The Hidden Opponent Enters its Next Chapter with the Promotion of Leeann Passaro as Executive Director

Aug. 05, 2026

The Hidden Opponent, a leading nonprofit dedicated to developing mental health leadership in student-athletes through education, advocacy and support, has named Leeann Passaro as its full-time Executive Director.

In the role, Passaro will guide The Hidden Opponent’s next phase of growth, helping scale its impact while strengthening the programs, partnerships and community infrastructure that support student-athletes nationwide.

Passaro has helped build The Hidden Opponent alongside Founder and Board Chair Victoria Garrick Browne since 2020, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. A former NCAA Division III soccer and lacrosse player, she brings a background across athletics, education and nonprofit leadership, having also worked as a teacher, varsity coach and admissions leader in independent schools.

During her time with The Hidden Opponent, Passaro helped launch the Campus Captains program, which has served more than 2,575 student-athlete ambassadors and reached 800+ high school and college campuses around the world. She also negotiated the organization’s first major corporate partnership with Adidas. THO’s Board of Directors includes notable leaders across sports and mental health, including Team USA Rugby Olympic Medalist Ilona Maher and former NFL player Isaac Rochell.

Sammy van den Berg, Senior Manager, Purpose Comms at Adidas said:

“Leeann Passaro has been an invaluable partner throughout our work with The Hidden Opponent, and we’re thrilled to see her step into the Executive Director role. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand her dedication to growing the organization and advancing its mission to support student-athlete mental health. We look forward to continuing our partnership as Leeann leads The Hidden Opponent into this exciting next chapter.”

 

Passaro is available for interviews to discuss her new role, THO’s upcoming July 2026 Impact Report and what’s ahead as the organization continues expanding its Campus Captains program, building new alumni opportunities and advancing mental health leadership across student-athlete communities.