At just 17 years old, Sarah Abigail Vera is turning conversations about mental health into something tangible — and surprisingly fun.

The Central Union High School senior is the creator of High School: The Game, a mental health-themed board game where players aim not for wealth or power, but happiness. Developed under her own studio, Pancake Frog Studios Gaming, the game is quickly gaining attention for its heart, honesty and purpose.

“I always saw how most games were money-centered,” Vera said. “I wanted to create something more realistic and attainable — which, for me, is happiness.”

Instead of chasing dollar signs, players of “High School” collect “happiness tokens” while navigating challenges inspired by the real-life experiences of teens. By the end of the game, the player with the most tokens “graduates” with the highest emotional well-being.

The game, aimed at ages 13 and up, isn’t just about winning — it’s about starting important conversations.

“There are a lot of topics in the game that can be uncomfortable to talk about,” Vera said. “But those are the ones we need to be discussing. That’s how awareness begins.”

A Personal Mission

Vera created “High School” in the summer of 2024, following her own mental health struggles and a long path to diagnosis.

“I didn’t know much about mental health at the time, and it was hard even realizing what I was going through,” she said. “That’s why I think it’s important to help others understand — especially teens.”

Though she had help from a friend and guidance from her graphic design teacher, the project was largely self-driven.

“I did most of it myself,” she said. “My teacher helped format files so I could get it manufactured, but all of the core design and concepts came from me.”

From concept to launch, the project took about two months. The most challenging part, she said, was turning her creative idea into something that could be physically produced and played.

“Figuring out the design files and formatting for production was really tough,” she said.

Community Support and Next Steps

Vera credits the Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with helping her understand the business side of launching a product.

“They gave me a lot of reassurance and support,” she said. “That really encouraged me to keep going.”

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the SBDC featured Vera in a live interview on May 20 to showcase how youth entrepreneurship and creativity can help destigmatize mental health. While the event was streamed live, Vera’s story continues to resonate beyond a single day.

The response to the game has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Everyone who’s played it has had fun, and they appreciate the humor and the realness of the topics,” Vera said. “It helps people connect.”

Looking ahead, Vera hopes to expand the game, create new versions and get it into schools, homes and counseling centers.

“I want it in as many hands as possible,” she said.

Staying Grounded

Despite her accomplishments, Vera stays focused on her well-being.

“Having a support system is key — my family, friends, therapist and my faith have helped me stay strong,” she said. “It’s important to keep those relationships close.”

Her advice to other young creators? “Keep going. Don’t let others’ opinions stop you,” she said. “If you believe in what you’re doing, that’s what matters.”

Vera is building a new standard — one that counts happiness, empathy and connection as the ultimate win.

TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Men’s Tennis head coach Clancy Shields has announced the addition of Baran Soyler, a junior transfer from Georgia State, to the Wildcats’ 2025-26 roster.

Soyler earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors in singles this season after posting a 10-6 singles record and a 7-7 doubles mark while competing primarily at the top of the lineup. He was named the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Player to Watchand collected key wins over opponents from Chattanooga, Furman, Louisiana, VCU, and Coastal Carolina.

In 2024, Soyler was named the Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year, earned Second Team All-Sun Belt honors in singles, and picked up Sun Belt Player of the Week recognition on Jan. 24.

“Excited to welcome Baran to the Wildcat family,” said Shields. “He is a very good player, strong physically, good tennis IQ, and a tough competitor. He is also a great kid and someone I have enjoyed getting to know. With three years of experience, he will add a much-needed veteran mentality in our locker room. I believe he can help our team and he will add a lot to our culture. Baran, welcome to the program, and I look forward to seeing you in the fall.”

A native of Adana, Turkey, Soyler began his collegiate career at Middle Tennessee State, where he went 3-1 in singles and 1-0 in doubles as a freshman. He transferred to Georgia State ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Soyler has also excelled in the classroom, earning President’s List honors in Spring 2024 and making the Dean’s List in Fall 2023, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025. He was named to the 2023-24 Sun Belt Commissioner’s List as well.

Balance is s a key ingredient for effective living. Careful attention is required to juggle the life roles (work, parent, student, athlete, etc.) that define each of our unique selves. There are obvious benefits to sports participation, but not when the rest of your life is neglected.

Overemphasis on one or two roles can disrupt effective balance, causing other roles to crash to the ground, resulting in grave damage to important things. I’m sure you’ve witnessed such occurrences, perhaps in your own life.

Businesspersons, so wrapped up in climbing the corporate ladder, their families become an afterthought.

People who neglect their own health, claiming they don’t have time. Life is short and if you do not exercise and take care of yourself, it will be much shorter.

The focus of this two-part series is the athletic role, especially as it relates to young people, and the damage that occurs when athletic over-involvement causes imbalance and neglect of other life endeavors.

Part I explores the devastating impact that too much investment in athletics can have and the role of parents, coaches, and social media in the creation of an athletic obsession. Part II delves into what can be done to empower a balanced, healthy life and prevent the damaging impact of an obsessed athletic life.

Why Focus on Athletes?

I’ve witnessed the mental anguish and other damage resulting from a sports-obsessed existence. Everything from clinical anxiety, burnout, depression, declining academic performance, wrecked relationships, and over-use physical injury. Most devastating is a lost-in-the-woods sense of purpose in life that can happen when an athletic career ends.

How did this pervasive problem develop, what does it look like, and what is the contribution of coaches, parents, and social media in creating this imbalanced mess?

Athletic Identity

That’s an actual term defined by Human Performance Coach John Haime as:

“The degree to which you identify with your sport. It’s how you come to perceive yourself, and how others perceive you, and also serves as a basis for your sense of self-worth.”

There’s nothing wrong with athletics being part of your identity, but when it’s your entire sense-of-self it’s problematic.

Self-induced pressure and disruptive performance anxiety can result from so much self-value being wrapped up in athletic identity. That’s why so many young athletes implode or explode when things in sports don’t go their way. Their athletic identity and self-worth have been ruptured.

They attempt to repair the rupture with excuses for their poor performance and other misfortune. Taking responsibility would be a major hit to their ego, so they try to avoid the emotional toll of their bruised self-esteem by blaming referees, field conditions, and even teammates for their miscues. It’s a phenomenon that’s gotten to be common in today’s youth sports culture.

Then there is what happens when an athletic career is threatened or ends. Disappointment and sadness is understandable and normal for athletes who have spent so much time and energy devoted to sports, but it can be devastating when all their eggs have been placed in the sports basket and the bottom falls out.

Mental ruin is exactly what can happen when an athletic career ends due to getting cut, injured, or deciding to leave a sport. Such the-sky-is-falling-in devastation is a relatively new and surprising phenomenon when it comes to youth athletes.

The Adult Contribution to Imbalance

Over-zealous coaches piling excessive demands on the plates of young athletes, and parents that passively go along with it. Non-stop practices, physical training sessions, games , and other team activities that can weigh down the plate of a young person’s life.

School, family, social, and other realms take a back seat and are disrupted with little to no time for much of anything beyond what coaches throw at them. Sports involved kids also have little time to devote to other interests. When asked how much time they have to themselves on a typical school day during a sports season, most young athletes reply that they have about 1-3 hours of freedom.

Many coaches now require year-round commitment to their sport. Traditional season boundaries have disappeared, complicating the ability to play more than one sport or become involved in other organized activities.

So much commitment to sports makes finding time to do homework, being with family or friends, and other things a Rubik’s Cube challenge.

Also contributing to a problematic athletic identity are coaches and parents leading kids into believing that all this committed time will lead them to a college or professional sport career. It could happen, but for 94% of high school athletes their sports career will go no further than high school. They are being unfairly led astray by manipulative coaches and naïve parents that fuel false hope and unrealistic expectations.

Social Media Impact

Young people have always vied for peer status, but social media has turned it into an obsession. Sports have become a common way to attract such attention. Kids spend countless hours posting pictures, videos, and messages focused on their athletic prowess. Facebook moms and dads fall prey to similar behavior.

I have previously written about the poisonous impact of social media on youth. Suffice it to say that social media has contributed to an overemphasis on athletic identity, life imbalance, and the damage sustained by youth. Many of them base their entire being on social media, creating hazards for all young people, not just athletes.

Much of the toxicity derives from people comparing themselves on social media to their peers. As President Theodore Roosevelt wisely observed, “comparison is the thief of joy.” Joy has certainly been stolen from young athletes who live on an emotional roller coaster, battling for social media status with their athletic identity.

The Net Result

Such obsessed athletic identity breeds over-use physical injury, and a relentless fear of failure. A distaste for a previously enjoyed sport can evolve and lead to eventual burnout and/or quitting. Neglect of school, friends, family, and other life roles can ensue.

Then there’s the damage done to many young athletes when their sports career ends. Many of those kids are devastated. They have no idea what to do with their new free time because they’ve never had that kind of time to themselves and don’t know how or what to do with it.

I have witnessed a wide swath of high school and college athletes that have given no thought to what they would do with their lives after their school and athletic career ends. They draw a complete blank when asked about their career plans. It’s as though they expected their athletic careers to last a lifetime. Many of them experience severe anxiety and depression reflecting on a perceived empty future.

What’s the Cure?

That question will be addressed in a sequel to this piece. In the meantime, please reflect on the current content and related material contained in the link provided. Employ your creative resources to generate a plan of attack as a coach, parent, or other adult stakeholder to remedy athletic identity imbalance and associated problems.

Also, please delete your social media platforms.

Pickleball and other racquet sports are booming in popularity as people become more interested in improving their fitness and wellness by playing fun, interactive games. Padel is picking up serious steam here in the U.S. as another beneficial racquet sport worth playing. Padel combines the best parts of tennis and squash, and courts are opening here, there, and everywhere. 

I find racquet sports fun because you’re swinging the paddle or racquet around and moving quickly, giving you a solid heart-pumping, calorie-burning workout. Research reveals that playing racquet sports regularly improves cardiovascular function and musculoskeletal health and promotes mental well-being. I caught up with certified padel coach Diego Valderrama to get his insight into this increasingly popular sport, including his top tips, and how it compares to other sports like tennis and pickleball. Valderrama trains everyone from beginners to professional athletes at one of the largest facilities in South Florida.

Interview with expert padel coach Diego Valderrama

The Manual: What is padel sport? Could you explain how to play this popular racket sport?

Diego Valderrama: Padel is a dynamic and social racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash. Played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court, the game uses solid, stringless rackets and a slightly depressurized tennis ball. The walls surrounding the court aren’t just for show — they’re integral to gameplay, allowing for creative shots and longer rallies. Serving is underhand, and the scoring mirrors that of tennis.

What sets padel apart is its accessibility. It’s less about sheer power and more about strategy and positioning, making it appealing to players of all ages and skill levels. The sport’s social nature and fast-paced action have contributed to its rapid global growth. As of 2024, padel is played in over 130 countries with around 30 million players worldwide — 60% of whom are men. 

The sport has seen explosive growth, with more than 60,000 courts globally, 70% in Europe. Countries like Norway, the UK, and Germany have shown court installation growth rates of 122%, 100%, and 92%, respectively, from 2022 to 2023. In 2023 alone, over 6 million padel rackets were sold, and the number of courts is projected to reach 85,000 by 2026, highlighting padel’s rapid expansion and global appeal.

TM: Why and when did you first start playing padel?

DV: My journey into the world of padel began thanks to my brother, who first introduced me to the sport during a casual search for something new and engaging to do. From our very first game, I was immediately drawn in by the dynamic energy and strategic nature of padel. What started as a weekly hobby quickly evolved into a true passion. Motivated by this growing interest, and with my brother’s encouragement, I pursued formal training and completed my first coaching certification. I initially began coaching on the side, but over time, I transitioned into a full-time professional role. 

Today, I’m fully dedicated to sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for padel, helping others grow in the sport while continuing to develop myself as a coach and athlete. 

TM: What are your favorite benefits?

DV: One of my favorite benefits of playing padel is how it combines physical activity with mental strategy. It keeps you in shape but also constantly challenges your decision-making and teamwork skills. I also really value the social aspect. 

Padel brings people together in a unique way, whether it’s on the court or through the community around it. As a coach, one of the most rewarding benefits is seeing how quickly people fall in love with the sport and improve, regardless of age or experience. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of that journey. 

TM: How does playing padel improve cardiovascular fitness, and why is that important?

DV: Playing padel is a fantastic way to improve cardiovascular fitness because it involves constant movement, quick sprints, lateral steps, and rapid changes of direction, all of which keep your heart rate elevated throughout the match. Even though the court is smaller than a tennis court, the game is fast-paced and requires agility, endurance, and coordination. 

Over time, this kind of activity helps strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and increase overall stamina. Cardiovascular fitness is important not just for athletic performance but for long-term health. It reduces the risk of heart disease, improves energy levels, helps with stress management, and supports a healthier metabolism. In other words, by simply enjoying the game of padel, you’re also building a stronger, more resilient body without even realizing you’re doing a workout. 

TM: Why are more men becoming interested in playing padel? Why is this fun sport gaining traction with American men?

DV: The growing interest in padel among men, especially in the U.S., can be attributed to several factors. First, the sport combines elements of tennis and squash, offering a dynamic and fast-paced game that’s easy to pick up but challenging to master. For men, especially those who are already into racket sports, padel presents a fun and exciting alternative that doesn’t require the same endurance or technical skill as tennis, making it more approachable.

Another reason for its increasing popularity is the social aspect. Padel is typically played in doubles, which fosters a sense of community and teamwork. The sport’s casual and accessible nature makes it an ideal activity for both competitive players and those just looking for a fun way to stay active. The fact that padel is also less physically demanding than some other sports, due to the smaller court and shorter rallies, means it’s easier for men of all fitness levels to enjoy.

In the U.S., padel is gaining traction as more facilities open up, offering a new recreational option. With its growing presence in major cities and the excitement surrounding its expansion, it’s becoming an appealing choice for those seeking a fresh, enjoyable, and social way to stay fit and engage in friendly competition. 

TM: As a certified padel coach, you train professional athletes. How many times a week did the professional athletes train and play padel?

DV: As a certified padel coach working with professional athletes, the training regimen typically involves four to six weekly sessions, tailored to individual goals and upcoming competitions. These sessions include a mix of technical drills, tactical training, physical conditioning, and mental coaching to enhance performance on all fronts. 

Professional athletes usually spend between 10 and 15 hours per week on the court, refining their skills, developing strategies, and maintaining peak physical condition. This comprehensive approach ensures they’re fully prepared for the demands of high-level competition. 

TM: How long do the games typically last? 

DV: Padel games typically last between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on factors such as the level of play, the format of the match, and the number of sets being played. In professional matches, a best-of-three set format is common, while in recreational play, it can vary from a single set to a full match. The fast-paced nature of the sport, with quick rallies and frequent changes in direction, makes for intense but relatively short games compared to other racket sports like tennis.

TM: Did frequently engaging in this sport improve athletic performance for those professional athletes you worked with?

DV: Yes, frequently engaging in padel has significantly improved athletic performance for the professional athletes I’ve worked with. The sport’s dynamic nature, which combines speed, agility, and strategic thinking, helps enhance both physical and mental attributes. On the physical side, the constant movement, explosive sprints, and use of lateral and vertical motions help improve cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and overall strength.

Mentally, padel sharpens focus, decision-making, and adaptability, all of which are crucial for high-level competition. The ability to quickly analyze the game, adjust tactics, and work effectively with a partner translates into improved performance not only in padel but in other sports as well. For many of the athletes I coach, incorporating padel into their training has not only enhanced their skills on the padel court but also positively impacted their overall athletic performance. 

TM: How does padel compare to other racket sports like tennis and pickleball?

DV: Padel, tennis, and pickleball are all dynamic racket sports, but each offers a distinct playing experience. Padel is played on a smaller, enclosed court, using walls as part of the game, which creates fast-paced rallies and emphasizes agility and strategy. It typically involves doubles play and uses a solid racket without strings and a slightly depressurized ball. 

In contrast, tennis is played on a larger open court, focusing on power and longer rallies, while pickleball is a faster, more accessible game, played on a smaller court with solid paddles and a lightweight plastic ball. Padel’s rapid growth, especially in Europe and now in North America, is fueled by its social and engaging nature, making it an attractive alternative to both tennis and pickleball. 

TM: Is padel a more challenging sport to play than tennis or pickleball?

DV: Padel can be considered more challenging than tennis or pickleball in certain aspects, though it ultimately depends on an individual’s skill set and experience with racket sports. The smaller court and use of walls in padel require players to adapt quickly and develop a strong sense of positioning, strategy, and shot placement. While tennis demands powerful serves and groundstrokes, padel often requires more finesse and teamwork because doubles play is standard. 

The ball’s slower pace in padel also means rallies can be longer, demanding greater endurance and mental focus. Compared to pickleball, which is often more accessible due to its smaller court and simpler rules, padel offers a more complex game that combines elements of both strategy and physical skill. While tennis may be more physically demanding in terms of court coverage and power, padel’s nuances with walls and positioning make it a challenging sport for those seeking a strategic and fast-paced game.

TM: Could you share your top beginner training tips with our readers who are new to the sport?

DV: First and foremost, enjoy every moment you spend on the court. The essence of padel is not just in the competition, but in the fun you have while playing. It’s also important to consider taking lessons from the very beginning to learn the proper techniques for each stroke. Many beginners start playing without the guidance of a coach, which can lead to developing incorrect techniques that are difficult to correct later on. 

After each match, make sure to share your experience with friends—the social aspect of padel is one of its greatest joys, and the post-match camaraderie enhances the overall experience. Additionally, focus on improving your physical conditioning and footwork, as these are the foundation of a solid padel game. 

As for the mental side of the sport, we can leave that to the competitive players, though building mental resilience will naturally come with experience. Padel is about enjoying the process and continuously improving, so take your time, stay motivated, and have fun!