As I Go: Mental Health in Athletics with Assistant Director of Mental Health and Wellness Machaela Rausch

Hi! Machaela here. This podcast is a great opportunity to learn a little about what an in-house role in athletics mental health might look like and a little about me as a person! While this happened in 2024, I think a lot of this still applies. Working for an SEC school really does mean more. It’s a role I was passionate about and I had a lot of pride getting to do my job.

What happens when we stop expecting athletes to be superhuman?

In this episode of As I Go, Kasey Funderburg sits down with Machaela Rausch, Assistant Director of Mental Health and Wellness for Tennessee Athletics, for an honest conversation about mental health in sports, and why taking care of your mind should be just as normal as taking care of your body.

Athletes are often expected to be tough, disciplined, confident, and able to handle whatever gets thrown their way. But behind the performance is a real person dealing with pressure, expectations, relationships, identity, failure, and everything else life brings.

Machaela shares why therapy isn't just something you turn to when something is “wrong.” It can be a tool for understanding yourself better, building emotional awareness, navigating challenges, and ultimately becoming a healthier version of yourself.

The conversation also gets into the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. These are skills that don't just make us better athletes, but better teammates, friends, leaders, and people.

The biggest takeaway? You don't have to be struggling to benefit from taking care of your mental health.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone trying to navigate life a little better, this is a conversation worth listening to.

Take a listen here!