Hilinski's Hope: Fighting for the Mental Health of Athletes

This episode has a bit of a different twist to it, but it is one that means a lot to me because of the content matter. It is going to be difficult to talk about so if you are someone who has ever had thoughts of harming or hurting yourself or if you suffer from depression, I want you to know that viewer discretion is advised.

Today's guest is Mark Hilinski. Mark is the father of former Washington State quarterback Tyler Hiliniski who tragically took his own life in 2018. Tyler did not show any signs of depression or anything that would lead you to believe he had thoughts of committing suicide. He seemed like he had everything going for him - star quarterback for a Power 5 school and team favorite. Then, one day, he didn't show up for an afternoon offseason training session. What ensued would lead Tyler's parents Mark and Kym to receive the worst phone call of their lives and one no parent should have to receive.

In Tyler's honor, the Hilinski's created Hiliniski's Hope, which was founded in order to help colleges and universities across the country eliminate the stigma around mental health and develop full-scale mental wellness programs for student-athletes. Winning is not always about the stat line. Sometimes, winning is about going on a mission to change lives, and that is exactly what the Hiliniski's are doing.