Humboldt State University’s softball player Gaige Garcia has selected to be a campus ambassador for Hidden Opponent, which is a non-profit and advocacy group that raises awareness for student-athletes mental health and addresses the stigma within the stigma within sports culture.

 “I am so excited to be working with The Hidden Opponent this school year!” said Garcia.  “Mental health to me is very important and needs to be talked about, especially as student athletes. I can’t wait to spread mental health awareness on campus and through social media.“

 Hidden Opponent empower athletes around the world to face the hidden opponents. For more information on The Hidden Opponent, go to their website at https://thehiddenopponent.com/.

 “We are so proud of Gaige and happy that she is getting this opportunity to be an ambassador for mental health,” said head coach Shelli Sarchett.  “Mental Health is at the forefront of athletics across the nation and it needs to be addressed. We are looking forward to working alongside Gaige and making sure we provide our student-athletes with the resources needed to make sure their mental health is taken care of.”

 Garcia appeared in seven games for the Lumberjacks during the shortened 2021 season.  She posted an 1-2 record with one complete game.  The Lumberjack pitcher was a member of the Department of Athletics’ Dean’s List in the Fall and the Spring.  This past June, Garcia was named to the CCAA All-Academic Team.