Star Student Athlete: East Hampton Teen Fights Mental Health Stigma

EAST HAMPTON, NY — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Nicole O’Donnell who nominated Ryleigh of East Hampton.

Star student athlete’s name

Ryleigh

Star student athlete’s home state

New York

Star student athlete’s Patch town

East Hampton

How do you know the star student athlete?

She’s my daughter

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Cross country, indoor track, and track and field

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Ryleigh is a dedicated student athlete. She trains year-round, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She takes her academics and athletics seriously and gives 100 percent on and off the field. Ryleigh has battled through her own self-doubts and insecurities. She battles through runner's anxiety and every day, she makes a conscious effort to not let her anxiety take away what she loves doing. She and her friend founded a 5K in which they raised $20,000 for the Family Service League of Long Island to help others children and adults who are battling with their own mental health struggles. The May Day 5K on May 1 was started to "Stop the Stigma on Mental Health" and let others know it’s okay to talk about their struggles.

Ryleigh is co-captain of her East Hampton High School cross-country team and is a three-sport athlete. She was MVP last year of her winter track team and "most improved player" for her spring track and field team. She qualified for the state qualifier race for all three seasons of sports last year and was a scholar athlete all three seasons, as well.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

She is loyal and dedicated to all that she does. Her team is the most important thing to her, and she wants the best always for her teammates. She expects a lot from herself and sometimes puts too much pressure on herself which has led to some anxiety issues, but she will not let her struggles keep her from succeeding as an athlete and a scholar.

Keep up the great work, Ryleigh O’Donnell!

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