Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Reedley College's Jamel Pink, Humboldt's Megan Janikowski Earn CalHOPE Courage Awards
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 2 years ago on
November 30, 2023

Share

Pink persevered through the death of a brother and then an injury, and Janikowski worked through the loss of her mother to cancer.

(CalHOPE Courage)

The CalHOPE Courage Award is presented by College Sports Communicators (CSC) and CalHOPE, a crisis support resource for communities impacted by public health emergencies or national disasters, operated by the California Department of Health Care Services. The award recognizes student-athletes at California colleges and universities who have overcome the stress, anxiety, and mental trauma associated with personal hardships, injury or life circumstances.

CSC and an Associated Press panel selected the winners.

Pink’s journey from Reading, Pennsylvania, to Reedley College in Fresno County is a testament to his resilience to overcome tragedy, injury, and debilitating mental health challenges.

Pink was inspired by his older brother Jamain’s success playing football for Lincoln University near Oxford, Pennsylvania, However, both were shot in August 2020 and Jamain died. Jamel resolved to honor his brother and play college football. A friend suggested that he ask a coach at Reedley College for a tryout. He was accepted a week before the spring 2021 semester began.

After recording three sacks and six tackles in four games, his freshman season of 2021 was cut short due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in practice. Following surgery, Pink returned home for two semesters to rehabilitate while taking online classes. He experienced headaches, insomnia, and lack of appetite, and he spent most of his free time secluded.

He returned to Reedley focused on playing football and earning his degree. When athletic trainer Stacey Mendoza identified Jamel’s symptoms of depression, she encouraged him to seek professional help. Pink has followed a treatment plan of medication and therapy. While he admits he is still working through his challenges, he is feeling much more like himself.

The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive end has appeared in seven games this season, with seven tackles, including 1.5 sacks and two tackles for a loss. He will graduate in December and hopes to transfer to a four-year school and continue playing football.

“Throughout this journey, I have become very aware of how important your mental health is, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly,” Pink said. “That’s why I advocate for seeking professional help. I aspire to be a role model for those dealing with mental health issues. My story is proof that resilience can triumph over despair.”

Janikowski Starts Foundation to Assist Cancer Families

Janikowski struggled following her mother’s death from metastatic brain cancer in January 2021, distancing herself from friends and family and questioning whether she could continue to play soccer.

She was a freshman at Eastern New Mexico University when she learned of her mother’s diagnosis and transferred to Cal Poly Humboldt to be closer to home. While her teammates’ camaraderie and support did not replace that of her mother, it did help rekindle her passion for the game and life. Despite the toll on Megan’s mental health, her mother’s memory helped guide her and motivated her to uplift those around her.

With the support of eight of her mother’s friends, she established the Heather Janikowski Foundation to assist families affected by cancer. During the past two years, they have helped cover the treatment and medical costs of 20 families and groups through events such as Cal Poly Humboldt’s annual “Pink Game.”

Megan purchased pink jerseys this season and her teammates dyed their socks pink and decorated the field before the “Pink Game” to show their support for people affected by cancer.

Janikowski started all 20 games and averaged 87 minutes per game to earn All-California Collegiate Athletic Association second team recognition as a center-back. The Lumberjacks had a record-breaking 11 shutouts and 13 wins as well as a historic victory in the CCAA tournament.

“Throughout these past few years, I’ve realized how important it is for your mental health to keep family and friends close,” Janikowski said. “I want to continue to share my story so others going through what I went through can see that things will get better. I hope to continue to advocate for student-athletes facing mental health challenges.”

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

UP NEXT

Sanger Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Missing Teen

Inside Trump’s Extraordinary Turnaround on Immigration Raids

12 hours ago

Trump Approval Steady at 42%, Support Weakens for His Immigration Policy, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds

12 hours ago

Madera County Wildfire Prompts Evacuation Warnings, Road Closures

A wildfire burning near Raymond Road and Avenue 16 in Madera County has prompted evacuation warnings and road closures, authorities said Mon...

10 hours ago

A wildfire near Raymond Road and Avenue 16 in Madera County has prompted evacuation warnings and road closures as officials urge residents to prepare to leave if threatened on Monday, June 16, 2025. (Madera County SO)
10 hours ago

Madera County Wildfire Prompts Evacuation Warnings, Road Closures

Sanger police are searching for Kaylani Thompson, 17, who went missing Saturday, June 14, 2025, after leaving her home and was last seen getting into a white sedan. (Sanger PD)
11 hours ago

Sanger Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Missing Teen

A view of the cityscape in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 16, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
11 hours ago

Trump Says Everyone Should Immediately Evacuate Tehran

12 hours ago

Inside Trump’s Extraordinary Turnaround on Immigration Raids

President Donald Trump speaks at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 12, 2025. (Reuters File)
12 hours ago

Trump Approval Steady at 42%, Support Weakens for His Immigration Policy, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds

A person was rescued from a Fresno canal Monday, June 16, 2025, near Dakota and Ninth Street, marking the third such incident in recent days, officials said. (Fresno FD)
12 hours ago

Person Rescued from Fresno Canal, Third Incident in Recent Days

12 hours ago

Arias Dodges Questions About His False Fresno ICE Raid Claim

14 hours ago

Iranian State TV Halts Live Broadcast After Israeli Strike

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend