Eight years have passed since the sudden loss of Washington State University quarterback Tyler Hilinski, but for his mother, Kym Hilinski, the clock has not stopped on the fight for mental health awareness. In a recent appearance on Connect with Kelly Koopmans, she opened up about the grueling intersection of maternal grief and public advocacy. Her journey serves as a poignant reminder that while the pain of suicide remains deeply personal, there is power in transforming that sorrow into a shield for others who may be suffering in silence.
Through her organization, Hilinski’s Hope, Kym continues to push for systemic changes in how universities and athletic departments handle the psychological pressures placed on young competitors. This commitment comes to the forefront again from October 3 through 10 during the sixth annual Student Athlete Mental Health Week. The initiative aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding emotional struggles in sports, urging athletes at every level to prioritize their minds just as much as their physical performance on the field.
By sharing her story and encouraging people to say Tyler’s name, Kym is challenging a culture that often expects male athletes to project an image of invulnerability. She believes that talking openly about these struggles can save lives by letting struggling students know they are not alone. As another year passes, the mission remains clear: ensuring that no other family has to navigate this specific kind of heartbreak because a student felt they had nowhere to turn.
