Breaking the Stigma: Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd on the Importance of Sports Psychology

​Mental health has become an increasingly prominent focus in women’s college basketball, with recent developments highlighting both individual experiences and institutional initiatives aimed at addressing this critical aspect of student-athlete well-being. Several high-profile athletes have openly shared their mental health struggles, shedding light on the pressures inherent in collegiate sports:​

Paige Bueckers (UConn)

• The All-American guard has emphasized mental wellness as key to her comeback story. After multiple injuries, Bueckers adopted a routine focused on rest and mindfulness—targeting 8–9 hours of sleep and practicing mental clarity techniques to stay focused on and off the court.

• She has openly discussed how consistency in her daily habits and trusting mental health professionals has helped her return to peak form.

Azzi Fudd (UConn)

• Fudd, a former No. 1 recruit, battled a knee injury that sidelined her for much of the 2023-24 season. During recovery, she began working with a sports psychologist to overcome anxiety and stay engaged with her team.

• She’s since partnered with JanSport on a mental health initiative aimed at destigmatizing therapy among student-athletes. Fudd has said she now views mental health as being “as important as conditioning.”

The Importance of Mental Health in Collegiate Athletics

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, two of UConn’s most prominent women’s basketball players, have been vocal about the importance of mental health in collegiate athletics. In a high-pressure environment where physical conditioning often takes center stage, they have emphasized the role of sports psychologists in maintaining peak mental and emotional well-being.

Bueckers’ Journey with Mental Resilience

Bueckers, having faced multiple injury setbacks throughout her collegiate career, has highlighted how mental resilience is just as vital as physical recovery. She credits working with a sports psychologist for helping her cope with the pressures of being a high-profile athlete. Through mindfulness practices, confidence-building exercises, and stress management techniques, she has strengthened her mental approach to the game, allowing her to return to the court with renewed focus.

Fudd’s Experience with Mental Training

Fudd, another key player for UConn, has also benefited significantly from mental health support. She has spoken about how therapy sessions have been invaluable in managing expectations, balancing academics, and handling the rigors of collegiate basketball. By incorporating mental training into her routine, she has enhanced her self-assurance and ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations.

Advocating for Mental Health Resources

Their advocacy for mental health resources reflects a larger shift in collegiate sports, where more athletes are prioritizing mental wellness alongside physical preparation. By openly discussing their experiences, Bueckers and Fudd are helping break down stigmas associated with seeking psychological support and encouraging other athletes to take advantage of available resources.

The Broader Impact on Collegiate Sports

The impact of their openness extends beyond UConn, contributing to the broader conversation about the importance of sports psychology. As more athletes embrace these resources, it reinforces the necessity of a holistic approach to athletic performance—one that ensures mental well-being is treated with the same care and attention as physical fitness. Their efforts highlight the evolving culture in sports, where mental strength is recognized as a fundamental component of success.

High School Athletes and Why They Should Address Their Mental Health

Many young athletes spend so much time focusing on training, competition, and improving their performance that they forget their mental health is just as important as their physical health. But just like a pulled muscle or a broken bone, issues like stress, anxiety, and burnout can impact how well they perform both in sports and in life. That’s why it’s crucial for young athletes to speak up and share their mental health concerns with their parents, coaches, and school staff.

When an athlete is struggling mentally, it’s not always visible. Coaches and teachers may assume everything is fine unless the athlete says something. But the truth is, athletes are human too—they face pressure, high expectations, and the fear of failure. By being honest about what they’re going through, they open the door to getting the help and support they need. Parents, coaches, and school counselors can’t help if they don’t know what’s happening. Speaking up creates a team off the field that’s just as important as the one on it.

Early communication can also prevent a small issue from turning into a big one. Ignoring mental health challenges can lead to serious conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, or even thoughts of self-harm. But when athletes speak up early, they give the adults around them a chance to provide resources like school counselors, sports psychologists, or just some much-needed time to reset and recover.

Addressing mental health concerns also teaches life-long skills like emotional awareness, self-advocacy, and healthy communication. These skills are not only essential in sports but also in school, friendships, and future careers. Athletes who can recognize when something’s wrong and take steps to fix it show real strength—and that strength goes far beyond the scoreboard.

Lastly, when young athletes speak up, they help change the culture. They show their teammates that it’s okay to not be okay, and that talking about mental health isn’t a weakness—it’s a sign of maturity, leadership, and courage. This kind of openness can inspire others to speak up too, creating a more supportive, healthier environment for everyone.

Mental health matters. And for young athletes, addressing it can be the first step toward becoming not just better players—but stronger people.