Q&A with David Kelly: A Journey of Sports, Mental Health, and Personal Growth

David Kelly, a former three-sport athlete at Glen Ridge High School and current lacrosse player at the University of Scranton, recently shared insights from his athletic career and personal growth. From overcoming challenges to understanding the importance of mental health, David’s journey provides valuable lessons for young athletes everywhere.

Q: David, thanks for joining us! To start, tell us about your time at Glen Ridge High School. You were involved in so many activities. How did you balance sports and extracurriculars?

David Kelly:
Thanks for having me! In high school, I played football, wrestling, and lacrosse, so I was always busy. But I also joined clubs like the student council, where I was the executive board president, and I helped lead the Sportsman Service League, which was a volunteer organization. Being part of these clubs really helped me develop leadership skills and manage my time better. It was a lot, but I learned how to juggle it all and stay organized.

Q: That’s impressive! With so much going on, did you ever feel overwhelmed or burnt out? How did you push through those tough times?

David Kelly:
Definitely. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, especially towards the end of a season when it felt like I just needed a break. But I’ve always loved being active, so that helped keep me motivated. When you’re busy, you don’t have time to focus on being tired or stressed. I also found that the key was to keep reminding myself of why I loved playing these sports in the first place. It helped bring the fun back, and that’s what kept me going. Now, being a college athlete, I’m used to the kind of schedule we had in high school, so I’m not as overwhelmed by it.

Q: You mentioned keeping the fun alive—what were some strategies you used to stay focused and motivated when things got tough?

David Kelly:
I would always try to go back to the basics—remembering why I fell in love with the sport in the first place. I didn’t want to let the pressure of being busy or the stress of competition take away my love for the game. I also found that talking to people—whether it was my teammates, coaches, or family—really helped me get perspective. I’ve always been a firm believer in staying positive and pushing through, even when things get difficult.

Q: That's a great mindset. On the topic of sports and being an athlete, how do you feel about the stigma around male athletes and mental health? Do you think it’s important for athletes to show vulnerability?

David Kelly:
Absolutely. There’s definitely been a stigma in the past about male athletes not being able to show vulnerability, but that’s slowly changing. On my current team, I’m surrounded by people who I can open up to, and my coach is very supportive about mental health. I’ve always been open about it, and I think it’s important to speak up when something’s wrong, whether it’s mentally or physically. If your mind isn’t right, it’s going to affect your performance. Being honest about your feelings is not a weakness—it’s a strength.

Q: It's great that you’ve had a supportive environment. How did you develop that mindset early on? Was there a specific experience that helped you understand the importance of mental health?

David Kelly:
I was lucky enough to be taught about mental health at a young age, especially by my mom. She’s someone I talk to a lot, and she’s really been a huge support. I was also involved in a program in high school called "Cash" (Committee for Athletes and Student Health), which I helped found. It was there to support athletes who might be struggling with mental health issues. Now, at Scranton, we have great resources like student health centers that offer support when you need it, and I think that’s so important for athletes.

Q: You mentioned social media earlier—have you ever experienced negative feedback, whether from coaches, teammates, or online? How do you deal with that kind of criticism?

David Kelly:
Oh, definitely. I remember one time I saw a Snapchat story where someone was talking about how I wasn’t playing well, and that really hurt. After a bad game, it felt like the last thing I needed to see. But I had to step back and remind myself that I couldn’t let the opinions of others affect me. I realized I needed to focus on what I could control—getting better. I started to put in the work, block out the negativity, and ignore the distractions. Sometimes, I even delete apps that bring me down. It’s all about focusing on the things you can change.

Q: That’s a powerful way to handle criticism. Speaking of challenges, have you had any injuries that kept you sidelined for a while? How do you stay motivated during recovery?

David Kelly:
Yeah, I actually had a shoulder injury that kept me out for most of the fall season during my first year at Scranton. It was frustrating because I hated being on the sidelines and watching everyone else get ahead. But I focused on doing the things I could control—like physical therapy. I got back on track and was able to play in our scrimmages earlier than expected. The key is not to get discouraged. Even if you can’t play, there are always things you can do to get better, whether it’s working on rehab or strengthening your body.

Q: It sounds like you’ve learned a lot about resilience. What advice would you give to younger athletes who may be struggling, whether with injury, pressure, or anything else?

David Kelly:
Mental health should always come first. Just like we train our bodies, we need to train our minds. If you’re struggling mentally, it’s just as important to address that as it is to deal with a physical injury. You can’t perform your best if your mind isn’t in the right place. Also, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s talking to a friend, coach, or even a professional, don’t be afraid to reach out.

Q: That's really important advice. Finally, if you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

David Kelly:
I’d tell myself not to worry so much about what others think. I used to care so much about how people perceived me, especially when it came to being good at sports. I was always trying to prove myself to others. But as I got older, I realized that the only person I needed to impress was myself. The motivation has to come from within. Once I started focusing on that, I improved so much more, and I was able to enjoy the process a lot more.

Q: That’s a great message. Thanks so much for your time, David! Your story is inspiring, and I know it will resonate with so many young athletes out there.

David Kelly:
Thanks so much for having me! It was a pleasure to share my story.

David Kelly’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, mental health awareness, and staying true to oneself. His experiences remind us that success in sports is not just about physical ability—it’s about maintaining a strong, healthy mind and pushing through challenges, both on and off the field.