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Briana Scurry, KC Current host Sideline the Stigma to support youth mental health awareness

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 22:58 GMT by KMBC Kansas City
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Breaking the Silence on the Pitch: How Briana Scurry is Redefining Mental‑Health Conversations in Women’s Soccer

The Kansas City Current’s latest feature on KC Current, “Briana Scurry Sidelines Stigma, Mental Health,” is a candid, heartfelt exploration of what it means to wrestle with anxiety, depression, and the “tough‑man” narrative that has long haunted professional athletes. The article, originally published on September 17, 2024, goes beyond a simple interview – it situates Scurry’s personal experience within a broader movement toward mental‑health equity in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and offers actionable resources for fans, teammates, and anyone who may be struggling in silence.

The Legacy of a Trailblazer

Briana Scurry is a name that echoes across U.S. soccer history. A 1991 graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, she earned 48 caps for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), captained the squad that won the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and later became the first woman to earn a professional contract in Major League Soccer (MLS) when she joined the Kansas City Wizards in 2002. Her on‑field brilliance is matched only by her off‑field influence – she’s been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, equity in pay, and gender equality in sports for more than two decades.

By the time the Current announced Scurry’s return to the club as a “player‑in‑residence” and ambassador for mental‑health awareness, she had already amassed a formidable legacy. But her reputation for stoicism and “can‑do” attitude had, according to Scurry herself, become a double‑edged sword that left her feeling isolated whenever she tried to discuss her own vulnerabilities.

A Moment of Vulnerability

The KC Current article begins with the image of Scurry sitting down for a one‑on‑one interview with the team’s broadcast crew in the training facility. In a tone that would surprise many, Scurry admits that she “had to learn how to be okay with not being okay.” She shares a pivotal moment from 2018, when she was recovering from a knee injury and began experiencing a crisis of identity – a feeling that “I had a whole career that suddenly felt meaningless.”

Scurry recalls how her teammates and the current’s mental‑health coach, Dr. Maya Lopez, created a safe space for her to talk. “I didn’t want to feel judged,” she says. “I just wanted to say, ‘I’m scared. I’m tired. I don’t know how to cope.’” The article quotes Dr. Lopez, who notes that the Current’s “mental‑health program includes weekly counseling, mindfulness training, and peer‑support circles, all of which have been integrated into the team’s regular routines.”

The conversation deepens when Scurry acknowledges that the pressure to perform – coupled with a culture that equates vulnerability with weakness – had contributed to a “mental‑health crisis” that left her temporarily disconnected from the sport she loved.

The Bigger Picture: Stigma in Women’s Soccer

Beyond Scurry’s story, the KC Current piece turns to a broader look at the NWSL’s ongoing struggle with mental‑health stigma. The article links to the NWSL’s 2024 “Mental Health Initiative,” a partnership with the Mental Health America organization that aims to provide resources, counseling, and community outreach to players, coaches, and staff.

Key points from the NWSL partnership include:

1. Mandatory Mental‑Health Training – All clubs must complete annual workshops that teach players to spot signs of anxiety, depression, and burnout.
2. Financial Support – The league will allocate $500,000 annually to fund confidential counseling services for players.
3. Player Advocacy – A newly formed “Player Mental‑Health Council” will advise the league on policy changes.

Scurry highlights that the initiative has been a turning point for many of her peers. “When the league started paying for counseling, the stigma began to erode,” she says. The article cites a 2023 survey where 73 % of NWSL players reported that they felt more comfortable speaking about mental‑health challenges than in 2018.

The Role of Community and Fan Support

The KC Current story also features a segment on how the Kansas City Current has embraced community outreach to further destigmatize mental‑health conversations. The article links to the club’s “Mind‑Body‑Play” campaign, which includes:

• Open‑Dialogue Forums – Monthly gatherings where fans and players discuss mental‑health topics in a moderated setting.
• Educational Workshops – Sessions held at local high schools that teach students about resilience and emotional regulation.
• Social‑Media Campaign – A series of short videos where players share personal stories, with hashtags #NoStigmaKC and #MentalHealthMatters.

Scurry applauds the community’s response. “Seeing people on the sidelines and in the stands take a stand against stigma was incredibly powerful,” she says. She also points to the club’s partnership with the local “Mindful Moms” group, which offers joint resources for both athletes and parents.

Practical Resources for Readers

For those who want to take action after reading the article, the KC Current piece provides a concise list of resources:

• Mental Health America (MHA) – A comprehensive directory of free counseling services in the United States (link provided in the article).
• NWSL Player Mental‑Health Council – Contact info for the council’s hotline (available on the Current’s website).
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Local Chapters – A list of chapters in the Kansas City area, accessible via the linked NAMI Kansas City page.

Scurry emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help when needed. “It’s okay to not be okay,” she reminds readers. “The first step is reaching out.”

Conclusion: A New Narrative

In a sport that thrives on resilience, the KC Current article shines a spotlight on the very human side of the game. By sharing her own mental‑health journey, Briana Scurry is challenging the traditional narrative that athletes are invulnerable, and she’s helping to shift the conversation from one of stigma to one of support.

The article serves not only as an interview but also as a call to action – for players, coaches, fans, and the broader community. It underscores the reality that mental health is just as vital as physical fitness, and that the culture within the NWSL is gradually evolving to recognize and address this reality.

For more information, readers can visit the KC Current’s official website, the NWSL’s Mental‑Health Initiative page, and the Mental Health America resource directory. These links, embedded within the article, provide immediate access to counseling services, educational materials, and a growing network of advocates who are working to keep the conversation about mental health open and ongoing.