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Brandeis University

TEXT: The Hidden Opponent; MAIN IMAGE: Maddie Manes with green eye-black and a green ribbon in her hair; INSET: Posed photos of Hannah Waldron, Maddie Manes and Danny Tambascia

Brandeis Athletics Akuokor Sai '29

The Hidden Opponent spotlights student-athlete mental health

Brandeis Athletics Akuokor Sai '29

The Hidden Opponent spotlights student-athlete mental health

Led by softball player Maddie Manes '26, swimmer Hannah Waldron '27, and baseball player Danny Tambascia '28, Brandeis' chapter of The Hidden Opponent (THO) continues to grow and expand its impact on campus. The Hidden Opponent is a national nonprofit organization that works with high schools and colleges to promote discussions around mental health in athletics. They recently collaborated with the Brandeis softball team during their matchup against Tufts on April 22 to highlight their mission ahead of May's Mental Health Awareness Month.

Manes, who is currently president of THO, joined in fall 2023 and described how, in its early stages, The Hidden Opponent focused on monthly lectures, covering topics like recovery from injuries, and identity in sports. Thanks to Manes's efforts to secure more funding in 2025-26, they have held seasonal mental health awareness games and hosted events like the Signature Series, where mental health professionals speak at Brandeis. Thanks to her advocacy for The Hidden Opponent, Manes was named the Department of Athletics' Morrie Stein Award of Valor recipient, recognizing her efforts to help others. 

THO's messages have started to become integrated beyond athletics to the rest of the campus. Waldron, who joined last year, and Tambascia, who joined this year, are both vice presidents and mentioned the growth of the chapter across campus as one of the biggest changes they've seen. 

The Hidden Opponent holds a lot of importance to Waldron, Manes, and Tambascia because it creates solidarity among student-athletes and an opportunity to talk with others about their experiences. Waldron mentioned how she appreciates her peers, as she says she is "finding comfort in listening to other people and knowing that you're not the only person who feels the weight of your sport." Tambascia has been able to become a resource to his teammates, helping them learn to manage stress and be open to change. Manes finds solace in knowing that she is not alone as an athlete and that she can relate to the experiences of other student-athletes.

They all also expressed their gratitude for how The Hidden Opponent has helped them as athletes and leaders. For Tambascia, the pressures of being a starter on the baseball team his freshman year had a large impact on him and his identity. With The Hidden Opponent, he found ways to cope with stress and make baseball something he enjoyed instead of something that defined who he was. The efforts have translated on the field as well, where he was named All-University Athletic Association at the conclusion of the 2026 season. 

Waldron learned to process the grief of switching sports after starting as a volleyball player, and appreciated having resources that helped others understand the difficulties of stopping a sport she loved. Manes mentioned how she has been intentional with practicing what she preaches as president, saying, "I have come to learn that my voice matters and understand the impact of the words I say."

As the academic school year ends, Tambascia, Manes, and Waldron all look forward to more growth and sustainability in the chapter next year. Individually, Waldron is passionate about bringing more personal testimonies to Brandeis' chapter and allowing student-athletes to see how The Hidden Opponent has impacted the lives of others. Manes, who is graduating, wants to see the chapter continue to expand and get more people to talk about mental health on campus.  Tambascia wants to promote more conversations around vulnerability and the stigma surrounding male athletes. Ultimately, Manes, Tambascia, and Waldron want to continue building a healthy student-athlete community on campus that prioritizes mental health through The Hidden Opponent. "Being vulnerable is actually a strength because it lets you recognize your emotions, and it lets you compromise just how you move throughout your day and how you move through life," said Tambascia. 
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Players Mentioned

Hannah Waldron

Hannah Waldron

FR, BA
Junior
Danny Tambascia

#25 Danny Tambascia

1B
6' 4"
Sophomore
Maddie Manes

#28 Maddie Manes

OF
5' 7"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Hannah Waldron

Hannah Waldron

Junior
FR, BA
Danny Tambascia

#25 Danny Tambascia

6' 4"
Sophomore
1B
Maddie Manes

#28 Maddie Manes

5' 7"
Senior
OF
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