"God is so good. God is so good."
Kyle Branch talking to himself at 2nd base after his 8th inning 3 run HR setting a career high with 6 RBIs with his parents and brother in the stands. Incredible.
Team chemistry over everything.
From the signature postgame interview huddles to celebrating each other’s success, the Thunder embody a family atmosphere on and off the court 🐶🤝
Patty Gasso has built a program that’s become the standard by which every other softball program is measured.
- 8 national titles since 2000. 6 in the last 8 years
- Only 4-peat in NCAA softball history
- 9 straight WCWS appearances
Before you complain, look at the trophy case.
Eight years ago today, we lost Tyler.
Behind the strong athlete, was a sweet, thoughtful, kind kid, who was struggling w/ his mental health.
We didn’t see the battles he was carrying quietly inside.
We share Tyler’s story & these photos, not just with sadness, but also purpose, because mental health struggles don’t always look like we expect them to—checking in, listening without judgment& showing up can save lives.
Today & everyday, we hope Tyler’s journey reminds you to never assume someone is okay just because they look strong.
Eight years ago we made a promise to Tyler & our student athletes:
we will keep talking, keep showing up & using Ty’s voice to change & save a life. We know Tyler would be proud.
❤️❤️❤️ #mentalhealth #hope #pleasestay #youmatter #foreverto3
On September 9, 2017, Tyler Hilinski was on top of the world—leading Washington State to a thrilling triple-overtime win over Boise State in front of a packed stadium.
But just four months later, on January 16, 2018, Tyler passed away due to suicide.
Tyler was my teammate, and his loss struck my teammates and me to the core. He was an amazing young man, full of life and “bubbly” to anyone who knew him.
After his death, I carried guilt with me for a long time. Before Tyler’s passing, he was my backup quarterback. That meant I saw him as competition and, because of that, I didn’t fully open up to him—or let him or the other quarterbacks in.
I often caught myself thinking, “I could have treated him better.” or “How did I not see it?”
Through his loss, two truths became clear to me:
1. Sports and life are about people first. Whoever you see as competition is still human, just like you. You never know what someone else is going through. Follow the Golden Rule: treat others the way you want to be treated.
2. It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s strength—not weakness.
Tyler’s parents, Mark and Kym, turned their grief into purpose by creating @HilinskisHope, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the stigma around mental health and providing athletes with the resources they need.
They’ve done remarkable work—so much so that the first full week of October is now recognized as Student-Athlete Mental Health Week. This year, it runs October 4–11, with hundreds of colleges participating. If you watch college football this week, you’ll see their sticker on helmets nationwide.
This year, I am humbled and honored to partner with Hilinski’s Hope to honor Tyler’s legacy and strengthen student-athlete mental health.
For every copy of The Mind Strength Playbook purchased through the links on this page, I will personally donate 100% of my proceeds directly to Hilinski’s Hope.
I’m proud to do my part to help athletes access the tools and support they deserve. And I’m honored to stand with Hilinski’s Hope in carrying forward Tyler’s legacy and helping our student-athletes.
https://t.co/mlgYlaq500
#StudentAthleteMentalHealthWeek
#HilinskisHope
Heartbroken for Minco Softball. Our OU Softball family is praying over every player, coach, and family. Grateful for the first responders and medical teams. Stay strong Minco- we are here for you!