SHELTON, Conn. — This weekend's two-game series is more than just another conference contest against Saint Michael's for the Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey program as the it commemorates the student-founded Heart to Heart; initiative. The Red & White play the Purple Knights at the SportCenter of CT in Shelton on Friday and Saturday at 4 and 2:30 p.m.
Five years ago, women's ice hockey player Devan Kane '18 and current athletic trainer
Casey Quinn created the Heart to Heart; initiative to bring awareness surrounding mental health amongst student-athletes by showing the Pioneer community that it's okay to seek help for mental illness.
"As an athletic trainer I have always understood the importance of an athlete staying physically well, but also believed that mental health is just as, if not more important," Quinn said. "Through Heart to Heart; we have helped to create an environment where it is okay to not be okay and guide student-athletes to get the help they may need."
Kane suffered from many physical injuries during her four years at SHU, including her mental health, which inspired her to bring the idea to Quinn. According to Quinn, forming a community at Sacred Heart that represents the belief that mental health matters has been more than rewarding.
"I look forward to seeing continual growth in support of mental health and providing an outlet for so many student-athletes to come," Quinn continued.
Along with Quinn, head coach
Thomas O'Malley rallied in support of Kane to help the Heart to Heart; program get off the ground and keep it growing for student-athletes to come.
"It was very important to our players then, as it is now," Coach O'Malley stated. "We remain committed, and we stand strong in the goal of creating a positive awareness, perception, and in the quest to remove the stigma associated with it."
Kane sustained her injuries playing ice hockey which led her to create the impactful program for student-athletes on campus.
"In the ever-increasing awareness and acknowledgment of the seriousness of mental health, and how it is perceived and not always accepted as a real illness in today's society, the team continues to draw attention to the significance of this affliction, and the need to shut down the shame that is sometimes associated with it," head coach O'Malley concluded.
