This week, we’re joined by former Division III lacrosse player and mental health counselor Maddie Meadows.

Maddie shares her journey with anxiety — and the pivotal conversation with her mom that led her to begin therapy. Just two years later, during her senior lacrosse season, her mom was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Maddie opens up about navigating anticipatory grief while balancing athletics, academics, and life after sport.

Now working in the mental health field, she reflects on the gaps in support at the Division III level and challenges the idea that “mental toughness” should come before mental health.

This episode is a powerful reminder that athletes are human first — and that support systems matter.

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