This year at Ripon High, a new, one-of-a-kind club was started called Mind and Medicine for Athletes (MMA). It was co-founded by sophomore Veer Dhaliwal and junior Alexander Alvarellos. The club is to create a support system for student-athletes through resources and knowledge in dealing with injury prevention and mental health, two hot topics most valued in competitive sports.
Dhaliwal, one of the club’s co-leaders, described the core focus: “Some key topics I want to bring are injury prevention and mental health awareness—that’s basically the bulk of the club.” Dhaliwal said that one of the big keys is to be educated about both the physical and mental sides of sports, because that is what will ultimately help the students be successful in the long run.
When Dhaliwal was asked to elaborate on what kind of resources they will be providing, he mentioned the idea of bringing in some types of expert guest speakers, such as a biomechanics engineer. “He could teach the members things like jumping higher and running faster scientifically.”
In return for access to the experts, the club hopes it can equip the athletes with practical tools to improve performance and health.
For co-leader Alvarellos, the club is a personal passion. “Honestly, it was Mr. C who inspired me to be a club leader and my friend Veer had the same idea. Mind and medicine is something we both want to major in when we go to college.”
Alvarellos hopes to study psychology, placing a strong emphasis on the mind aspect whereas Dhaliwal is focused on the physical side of things: physical therapy.
The club will hold various events for members, including fundraisers and activities like engaging them in the sport in an active manner while introducing them to the field of sports medicine.
“Understanding your body can help you keep it healthy and allow you to move farther in your sport,” said Alvarellos.
According to Dhaliwal, the long-term goal is sustainability. “We want the club to be popular even when we leave Ripon High.”
- With a sound base of student interest and professional resources at its side, the MMA certainly promises to be an influential addition to Ripon High’s extracurriculars.
