about the stuff we don’t always post on Instagram: our mental health.

Being a 19-year-old student-athlete (or just a woman trying to keep it all together) is a lot. We’re taught to be “Iron”—to be tough, to push through the pain, and to never let ‘em see us sweat. But at The Iron Butterfly, we know that the “Butterfly” part is just as important. You can’t have the strength without the soul.

It’s More Than Just “Toughing It Out”

For a long time, I thought being successful meant having zero bad days. I thought if I felt anxious before a game or burnt out from practice, I just wasn’t “tough enough.”

I was wrong.

Mental health isn’t a distraction from the game—it is the game. Whether you’re trying to hit a home run, finish a degree, or just navigate a messy social life, your head has to be in a good place for your body to follow.

Here’s what I’m learning about success:

• You’re allowed to be human: We aren’t robots. Processing a loss or a bad day doesn’t make you weak; it makes you resilient.

• The “Flow” is real: When I actually take care of my mind—like getting enough sleep or talking to someone when I’m stressed—everything feels easier. My focus is sharper, and I actually enjoy the sport again.

• Burnout is a thief: You can’t give 100% if you’re running on 0%. Taking a mental health day or setting boundaries isn’t “quitting”—it’s making sure you can stay in the game for the long haul.

Beyond the Scoreboard

The stuff we learn in sports—teamwork, handling pressure, showing up when it’s hard—is going to help us so much in the “real world.” But those skills only work if we’re healthy from the inside out.

Success isn’t just about the medals or the stats. It’s about being the kind of person who knows their worth even when the scoreboard isn’t in their favor. Asking for help is honestly one of the gutsiest things you can do. It’s that “shield” that protects your heart while you’re out there chasing your dreams.

Let’s Support Each Other

So, as we celebrate today, let’s make a deal to look out for each other. Let’s check in on our teammates and be kind to ourselves.

I want to hear from you guys: What’s one thing you do to keep your head right when things get intense? Head over to our Engage page to share your story. You never know who needs to hear that they aren’t alone.

Keep flying, keep fighting, and stay real.