Athletes for Hope

We were beyond excited to celebrate #InternationalWomensDay with participants of our CHAMPS program at the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament in Greensboro, NC! Thanks to ESPN Citizenship, the girls and their families, teachers and coaches got to attend Fan Fest’s Chalk Talk (hearing directly from greats like Muffet McGraw and Ivory Latta!) and attend both games with powerhouse matchups. The girls even got to do the high-five tunnel for the UNC and NC State players and participate in the on-court games and t-shirt tosses. ?? What a day to celebrate our CHAMPS participants and recognizing women in and out of sports. ????

Success comes with a target. Derek Anderson opens up about the harsh realities pro athletes face—navigating jealousy, false accusations, and constant scrutiny. Tune in for real talk on staying grounded through it all. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify Podcasts. ?? YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gX-TKHnE Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gKCxhzYZ

The first CHAMPS visit of the semester was nothing short of electric ??? LSU Gymnastics, LSU Cheer, and even Mike the Tiger brought the energy to LA Key Academy, where elementary students lit up the room with excitement! The athletes shared their journeys, what it means to be a true TIGER, and led a high-energy discussion on courage, leadership, and teamwork. The kids even came up with words that spelled out TIGER, showing just how much they were soaking in the message! ???? Huge shoutout to our LSU athletes for making this visit so special!????

During Athlete Mental Health Week (Feb. 1-9), we had a CHAMPS visit that truly stuck with us. Paralympic rower Jenny Sichel PLY, MPA and AFH’s Chief Well-Being Officer, Mena Mirhom, MD, FAPA joined students, teachers, and parents at PE Family Life Academy Charter Schools in the Bronx for an important conversation on mental health, resilience, and the power of sharing your story. For Jenny, this wasn’t just another visit—she’s been building a connection with these students. “This was my third CHAMPS session with Mr. Joe’s class and the students at Family Life Academy in the Bronx. It has been an amazing experience getting to know everyone at the school. I have loved being able to share my story and knowledge with the kids both virtually and in-person. Everyone was so engaged, and the questions really showed that the students were listening.” – Jenny Sichel Alongside Jenny, Dr. Mena Mirhom emphasized that mental wellness isn’t just a side conversation—it’s at the core of what makes athletes thrive. From students to Olympians, mental health is something we all need to care for. These visits aren’t just moments—they’re conversations that stick. Huge thanks to Jenny, Dr. Mena, and ESPN Citizenship for making this happen! ??

Jackie Joyner-Kersee: A powerhouse on the track and a champion for the next generation. A six-time Olympic medalist, world record-holder, and one of the greatest athletes of all time, Jackie didn’t just break barriers, she shattered them. Off the track, she’s empowering youth through the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating her legacy—and today, we’re wishing her a happy 63rd birthday! ?? Read more about her incredible impact on our website. https://lnkd.in/g2iQU3wq

?? Black History Month Spotlight: Kaila Anthony ?? Meet Kaila Anthony, the powerhouse Baton Rouge Magnet High School junior who took home the win for our 2025 Black History Essay Contest! Her inspiring essay honored her godmother, Dr. Kourtni Atkins-Luster, a Family Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and mentor, who's changing the game in healthcare and community service. ?? Kaila’s achievements go beyond academics — with a 4.0 GPA, she’s actively involved in her community, from serving as Top Teen President of the Nonpareil Chapter of Top Teens of America to participating in initiatives like the Dance Club, Children’s Care Club, and youth programs with the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging. Her dedication to leadership and service is shaping a brighter future. ? Congrats, Kaila, you’re unstoppable! Read more about her story on our website: https://lnkd.in/gh45abtd

Join us on May 5th at Kenwood Country Club for AFH’s 3rd Annual Putt for Passion Golf Tournament! ???♂?? Spend the day on the course, take part in exciting competitions, bid on exclusive auction items, and enjoy a Cinco de Mayo-themed reception—all while supporting athlete mental health through our Whole Being Athlete program. ?? Where: Kenwood Country Club, Bethesda, MD?? When: Monday, May 5 | 12 PM Shotgun Start | 5 PM Reception ? Register here - https://lnkd.in/gb-XxrQH All proceeds support Whole Being Athlete, providing education, advocacy, and mental health resources for athletes.

Our Chief Wellbeing Officer, Mena Mirhom, MD, FAPA, attended the Coalition of Athletic Communities for Mental Health conference today at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. As a featured panelist on Program Dissemination Needs and Best Practices, Dr. Mirhom shared valuable insights alongside top experts in athlete mental health, exploring impactful strategies to expand and enhance support systems in sports. If you're attending virtually, check out today's lineup here: https:///nkd.in/etWFu6kx. ?If you're on campus, let’s connect!

?? Black History Month Spotlight: Jaleel Sales on Mental Health and Overcoming Adversity ?? After enduring three major injuries, Jaleel Sales turned his pain into purpose. In this powerful story, he shares how mental health practices, faith, and leadership helped him overcome the darkest moments of his career. Learn how Jaleel found strength through setbacks. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gbs2Jp7w #BlackHistoryMonth #AthleteSpotlight #MentalHealthAdvocacy

Athletes face unique challenges when it comes to mental health and eating disorder recovery—but they shouldn’t have to face them alone. For Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we partnered with Athlete Edge EdCare to host Beyond the Silence: Prioritizing Mental Health and Connection in Sports and Eating Disorder Recovery. Former Olympic skier Alice Merryweather and WBB Coach Taylor Miller share their personal journeys, while mental health experts from Athlete EDGE? at EDCare offer insights on breaking the stigma, building support systems, and prioritizing athlete well-being. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone looking to create a healthier, more supportive sports culture. What’s one change you think could make a difference? Drop your thoughts below! ?? Watch here: https://lnkd.in/e4BaRtvB