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#SportsMentalHealthMonday

Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance

Beginning in 2023 the Alliance kept the conversation around mental health in sports consistent year-round with #SportsMentalHealthMonday social media posts, featuring members of the Alliance and other sports stakeholders. Through these posts you will hear insight and expertise from many involved in youth and collegiate sports in Virginia.

#SportsMentalHealthMonday posts can be found below and also currently on the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube pages. Join us as we help to create a positive and healthy atmosphere throughout youth sports in Virginia.

October - #SportsMentalHealthMonday

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 10.14.2024, Alexis Davies-Hackenberg

Alexis Davies-Hackenberg – Former NCAA Athlete, Current Middle School Volleyball Coach

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.

From a recent Sports & Mental Health Conversation with former NCAA student-athlete, and current youth volleyball coach, Alexis Davies-Hackenberg, she shares how she works to create connections with her athletes, which allows them to feel comfortable addressing mental health in a sports setting.

Full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SWVKb_XXm4&t=393s

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 10.7.2024, Alexis Davies-Hackenberg

Alexis Davies-Hackenberg – Former NCAA Athlete, Current Middle School Volleyball Coach

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.
From a recent Sports & Mental Health Conversation with former NCAA student-athlete, Alexis Davies-Hackenberg, she shared a personal story on how an ACL injury affected her identity as an athlete. Supporting athletes through injury is an important part of the recovery process, and can positively impact their mental health as they work to get back to the sport they love.

September - #SportsMentalHealthMonday

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 9.30.2024, Ryley van der Velde, VWU Athletics

Ryley van der Velde, VWU Field Hockey, Head Coach

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance

From a previous a Sports & Mental Health Conversation with Virginia Wesleyan University Head Field Hockey Coach, Ryley van der Velde, we discussed the value coaches can bring when they understand the athlete’s needs both on and off the field of play.

Full conversation with van der Velde: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eMugIXMluA

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 9-23-2024, Suicide Prevention Month

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and while it is a difficult subject to discuss it is one that must be addressed.

• According the JED Foundation, 1 in 5 high school students has had serious thoughts of suicide

• From 2002 – 2022 suicide rates have doubled among U.S. College Athletes (7.6% to 15.3%, according to a study published April 4 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine

With that in mind the role of the coach takes on added importance. The Jed Foundation – JED and the Positive Coaching Alliance have created “The Coaches’ Guide to Supporting High School Athlete Mental Health”. These simple tips can make a huge difference in the overall well-being of student-athletes.

https://positivecoach.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Coaches-Guide-to-Supporting-HS-Athlete-Mental-Health.pdf

 

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 9-16-2024, Pete Allen

Pete Allen, Norfolk Parks & Recreation

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.
A common misconception when talking about mental health in sports, is how devoting more time and attention to athlete mental health can take away from on-field performance. In a previous Sports & Mental Health Conversation with Pete Allen from Norfolk Parks & Rec, Allen says it’s important for youth sports stakeholders to find a balance between the two, which creates a culture that supports overall well-being for the athletes.
Positive Coaching Alliance

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 9-9-2024, Teambuilding Tips

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.

Through the Alliance’s growth we have consistently talked about how team culture, positive or negative, can affect athlete mental health. Our friends at the Positive Coaching Alliance provide tips at the link below for how teams can take steps towards building a strong culture within the team dynamic.

 

August - #SportsMentalHealthMonday

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 8-26-2024, Jon Orr

Jon Orr – Samaritan House, “Coaching Boys Into Men”

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.

On a recent Sports & Mental Health Conversation we caught up with Jon Orr from Samaritan house. One of their newest programs is “Coaching Boys into Men”, a program that is changing the mindset in how mental health is approached in sports at the middle and high school levels. Through the program, Orr is able to engage both athletes and coaches in the conversation: Full 

Full conversation with Orr: https://youtu.be/cKj93_y5xFE 

Positive Coaching Alliance

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 8-19-2024, Tips for High School Athletes

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance
Youth and student-athletes are returning to sports across Virginia, and its important each athlete is armed with the knowledge necessary to maintain their own mental health & well-being. The Positive Coaching Alliance has put together a list of tips that can help athletes achieve peak performance on and off the field.

 

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 8-12-2024, Jalyn Holmes

Jalyn Holmes – New York Jets, Defensive Lineman

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance

From a recent Virginia Sports Hall of Fame #HallCall Interview Series & Podcast, featuring New York Jets defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes, Holmes discussed forming his foundation Vaughn’s Way in honor of his stepfather Vaughn Parker, who struggled with mental illness before taking his own life in 2023. Holmes discussed how he is using his platform as an NFL player to create a safe space for those struggling with their own mental health & wellness.

Full #HallCall episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6crbbfWVg0Q&t=1356s&sttick=0

 

July - Sports Mental Health Monday

Positive Coaching Alliance

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 7-29-2024, Positive Coaching Alliance

Ten Tips for First-Time Sports Parents/Caregivers

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance
As fall sports season quickly approaches, there are many families who are beginning their youth sports journey. Our friends at the Positive Coaching Alliance have created a guide with 10 tips for first time youth sports parents/care givers. Each tip helps create a positive sports experience for the athletes and their families.

 

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 7-22-2024, Jon Orr

Jon Orr – Samaritan House, “Coaching Boys Into Men”

SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance

On a recent Sports & Mental Health Conversation we caught up with Jon Orr, M.Sc. from Samaritan House VA. One of their newest programs is “Coaching Boys into Men”, a program targeted to male youth athletes, which promotes well-being both on and off the playing surface. The program aims to support both athletes and coaches in developing a positive dialogue on mental health.

Full conversation with Orr: https://youtu.be/cKj93_y5xFE 

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 7-15-2024, Erin Sutton

Erin Sutton – Kempsville High School, student-athlete

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.
Mental health in sports continues to undergo a shift in how the topic is discussed and supported. Today’s youth athletes will be tomorrow’s collegiate or professional athletes, or community sports coaches, advocates, and leaders. This next generation of stakeholders is taking the initiative now to make sure they prioritize their own health and well-being as well as those of others.
More from our conversation with with Kempsville High School student athlete, Erin Sutton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNyBDYEJXzw&t=356s

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 7-8-2024, Mental Health Symposium

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance
At the end of June, Chesapeake Public Schools Student Activities Dept. coordinated a training symposium for Hampton Roads area high school Athletics/Activities Directors. Included in the training was a session on student-athlete mental health & well-being, led by Alliance member, Sonja Lund, Ph.D. from Old Dominion University Athletics.
The session touched on numerous topics surrounding athlete mental health, including challenges facing athletes, common mental health issues, and ways stakeholders can support a positive mental health culture among others. For the full presentation, please follow the link below.

Mental Health Presentation

June - Sports Mental Health Monday

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 6-17-2024, Erin Sutton

Erin Sutton – Kempsville High School, student-athlete

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance

On a recent Sports & Mental Health Conversation, we spoke to Erin Sutton, a rising senior student-athlete at Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach. Entering high school, Sutton dealt with injuries that limited her ability to play the sports she loves, and her mental and emotional health suffered as result. Here she discusses how she was able to overcome those challenges and how a better understanding of her mental state helped in her personal and athletic development.

Full conversation with Sutton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNyBDYEJXzw&t=8s

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 6-10-2024, Pete Allen

Pete Allen – City of Norfolk, Parks & Recreation

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.
In a recent Sports & Mental Health Conversation, co-chair of the Alliance and Hall of Fame Executive Director, Will Driscoll was joined by Pete Allen from Norfolk Parks and Recreation. Allen discussed the work community organizations like Parks & Rec can do to improve mental health through their sports programs.

May - Sports Mental Health Monday

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 5-13-2024, Michael Kennedy

Michael Kennedy – Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.
Football official, Michael Kennedy, discusses the difference between a fixed mindset vs. a growth mindset for youth athletes, and how coaches and parents can help foster the growth mindset that can lead to positive development on and off the field of play.
Kennedy will also be participating on the panel as part of the Alliance’s event Developing the Youth Athlete – A Team Approach (Forum & Workshops), Monday, May 20.
Youth Sports Mental Health & Awareness Logo

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 5-6-2024, Alliance News Coverage

Alliance News Coverage – WAVY-TV/FOX 43

#SportsMentalHealthMondday this week again focuses on our upcoming Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance event, Monday, May 20.
Developing the Youth Athlete – A Team Approach (Forum & Workshops) will feature multiple area stakeholders from youth and collegiate athletics, discussing how we can collectively create a positive approach to mental health in sports. The event will feature a panel discussion, and multiple breakout sessions for a more targeted approach.
Thank you to WAVY TV 10 for their coverage of the upcoming event. You can register at the link provided in the story, or visit the Hall’s website and find it under the EVENTS tab.

WAVY – Story Link

April - Sports Mental Health Monday

Positive Coaching Alliance

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 4-29-2024, Coaching with Empathy

Positive Coaching Alliance – Coaching with Empathy

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.
The Alliance has partnered with the Positive Coaching Alliance to provides workshops and resources to our supporters. This week we would like to share a post on the importance of Empathy in coaching. Coaches who use empathy in their approach, can create stronger connections with their athletes.
You can also hear more about this approach from a previous Sports & Mental Health Conversation with Chris Panayiotou from Virginia Rush Soccer Club.

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 4-15-2024, Alliance Event

Developing the Youth Athlete – A Team Approach

Todays #SportsMentalHealthMonday comes with an exciting announcement. The Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance is pleased to announce to its first event:
“Developing the Youth Athlete: A Team Approach” Monday, May 20, 6-8 pm in the Big Blue Room at Chartway Arena.
The event will feature a panel discussion on mental health & wellness in youth and collegiate athletics, and two breakout sessions/workshops that will provide a more targeted approach for youth athletes, and parents & coaches.
The event is FREE to attend, but you must register at the link below.

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 4-8-2024, Emma Rowland

Emma Rowland – Old Dominion University, Women’s Lacrosse student-athlete

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.

More from our conversation with Old Dominion University Athletics Student Athletes. Emma Rowland from ODU Women’s Lacrosse how normalizing mental health in sports helps create a greater sense of community amongst student-athletes, which in-turn improves performance on the field.

Full conversation with Rowland and her fellow student-athletes is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6zguD0rxi4&t=324s

March - Sports Mental Health Monday

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 3-25-2024, Shannon Quaile

Shannon Quaile – Old Dominion University, Field Hockey student-athlete

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.
More from our conversation with Old Dominion University Athletics Student Athletes. Shannon Quaile from ODU Field Hockey discusses how student-athletes are working to prioritize mental health support and resource, in the same way their physical health & wellness is looked after.
Full conversation with Quaile and her fellow student-athletes is available here: https://youtu.be/G6zguD0rxi4?feature=shared

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 3-18-2024, Michael Kennedy

Michael Kennedy – South Eastern Football Officials Association

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.
In one of our recent Sports & Mental Health conversations, we caught up with Michael Kennedy an on-field football official for the American Athletic Conference in NCAA Division-I, and the United Football League for professional football. Kennedy is also the Director of Training for the Southeastern Football Officials Association (SEFOA) which services all southside Hampton Roads high school and middle school football teams. Here Kennedy describes techniques officials can use to maintain their own mental health & wellness, while dealing with the pressures of officiating athletic events.
Full conversation with Kennedy is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U24z_HCE04Q&t=263s

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 3-11-2024, Ryley van der Velde

Ryley van der Velde – Virginia Wesleyan University, Field Hockey Head Coach

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance.
More from our recent conversation with Virginia Wesleyan Athletics head field hockey coach, Ryley van der Velde. Breaking down the stigma associated with mental health in sports requires being willing to talk about it, but also listening. Here she describes where she has seen positive change.
Full conversation with van der Velde: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eMugIXMluA&t=303s

February - Sports Mental Health Monday

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 2-26-2024, Ryley van der Velde

Ryley van der Velde – Virginia Wesleyan University, Field Hockey Head Coach

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance. In our most recent Sports & Mental Health conversation, we caught up with Ryley van der Velde, Head Field Hockey Coach for Virginia Wesleyan Athletics. Here she discusses the “invisible backpack” athletes carry, and how communication can help ease the burden of that backpack.
Full conversation with van der Velde: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eMugIXMluA&t=300s

#SportsMentalHealthMonday - 2-19-2024, Morgan's Message

Brooke Frishman – ODU Women’s Lacrosse, Morgan’s Message

#SportsMentalHealthMonday with the Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance. Recently we hosted a sports & mental health conversation with four student-athletes from Old Dominion University. Among the topics discussed was their involvement with ODU’s Chapter of Morgan’s Message. The aim is to increase the conversation around mental health for student-athletes, and the broader campus. Through monthly meetings and events, they hope to decrease the stigma associated with mental health & wellness.

December - Mental Health in Sports

12-18-2023 - Timing

Brandy Gresham, Norfolk State University Athletics

As we round out 2023, we are looking back at many of our sports and mental health conversations that contributed to our #SportsMentalHealthMonday campaign. From our conversation with Brandy Gresham from Norfolk State Athletics, Gresham explains why now more than ever sports organizations and stakeholders should be putting the focus on mental health.
Full conversation with Gresham: https://youtu.be/GeJdGDqcfA4?feature=shared

12-11-2023 - Future Progress

Duncan MacLeod

As we round out 2023, we are looking back at many of our sports and mental health conversations that contributed to our #SportsMentalHealthMonday campaign. From our conversation with Duncan MacLeod we discussed how stakeholders can continue to progress our approach to mental health in youth sports.
Full conversation with MacLeod: https://youtu.be/RChFsAkcAGs?feature=shared

12-4-2023 - Pressure on Athletes

Dr. Joel Brenner – CHKD Sports Medicine

As we round out 2023, we are looking back at many of our sports and mental health conversations that contributed to our #SportsMentalHealthMonday campaign. From our conversation with Dr. Joel B., Dr. Brenner discusses how the pressure placed on youth athletes continues to grow, and stakeholders must be aware of this pressure to continue providing a positive atmosphere in sports.
Full conversation with Dr. Brenner: https://youtu.be/iQd7qQJeFUs?feature=shared

Past #SportsMentalHealthMonday Posts (links)

November - Progress

October - Emotional Vulnerability

September - Suicide Prevention Month

August - Self-care for Athetes

July - Coping Strategies

June - Mental Health for Coaches

May - Mental Health Awareness Month

April - Mental Health & Mental Performance

March - Communication

February - Colleges & Universities

January - Emotional Intelligence