The Virago Project is a wellness community rooted in the athlete experience. Founded by athletes, and made for athletes, we launched in 2020 as an online mental health resource for women in sports. Within three months of sharing our iconic "Dear Female Athletes" posts, we grew to a vibrant audience of 30,000 across our digital platforms.
As our community flourished, athletes, coaches, and teams from around the world began reaching out—sharing their stories, asking how they could get involved, and seeking mental health resources. It became clear that The Virago Project was filling a critical gap, and we knew we had to do more. In November 2020, we took the next big step by incorporating as a nonprofit organization.
Powered by a team of passionate volunteers, we collaborated with sports psychologists, dietitians, athletes, coaches, and other leaders in the field to create meaningful mental health programming. Through workshops, podcasts episodes, blogs, social media posts, art exhibitions, fitness challenges, merch drops, and virtual events, we provided creative and accessible tools that encouraged athletes to prioritize their well-being and embrace their authentic selves, while sparking honest and informative conversations about mental health in sports.
Common themes emerged through our work: performance anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, physical exhaustion, and a profound struggle with self-identity—especially post-retirement—are widespread realities for many athletes. We saw how these challenges not only impact mental health and athletic performance but also highlight how the all-consuming nature of competitive sports leaves little room for the balance, self-care, and deeper reflection that is needed to address these struggles. The athletes we worked with shared how open conversations about mental health and access to supportive resources made a real difference. But we asked ourselves—could our impact go even further if we provided these experiences in a hands-on, transformative way that ignites deep healing and fosters lasting connections among the athletes we serve?
In 2022, we paused to envision a new path forward. Today, thanks to the generous support of athletes and leagues who believe in our mission, we offer in-person retreats that mirror the mental health workshops we once held, but in a more immersive, soul-enriching way. These retreats feature travel adventures, exposure to creative outlets, opportunities for rest, and physical restoration through yoga and holistic healing practices. Most importantly, we create a safe space for athletes to express their struggles, release tension, and forge deep, supportive connections with others who truly understand their journey—connections that have the power to heal and transform lives.
If you or someone you know could benefit from a Virago Retreat, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to secure your spot on our next trip, or consider supporting an athlete in need of an escape by sponsoring a portion of their retreat cost.
Email info@viragoproject.org to learn more.
