What I Learned As A Athlete Intern at Onrise

Onrise Resources Are Specifically Targeted For Athletes

My name is Jaclyn Martino, a 5th year senior with the Thomas Jefferson Women’s Soccer program. This summer at Onrise, I have learned a lot about what goes into providing mental healthcare to athletes across multiple sports from youth to professional.

Over the last two years, I have been battling a knee injury that I sustained while competing in my sport. Throughout the recovery process, I have had three surgeries, a handful of MRIs, and hundreds of physical therapy appointments. Ultimately, after minimal success, I had to medically retire for my overall health. As an athlete who spent the last 17 years playing soccer, when I lost the ability to play, I lost a part of myself. 

I knew I would eventually have to say goodbye to my sport, but I assumed it would be on my terms and unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. This was extremely hard for me to wrap my head around and it took a toll on my mental health.

My journey with my sport turned into a journey with my mental health and to say it has been easy would be a lie. While going through the recovery process, I had a goal to return to the field. As surgeries continued to fail and my body wouldn’t heal as I had hoped, my goal was becoming more out of reach.

My mental health was dwindling and I did not have any resources available that were specifically targeted for athletes.  

Going through an injury is something an athlete should never have to do alone. It was extremely isolating and negatively impacted me. My journey may have been derailed, but it led me to pursue a career in sports psychology.  

Being a part of the Onrise team as an intern this summer was much more than a learning opportunity. Onrise makes it their mission to help athletes with anything they may be struggling with. That could include overcoming an injury like me. It also might include performance anxiety, balancing school, sport, social life, family, etc… and anything else life throws your way. 

Helping spread the word about the amazing work Onrise does has been an honor and an experience for which I am extremely grateful.