OUR WORK
Ryan Hilinski
Founder
Ryan Hilinski is a former Division I quarterback and mental health advocate who founded Hilinski’s Hope in honor of his brother, Tyler. After losing Tyler to suicide in 2018, Ryan committed his life to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and expanding access to mental health resources for student-athletes nationwide. Through leadership, education, and community outreach, Ryan works to ensure no athlete ever feels alone in their struggles.
OUR WHY
Kelly Hilinski
Kelly Hilinski is the co-founder of Hilinski’s Hope and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Following the loss of her son Tyler, Kelly transformed her family’s grief into purpose, dedicating herself to education, advocacy, and legislative change. His work focuses on empowering families, schools, and communities to prioritize mental wellness and support those in need.
*Click on any one of the three pictures above to see us in action!
Tyler Hilinski was a beloved son, brother, teammate, and friend whose kindness, determination, and quiet strength touched everyone around him. A talented quarterback at Washington State University, Tyler led with humility and heart, always putting others before himself. While he battled depression privately, he never stopped caring deeply for those he loved.
Tyler’s life and legacy are the foundation of Hilinski’s Hope. His story reminds us that mental health struggles are often invisible—and that compassion, connection, and support can save lives. Through our work, we honor Tyler by ensuring that no student-athlete ever feels alone and that help is always within reach.
If you aren’t living right off the field, you aren’t gonna play right on it.
