Bowdoin College student-athletes build resilience with RADical Health, peer-led support

BRUNSWICK, Maine – RADical Hope is proud to announce a new partnership with Bowdoin College as the Polar Bears delivered RADical Health to approximately 70 first-year winter student-athletes to kick off the Spring semester.

As winter sports entered a critical point in their competitive seasons, Bowdoin College prioritized the mental well-being of its student-athletes during one of the most demanding times of the year. First-year student-athletes participated in RADical Health’s peer-led, four-week program designed to foster connection, build resilience, and support the balance between academics and athletics.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with RADical Hope to provide important mental health and well-being resources for our first-year winter season student-athletes and look forward to extending our partnership to engage additional first year athletes in the years ahead. The training provided by RADical Hope for our peer mentors has already fostered excellent dialogue and positioned our athletes for success going forward,” said Tim Ryan, Ashmead White Executive Director of Athletics, Bowdoin College.

The winter cohort included approximately 70 first-year student-athletes under the guidance of 14 upperclassmen student-athletes who are also competing in winter sports, all trained as peer facilitators.

Through weekly sessions, student-athletes developed practical tools for managing pressure, strengthening communication, and navigating the transition into collegiate athletics. RADical Health emphasizes connection and skill development, helping students build habits that support both performance and personal well-being throughout the season and beyond.

“I think my overall takeaway was to be kinder to myself and to understand that many people are also going through the same things as me, so to just keep that in mind and to lean on my friends and teammates because it will go a long way,” said a Bowdoin student-athlete participant.

A defining element of RADical Health is its peer-led model. Upperclassmen facilitators were selected in partnership with Bowdoin staff and trained by RADical Hope to lead small groups with empathy, structure, and intention.

RADical Health was developed in consultation with behavioral health specialists, academic leaders, students and psychologists. It was first piloted in the fall of 2020 with New York University and after several successful pilots, the organization scaled the program nationally. Today, RADical Hope now works with more than 80 campuses and community organizations across the country and has supported tens of thousands of students.

About RADical Hope

RADical Hope improves the lives and futures of young adults by strengthening connections and building resilience. Its signature program, RADical Health, empowers participants with skills to build resilience, manage stress and strengthen support systems so they’re equipped to cope before reaching a crisis point. All content, resources, training, and support are fully funded for partners. Learn more at www.radicalhopefoundation.org.