Parents Blend Daughter's Sports Passion with Mental Health Conversations Through Soccer

A Life Filled with Passion and Resilience

Life is often described as a collection of moments, and for Abbi Agosta, those moments were filled with passion, determination, and an unbreakable spirit. Her parents, Monica and Paul Agosta, remember her as fiercely independent and driven. “When she wanted to do something, she did it,” they both said. For them, the memories of their daughter are treasures that will never fade.

Monica shared how Abbi’s presence is always on her mind. “I think Abbi is on my mind every minute of every day,” she said. As a parent, losing a child leaves a deep void that no one can fill. The pain of that loss is something they carry with them every day.

Abbi was known for her academic achievements, being an AP student, and her love for a variety of activities. She adored her dog, mountain climbing, the ocean, and soccer. Her father recalled how she excelled as a goalie in soccer. “It's really the only position in soccer where you have fear, but she didn't,” he said. She wasn’t afraid of the deep water, sharks, or even the fast-paced action of the game.

However, Abbi faced her own challenges. At the age of 12, she was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). According to her mother, the condition initially manifested as an eating disorder. “There is a loop in the brain that they are finding is hyperactive in OCD patients, so it keeps going and going, stuck on this loop to where they can't think of anything but that,” she explained.

Despite the difficulties, Abbi tried to face her challenges head-on. Her parents noted that they explored traditional therapies and treatments, but these were either ineffective or unavailable. Over time, her condition worsened, leading to depression and thoughts of self-harm. Tragically, Abbi took her own life in March of last year at the age of 16.

“She was exhausted from the minute she woke up till she went to bed at night,” Monica said. “She would often say, 'Can I get a new brain?' Her brain was broken.”

Honoring Abbi Through Action

In the wake of their loss, Paul and Monica decided to channel their grief into positive action. They turned to the sport that Abbi loved—soccer—to create a tribute that would also raise awareness about mental health challenges among young people.

They founded Abbi's Cup, a four-team friendly tournament that combines soccer with mental health education. The event brings together not only athletes but also mental health professionals who help educate participants and normalize conversations around mental illness.

“We want to honor Abbi and bring attention to the struggles that many young people face,” Paul said. “She didn’t talk about it, and that's another reason we are doing this tournament for the awareness.”

The couple acknowledges that discussing their daughter’s absence is difficult. “It's not easy for us to talk about our daughter not being here,” Paul admitted. However, they believe that by sharing Abbi’s story, they can help others feel less alone.

Looking Ahead

Paul and Monica have big dreams for Abbi's Cup. They hope to bring the event to a national stage, creating a platform where young people and parents can openly discuss mental health and learn how to address the challenges they face.

The second annual Abbi's Cup is set to take place next Saturday, August 9, starting at 8 am at the South Campus fields located at Stella Link and W. Bellfort. During halftime, teams will break into small groups where sports psychologists lead discussions on mental health, providing valuable insights and support.

Through this event, the Agosta family continues to celebrate Abbi’s life while working toward a future where mental health is more understood, accepted, and addressed. Their journey is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to face adversity and the importance of supporting one another through life’s toughest challenges.