Sports Recruiting USA are proud to announce that Chloe Bellerby will become a Mental Health and Well-being Ambassador. Chloe has just finished her second year at Sussex College in New Jersey where she has won numerous awards as a student athlete both on and off the pitch.
Head of Women's Soccer, Jon Maloney said this about Chloe becoming an SRUSA Ambassador.
'Chloe is someone I have known for a long time and I am proud to have her as part of the SRUSA team. She will be an invaluable asset and to be able to announce this during Mental Health Awareness week was just the perfect fit. The journey Chloe has been on as a student athlete has been life changing and is one of the greatest success stories we have seen at SRUSA. We couldn't be more proud of her.'
Chloe battled depression for many of her teenage years, dimly seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.
'Football gave me a focus, it gave me a reason to push forward and ultimately, became a reason for why I am still here today. Through much consideration, I knew the states would be the best place for me. I remember Jon Maloney knew my story and background and he was a huge support for me. He told me it would be the best thing I could ever do for myself, and he was so right (and never fails to remind me haha). That 11-year-old girl with this dream that seemed impossible put pen to paper 7 years later and I signed my Letter of Intent and confirmed my commitment for the next 2 years of my life at Sussex County Community College, New Jersey.'
Chloe has had a fantastic two years as a student athlete but it hasn't been without it's challenges.
'The USA exceeded my expectations. My time here has pushed me to my limits both physically and mentally. In the classroom and on the field. Socially and independently. I have learnt things about myself that you could not learn anywhere else. My time at Sussex saw me experiencing some of the highest of highs, and an occasional incredibly hard low. I have learnt life lessons that have changed me as a person, for the better. I’ve experienced losses that have hurt for weeks. I began appreciating and understanding life in a whole different way. I have experienced first-hand the feeling of hating the road because I was missing home. And I have lived through some of the best times of my life. In the past 2 years I achieved academic excellence in my psychology degree and was put on the Dean’s List, I built life-long friendships with people from all over the world, who have opened my eyes to the beauty of life, in more ways than one. I gained an American family; experienced New York at Christmas; experienced my first Thanksgiving dinner. I became a Region XIX Champion and faced heart-wrenching scorelines and a season I wish never had to end. I discovered I had Multiple Sclerosis and was told I would never play again, to playing every game my second season and being awarded Coaches Player of the Year in my end of season banquet, and then being informed I had won Woman of the Year being honoured at Seton Hall. I got named ‘President’ of the Student Athletic Council and begun the process of bringing Active Minds, permanently on to campus.'
Finally, Chloe talks about what it means to be an SRUSA Ambassador.
'I am so excited to be an ambassador for SRUSA! I absolutely love that they are making mental health a priority for the female talent they have coming through. Jon, and the team at SRUSA have impacted my life in a way I will never be able to put into words, and now to be able to join them in doing that for other players is an opportunity I am extremely grateful for. I am really looking forward to join the team, the impact we can make together, and helping those who have chosen the stateside to play and study!'
Chloe is the prime example of what a student athlete should be and we are proud to have her as part of the #SRUSAFamily.
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