Blake Palmquist

My name is Blake Palmquist and I'm from Bozeman, Montana. Growing up, I bounced back and forth between sports; soccer, football, tennis, and skiing.  It wasn't until around 5th grade that I began to find my passion and love for soccer. I was fortunate enough in my life to continue experiencing different opportunities that would open doors for me and create new relationships to support me along my journey to achieve my dream of being a professional soccer player. 

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Unfortunately, my dream of playing professionally lasted not even close to what I expected it to. I let self-doubt, judgment from others, depression, stress, anxiety and so much more get the best of me. So much so, my mental health affected my love for the game I've played my whole life.  I became burnt out and had to stop because I wasn't taking my mental health seriously. 

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Mental health has always been at the center of my life and has drastically changed who I am from my childhood until now in my early twenties. It has caused me to avoid others, be afraid, doubt myself, and constantly affect my identity, my career in soccer, and my life overall. I see today how much mental health is affecting athletes, and society and is increasingly becoming more of a problem. But also, at the same time, it is becoming more accepted in the public eye and among the thousands involved in the sporting world. Although this may be, there's still a long way to go. My goal is to create an environment on this platform to increase awareness on mental health by sharing personal stories from different individuals, topics, and other information on mental health in the world of athletics.  I hope to help athletes, coaches and any individuals in this area understand the importance of their mental health.  But also, to let people know that those dealing with mental health conditions in all of athletics and in general aren’t alone. This is why I created INTRA. No matter your background, we all experience our own forms of mental health. All of us are in this together, ask for help, support others, and be a part of the movement that changes the way the world views mental health in athletics. 

 

Career:

 

2021 - Saguntino Huracan, League: Preferente, Spain  (Semi-pro and Pro)

 

2021 - AFC Mobile, NPSL, Gulf Coast Premier League, Mobile, Alabama (Semi-pro)
 

2020 - Northwestern Nazarene University (NCAA D2)
Boise, Idaho
 

2018-2019 - University of Mary (UMary) (NCAA D2)

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2008-2017- Blitzz FC Soccer Club

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2015-2017 - 2x High School State Champion
 

2016 - All-State Selection, Class AA Soccer, Montana

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2015 - All-Conference Selection, Class AA Soccer, Montana

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2015 - United Soccer Club Europe Program
(Italy, Sweden (Gothia Cup) )

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2011-2015 - Olympic Development Program (ODP)
Region IV Regional Camp Selection

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2013-2014 - ODP Region IV Pool Selection

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2013 - ODP Region IV Holdover Camp Selection