My Story
My name is Thomas Velarde, and playing baseball at a high level has been a dream of mine since I was a child.
I moved from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to play baseball at Glendale Community College in Arizona. In our first fall game of the year, I fully tore my UCL, and my baseball career was put on hold.
This injury put me in a state of mind that was not okay. It changed my entire perspective on my life and on others. My mind was put in a state of sonder: I realized that everyone has their own story, yet we never know how many people are experiencing a rigorous one.
I realized I could either continue living life depressed and sad, or I could be the reason people have the opportunity to find help.
While I was doing an assignment, I had an idea to start a movement that encourages others, makes a difference, and reminds everyone that they are not alone.
What you do today might be the reason someone wakes up tomorrow.
Mission & Vision
The Hidden Opponent is an accredited non-profit and advocacy group that raises awareness for student-athlete mental health and addresses the stigma within the sports culture. Our mission is to empower student-athletes to face their hidden opponent by providing a space for support, leadership development, and education. We envision a world where every student-athlete feels supported and empowered to prioritize their mental wellbeing.