Matt Benson: Mental Health, Self-Worth, and Pressure for Student-Athletes
When performance becomes identity, pressure builds — and silence can take a toll
Sports are often praised for building discipline, toughness, and resilience. And while that can be true, what often goes unspoken is what happens when pressure, expectations, injury, and silence begin to outweigh the game itself.
In this episode, host Kelly Poelker sits down with Matt Benson, a former high school and collegiate football player and former high school coach, to talk about the mental health challenges student-athletes face — especially when self-worth becomes tied to performance, playing time, or identity as “the athlete.”
Matt shares his lived experience navigating grief after losing a close friend to suicide, struggling with depression and addiction, and the emotional impact of career-ending injury. He also reflects on how coaching shaped his understanding of connection, compassion, and the importance of asking simple but meaningful questions: Are you okay?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:52 — 59.1MB) | Embed
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What You’ll Learn
- How self-worth can quietly become tied to performance and starting roles
- Why many athletes appear “fine” while struggling internally
- The emotional impact of injury and sudden loss of sport identity
- How grief and unprocessed loss affect student-athletes
- Why numbing pain doesn’t resolve what’s underneath
- What coaches can notice beyond discipline and attendance
- How parents can ask hard questions without needing all the answers
- Why connection — not correction — can change outcomes
Guest Spotlight: Matt Benson
Matt Benson is a former high school and collegiate football player and former high school football coach. He played football at Eastern High School in Louisville, Kentucky, and later at the University of Pikeville, where he was part of the team that won the first conference championship in school history.
After college, Matt coached high school football at Fern Creek High School from 2020–2023. He speaks openly about mental health, grief, addiction, injury, and the importance of connection and honesty in athletics.
Key Quotes
Resources & Next Steps
- Start a conversation: Share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or educator and talk about how pressure and self-worth showed up in your own sports experience.
- For athletes: If something resonated, consider reaching out to one person you trust — you don’t have to carry it alone.
- Visit Glow For Hope: Explore resources, events, and conversations at glowforhopenfp.org
Next Episode
We’ll continue creating space for honest conversations around mental health, lived experience, and the people impacted by silence. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.
Support the Show
Glow For Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention through conversation, community, and connection.
Make a Donation Share Glow For Hope
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Crisis Resources
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available.
- United States: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
- Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional.
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