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Sound Off by Macy Janssen N JULY OF 2021, THE MINNESOTA HOCKEY COMMUNITY LOST A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG ATHLETE, SOPHIE WIELAND, TO SUICIDE. As we mourned her, the wish to support athletes with mental health was expressed, and Sophie's Squad soon became her legacy. Sophie's Squad is a non-profit organization that raises awareness to athletes' mental health. I am proud to be one of the founding participants, regularly volunteering at local events. Since its inception, this organization has touched the lives of many young athletes all across Minnesota. Partici- pating in Sophie's Squad has impacted me in many positive ways that I strive to share with others every day. Losing Sophie hit me hard. I needed to find peace. By being a part of Sophie's Squad, I have learned that it is OK to not be OK. Sophie's Squad reinforces the fact that it is OK to struggle, and that help is every- where, especially as an athlete. As I go into the 2022- 2023 hockey sea- son and beyond to college, there will be many stresses, pressures, and challenges that I will face. For example, as a captain on the Blaine High School varsity team, I feel the weight of the players on my shoulders. I feel their eyes on me, looking for leadership, and I always want to give them my best. I will hold my head high and push forward, re- gardless of our spot in the standings. I know I am not alone and can turn to my team and others to support me. I will be OK. I look back on the messages of love, accep- tance, and support in the speeches and events presented by Sophie's Squad and use them to remind myself that I can thrive and pass my resilience on to others. While learning this life lesson has been a discovery made through loss, it has changed the way I intend to approach challenges now and in the future. The knowledge will help me better understand myself and the strug- gles of others. The hard things are what make us who we are meant to be in the world. Sophie's Squad has taught me the importance of staying in touch with people. Regardless of who you like or dislike, who your close friends are, or the circumstanc- es with family, you can always check up on the people in your life. Since losing Sophie, I take every opportunity to check in with loved ones, and others around me. Just making an effort to reach out and talk to someone could be the reason they are here tomorrow. I remind myself that there is more to life than worrying only about me. This is one of the reasons I decided to be a part of Sophie's Squad. This organization has shown so many people, that being a part of something bigger than you is what allows you to create the best version of yourself. Whether it is a mission like Sophie's Squad, a sport, or a hobby, use it to expand your horizons and be the best you can be for yourself and for the people around you. Sophie's Squad is always looking for new places to showcase its critical message. We won't stop until the importance of mental health and its impact on athletes is recog- nized. Sophie's Squad faces the issues mental health causes and finds ways to bring it to athletes in a way that resonates with what they may be going through. Sophie's Squad has changed my life and I am proud to be a part of such a monumental cause. Hockey Hits Back Sophie's Squad is raising mental health awareness I Host a "Hockey Hits Back" game this season to raise mental health awareness in your community. M H J ON L I N E . C O M | J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 26 Photos / Sophie's Squad Please visit sophiessquad.org to register to volunteer and find mental health resources to share with your team. In a mental health emergency? Call 988 or text "SAVE" to 741741.