Seton Hall Swimmer Wins Title After Mental Health Reset

When mononucleosis left Kevin Cary unable to even exercise for a month, the Seton Hall swimmer hit rock bottom. But that forced pause became the turning point that led him to a BIG EAST championship title.

Cary's freshman year started strong with a second-place finish in the 200 freestyle at the 2023 BIG EAST Championship. But by sophomore year, self-doubt crept in and his performance suffered.

Then the flu derailed his 2024 season. Two months later, mono struck and left him unable to do anything but walk for over a month.

Alone in his room during recovery, Cary realized something crucial about himself. He'd been so focused on his own success that he'd lost sight of being a good person and teammate.

That moment of honest self-reflection changed everything. Cary got a tattoo of his school's motto on his chest: "Hazard Zet Forward," meaning "whatever the peril, ever forward."

He also deepened his commitment to The Hidden Opponent, a nonprofit focused on athlete mental health. For Cary, managing mental health became as important as physical training, especially in swimming.

His coaches shared an allegory that stuck with him: imagine swimming a race while wearing a backpack. Some swimmers carry multiple backpacks of stress and pressure, while others leave them at the pool door.

Cary learned to ditch his backpack. He stopped overthinking and started enjoying the sport again.

Why This Inspires

Cary's transformation shows that stepping back can actually move you forward. By prioritizing his mental health and reconnecting with his purpose, he didn't just become faster in the pool. He became a better teammate and advocate for other student athletes struggling with the immense pressure they face daily.

His coaches told him swimming is 90% mental and 10% physical. Once Cary got his mind right, his body followed.

At the 2025 BIG EAST Championships in Geneva, Ohio, everything clicked. Cary won two relay titles and, most importantly, captured the individual 200 freestyle championship he'd been chasing since freshman year.

After touching the wall first, there was no big celebration. He simply leaned on the pool edge, quiet and reflective, soaking in a moment he'd truly earned.

Now a senior and campus leader for The Hidden Opponent chapter, Cary uses his story to help other athletes understand that taking care of your mental health isn't weakness. It's the foundation for real success.