The mental health challenges and stress players endured in 2020 reminded OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore that clubs often take too narrow a view when preparing players to be “ready” for a game. That’s why, ahead of the 2021 season, OL Reign brought on new staff members to provide a holistic approach to player wellness — one that focuses on an individual’s physical, emotional, and psychological health.
Former Reign player and now Dr. Mariah Bullock joins the team as a sports psychologist and mental health counselor. She’ll work closely with the director of rehabilitation, Dr. Nicole Surdyka, who joined the club in December 2020 and is passionate about giving Reign players all the tools they need to do their jobs successfully.