By Jayme Marteniuk – Staff Writer

In the world of competitive sports, where victories are celebrated and defeats are frequently overlooked, Kiano Heath’s journey stands as a powerful story of resilience, self-discovery and pursuit. The Campus sat down with Heath for a conversation about how the young athlete navigated mental health challenges while striving to find his place both on the playing field and in life.

Early years

Heath’s journey started when he was introduced to basketball at a very young age. He picked the sport up quite quickly and automatically found passion and joy in the game. Standing tall at six feet eleven inches, Heath’s stature put him into the spotlight, earning him the position of center throughout his developing years.

Once he entered his high school, Heath’s athletic capabilities shined brightly, not only on the basketball court but also on the rugby field. As a dual-sport athlete, he seamlessly transitioned from the basketball courts to the rugby fields during the off-season. Heath represented Team Quebec in both basketball and rugby, playing both at a competitive provincial level.

University bound

University life brought forth opportunities and challenges. With aspirations of pursuing a future in basketball, Heath was scouted by universities with prestigious athletic departments like Laurier, Brock and Waterloo. At the time, the Bishop’s men’s basketball team was ranked seventh in the nation, he described, promising glory and opportunity.

During his early years at Bishop’s, Heath’s basketball career flourished as he wore the Bishop’s jersey with pride, leading his team with unwavering determination. However, amidst his successes and climbing career, he described a hidden feeling of unhappiness. The weight of expectations, alongside the relentless demands of competition, took a toll on Heath’s mental well-being, casting a shadow over his once bright aspirations.

Battling inner challenges

His journey took an unexpected turn when a broken scaphoid forced him to end his second-year playoff run prematurely, leading to a vastly different third year. Diagnosed with clinical depression, Heath expressed that he found himself in a relentless battle with internal conflicts. When he thought he wasn’t performing to his full potential, he put an abundance of pressure on himself, resulting in constant distress.

He spoke of panic attacks during practices becoming an agonizing routine, heightened by the isolations of the global pandemic and drowning in thoughts of self-criticism. As he struggled with the suffocating grip of anxiety and self-doubt, the once invincible athlete found himself adrift in a sea of uncertainty and despair. This constant battle intensified, leading to a difficult decision to step back from basketball.

Embracing change

As the curtains fell on basketball, a new chapter unfolded on the rugby field. The rugby team, jokingly envious of Heath’s stature, teased about having him on board. Heath expressed that with the intent to focus on himself, he didn’t seriously think about the idea. Fate, however, had a different plan.

Encouraged by friends and the head coach, Nic Clapinson, Heath tentatively stepped onto the rugby field during their training camp of his fourth year. The doubts of commitment and fear of the unknown melted away quite quickly as he felt a pure warmth of acceptance from the team. With each practice, he said he felt the weight of pressure lift, replaced by a sense of belonging and brotherhood that he had once desired. Joining The Killer Bees – the men’s rugby Espoir team – became a reunion with a family he never knew he needed.

Under the guidance of coach Nic Clapinson, Heath described finding support and comfort in the embrace of a new family. With each tackle and try, he rediscovered the passion and purpose that had once driven his athletic endeavours. The rugby field became a safe haven — a place where pain gave way to victory, and distress turned into hope.
Quickly moving from the Espoir team to a couple of varsity games, Heath played in some significant matches. His first varsity rugby game against Ottawa tested his nerves, where he played for most of the game. The rush of passion and excitement for sport returned.

A journey of redemption

Not only did Heath change his athletic path in his fourth year, he decided to make a bold switch from secondary education with a concentration in physics into the classical studies program,  following his passion for history.

As Heath reflected on his journey, he shared some words of wisdom. For aspiring young athletes dealing with their own struggles,  he reminds them that sport does not define one’s worth. Amidst the victories and defeats, it’s important to remember that determination and perseverance matter far beyond just a game. As he stands between his past and present, he looks ahead with hope—a future full of endless opportunities. 

Q&A: Inside the heart of a champion

Do you miss basketball? And at the end of the day, if you had to choose between basketball and rugby, which sport would you choose? 

Heath laughed, “Are you really gonna ask me that?” He admitted to moments of longing for the court. Yet, he says he has no regrets, cherishing the memories and lessons learned from his time on the court. He says he’s grateful for the unique opportunities each sport brought and he refused to play favorites.

Any advice to our younger athletes?

He encourages young athletes to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. He says he regrets that he did not seek help sooner and that he was grateful for the professional help he was given, a turning point in his life. He expresses that by encountering life without a sport, he was able to discover the importance of prioritizing his well-being.

Anything else you want to say?

In closing our conversation, Heath said he hoped that his story would inspire others. At 22, having changed his program of study and sport, he urges everyone that it’s never too late to chase your true desires. He encourages others to embrace change and pursue their passions with strong determination, knowing that the journey toward fulfillment and success can be right around the corner and that it’s never too late. 

In the final notes of Kiano Heath’s story, we find a reminder that within each of us lies the potential for greatness. His frankness about his mental health journey and resilience in the spotlight may inspire those in similar situations. With every step, Kiano’s story shows the journey is just as significant as the wonderful destination that lies ahead.