A student-athlete from the Southeast Career and Technical Academy is using her personal experiences to explore a pressing issue in the world of sports: the mental health effects of concussions.
Payton Powell, a varsity softball player, is researching how concussions affect the mental well-being of athletes. Powell has faced the consequences of head injuries firsthand, having sustained several concussions while on the field.
“I was kind of scared to come back from the concussions, but you just have to overcome that fear,” Powell said.
Concussions and Mental Health Concerns
Powell’s journey to understanding concussion-related mental health issues took a dramatic turn when she was struck in the face by a softball during a game. The injury, which caused her to briefly lose consciousness, was one of her most frightening experiences.
“That one was very scary because I was losing consciousness,” Powell recalled.
Her family shared in the concern. Powell’s younger brother has also experienced multiple concussions while playing flag football and baseball, raising further questions about the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries in youth athletes.
Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Powell began a research project that aims to explore how concussions impact athletes’ mental health. The project, which includes a survey for athletes, may also provide opportunities for Powell to earn scholarship money.
Powell has already gathered feedback from numerous individuals, many of whom expressed concerns about the lack of adequate support following a concussion.
“Many people said they didn’t feel like they received adequate support for their concussion from their sports organization,” Powell said.
Survey Findings: Anxiety, Depression, and Light Sensitivity
Powell’s survey revealed that many athletes experienced symptoms such as light sensitivity, anxiety, and depression after suffering concussions. This aligns with findings from a 2017 study published in the National Library of Medicine, which examined concussions and mental health in elite athletes. The study found a potential link between sports-related concussions and depression, though the researchers cautioned that further investigation is necessary to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship.
Powell’s survey received responses from athletes across various sports, underscoring the widespread nature of concussions in youth sports.
Concussion Protocols and Support Systems
Tedd Girouard, an athletic training professor at UNLV, emphasized that student-athletes in the Clark County School District (CCSD) have access to dedicated athletic trainers and follow strict concussion protocols. These protocols include a “Return to Play” system and a newly introduced “Return to Learn” protocol that ensures students recover fully before returning to academic activities.
“Once you have a concussion, there is an actual protocol to get you returning to the classroom,” Girouard explained.
Sarah Cooper, Powell’s teacher and softball coach, supports these protocols and encourages safety measures for athletes, including the use of full-face masks in softball to prevent facial injuries.
“Even as a teacher myself and somebody who’s coached, we do have to know our protocols,” Cooper said.
Looking Ahead
While Powell is passionate about her project, she is still seeking more participants for her survey. Those interested in taking part can do so via an online link provided by Powell.
The top student research projects will be recognized at the upcoming UNLV Science Fair on March 6, 2025, where first-place winners will receive a $500 prize. However, Powell is clear that her primary motivation is not the monetary reward.
“Honestly, almost all of them,” Powell said when asked how many of her peers have experienced concussions. “It’s so common, and it’s almost even like you don’t really bat an eye when you hear someone say they got a concussion playing sports.”
As Powell continues her research, her work highlights the growing importance of addressing the mental health challenges faced by athletes recovering from concussions—a crucial issue that resonates with many young athletes across the country.
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