Arcadia students are addressing a “hidden opponent” — mental health awareness in college and university student-athletes. 

Led by Jackie Skalski ’24, president of Arcadia’s chapter of The Hidden Opponent, a nonprofit organization focused on mental health awareness in student athletes, and chapter vice president Abbey Finkill ‘23, Arcadia will host a 5K walk/run for suicide prevention on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m., on Arcadia’s campus at Haber Green.

During her first month at Arcadia, Jackie experienced an injury that took her out of women’s basketball for two seasons.

“I remember questioning if I would ever play basketball again and also losing sight of who I was,” Jackie said. “I kept telling myself it would pass and that it would get better, but it did not get better until I took the steps I needed to take which involved starting to go to therapy every week, which was a reminder to me that it is okay to ask for help. 

“Being president of The Hidden Opponent at Arcadia has not only helped heal others around me, but it has also helped my healing process,” she continued. “While getting through my own struggles has been a great accomplishment, helping others through their own struggles is something that means so much more to me.”

A portion of the funds raised will go to Morgan’s Message, an organization founded in memory of women’s lacrosse player Morgan Rodgers that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics.

Donations for Morgan’s Message will be taken at the event. Individuals will be able to purchase raffle tickets to have a chance to win raffle baskets from Penn Cinema Movie Theater, Bury The Hatchet, The Hidden Opponent, The Philadelphia Flyers and The Kevin Love Fund and others.

Arcadia students can register for the event for free. Community members can register for the race for $20 before Sept. 3. After Sept. 3, the registration fee increases to $25. 

The Bryn Mawr Racing Company will time the race and announce the first and second place male and female finishers. After the event, there will be music, guest speakers, food, and awards. For questions, contact Jackie Skalski at jskalski@arcadia.edu