Last Updated on January 2, 2018 by
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Athletes Connected, a University of Michigan collaborative program between the Depression Center, Intercollegiate Athletics and School of Public Health, on Thursday unveiled the first of three videos that will address student-athletes coping with injury.
In the first installment, U-M wrestler and two-time All-American Adam Coon (heavyweight) details his long road back from a shoulder injury suffered in 2016. Coon narrowly missed out on the Rio Olympics, was tabbed to travel as a training partner in Brazil, but suffered a torn labrum, which knocked him out for the training trip as well as the entire 2016-17 competitive season.
The story, told exclusively by Coon, details his struggle from initial injury and diagnosis. He learns how pain can go beyond the physical as his identity as an active world-class athlete was stripped way. He felt isolated and helpless, while questioning his self-worth.
As Coon’s progress through rehabilitation continued, he learned to accept the process, which makes the recovery easier. As time went on, Coon was able to focus on himself, his own recovery and not compare himself to his healthy teammates. Now, a full year past his surgery, Coon is ready for his redshirt-senior season in the hopes of earning a third All-America distinction.
About Athletes Connected
Formed in 2014 on an NCAA pilot grant by a collaboration of University of Michigan Depression Center, Athletics and School of Public Health, Athletes Connected actively works to provide student-athletes with the tools and resources possible to overcome mental illness. Athletes Connected does this by promoting awareness of mental health issues, reducing the stigma of help-seeking and promoting positive coping skills among student-athletes. To learn more about the program, view the entire catalogue of videos, read original stories and access helpful resources, visit athletesconnected.umich.edu.