Kayla Douglas: From Poolside to Empowering Athletes' Minds
Episode Overview
Kayla's journey from student athlete to social worker and co-founder of Dare to Be highlights the transformative power of mentorship in sports. The influence of mentors like Greg Harden, Barb Hansen, and Warren Clark played a pivotal role in shaping Kayla's career path. Dare to Be provides individual counseling services for athletes, empowering them to navigate transitions, embrace resilience, and foster their mental well-being. Kayla's commitment to driving systemic changes in sports and instilling resilience in athletes reflects a holistic approach towards mental well-being. Her vision for a future where mental health is valued at all levels of sports offers a hopeful outlook for the athletic community.
I think for me, like being able to sort of realize like I was Kayla, not just Kayla, the swimmer, and especially when things weren't going well in the water. And there were, you know, definitely times when that was the case, being able to see that, like, okay, I wasn't just a student, but I was also like a friend, a sister, a daughter, you know, all these multiple roles that I didn't really think of on a day-to-day basis.
Kayla Douglas, a former student athlete at the University of Michigan, now dedicates her life to helping athletes navigate the mental challenges of sports. In this episode of 'Courtside Wellness', Kayla shares her inspiring journey from being a swimmer to becoming a social worker and co-founder of 'Dare to Be'.
With degrees in hand and a heart full of passion, she talks about how mentors like Greg Harden, Barb Hansen, and Warren Clark played pivotal roles in shaping her career and personal growth. Kayla’s story isn't just about her achievements; it’s about recognizing the importance of mental health in sports and understanding that athletes are more than their physical abilities.
Through 'Dare to Be', Kayla and her co-founder Sara Driesenga offer counseling services to athletes, helping them embrace life's challenges with resilience and confidence. Their virtual services ensure that support is accessible to athletes across the USA, advocating for systemic changes in sports culture. This episode shines a light on the crucial role of mentorship and mental health advocacy in creating well-rounded, adaptable athletes.
If you’re interested in the intersection of sports and mental well-being, Kayla’s insights will leave you inspired and hopeful for a future where mental health is valued just as much as physical prowess.