Racing Louisville FC is just one game away from the postseason. One player has made a huge difference since her return to the lineup. Bethany Balcer's return was not for a physical injury, however.
Starting in March of 2025, Balcer decided to take a five-month break to prioritize her mental health and get her mind focused and ready to return. She returned to Racing in August.
She has scored a goal and had an assist in the pivotal month of October. This included a goal in stoppage time against the Chicago Red Stars giving Racing an ever-important point in the standings.
Balcer taking five months to refresh not only her body, but mind, could be an important lesson for athletes and children watching these games moving forward to stress the importance of how to balance anyone's spiritual battles they may be encountering.
She won rookie of the year in 2019 with the Seattle Reign FC. Since coming on as a star, she has been an outspoken advocate for the importance of mental health. As the pressure in society continues to mount for the younger generation to be the best and be strong, some can look to Balcer as an example.
Bethany Balcer took five months off for her recovery
There is something poetic and almost cinematic about how she has returned and been an influence on her team and community.
It also speaks to how Racing Louisville handled the situation, allowing a star and key to their roster to miss so much time. But they gave her the space she needed to be ready, and it has paid off dividends.
Another athlete has also made the decision and made an immediate impact for his team. Michael Mayer plays for the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL. The tight end took a leave of absence from the team a season ago. He caught 17 passes upon his return.
The idea that an athlete has to be tough and not prioritize what they may be going through seems to be a thing of past. Now with athletes such as Balcer and Mayer showing and displaying what is important and rewarding both themselves and their teams is a lesson for all who watch and cover sports.
Balcer has done several media interviews and book interviews, speaking out about mental health. Now, as Racing Louisville may be on the verge of their first playoff berth in franchise history, they may look back on this moment with pride for themselves and their player.