CARLISLE, Pa. - For first-year college athletes, the roar of the crowd and the thrill of competition are often paired with a quieter, more daunting reality. The transition to university life a whirlwind of new academic standards, demanding training schedules, and social pressures can be overwhelming. Recognizing that true strength is built both on and off the field, Dickinson College has launched a partnership with the RADical Hope Foundation to provide a critical support system for its newest student-athletes.

The RADical Hope Foundation was established by Pam and Phil Martin following the tragic loss of their son, Chris, to suicide in 2017. Their mission is to proactively address the mental and emotional health challenges facing young adults. RADical Health, the foundation's signature program, was meticulously developed with input from mental health experts, academics, and students themselves.

"The program's goal is to empower young people to build resilience and connection so they can thrive both in college and beyond," says MacKenzie Kelly, Director of Programs at RADical Hope. This fall, Dickinson College has implemented the program for its entire class of 163 first-year student-athletes, guided by 33 trained upperclassmen peer mentors.

What makes RADical Health so effective is its peer-to-peer model. Instead of a traditional lecture or counseling session, first-years gather in small, informal groups led by fellow athletes who have already walked in their shoes. This creates an environment of trust and candor, where students feel safe to be vulnerable.

The decision to become a mentor was a personal one for many of the upperclassmen. "I wanted to get involved to offer help and support to freshman student athletes," shares senior Charlie Baughan. "I felt like my experiences could help them navigate their first year at Dickinson."

Senior Ethan Jarden was inspired after hearing a Clemson University football player praise the program's impact. "When this opportunity was presented, I knew instantly it was something I wanted to be a part of," he says. His role, as he sees it, is "to encourage first-year athletes to open themselves up to discussion and learn more about themselves."

This sentiment is shared by fellow mentors. "I saw it as a great opportunity to share experiences with other student-athletes on campus and to support first-years as they transition into college," says senior Bella Guckes. Junior Gabby Smelcer agrees, adding, "I was eager to be involved [to provide] support and resources."

The program is structured as a four-week journey, with each session dedicated to a core pillar of personal growth and well-being. The curriculum guides students through critical self-reflection and skill development:

• Week 1: What matters to me? Principles and priorities

• Week 2: Why am I stressed? Building resilience

• Week 3: How do I connect? Strengthening emotional intelligence

• Week 4: Where do I go from here? And how do I get there?

"We lead dialogue about a certain topic that aims to equip athletes with the tools to thrive in their first year," Smelcer explains. The discussions are not just theoretical; they are grounded in the real-life experiences of the students in the room.

The primary goal of RADical Health is to provide first-years with a foundational support system. The hope is that they leave with "the understanding that they are part of a strong community here at Dickinson and that they are more than just athletes on this campus," says Guckes. The program aims to show them that "they are never alone in their experiences," adds Smelcer.

However, the benefits extend profoundly to the mentors themselves. Leading these groups fosters leadership, empathy, and a deeper understanding of others. "Watching them engage in meaningful and vulnerable discussion is so rewarding," Smelcer reflects. "Hearing their experiences, struggles, and advice makes me a stronger, more compassionate leader."

Jarden has found that the experience has improved his own interpersonal skills. "I am gaining a far greater understanding of how others handle stressful situations. One thing I have definitely shown improvement in is my ability to listen and understand my peers." Guckes agrees, noting, "It's been meaningful to connect with first-years, reflect on my own experiences, and practice creating a supportive space where others feel comfortable opening up."

By embracing the RADical Health program, Dickinson College is making a powerful statement: the well-being of its students is the ultimate victory. This partnership provides more than just resources; it builds a culture of care, connection, and shared strength that will resonate across the entire athletic community for years to come.