A soccer tournament designed to raise awareness for mental health, while encouraging Abbi's core values of courage, kindness, and inclusivity.
Abigail Agosta
Abigail (Abbi) Agosta was an amazing young woman who struggled with OCD from a very young age. Despite this, she was a kind and loyal friend, a high achiever academically, and a talented and fierce competitor on the soccer field. She began playing soccer at the age of 5 and went on to become a goalkeeper for top teams in the DA, GA, and ECNL soccer organizations.
Although the depth of her illness wasn't always evident, she struggled for many years with OCD, which in turn created high levels of anxiety and eventually depression. Her condition was not responsive to traditional therapies and treatments and became more debilitating and intrusive. Abbi faced every day with a relentless disease for as long as she could before her suffering ended at the age of 16 on March 5, 2024.
Houston Dash GK Memory of Abbi
Jane Campbell
Houston Dash GK 2017-Present, USWNT Member
"Abbi was the true definition of resilience. Coaching her on the soccer field gave me so much joy because any time we faced a challenge, she was able to figure out a solution and have a big smile on her face. Even at trainings when we struggled, we both still managed to work together to find the good in the day. I think that is what I will always carry with me from Abbi, no matter how hard or challenging a training, a work day, a family gathering can be, there is always a way to find the good and joy in something."
"I knew Abbi struggled with OCD and mental health and unfortunately many collegiate and professional athletes deal with these same struggles as well. It is all around us and often times so deeply hidden. When I was with Abbi, I tried my very best to get her to open up about her day or tell me how her brother was doing in college to try and get her mind off of her struggles. I’m not entirely sure how successful of a tactic it was, but I do know that when she got to talking she chatted away and had that contagious smile we all know and love. And to me that was what mattered. Soccer brought us together like any sport would and I am forever thankful for Abbi’s impact in my life. She will always be with me anytime I step on the soccer field and I know she will look down on all of us and remind us all to bring joy wherever we go. I hope every day we all remember to play like Abbi."
What can we do?
For anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental illness, please SEEK HELP from a professional ASAP, or confide in someone who can get you help. For those fortunate enough not to be afflicted with a mental health disorder, YOU CAN HELP, in big ways and small, by practicing the following:
Be Kind
Everyone struggles. Some more than others, or some may simply be better at hiding their distress better than others. Your teammates, friends, and family might be struggling more than you know, and simply being kind can make a difference. A smile, joke, wave, or hug are all meaningful, yet easy acts of kindness.
Be Present
Those who struggle with mental illness often feel isolated, so physically being there for them has a big impact. You don't need to know what to say. In fact, you don't have to say anything at all. Just be present and let them know you are there for them in whatever capacity they might need.
Be Courageous
It takes courage to ask for help. It takes courage to ask someone else if they are suffering. You might not know what to say, but having the courage to be the one to extend a hand, make a call, or plan time to spend together might make a difference.
Be Inclusive
Often times those who are struggling may appear more distant, quiet, or even uninterested in doing "normal" things with their peers. They know they are "different" and might even feel like they don't necessarily "fit in" with their peers. Although they might not be able or feel comfortable enough to accept invitations, making the effort to include them in team, friend, or family events helps.
What can we do?
For anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental illness, please SEEK HELP from a professional ASAP, or confide in someone who can get you help.
For those fortunate enough not to be afflicted with a mental health disorder, YOU CAN HELP, in big ways and small, by practicing the following:
Be Kind
Everyone struggles. Some more than others, or some may simply be better at hiding their distress better than others. Your teammates, friends, and family might be struggling more than you know, and simply being kind can make a difference. A smile, joke, wave, or hug are all meaningful, yet easy acts of kindness.
Be Present
Those who struggle with mental illness often feel isolated, so physically being there for them has a big impact. You don't need to know what to say. In fact, you don't have to say anything at all. Just be present and let them know you are there for them in whatever capacity they might need.
Be Courageous
It takes courage to ask for help. It takes courage to ask someone else if they are suffering. You might not know what to say, but having the courage to be the one to extend a hand, make a call, or plan time to spend together might make a difference.
Be Inclusive
Often times those who are struggling may appear more distant, quiet, or even uninterested in doing "normal" things with their peers. They know they are "different" and might even feel like they don't necessarily "fit in" with their peers. Although they might not be able or feel comfortable enough to accept invitations, making the effort to include them in team, friend, or family events helps.
In addition to being ambassadors for your own and other's mental health, we have launched a fundraiser to support research through the International OCD Foundation. 100% of your donation will go toward research to help understand and improve treatments for teens with OCD. To make a donation please go to:
As awkward as it may feel, we can ALL show up for our friends and family who might be struggling. These conversations are not easy and as stated earlier, whether it is you or someone else you care about that is struggling, it takes courage to speak up and to engage. Some great suggestions can be found on the webpage called Seize The Awkward, along with some stories of those who have helped, and been helped.