Sophie’s Squad Partners with UST to Promote Mental Health

Sophie’s Squad and the University of St. Thomas teamed up on Saturday, November 1st for a mental health awareness game. The event took place at the brand new Lee and Penny Anderson Arena on the St. Thomas campus. The Tommies took on Ohio State University in a clash of high-level programs.

St. Thomas is a rapidly-growing program that has quickly become both a leader in sport and the community. Sophie’s Squad is proud to partner with St. Thomas to promote mental health awareness and support student-athlete well-being.

While at the game, Sophie’s Squad had the chance to set up a booth on the concourse  and interact with fans. It’s always an amazing opportunity to interface directly with the community, pass out crucial mental health resources and give away Sophie’s Squad swag.

Tommies Goaltender and Ambassador Champions the Cause

All community events are important, but the day with St. Thomas was especially crucial. The event marked the first that Sophie’s Squad held with the help of one of our brand new ambassadors.

Julia Minotti, a Tommies goaltender, is one of the organization’s first ambassadors. The Quebec native was crucial in helping form the partnership between UST and Sophie’s Squad. Minotti spoke after the matchup about the importance of the event and what it brought to the St. Thomas campus.

“I think games like this just bring awareness to student athletes on campus but also any student who goes to St.Thomas. Mental health is an immense part of everyone’s everyday life and a lot of us take that for granted,” Minotti said. “So it’s just a great reminder to check up on yourself but also people around you. Helping people know that it’s okay to talk about mental health and seek help.”

While Ohio State ultimately emerged victorious on the day, Minotti hoped fans could take away a positive message. The message of mental health awareness and that receiving the support you need is crucial regardless of the results of a game.

“I’m hoping that fans take away that this game and every other game is way bigger than ourselves. Meaning that there’s way more important things in our lives than our sport,” Minotti said. “It’s not always easy to be a student athlete but when we’re there for each other and have the resources that we need, surrounded by people who love and support us, it makes things way easier!”

Minotti is a champion for mental health advocacy and has been an incredible partner for Sophie’s Squad as an ambassador.

After the game, Minotti and her teammates took a picture with the Sophie’s Squad banner on the ice to show their support for the mission of mental health awareness and the message that it’s ok to not be ok.

Sophie’s Squad In Full Swing

Every event like this helps normalize mental health conversations in athletics, reminding players, coaches, and fans that it’s okay to need and ask for support.

Sophie’s Squad is committed to being a visible and active force in the community. Events like the one held with St. Thomas are crucial to that mission.

As hockey season gets into full swing, Sophie’s Squad is excited to continue hosting events across Minnesota and beyond. Visit our events page to see where we’ll be next and join us in the mental health conversation.

View photos from the event below