Onrise offers PWHL athletes with access to peer support delivered by retired athletes, plus licensed therapists, psychiatric providers, and a 24/7 support team
New York and Toronto (February 12, 2025) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is proud to announce that Onrise - a leading mental health service dedicated to supporting elite athletes – is now the league’s Official Mental Health Provider. Through this partnership, PWHL players will gain access to relatable, accessible mental health care, including peer support, licensed therapy, psychiatric care and 24/7 crisis assistance.
Onrise takes an athlete-first approach to mental health care, recognizing the unique pressures of professional sports and providing accessible, personalized support. Its peer support model connects current players with retired athletes who understand the demands of competition, while licensed therapists and psychiatric providers offer comprehensive care. Prioritizing both well-being and performance, Onrise helps players navigate not just their careers but life beyond the game. Through this holistic approach, the PWHL is setting a new standard, building strong foundations, and shaping a future for the sport that extends far beyond the ice.
Tasha Saunders, Onrise’s VP of Operations, attended a PWHL game at Ball Arena in Denver, where she witnessed the excitement of young girls holding signs like “Draft Class of 2032,” “My future job is a professional women’s hockey player,” and “Pros that look like me.” For many, it was an emotional moment, realizing that the sustainable platform for women’s hockey players is now a reality.
“We’re honored to be part of this transformative moment in women’s sports, where mental health is prioritized alongside athletic achievement,” said Saunders. “By partnering with the PWHL, we’re helping athletes thrive both on and off the ice, setting a new standard for holistic, athlete-centered care, and contributing to a future where women’s hockey is stronger, more visible, and more inclusive than ever."
"Onrise is honored to support the athletes of the PWHL, an organization that is reshaping the future of women’s sports," said Kimberly Quigley, M.D., CEO of Onrise. "Just as the PWHL is breaking barriers for women in hockey, Onrise is reimagining how mental health support is delivered, ensuring that players receive the personalized support they need to succeed both in their sport and in life."
Mental health is a key pillar of the PWHL’s commitment to athlete well-being. As part of the league’s Unity Games –– a series of dedicated games to bring together players, fans and communities –– each team is hosting a Mental Health Game to create space for open conversations and to connect people with mental health resources. With five of six games completed, the league continues to emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental wellness alongside achieving peak athletic performance.
"The PWHL is dedicated to creating an environment where athletes feel supported both on and off the ice," said Jayna Hefford, PWHL’s Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. "Partnering with Onrise allows us to provide players with essential mental health resources, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive at the highest level. This is about more than hockey—it's about the well-being of our athletes as people."
To learn more about Onrise and the services they offer, please visit Onrise Athlete Mental Health Care and Support.
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About the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America comprised of six teams in Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto, each with rosters featuring the best women’s hockey players in the world. Launched on Jan. 1, 2024, the PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide all-time record for a women’s hockey game. In 2024, the PWHL was recognized by Sports Business Journal as the Sports Breakthrough of the Year and received the top position in the first-ever Canadian edition of the Harris Poll, which ranks companies’ reputations. Visit thepwhl.com to purchase tickets and merchandise, and subscribe to the PWHL e-newsletter to receive the latest league updates. Follow the league on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial.
About Onrise
Onrise provides mental health care and support that athletes trust and want to use. We provide a turnkey mental health solution for professional, collegiate and youth leagues, clubs, teams, players associations and other sports organizations. Onrise’s unique telehealth solution leverages untapped networks of retired athletes to offer mental health peer support, plus access to therapy, psychiatry and 24/7 crisis services. By utilizing retired athletes and clinicians, we understand the unique challenges and pressures that athletes face and provide athlete-specific mental health care and support that is accessible, relatable and affordable.