Athletes Empowering Athletes

How fast can you run? How far can you hit the ball? Athleticism is important, but it will only take you so far. A pair of Saints spent time this summer conditioning athletes for success in the mental game.

Mattingly O'Rourke '25 (above, left) is an elite Division I runner, but a few years ago she questioned whether she had the talent to compete in college. Jillian Barend '25 (above, right) twice qualified for the Massachusetts state golf tournament in high school, but at times felt overwhelmed by the transition to college. Empowerment and encouragement boost mental health, and athletes that are in a healthy mental space perform better in the arena. O'Rourke and Barend have felt the difference, and they're sharing what they've learned with fellow athletes in different ways.

The Empowering Female Athletes Retreat provides insights into female nutrition, mindful habits, and the power of positive self-talk. This summer, O'Rourke was the youngest intern at the Saratoga retreat. She prepped meals and generally created a welcoming and supportive environment for all participants (below, left).

"The highlight of this journey was connecting with a community of passionate female athletes. As the youngest intern, I felt truly honored to support and learn from more experienced athletes, gaining invaluable perspectives on empowering women in athletics."

In high school, O'Rourke created a Girls Empowered program for young runners, but while she was motivating kids to get active, she was wrestling with her own self-doubt. O'Rourke didn't believe she could run for Siena; fortunately, her high school coach did.

"My coach and my family convinced me to reach out to colleges. I needed that push, or I never would have gotten here. I've learned that those doubts are normal, and we all need a support network. Every person and every athlete needs to feel empowered and inspired."

In college, O'Rourke's times have gotten faster, and she's scored points for Siena at the MAAC Championships. She's using her story to inspire other runners of all ages.

"This is only the beginning for me, and I know I can take all of the things I learned from this retreat and from my time at Siena and continue to create better opportunities for women in athletics."

O'Rourke, who helped to create a Women in Business club at Siena last year, is in conversations with the Run for Women race director to create new opportunities to grow the female running community in the local area.

Better Together connects future collegiate athletes with a current student athlete mentor. The transition from high school to college can be challenging, particularly for student athletes as they try to balance a fuller practice schedule with the rigors of academics. Better Together helps to set expectations and creates a network of support. Barend joined the movement as a mentor this summer.

"We're helping to prepare athletes for the mental approach they'll need to thrive on and off the field. I attended mental health trainings this summer, and I was able to learn important mentoring skills, and I was given the tools to discuss identity in and out of sport."

Before joining Better Together, Barend advocated for student-athlete mental health as a member of Siena's Student Athlete Advisory Committee, where she now serves as vice president of health and wellness.

"Through my own work with our performance coach, Danielle DeLisio, I've seen how much it's helped me to have someone to talk to about my game, and I try to encourage other athletes to seek similar resources. I'm so excited to have one more year at Siena to advocate for more mental health awareness and resources for student athletes, and I'm looking forward to planning large scale events through Active Minds."

Post-graduation, Barend plans to pursue sports psychology and make a career out of helping the next generation of student-athletes.

"This position with Better Together has given me the ability to learn the behind-the-scenes of building an organization from the ground up and having hands-on experience working with athletes. I'm really passionate about continuing this work into the future."