Hockey Hits Back

The following is an original essay written by Macy Janssen.  It was published in the January/February 2023 issue of Minnesota Hockey Journal.  You can see the article in MHJ here: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1489241-january-february-2023/25 on page 26.

In July of 2021, the MN hockey community, and my summer program lost a beautiful young athlete, Sophie Weiland, to suicide.

As we mourned her, the wish to support athletes with mental health was expressed, and Sophie’s Squad soon became her legacy. Sophie’s Squad is a non-profit organization that raises awareness to athletes’ mental health. I am proud to be one of the founding participants, regularly volunteering at local events. Since its inception, this organization has touched the lives of many young athletes all across Minnesota. Participating in Sophie’s Squad has impacted me in many positive ways that I strive to share with others every day.

Losing Sophie hit me hard. I needed to find peace. By being a part of Sophie’s Squad, I have learned that it is okay to not be okay. Sophie’s Squad reinforces the fact that it is okay to struggle, and that help is everywhere, especially as an athlete.

As I go into the 2022-2023 hockey season and beyond to college, there will be many stresses, pressures, and challenges that I will face. For example, as a captain on my hockey team, I feel the weight of the players on my shoulders. I feel their eyes on me, looking for leadership, and I always want to give them my best. I will hold my head high and push forward, regardless of our standings in the season. I know I am not alone and can turn to my team and others to support me. I will be okay.

I look back on the messages of love, acceptance, and support in the speeches and events presented bySophie’s Squad and use them to remind myself that I can thrive and pass my resilience on to others.  While learning this life lesson has been a discovery made through loss, it has changed the way I intend to approach challenges now and in my future. The knowledge will help me better understand myself and the struggles of others. The hard things are what make us who we are meant to be in the world.

Sophie’s Squad has taught me the importance of staying in touch with people. Regardless of who you like or dislike, who your close friends are, or the circumstances with family, you can always check up on the people in your life. Since losing Sophie, I take every opportunity to check in with loved ones, and others around me. Just making an effort to reach out and talk to someone could be the reason they are here tomorrow.

I remind myself that there is more to life than worrying only about me. This is one of the reasons I decided to be a part of Sophie’s Squad. This organization has shown so many people, that being a part of something bigger than you is what allows you to create the best version of yourself. Whether it is a mission like Sophie’s Squad, a sport, or a hobby, use it to expand your horizons and be the best you can be for yourself and for the people around you.

Sophie’s Squad is always looking for new places to showcase their critical message. We won’t stop until the importance of mental health and its impact on athletes is recognized. Sophie’s Squad faces the issues mental health causes and finds ways to bring it to athletes in a way that resonates with what they may be going through. Sophie’s Squad has changed my life and I am proud to be a part of such a monumental cause.

Please visit www.sophiessquad.org to register to volunteer and find mental health resources to share with your team. In a mental health emergency? Call 988 or text “SAVE” to 741741.