ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — March Madness will captivate the nation this week with the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments getting underway. But off the court, the NCAA is placing a priority on the mental health of its student athletes.

A recent survey reveals student athletes are most worried about academics and planning for their future and finances.

St. Petersburg College (SPC) freshman Olivia Delancy says the move will impact college athletes.

Delancy excels on the basketball court, leading the Titans in scoring.

“I love the rush of it, really,” said the 18-year-old, who practices up to six days a week.

But that rush she gets from the game can also cause her stress.

“Having a bad game, it’s at the top of the list, or a rough practice,” said Delancy. “This is my job and with this being my job, a bad game affects my mood because this is my job and I want to be good at my job.”

To help student athletes like Olivia be their best both physically and mentally, the NCAA is including the term "mental health" in its constitution, ensuring access to resources on mental health for the first time in its history.

“I feel like as athletes, we’re finally being heard,” said Delancy.

Shanya Turner, SPC’s Mental Health and Wellness Program Manager, rotates between campuses, commends the NCAA.

“To hear the NCAA kind of take accountability and understand that this is a priority is just really wonderful,” said Turner.

It’s one of many steps in improving student athlete mental health, says Turner, reminding players they have access to resources including five free counseling sessions and the Titans Care Center.

“Not only is the mental health program there but we have food pantries, technology lending, help for students that are facing homelessness or aging out of foster care,” said Turner of the resources available at SPC.

“Some of the coaches actually bring their students into our Titan’s care area and are able to see the services right when they’re starting.”

Olivia started playing basketball in the second grade. With more than a decade dedicated to the game, she’s grateful to have a coach who encourages players to take time for themselves off the court.

“I’m a Christ believer. I like to pray a lot,” said Delancy. “I’m also family-oriented, so I talk to my family, I talk to my family a lot.”

The St. Pete native is majoring in biology, with plans to be a pediatrician.

She does her best to balance her commitment to academics and athletics.

“There’s always something new to learn, so learning isn’t consistent. There’s always something else going on,” said Delancy. “Life just throws at you but one thing is always going to be consistent about basketball - you put the ball in the hoop and that’s it, that’s the name of the game.”

It’s a game this college freshman takes seriously, doing what she can to stay strong physically and mentally.