Introducing
Kayla has been a professional basketball player since 2014. She is both an inspiration on and off the court, having emerged as a fierce mental health advocate. Find out more about why Kayla joined Head In The Game.
We are thrilled to announce Kayla McBride as our Collaborator for Head In The Game!
Kayla has been a professional basketball player since 2014. She is both an inspiration on and off the court, having emerged as a fierce mental health advocate.
Here’s why Kayla decided to join Head In The Game campaign:
Kayla rose to prominence during her collegiate years at Notre Dame, showcasing exceptional skills as a shooting guard.
Her stellar performance earned her multiple accolades, including First-team All-ACC, First-team All-American (AP/WSBWA), First-team All-Big East, and third team All-American (AP).
Transitioning seamlessly to the professional arena, Kayla made an impact in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) with the San Antonio Stars.
In her rookie season, she started all 34 games, averaging 13.0ppg, ranking third among fellow rookies.
In 2015, she was voted to the WNBA All-Star Game, later joining the Las Vegas Aces in 2018. Kayla had the best season of her career, being voted for the second and third time in her career to the WNBA All-Star game in 2018 and 2019.
In 2021, Kayla signed with the Minnesota Lynx, becoming a vital piece to the team’s success.
Her tenacity, skill, and leadership qualities have solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s basketball.
Over the course of Kayla’s illustrious career, she graced international courts, leaving a lasting mark with triumphs in Hungary, Russia, and Turkey.
Her journey abroad was enriched with accolades, including two Euroleague Championships, two FIBA Euro SuperCup Championships, one EuroCup Championship, Hungarian and Russian Cup and League championships, as well as an impressive four Turkish Super League championships and two Turkish Cup championships.
Her global success not only showcased her skill on the court but also underscored her prowess as a true international basketball standout.
Beyond the basketball court, Kayla has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness.
She expressed how basketball provided a vital outlet that allowed her to escape from childhood traumas and subsequent mental health struggles.
However, when basketball came to a sudden stop due to COVID-19, she struggled to keep the dark thoughts away.
“All of a sudden I couldn’t shut it off. I had nothing to keep the dark stuff out. When I closed my eyes, my mind just became this, like, looping camera reel with pictures clicking by, of all the thoughts I tried to push away.”
Kayla McBride
As part of Nike’s Mental Health Miniseries podcast, Kayla shared her mental health journey, emphasizing that “mental health isn’t a game that you win or lose; it’s a journey.”
Her openness about her own mental health struggles serves as a powerful message of resilience and self-care to those facing similar challenges, reinforcing the idea that seeking support is a courageous step towards healing.
In a recent piece for The Players’ Tribune, Kayla talks about her anxiety, and offers a message of resilience and self-care to those facing similar challenges:
“It’s O.K. to fall apart. But YOU have to be the one that puts you back together because the only one BUILT for this fight is you.”
Kayla McBride
Overall, Kayla’s impact and legacy extend beyond the court, marked by her fierce performances in the WNBA, advocacy for mental health, and desire to help others.
Together, we aim to amplify Head In The Game’s message, raising awareness of youth mental health, and ensuring that no one faces the challenges of mental health alone.
