BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY, Idaho — A Boise State beach volleyball standout player is using her performance on the sand to support student-athlete mental health.
Sixth-year senior Allyson Alden has launched a season-long fundraiser benefiting BroncoBOLD, Boise State’s student-athlete mental health initiative. Donors are invited to pledge any dollar amount for every block and ace Alden records this season.
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“Mental health’s important to me, it’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life,” Alden said.
Alden, who is now an MBA graduate student, tallied 96 blocks and 67 aces last season.
Her college journey hasn't been without challenges, as she suffered a serious injury that sidelined her for more than two years. “That was one of my breaking points. I felt like I lost my whole identity after my injury,” she said.
Access to support helped Alden through recovery and shaped her desire to make those resources more available to younger athletes.
“Giving people the resources they need to get help – before they need it – is critical to mental health, well-being, and belonging,” she said.
Part of that mission includes supporting BroncoBOLD’s High School Ambassador Program, which trains student-athletes to serve as mental health leaders in schools across the Treasure Valley.
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At Owyhee High School in Meridian, now in its second year participating in the program, school counselor Dana Whipple said the initiative is already making a difference.
“I've had a couple of athletes get injured during football season, and it can really send them into a spiral. Sharing some of those Boise State resources that they share with us each month has really been helpful. It really has had a positive impact,” Whipple said.
She added that the pressures of school sports can weigh heavily on students.
“It's OK to ask for help, to take a break, and do a healthy activity. We're bringing that awareness about mental health — that it really does matter and it's a huge component to your physical health,” Whipple said.
Alden said several businesses have already committed to pledging donations this season, and she is inviting additional community members and organizations to get involved as the team prepares to begin competition next week.
