COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Mental health and body image advocate and former USC volleyball student-athlete Victoria Garrick presented to Maryland's full student-athlete population at athlete department's first-ever "Maryland Cares" program Monday night at XFINITY Center.

Garrick, a 2019 graduate of USC and four-year volleyball letter winner, spoke about the importance of awareness for mental health issues in athletics. The presentation included stories of Garrick's own mental health journey while at USC and advice to student-athletes on how to deal with mental health struggles and break the stigma involving mental health awareness in the culture of athletics.

"To have this opportunity is really special. I feel like I can relate to you because I was you," Garrick said. "Mental health effects one in four people, it's something that is so common, yet we don't want to talk about it. It is stigmatized in athletics. Mental health was something I didn't think would affect me, because I'm an athlete. I'm untouchable. However, mental health is as simple and as common as an anxious heartbeat or skipping lunch every day. Mental health can affect everyone."

Women's track and field student-athlete Courtney Mann and men's golf student-athlete Will Koras, leaders of Maryland's Student Athletic Advisory Committee's mental health and wellness initiatives, coordinated Garrick's visit and spoke to the assembled group before the presentation. Maryland Director of Athletics Damon Evans was also on hand to introduce Garrick.  

"She had an unbelievable career as a student athlete just like all of you here, but that's not what defines here," Evans said. "What defines here is how she kept her sports in perspective while at the same time understanding that there are major challenges that student athletes can face. She went to make an impact and help student athletes understand mental health and body image. We are so excited to have you here Victoria and on behalf of our student athletes, our administration and our campus, we want to thank you for coming to share your message this evening."

The evening finished with full explanation of Maryland's mental health resources by Dr. Michelle Garvin, Maryland's Director of Clinical and Sports Psychology. Garvin introduced Maryland's student-athlete mental health mentors, who will help educate their fellow student athletes on mental health resources and support.