PHILADELPHIA - Thomas Jefferson University Athletics is proud to announce a new partnership with The Hidden Opponent (THO), a national nonprofit dedicated to advocating for student-athlete mental health. The collaboration enhances Jefferson's ongoing commitment to supporting the whole student-athlete through education, outreach, and consistent mental health care.
 
Founded by former Division I volleyball player Victoria Garrick Browne on the belief that no athlete should struggle in silence, The Hidden Opponent leads national efforts to reduce stigma and promote mental wellbeing through educational programming, community engagement, and its extensive campus network.
 
"The need for accessible, meaningful mental-health support for student-athletes has never been greater," said Assistant Vice President for Athletics Corey Goff. "Our partnership with The Hidden Opponent allows us to meet that need with intention—combining nationally recognized programming with the personal support our student athletes deserve."
 
Campus Captains at Jefferson
One of THO's signature strengths is its Campus Captains Program, a national network of trained student ambassadors who bring mental-health advocacy directly to high schools and colleges across the country. Campus Captains serve as peer educators, cultural leaders, and drivers of change within athletic communities.
 
Jefferson Athletics will launch its own cohort of THO Campus Captains who will lead on-campus mental health initiatives, access mentorships and educational resources from THO, serve as the liaison between coaches, peers, and THO leadership, and advocate for wellness alongside curating a healthy athletic culture for all athletes. Campus Captains join a national network of more than 900 ambassadors across 750+ campuses.
 
A Distinctive Collaboration at Jefferson
A key feature of this unique partnership is the integration of Madeline Barlow, PhD, Mental Performance Coach, who will work directly with Jefferson's coaches and student-athletes throughout the academic year. Dr. Barlow looks to enhance the department by leading team workshops and regular meetings, giving guidance to the coaching staff, support the development of sustainable mental-health practices, and strengthening the connection between Jefferson athletics and THO's national network.
 
"I would like to thank Corey Goff as well as Victoria Garrick Browne and Leeann Passaro of The Hidden Opponent for the opportunity to support the mental performance and wellbeing of Jefferson student-athletes while advancing the mission of THO" said Barlow. "I am truly grateful for Jefferson's leadership and commitment to prioritizing student-athlete mental health through this program." Her role ensures that THO programming becomes deeply embedded in team culture and daily practice.
 
By bringing together THO's advocacy and Jefferson's on-site psychological expertise, this collaboration positions helps Jefferson to position themselves as a leader in collegiate athlete mental-health support.