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As I embarked on this new journey of sharing my personal story relating to my struggles with an eating disorder as a collegiate athlete, I knew the topic was sensitive, yet relatable to many people. An article that was published in USA Today about 2016 Olympians competing in Rio whom, also, have encountered similar obstacles as myself was not only enlightening, but a huge step in continuing to raise awareness of such a prevalent issue among athletes. I could not relate more to these women who are standing up, and publicly sharing their personal issues related to eating disorders and body image. As a youngRead 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 →

The Pressures That Kept Me From Loving Soccer

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From the time I was a little girl, I strived to please others. I thrived on praise and attention, and put all my efforts into being recognized and acknowledged. It was something I felt internally, but was never able to look inside, and see that was where my troubles were brewing. I happened to have gravitated toward soccer at the age of four. Not only did I enjoy it, but I stood out, and it came more natural to me than it did to others. It provided me a sense of accomplishment. It was clear from the start that soccer was my sport, and wasRead More →

sports-illustrated-three-covers

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Sports Illustrated Made Monumental Statement; but, it is not the answer. I have often dreamed of.. …having long, skinny legs. …not having my inner thighs touch. …fitting in a size double zero. …owning long, wavy hair. …being sized in a double “D” bra. …possessing a flat stomach. …having narrow shoulders. …having zero fat on my body. When I think of a Hollywood “model” and “beauty,” I think of all the above qualities. The standard of beauty has been illustrated in a way where, as a society, we all have the same vision of beauty and of the perfect body. As somebody who suffered terribly fromRead 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 →

Mordy, The Soccer Ball

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For my entire life, soccer was my identity, and I knew no different. Between year-round training, competition, and tournaments, my life had profoundly revolved around the sport. I lived to sharpen my game through constant skill work and daily fitness exercises. My accomplishments gave me pride and confidence, and most importantly,  provided me with ongoing social and psychological benefits. I had suddenly not only despised the sport I had once loved, but the mere thought of soccer made me queasy and highly anxious. Literally, the word soccer became repulsive to me. Through the entire fall season of my sophomore, I struggled to survive. I was lethargic, foodRead More →