WILLIAMSBURG — Amy Schwem, a former William & Mary volleyball player who joined forces with The Hidden Opponent, was recently recognized during a Mental Health Gameday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Hidden Opponent is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by student-athletes. Founded in 2019 by former Division I volleyball player Victoria Garrick, the organization advocates for increased support, education, and open dialogue around the pressures and stigmas that impact athletes on and off the field.
Through campus chapters, storytelling initiatives, and community programming, The Hidden Opponent empowers athletes to speak openly about their experiences, promotes mental health literacy, and works to ensure that no athlete struggles in silence.
Schwem, who also runs The Autoimmune Athlete, serves as the social media and marketing manager for The Hidden Opponent. During the weekend visit to LA, Schwem attended mental health panels, participated in a shoutout at halftime, and got to walk the field postgame.
“Wrapping up Men’s Mental Health Month with the NFL was truly surreal. This experience only fueled the drive for our mission, and I’m so honored to have been a part of it,” Schwem said.
The event was sponsored by Adidas. LA Rams Cornerback Cam Lapkin and Offensive Lineman Wyatt Bowles also supported the program during the NFL’s annual My Cause, My Cleats initiative, donning cleats that represented The Hidden Opponent during the game on Nov. 23.
To learn more about The Hidden Opponent, visit thehiddenopponent.org.