Cal Poly Humboldt’s Janikowski, Reedley College’s Pink Receive CalHOPE Courage Award – News18

SACRAMENTO, Calif.: Megan Janikowski of the Cal Poly Humboldt soccer workforce and Jamel Pink of the Reedley College soccer workforce have earned the CalHOPE Courage Award for November for overcoming private adversity.

Janikowski labored via the lack of her mom to most cancers and Pink persevered via the loss of life of a brother after which an harm.

The CalHOPE Courage Award is offered by College Sports Communicators (CSC) and CalHOPE, a disaster help useful resource for communities impacted by public well being emergencies or nationwide disasters, operated by the California Department of Health Care Services. The award acknowledges scholar-athletes at California faculties and universities who’ve overcome the stress, nervousness and psychological trauma related to private hardships, harm or life circumstances.

CSC and an Associated Press panel chosen the winners.

Janikowski struggled following her mom’s loss of life from metastatic mind most cancers in January 2021, distancing herself from family and friends and questioning whether or not she may proceed to play soccer.

She was a freshman at Eastern New Mexico University when she realized of her mom’s prognosis and transferred to Cal Poly Humboldt to be nearer to house. While her teammates’ camaraderie and help didn’t change that of her mom, it did assist rekindle her ardour for the sport and life. Despite the toll on Megan’s psychological well being, her mom’s reminiscence helped information her and motivated her to uplift these round her.

With the help of eight of her mom’s buddies, she established the Heather Janikowski Foundation to help households affected by most cancers. During the previous two years, they’ve helped cowl the remedy and medical prices of 20 households and teams via occasions corresponding to Cal Poly Humboldt’s annual “Pink Game”.

Megan bought pink jerseys this season and her teammates dyed their socks pink and adorned the sphere earlier than the “Pink Game” to indicate their help for individuals affected by most cancers.

Janikowski began all 20 video games and averaged 87 minutes per recreation to earn All-California Collegiate Athletic Association second workforce recognition as a middle-again. The Lumberjacks had a document-breaking 11 shutouts and 13 wins in addition to a historic victory within the CCAA event.

“Throughout these past few years, I’ve realized how important it is for your mental health to keep family and friends close,” Janikowski mentioned. “I want to continue to share my story so others going through what I went through can see that things will get better. I hope to continue to advocate for student-athletes facing mental health challenges.”

Pink’s journey from Reading, Pennsylvania, to Reedley College in Fresno County is a testomony to his resilience to beat tragedy, harm and debilitating psychological well being challenges.

Pink was impressed by his older brother Jamain’s success taking part in soccer for Lincoln University close to Oxford, Pennsylvania, However, each have been shot in August 2020 and Jamain died. Jamel resolved to honor his brother and play faculty soccer. A good friend instructed that he ask a coach at Reedley College for a tryout. He was accepted every week earlier than the spring 2021 semester started.

After recording three sacks and 6 tackles in 4 video games, his freshman season of 2021 was lower brief because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in observe. Following surgical procedure, Pink returned house for 2 semesters to rehabilitate whereas taking on-line courses. He skilled complications, insomnia and lack of urge for food, and he spent most of his free time secluded.

He returned to Reedley centered on taking part in soccer and incomes his diploma. When athletic coach Stacey Mendoza recognized Jamel’s signs of despair, she inspired him to hunt skilled assist. Pink has adopted a remedy plan of medicine and remedy. While he admits he’s nonetheless working via his challenges, he’s feeling rather more like himself.

The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive finish has appeared in seven video games this season, with seven tackles, together with 1.5 sacks and two tackles for a loss. He will graduate in December and hopes to switch to a 4-yr college and proceed taking part in soccer.

“Throughout this journey, I have become very aware of how important your mental health is, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly,” Pink mentioned. “That’s why I advocate for seeking professional help. I aspire to be a role model for those dealing with mental health issues. My story is proof that resilience can triumph over despair.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)