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Athletes are sometimes perceived as tough: physically and<\/em> mentally. But because the US Women\u2019s National Team (USWNT) prepared to take to the sector for the 2023 FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup<\/a> last month, they desired to share a more complex, dynamic story.<\/p>\n Yes, they were strong, confident competitors able to play their best\u2014but they were also human beings who sometimes struggled. The team wanted fans, and particularly young athletes, to see all those facets directly.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why, in powerful videos airing throughout the tournament, the players talk openly about athlete mental health. In one video<\/a>, 10 players\u2014each veterans and younger athletes\u2014speak to their reflections after which on to the camera. \u201cEach day we face adversity,\u201d forward Sophia Smith says. \u201cThe mental hurdles seem high,\u201d midfielder Julie Ertz continues, \u201cbut I\u2019m here to support you,\u201d forward Alyssa Thompson adds. \u201cVulnerability is an indication of strength, not weakness,\u201d striker Alex Morgan says.<\/p>\n The videos are part of a bigger mental health initiative<\/a> the team launched during this 12 months\u2019s World Cup, in partnership with Common Goal<\/a>, a global charitable network and movement that uses soccer as a catalyst for social change. And although the US team was eliminated from play relatively early on this tournament, they hope the message could have lasting impact.<\/p>\n Talking openly about mental health is a problem that\u2019s incredibly personal for Naomi Girma<\/a>, a defender for the San Diego Wave who played in her first World Cup this 12 months. In an emotional essay for The Players\u2019 Tribune<\/a> right before play began, Girma dedicated the tournament to her Stanford teammate and best friend, Katie Meyer, who died by suicide a 12 months ago.<\/p>\n