The episode delves into Tessa Wilson's personal and professional journey, illuminating her path from an aspiring athlete to a mental health advocate. As she shares her experiences of growing up in Saskatchewan and playing hockey in a predominantly male environment, listeners gain insight into the resilience and determination that shaped her career. Tessa articulates the pressures athletes face, particularly the rising incidence of mental health issues among younger players, exacerbated by societal expectations and the competitive nature of sports. Her commitment to fostering an open dialogue about mental health within the athletic community is a clarion call for change, emphasizing the importance of normalizing conversations around mental well-being and providing essential resources for athletes who may feel isolated in their struggles.

Bio

Tessa Wilson MACP - RCC

Building a trusting connection is essential when working in vulnerable spaces. She knows how important it is to first see if we’re a good fit. Sport can deeply shape who we are, and through her own experiences, she has come to understand its powerful impact on identity, meaning, and purpose.

Tessa grew up in a small Saskatchewan town, often playing on boys’ hockey teams due to limited opportunities for girls. Eventually, she joined a female AAA team and moved to Weyburn in high school to pursue elite hockey. That transition was challenging but rewarding—and in her final year, she was fortunate to win the National U18 Esso Cup.

Tessa went on to play for the University of Regina Cougars, where she faced new pressures: concussions, identity struggles, and uncertainty about my role on the team. After two years, Tessa transferred to SAIT in Calgary, playing for the Trojans before another concussion led her to step away from the game. Letting go of hockey was incredibly hard. For the first time, she had to navigate life without the title of “athlete.”

That journey, though difficult, helped shape my path. Tessa earned a degree in Sports and Recreation Studies and began working as a Recreation Therapist in Vernon, BC. Eventually, she pursued a Master’s in Counselling Psychology to support others more deeply.

Today, Tessa works with athletes navigating their own challenges and transitions. She believes in the value of professional support and how it can change the course of an athlete’s journey—for the better.

Links

https://unmaskedperformance.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/1/bio

Takeaways:

• Tessa Wilson's journey illustrates the significance of professional support in navigating athletic challenges and transitions.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues within the sports community, particularly for young athletes.
• An essential takeaway is how parental involvement can impact an athlete's mental well-being during their journey in sports.
• Listeners learn about the detrimental effects of perfectionism and pressure on young athletes, which can lead to burnout.
• The discussion highlights the necessity for open conversations about mental health in sports, combating the stigma surrounding it.
• Tessa's experience showcases the vital role of self-awareness in fostering resilience and performance in athletes.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• CV3 Hockey Development
• High Stick Hockey
• Play It Again Sports Newark
• Unmasked

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