My name is Elijah Diblich. I am a senior football player from Chicago, Illinois. The University of Dubuque has changed my life for the better and given me many opportunities to set myself up for success beyond college. Through mental health troubles and mistakes made along the way, I’ve always been able to feel at home here. I came to Dubuque in 2021 and unfortunately had to step away from football and Dubuque during my sophomore and junior years. In the fall of 2025, I returned to Dubuque to finish my schooling and join the football team once again. Since then, my mental/emotional health has been something I prioritize. I realize that the base of any goal I have in life is having a good mental outlook on what I’m trying to achieve. Mental/emotional health is something many athletes put to the side, whether that may be because of “social expectations” or just a lack of knowing how to deal with your feelings. My mental state is just as important as my physical state. Whenever I feel confident in my abilities and know what I’m capable of, I tend to play much better; the same thing can be applied in the classroom. It’s always important to keep your emotional and mental health in check and have an outlet for yourself. To reach my peak physical self, I must build my strongest mental self.
