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Ironically, my husband and I watched the movie, Titanic, the other night. The “unsinkable” ship, the largest, most luxurious ocean liner of its time, crashed into an iceberg, and took more than 1,500 of its 2,200 passengers to the bottom. The ship was going too fast, the steersman took a wrong turn, and there were too few lifeboats. The Captain felt pressured to maintain a high speed and the ships architect knew there weren’t enough lifeboats. I feel like I’m watching a sequel to the Titanic called, “Titanic II: The ‘Unsinkable’ University.” But, this one is live. This movie has dominated headlines and has consumed televisionRead More →

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It was just eight days ago that I spoke at the world’s largest gathering of soccer coaches. As I stood at the podium to present not just once, but twice, I so proudly and confidently discussed a serious issue within the sports world right now—an issue that has affected me, personally; in fact, it consumed my life during a particularly tumultuous time in college—at Michigan State University—and it nearly took my life. I had developed an eating disorder, anorexia nervosa to be specific— which has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness—as a student-athlete in East Lansing, Michigan. In 2003 I hit my rock bottom, and asRead More →

Dreams

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After several phone calls, text messages, and in-person questions, I feel it is necessary to share my thoughts on this latest scandal—a scandal that should be heard and seen by everyone—to stop it from ever happening again. As I have watched and listened to countless brave and strong women stand in court to confront and publicize their horrific, personal, and life-altering experiences related to a sick man, Larry Nassar, I have an array of feelings. First, and foremost, my heart goes out to each and every one of the 160 (and I’m sure more) innocent victims who were sexually assaulted and taken advantage of forRead More →

Erin Konheim Mandras Blog

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After developing, battling, and overcoming an eating disorder as a collegiate athlete, I learned an incredible amount not only about myself, but of the prevalent issue that so many of us struggle. I believed my success in recovering was possible because of the incredible support system I had within the Michigan State athletic department; stemming from the administration, to the medical staff, to strength and conditioning personnel, and then to my very own coaches. After such a tumultuous event in my life, my dreams became clear, and I knew there was only one career I desired to pursue: and that was coaching. My coaches setRead More →

Michigan State Dream

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“Wow. I never knew any of that,” said an assistant coach of one of the men’s athletic teams at Michigan State University following my speech. This coach happened to be a contemporary of mine. One who I actually have known since I was twelve years old. As I looked at him, and smiled, I thought, “Well, of course you didn’t know any of it.” Until Kick The Scale became established and publicized, the thought of anyone knowing I suffered from a psychological or physical disorder was horrifying. Why would I have wanted anyone to know I struggled, or needed anti-depressant medication, or that I evenRead More →

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We all have a hero. Someone we look up to, place on a pedestal, and see as invincible. Heroes depict true success; lacking imperfections, and attaining triumph and prosperity. We may have an array of role models.  Heroes usually transpire based on our personal interests. Specifically, a young soccer player may idolize Mia Hamm; a little singer may worship Mariah Carey; while, an emerging actor may see Julianne Moore as the end all be all. But, these heroes all represent the intangible star, one of who we see on televisions, magazine covers, or on the Internet. Other heroes we inherently admire, appreciate, and respect areRead More →

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I had the amazing opportunity to visit my old stomping grounds, alma mater, and meet with the critical people who played a major role in my maturation process, provided support, and guided me to become the best person I could possibly be at the time I walked across the stage to receive my college diploma from Michigan State University. I expressed to these leaders, administrators, and, now, colleagues that by the end of my college journey and enduring the most challenging obstacle I had ever faced, I was forced to quickly acquire qualities that I had been lacking. Prior to that experience, I had beenRead More →

Day 1 of Preseason: August 12, 2002

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I woke up in a frenzy. Sweating and breathing heavily, I frantically surveyed the eleven foot by twelve foot room my family had just moved me in. My surroundings were drastically unfamiliar and foreign, but once I realized I was in a loft next to my best friend, I instantly noted it was day one of preseason my freshman year at Michigan State University. Women’s soccer, a fall sport, required athletes to report to school earlier than the normal student population. Campus was quiet and desolate. My heart pounding was not. It was 8:00 a.m., and we were instructed to eat and enjoy our breakfast before reporting to the team lockerRead More →