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Supporting Mental Health for NCAA Student-Athletes: The Conclusion of Season Three

As the NCAA crowns the women's volleyball champion, LG Electronics is set to record the finale of its third season of the podcast "Transparent Conversations" in Louisville. This initiative focuses on addressing the pressing mental health challenges faced by today's collegiate athletes, a topic more relevant than ever.

The podcast's host, sports journalist Taylor Rooks, emphasizes the critical need for support systems that cater specifically to the mental well-being of student-athletes. The conversations around mental health have gained momentum, especially with the rise of social media, which has provided athletes with a platform to connect with fans but also introduced new pressures. Through these discussions, the podcast aims to shed light on the realities of being an athlete in today’s competitive environment.

In the upcoming episode, set to record during the NCAA women's volleyball championship, Rooks will engage in meaningful discussions on how to better support these young athletes. By exploring ways to create nurturing environments at schools, homes, and online, the podcast aims to foster a connected community, enabling athletes to thrive under the immense pressures they face.

Social media has proven to be a double-edged sword in the world of sports. While it offers athletes the opportunity to amplify their voices and share their journeys, it can also lead to scrutiny and criticism, exacerbating mental health struggles. As Rooks noted, creating spaces where athletes feel safe to express their challenges is paramount. "Open and honest communication is essential," Rooks stated, highlighting the importance of discussing the multifaceted pressures—balancing academics, family, and sports amidst the evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) contracts.

The finale will also feature insights from Victoria Garrick Browne, a former USC volleyball player and mental health advocate. Garrick Browne, who discusses her journey and body image issues through her own podcast, "The Hidden Opponent," brings valuable perspectives on mental health advocacy. Alongside her will be Eric Gross, a mental health therapist at the University of Louisville, who shares his expertise in providing therapeutic support for athletes and educating coaches and staff on mental wellness.

The finale episode of "Transparent Conversations" will be taped on December 22 and will be available for listeners in mid-January across all major podcast platforms. Recent episodes have already covered crucial topics such as resilience, navigating the NIL landscape, and coping with setbacks. These conversations are now accessible on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, inviting a broader audience into vital discussions on athlete mental health.

For those interested in LG's commitment to mental health awareness in sports, more information can be found at LG's NCAA partnership site and the podcast's page at Transparent Conversations. LG Electronics is dedicated to supporting not only the physical but also the emotional well-being of athletes during these challenging times.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA operates from Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, as the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global innovator in technology and manufacturing. With a presence in various consumer and commercial markets, LG is a recognized leader in home appliances, entertainment products, and energy-efficient solutions. The company is also celebrated for its commitment to environmental sustainability, having been an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for multiple years.