Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 12 No. 4 | March 2020

inside.hokiesports.com 13 it is to be comfortable in your own body, and that it is okay to have bad days, too. I had implemented a lot of things she talked about in my daily life, and it has been helping me so far. A huge shout-out to student-athlete development for organizing events like this and helping student-athletes learn from the best!” Garrick’s time and efforts not only made an impact on Virginia Tech Athletics as a whole, but she, too, received gratification for what she heard and witnessed from the entire Tech family. “My experience at Virginia Tech was absolutely incredible,” Garrick said. “Every single member of their athletics department shared the same unifying passion to better the lives and experiences of their student-athletes. Not only was it amazing to witness, but as a student- athlete who has suffered from depression and anxiety, it was extremely comforting to learn how much this athletics administration cares for the well-being of their players. Not to mention, their student-athletes were just as special. “Over 90 players voluntarily showed up to the evening talk to learn about mental health and de-stigmatize the conversation on campus. This participation was unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and it was an absolute honor to share my story with them. I am so grateful for this experience and can’t wait to see how this conversation continues to thrive for the Hokies.” Once again, Virginia Tech Athletics—and specifically, the THRIVE Tribe and Office of Student-Athlete Development—continue to break down barriers as they pertain to mental health. All remain committed to future discussions on difficult and sensitive topics, and there will be future events, whether they be in the form of guest speakers and/ or workshops. For sure, all who attended Garrick’s day with them came away impacted—and that was the goal. “Her visit to the Virginia Tech Athletics Department left an incredibly positive impact on our coaches, staff, and student-athletes that will not soon be forgotten,” Forbes said. “She shared her story with such vulnerability, honesty, and grace that it was near impossible to leave without feeling moved by her journey. The coaches and staff session brought to light the struggles that our student-athletes could be having within, and how we, as a department, can support and provide a nurturing environment that fosters growth for the athletes we work with daily. “Her time spent with our student-athletes exceeded any expectations we could have imagined. Her real conversation and open dialogue created a space that allowed our student-athletes to understand that they are not alone and empowered them to face their struggles and leave knowing they have the strength within to reach out and ask for help. “I can say, with confidence, that Victoria Garrick made us better, and created a conversation around student-athlete mental health that will continue to benefit the Hokie family for years to come.” IHS extra Nearly 100 Tech student-athletes gathered to listen to Victoria Garrick talk about her struggles with depression and her advice on how to deal with it as a student-athlete.