Sideline the Stigma: Beyond the Game

Building Champions On and Off the Field
Written by Amina Kabuya, Park Hill South Student, Aspiring Sports Journalist, Program Participant

I recently had the privilege of serving as a reporter for Sideline the Stigma: Beyond the Game, Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. This was an event that was far more than a gathering; it was a movement. What I expected to gain from the experience was nothing compared to the impact it actually left on me.

From the moment I walked into the room, the energy was undeniable. More than 120 high school female student-athletes filled the space with excitement, anticipation, and hope. The atmosphere was electric, and everything about the day, from the speakers to the breakout sessions, was intentionally designed to inspire, educate, and empower. Even the partnership with Blue KC carried the purpose: to reinforce the importance of prioritizing mental health in athletics and beyond.

This event wasn’t just about raising awareness; it was about giving young athletes permission to feel, to lean into their emotions, and to express themselves without shame, guilt, or judgment.

“This program is designed to elevate and normalize the conversation of mental health struggles because we all go through them at some point in our lives,” shared Kristin Gernon, Behavioral Health Program Manager, at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. “Having the KC Current platform, and this amazing team that our whole community is so proud of, is such an amazing opportunity to help drive this message home to our young people.”

Every detail was carefully thought out to pour into the lives of these young women. It was clear that this was a labor of love from KC Current Executive Director, Community Relations DePrice Taylor and her dynamic team.

Athletes rotated amongst various breakout sessions, equipping them with valuable skills applicable to both their sports and personal lives. In the Wellness session, Dr. Michelle Robin introduced the girls to the quadrants of wellbeing: mechanical, chemical, energy, and psycho-spiritual. Well-being was defined as the state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy. 

“We are all connected and we all can show up in the world as healers, and the world needs healers,” she reflected.

The leadership session led by Krishna Lee, General Manager of KC Glory, challenged the athletes with the question, “How do you want to show up as a leader?” Lee emphasized that leading requires a growth mindset and how the lack of it almost prevented her from starting football.

Navigating social media with journalist Alexa Stone tapped into the classic film, Mean Girls, to demonstrate how to build a brand authentically and create boundaries on social media.

In building confidence, radio personality Deona Hustle empowered girls to go after every opportunity that comes their way. Her reminder to “take your shot” reinforced the message of self-belief.

Yoga instructor Jennifer Lin led a mindfulness session, demonstrating the importance of movement and breathing exercises. To bring it all together, the athletes created vision boards to envision their goals for their future. Vision boards help shift thoughts from stress to possibility, reinforcing the belief that their aspirations are within reach.

The event's keynote speaker was Briana Scurry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion. Scurry spent 13 years playing for the United States Women's Soccer Team before a career-ending concussion that led her to become an advocate for concussion awareness. Opening the panel, Scurry reflected on winning the World Cup in 1999 and how it played a role in who she is today.  She recounted how her overnight fame briefly caused her to lose her way and divert her attention away from soccer. She recalled advice from her father, “Keep your eye on the ball,” which resonates with her to this day.

Scurry also emphasized the importance of finding her identity off the field after an abrupt end to her career. “Just know that that is not all of who you are; it is a part of you, but it is not all of you,” echoing the theme of Sideline the Stigma.

Scurry encouraged the athletes to explore interests beyond their sport that will eventually sustain them after the pitch. When asked about leaving the audience with one message, Scurry urged athletes to put their vision boards in a prominent place and work towards them every day. She recounted dreaming of becoming an Olympian at the age of 8 and consistently reflecting on her vision board. Scurry displayed her gold medal to the crowd and asked them to identify the year on the ribbon. It read 1996, the same year she won her first Olympic Gold Medal.

“In my mind, that's not a coincidence that that happened,” she stated, “I feel very confident that the dream boards you guys made in here are going to help draw whatever it is you want to achieve, towards you, while you're doing your job, chasing it.”

The day concluded with a powerful panel featuring KC Current players Rocky Rodríguez and Izzy Rodriguez, 3rd District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson, and U.S. Representative Sharice Davids, who discussed the importance of caring for yourself and leaning on your community. Removing preconceived notions and reducing the stigma around mental health was a shared goal among the panelists, who emphasized that open conversations are key to change.

Panelists were asked to share one piece of advice they wish someone had given them. Representative Davis shared, “You belong here.” Councilwoman Robinson encouraged athletes to “compete with your own best self.” Izzy Rodriguez added, “Learn to enjoy yourself.” Rocky Rodríguez closed it off by urging them to “Learn to enjoy learning."

The atmosphere was filled with ambition and inspiration. One student noted that the experience sparked her interest in nursing, beyond her sport. By the end of the day, athletes walked away not only with key lessons but also with a renewed sense of identity, proving that there's more beyond the game.

For more information and resources, visit: www.kansascitycurrent.com/sidelinethe-stigma-pres-by-blue-kc