What does it really feel like to be a queer athlete — to show up every day in a sport you love while wondering if your teammates truly have your back? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tess Kilwein, a clinical sports psychologist based in Nashville, to dig into a side of athlete mental health we don't talk about nearly enough.

Dr. Kilwein works with elite athletes across the country, specializing in creating trauma-informed, identity-affirming environments — especially for LGBTQ+ athletes and others who've experienced marginalization in sport. She breaks down what minority stress theory actually means for athletes, why locker room culture matters more than people think, and what coaches, parents, and teammates can do — starting today — to make a real difference.

This one is packed with practical takeaways, honest conversation, and a powerful message for every athlete who has ever felt like they had to hide a part of themselves to earn their place on a team.

Resources for athletes:

Athlete Ally

You Can Play

Black Student-Athlete Summit

Women's Sports Foundation

About Dr. Tess Kilwein
Dr. Kilwein is a board-certified clinical and sport psychologist who works with elite athletes and performers across the United States. They support athletes of all ages, identities, and competitive levels in navigating concerns ranging from mental health challenges to performance optimization. Dr. Kilwein specializes in creating performance environments that are trauma-informed care and identity-affirming, with particular expertise in working with LGBTQ+ athletes and performers.

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner