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TrueSport Talks. Mental Wellness and Sport Systems: Prioritizing Athlete Mental Health.

November 5, 2025 – Live from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

REGISTER NOW!

Join TrueSport and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for a FREE virtual event as we explore the importance of sport systems that prioritize athlete mental health. Together, with athletes, coaches, experts, and sports administrators, we will reimagine youth sport systems that foster resilience, psychological safety, and lifelong well-being and examine how every stakeholder can play a role in building environments where athletes thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN IN SEPTEMBER

2025 Event Schedule
2025 Speakers

Mental Wellness and Healthy Sport Families

WHY SHOULD YOU REGISTER?

Sport has immense potential to build resilient, mentally healthy communities. Beyond physical benefits, it fosters holistic wellness and life skills that last beyond competition. But as athlete stories and national data highlight a growing mental health crisis, sport must acknowledge its role, embrace change, and lead with proactive, collaborative solutions to support the next generation.

  • FREE to Attend…BECAUSE we believe access to sport opportunities should be available to all athletes and families.
  • Practical guidance from leading experts…BECAUSE we believe there are evidence-based practices to a positive sport experience.
  • Broadcasting live from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum…BECAUSE we believe in the values of the Olympic & Paralympic movement.
  • Join Team USA athletes to discuss mental wellness…BECAUSE athlete voices matter.

Event Schedule

COMING SOON

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025

8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. MT

Opening and Welcome

8:30-8:45 a.m.

Session 1 –Voices of Resilience: Anna Hall’s Perspective on Mental Health
Speakers: Anna Hall, OLY, Deborah Gilboa, MD (Moderator)
8:45-9:15 a.m.

Lean into the power of resilience with Olympian Anna Hall as she shares her inspiring journey, unveiling both the challenges and triumphs of mental wellness at the highest levels of competition. In this engaging session, discover firsthand how the support and culture within sport systems can be a game-changer for athlete well-being. Join us to learn why reimagining our approach to athlete mental health isn’t just necessary—it’s vital for empowering future champions to thrive both on and off the field.

Session 2 – It Takes a Village: Finding Synergies in Systems

Speakers: Kathryn Ames, MA, NCC, LPC, Dennis Coonan, MSE, LAT, ATC, Kym Hilinski, Jennifer Royer, PhD (Moderator/USADA)
9:15-10:15 a.m.

This dynamic session brings together philanthropy, non-profit sport leadership, healthcare professionals, and mental health advocates to unlock the power of collaboration in advancing athlete mental health. Through real-world examples, we’ll explore where systemic challenges exist and how cross-sector partnerships can drive culture change, expand resources, break stigma, and deliver integrated care that supports athletes on and off the field. Participants will walk away with practical strategies to spark synergy, sustain momentum, and champion a sport system where mental wellbeing is a winning priority.

Coffee Break
10:15-10:30 a.m.

Session 3 – The Psychology of Striving: Why Athletes Need to Set Ambitious Goals, Face Fear, Fumble and Move Forward
Speaker: Kevin Chapman, PhD
10:30-10:50 a.m.

Dive into the science behind the unexpected power of failure, unpacking how setbacks on the field fuel resilience, learning, and personal evolution for athletes. Grounded in psychological best-practice, we’ll reveal what experts know about why reframing mistakes as crucial building blocks unlocks mental toughness and lasting success. Join us to discover a licensed clinical psychologist’s insights for coaching athletes through adversity, fostering a growth mindset, and transforming defeat into a launchpad for greatness.

Session 4 – Workshop | The Champion’s Mindset: Failing Forward, Succeeding with Strength
Speakers: Aaron Dinin, PhD, Abby Raymond, Trey Jenifer, PLY
10:50 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

What does selling a Jolly Rancher for $100 have to do with winning a major sporting event? Have you ever let a fear of failure get in the way of accomplishing your goals? Have you ever tried to help someone after they failed only to have it end with more anger, frustration, and defeat? 

Dr. Aaron Dinin explores these questions and more in his course called “Learning to Fail” at Duke University and is bringing his unique approach to helping students reset their relationship with failure in a fun and engaging interactive workshop. Through Deviant LearningTM techniques, he has helped reshape hundreds of students’ perspectives on failure via fun challenges that he has documented on his social media feeds. During this interactive workshop he’ll apply the same principles and challenges to the athletic community: athletes, parents, and coaches so that you come away with a framework to remove failure as an inhibition to success and support yourself and your teams with more compassion and creativity as you face failures in your daily lives.

Working Lunch

12:00-12:30 p.m.

Coffee Break
1:30-1:40 p.m.

Session 5 – Strong Minds. Stronger Athletes: The Science and Strength of Building Intentional, Healthy Sport Systems
Speaker: Jess Kirby, PhD
1:40-2:00 p.m.

Every stakeholder in sport plays a crucial role in shaping systems that not only pursue competitive excellence but also prioritize the overall well-being of athletes. A truly successful sport environment supports both physical and mental health, recognizing that healthy athletes are best equipped to reach their goals and fulfill their potential. Hear what the research says about building sport communities that care, commit, and drive meaningful change for the future.

Session 6 – Beyond Good Intentions: Turning Consensus into Action for Athlete Wellbeing
Speakers: Mark Hilinski, Lesley Irvine, Jess Kirby, PhD, Daryn Ofori-Kuragu, Charron Sumler, PhD, LPCC (Moderator)
2:00-3:00 p.m.

While there is growing consensus among sport stakeholders about the critical importance of mental wellbeing, turning that awareness into meaningful action remains a significant challenge. Too often, good intentions are met with systemic barriers, lack of resources, or fragmented efforts. This panel session moves beyond discussion to highlight real-world examples where collaboration, clear communication, and commitment to athlete-centered approaches have led to measurable improvements in athlete wellbeing—both mentally and physically.

Closing

3:00-3:15 p.m.

Guest Speakers

Kathryn Ames headshot.

Kathryn Ames, MA, NCC, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor, Owner, Thru the Game

Kevin Chapman, PhD headshot.

Kevin Chapman, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders

Dennis Coonan headshot.

Dennis Coonan, MSE, LAT, ATC

Manager of the Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado

Aaron Dinin headshot.

Aaron Dinin, PhD

Faculty, Duke University Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Co-Founder, Audience Labs

Deborah Gilboa headshot.

Deborah Gilboa, MD

Board-Certified Family Physician, Founder AskDoctorG.com

Anna Hall headshot.

Anna Hall, OLY

Team USA Olympian, Track & Field - Heptathlon

Photo of Mark and Kym Hilinski.

Mark & Kym Hilinski

Hilinski’s Hope

Lesley Irvine headshot.

Lesley Irvine

Vice President and Director of Athletics, Colorado College

Trey Jenifer headshot.

Trey Jenifer, PLY

Team USA Paralympian,
Wheelchair Basketball

Jess Kirby headshot.

Jess Kirby, PhD

Associate Director, Center for Critical Sports Studies, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Daryn Ofori-Kuragu headshot.

Daryn Ofori-Kuragu

UCCS Student, Mountain Lion Strong Leader

Abby Raymond headshot.

Abby Raymond

USA National Team Member, Weightlifting

Charron Sumler headshot.

Charron Sumler, PhD, LPCC

Sport Psychotherapist, The Ohio State University, Department of Athletics

Academic Advisory Panel

As the conversation around mental health and wellness continues to garner national attention, TrueSport, the outreach education arm of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, seeks to take a deeper look into the challenges coaches, sport administrators, and families are facing with their student-athletes. In connection with the second TrueSport Talks Symposium, TrueSport has enlisted an academic panel to build out a practical, concise, and evidence-based recommendations report. This report will focus wholistically on athlete well-being and suggest a systems approach to help identify opportunities to decrease stigma and increase the overall health of developmental sport culture.

Jay Coakley headshot.

Jay Coakley, PHD

Professor Emeritus of Sociology, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Eddie Comeaux headshot.

Eddie Comeaux, phd

Executive Director, Center for Athletes' Rights and Equity at UC Riverside

TrueSport Talks

Tomika Ferguson, phd

Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor, School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University

Jess Kirby, PhD headshot.

Jessica Kirby, phd

Associate Director, Center for Critical Sports Studies, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Amanda Stanec headshot.

Amanda Stanec, phd

Founder, MOVE+LIVE+LEARN Youth Development Researcher & Writer

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Kathryn Ames, MA, NCC, LPC

Kathryn Ames headshot.Kathryn Ames, MA, NCC, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Owner, Thru the Game

Kathryn is a licensed mental health therapist in Colorado, specializing in working with athletes. A former Division I lacrosse player at James Madison University, she also has experience as a youth and high school coach. With over 26 years of experience supporting youth and young adults, Kathryn utilizes a strength-based approach to help individuals navigate challenges, build executive functioning skills, and enhance their emotional well-being. In addition to her private practice, Kathryn offers workshops and speaking engagements to athletes, coaches, and communities, with the goal of creating a broader impact and fostering healthier cultures in sports. She is passionate about the life lessons sports can teach and is dedicated to helping people grow in confidence and thrive both on and off the field. 

Kevin Chapman, PhD

Kevin Chapman, PhD headshot.Kevin Chapman, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder
Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders

Dr. Chapman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (KYCARDS) where he specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Chapman is a Diplomate and Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (A-CBT), and is a internationally recognized expert in the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders. Additionally, Dr. Chapman serves on the Editorial Board for the Oxford University Press Treatments That Work treatment series, which includes evidence-based treatment protocols for training mental health professionals and treatment workbooks to assist clients throughout treatment. Dr. Chapman is also known for his expertise as it relates to the intersection of multiculturalism and mental health. Similarly, Dr. Chapman has published numerous papers in scientific journals and has written several book chapters. Dr. Chapman is a Faculty member for the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and serves on its Clinical and Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Chapman serves on several Editorial Boards including the Journal of Anxiety Disorders and Clinical Child and Family Psychologist Review. Additionally, Dr. Chapman is a Media Psychologist and regularly contributes to and serves as a consultant for multiple media outlets including A&E and other production companies. Most recently, Dr. Chapman was the Program Expert on the hit series My Strange Addiction: Still Addicted as well as Seasons 1 and 2 of A&E’s hit show 60 Days In. Dr. Chapman has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, US News and World Report, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, NBC Health, Bloomberg Business Week, Men’s Health, and numerous other outlets including the Nick News documentary Worried Sick: Living with Anxiety, a feature on adolescent anxiety. Dr. Chapman previously served as an Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Chapman completed a BS in Psychology from Centre College, a MS in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Louisville.

Professional Sports Background

Dr. Chapman also serves as a Mental Health Expert for TrueSport, a subsidiary for the United States Antidoping Agency (USADA) and is a recognized expert in sports performance and mental health, particularly in the areas of anxiety and emotion regulation in athletes. Dr. Chapman also serves as the Team Psychologist for the Louisville City Football Club (USL) and the Racing Louisville Football Club (NWSL) and regularly appears on numerous podcasts that highlight the necessity of mental skills in sports as well as navigating performance anxiety. Dr. Chapman previously served on the Performance Team for the University of Louisville Department of Athletics.  Dr. Chapman was a two-sport collegiate athlete (track and field, football) and was inducted into the Centre College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020.

Dennis Coonan, MSE, LAT, ATC

Dennis Coonan headshot.Dennis Coonan, MSE, LAT, ATC
Manager of the Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado

Dennis Coonan, MSE, LAT, ATC, brings over 25 years of athletic training experience to his role as Manager of the Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado. In this capacity, he directs daily operations, long-range program development, and the professional growth of a team of more than 75 athletic trainers and sports dietitians. Throughout his career, Dennis has consistently advanced patient care and staff development, from launching electronic medical record systems and negotiating equity pay initiatives to mentoring young professionals entering the field. His career path spans high schools, collegiate athletics, and physician practices, with leadership roles at the University of Kansas, University of the Pacific, Florida International University, and Miami Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute. A recognized thought leader, Dennis has presented at local, regional, and national conferences on topics ranging from risky throwing mechanics in youth athletes, emergency scenarios, catastrophic injury management, and return-to-sport planning. He is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, serving on both the Convention Program Committee and the ATs Care Critical Response Team. Dennis completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State University and graduate work at the University of Kansas. He and his wife Chris along with daughter Callie currently reside in Castle Rock, CO.

Aaron Dinin, PhD

Aaron Dinin headshot.Aaron Dinin, PhD
Faculty, Duke University Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Co-Founder, Audience Labs

Aaron Dinin, PhD (the “TikTok Professor”), teaches entrepreneurship at Duke University, where his innovative courses have been spotlighted by prominent outlets like the Today Show, Bloomberg, WIRED Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and Cosmopolitan. His Learning to Fail class has taken the world by storm and he helps millions of people online reframe their relationship with failure. He has over 1 Million followers across platforms. He wasn’t athletic enough to play sports so he supported them in the marching band. 

Deborah Gilboa, MD

Deborah Gilboa headshot.Deborah Gilboa, MD
Board-Certified Family Physician
AskDoctorG.com

Resilience expert Deborah Gilboa, MD, aka “Dr. G” works with entire organizations as well as leadership teams to identify the mindset and strategies to turn stress to an advantage. Dr. G brings scientifically validated strategies to companies who need to navigate change while succeeding at their mission. Renowned for her contagious humor, Dr. G works with groups across multiple generations to rewire their attitudes and beliefs, and create resilience through personal accountability and a completely different approach to adversity. She is a leading media personality seen regularly on TODAY, Good Morning America and The Doctors. She is also featured frequently in the Forbes, Washington Post, The New York Times and countless other digital and print outlets.  Dr. G is board certified attending family physician and Clinical Associate Professor at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Anna Hall, Oly

Anna Hall headshot.Anna Hall, OLY
Team USA Olympian, Track & Field – Heptathlon

Anna Hall is one of the premiere heptathletes in American history who possesses a rare combination of athletic versatility, determination, and resilience. A two-time World Championships medalist and 2024 Olympian, Hall is one of only five women to break the 7,000-point barrier in heptathlon and holds the second-highest score (7,032; tied) in history.  She has won four-consecutive USATF Outdoor National titles in heptathlon and captured two USATF Indoor National titles in pentathlon, including the American record and the world’s fourth-highest pentathlon score all-time. Hall, who graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in finance, helped lead the Gators to their first-ever NCAA Women’s Outdoor Team Championships and only its second-ever NCAA Women’s Indoor Team Championship. A well-rounded individual who journals regularly and enjoys fashion, she is passionate about using her platform to advance the importance of mental wellness, body positivity, and financial literacy. 

Lesley Irvine

Lesley Irvine headshot.Lesley Irvine
Vice President and Director of Athletics, Colorado College

Lesley Irvine began her tenure as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Colorado College on June 1, 2019. In her role, Irvine serves on Colorado Colleges President’s cabinet and oversees the multidivisional Division III (Division I Hockey and Women’s Soccer) department of Athletics and Recreation sponsoring over 400 student-athletes across 17 sports. Since Irvine’s arrival Colorado College Athletics has experienced unprecedented success in championships, academic performance, attendance, revenue and fundraising while focusing on developing holistic student support including mental wellness and antiracism. A proud former student-athlete and coach Irvine has established herself as a leader in hiring practices and supporting coaches as a sport administrator.

Prior to joining Colorado College, Irvine was Director of Athletics and Recreation and Chair of Physical Education at Pomona and Pitzer Colleges. At Pomona-Pitzer, Irvine managed 21 intercollegiate athletics teams, the Pomona physical education curriculum, faculty/staff fitness and wellness programs, and club, intramural, and recreation programs.

Irvine’s active service is also extensive and includes being an elected member of the Board of Directors for Women Leaders in Sports, Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, the Olympic City USA Task Force and the Colorado Springs Sports Authority. Irvine was also a founding board member of the WeCoach organization and regularly attends the NCAA Coaches academy as a faculty member.
 
Before Pomona-Pitzer, Irvine was the senior associate athletic director and senior woman administrator at Bowling Green State University from 2010-15.
 
From 2001-2010, she was the field hockey head coach at Stanford University, leading the Cardinal to three consecutive Northern Pacific Conference championships. She is a two-time conference Coach of the Year recipient, and led her team to program highs in national ranking, wins, goals, assists, and points in 2009.
 
As a student athlete in field hockey, Irvine led the University of Iowa to the Big Ten regular season title and an NCAA Final Four appearance in 1999.
 
An England native, Irvine was a three-time national champion in outdoor field hockey and two-time national champion for indoor field hockey while attending Loughborough University. Irvine also played for the England Under 18 and Under 21 National team.
 
Irvine earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, sports science, and sport management at Loughborough University in 1998, and a master’s degree in health, leisure, and sports studies with an emphasis in athletic administration from the University of Iowa in 2001.

Trey Jenifer, PLY

Trey Jenifer during a wheelchair basketball game.
Credit: Wheelchair Sports Federation

Paralympian Trevon “Trey” Jenifer is a decorated Team USA wheelchair basketball player and four-time Paralympian. As a team captain, he led the U.S. to gold at the recent Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, adding to his previous gold medals from Tokyo (2020) and Rio (2016), and a bronze medal from London (2012).

A sponsored athlete for Team Citi, Comcast Xfinity, and Per4max, Trey is also a two-time collegiate All-American and a graduate of Edinboro University. He further honed his basketball skills playing professionally in France for two years.

Off the court, Trey serves as a Personnel Security Specialist for the United States Secret Service, while inspiring others as a motivational speaker for children, corporations, and college students. As a TrueSport Ambassador, he advocates for integrity and sportsmanship, while encouraging the next generation of athletes to become better leaders for tomorrow.

Above all, Trey is devoted to being the best father he can be to his two beautiful children, balancing his many accomplishments with his commitment to his family. 

Sport: Wheelchair Basketball

Hometown: Huntingtown, MD

Current Location: Virginia

Favorite TrueSport Values: Leadership, Accountability, Setting  Goals

Ambassadorship Goals: Encouraging the next generation of individuals and athletes to become better leaders for tomorrow while making changes to better society and sports as a whole.

Accomplishments in Sport:

  • 2024 Paralympic Gold Medalist – Wheelchair Basketball
  • 2023 World Champion
  • 2020 Paralympic Gold Medalist – Wheelchair Basketball
  • 2016 Paralympic Gold Medalist – Wheelchair Basketball
  • 2012 Paralympic Bronze Medalist – Wheelchair Basketball
  • 2x All American Athlete at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
  • Champion of France – Professional Wheelchair Basketball
  • 3rd in the State of Maryland Wrestling / Wrestling Hall of Fame 2006

Social Media: Instagram: @TreyJenifer | Facebook: @TrevonJenifer | X: @Trevon_Jenifer

 

Jess Kirby, PhD

Jess Kirby headshot.Jess Kirby, PhD
Associate Director, Center for Critical Sports Studies, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Dr. Kirby is a Colorado native that enjoys staying active with her husband and two daughters. She received her Master’s degree in Health Promotion from UCCS, and her PhD in Sport and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Northern Colorado. As an assistant professor at UCCS, Dr. Kirby teaches the psychosocial and behavioral aspects of sport, health, and wellness to include Sport Psychology and Health Behavior Theory for undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Kirby’s research focuses on exploring the sport and physical activity experiences of individuals across the lifespan, as well as the impact of social connection and peer relationships on psychological well-being in sport and physical activity settings. Dr. Kirby currently serves as Assistant Director for the Center for Critical Sport Studies and is the project director for the new Mountain Lion Strong program funded by the NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice grant. Mountain Lion Strong is a comprehensive psychoeducation program being developed for student-athletes at UCCS to support student-athlete well-being, resilience, and mental health.

Daryn Ofori-Kuragu

Daryn Ofori-Kuragu headshot.Daryn Ofori-Kurago
UCCS Student
Mountain Lion Strong Leader

Daryn Ofori-Kuragu is a senior student-athlete and mental health advocate at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. As a standout sprinter for the Mountain Lions track and field team, he is not only a division II national qualifier and multiple-time All-RMAC honoree, but also a three-year leader within Mountain Lion Strong, UCCS’s athletes’ mental health program. This comprehensive, evidence based mental wellness initiative, led by Dr. Jessica Kirby, equips student-athletes with lifelong tools across five pillars. Identity, healthy relationships, goal setting/time management, nutrition, and mind-body well-being. Done through workshops, peer support, screenings, and community building events and injury peer groups. 

Beyond athletics and campus advocacy, Daryn has extended his impact through his work with UCHealth. As an inpatient pharmacy technician, he has supported patient care across diverse hospital settings while also engaging in UCHealth’s community outreach efforts focused on mental health awareness, education, and reducing stigma. His involvement has included supporting wellness campaigns and contributing to initiatives that bridge clinical care with mental health advocacy. These experiences have allowed him to combine his athletic leadership and health care service into a broader mission of advancing holistic well-being.

Daryn is on track to graduate in December 2025 with a B.S. in Exercise Science. After graduation, he aspires to pursue a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and build a career focused on crafting equitable, supportive systems that enhance both athlete wellness and community health.

Abby Raymond

Abby Raymond lifting weights.

Abby Raymond is an Olympic weightlifter for Team USA who has achieved remarkable success from a young age. Born on August 25, 2003, in Roselle, Illinois, she began her athletic journey in gymnastics at age three before transitioning to weightlifting. A two-time Youth National Champion, she was recently crowned the 2024 U23 National Champion. During her impressive career, Raymond has broken 16 Youth American Records and represented the United States in numerous international competitions, including the Junior Pan Am Championship, Junior World Championship, and the Youth World Championships where she placed 6th. Abby is training to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games.

Abby has always exemplified the TrueSport values of leadership and perseverance, which are integral to her athletic journey. She embodies the motto “Strong-Kind-Different,” aiming to inspire fellow athletes to pursue their goals while embracing these guiding principles both in and out of the gym.

Abby loves to hang out with family and friends – and absolutely loves dogs! As a TrueSport ambassador, she strives to help the next generation of athletes reach their potential while promoting positive sport experiences.

 

Sport: Weightlifting

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Current Location: Illinois

Favorite TrueSport Values: Leadership, Bullying Prevention, Perseverance

Ambassadorship Goals: Throughout my athletic journey thus far, I’ve developed a motto: Strong-Kind-Different. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire other athletes to live life to the fullest by embracing these three words. Whether it’s in their sport or personal life, I want to help the next generation reach their goals and promote a positive sport experience.

Accomplishments in Sport:

  • 2024 U23 National Champion
  • 2023 Junior Pan Am Championships
  • 2022 Junior World Championships
  • 2x Youth National Champion
  • 16 Youth American Records
  • 2019 Youth World Championships & Junior World Championships

Social Media: Instagram: @_AbbyRaymond | X: @acr_0825

Charron Sumler

Charron Sumler headshot.Charron Sumler
Sport Psychotherapist, The Ohio State University, Department of Athletics

Charron has worked as an athletic counselor at The Ohio State University Athletics since 2019. In addition to providing individual/team clinical services and coach/staff consultation in athletics, as assistant director Charron oversees the daily clinical operations of the sport psychology team. Charron previously worked at the University of Texas, where she coordinated services and resources for university students in crisis situations. Charron is passionate about creating sport cultures that are safe for all athletes and ensuring that marginalized student athletes have a voice. Charron played four years of collegiate basketball and specializes in multicultural counseling, trauma, anxiety and depression. She has 10 years of counseling, leadership and case management experience and is currently completing a PhD in Counselor Education from The Ohio State University. 

Jay Coakley, PhD

Jay Coakley headshot.Jay Coakley, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Sociology, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Jay Coakley is Professor Emeritus of sociology at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He was the founding editor of the Sociology of Sport Journal and is an internationally respected scholar. His textbook, Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies (13th edition, 2021), along with multiple adaptations and translations, is used in universities worldwide. He co-edited Inside Sports with Peter Donnelly and the Handbook of Sports Studies with Eric Dunning. He continues to do research and consulting focused primarily on making sports more democratic and humane for people of all ages and abilities.

Eddie Comeaux, PhD

Eddie Comeaux headshot.Eddie Comeaux, PhD
Executive Director, Center for Athletes’ Rights and Equity at UC Riverside

Dr. Eddie Comeaux is a professor and founding executive director of the Center for Athletes’ Rights and Equity (CARE) at UC Riverside, where racial equity and policy issues in higher education are central to his work. Comeaux has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and other academic publications and reports. He has also published five books, including: College Athletes’ Rights and Well-Being: Critical Perspectives on Policy and Practice (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2017), and has consulted with a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations on equity and diversity strategies. Comeaux’s work has been featured or quoted in the Wall Street Journal, NPR, HuffPost, Forbes, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, and many other outlets. For his scholarly work, in April 2019, he received the Outstanding Contribution Award from AERA’s Research Focus on Education and Sport Special Interest Group (SIG). The year prior, in April 2018, he received the Dr. Carlos J. Vallejo Memorial Award for Exemplary Scholarship from AERA’s Multicultural/Multiethnic Education SIG. Prior to earning his Ph.D., he was drafted out of the University of California, Berkeley in the amateur free draft by the Texas Rangers baseball organization– and spent four years playing professionally.

Tomika Ferguson, PhD

Tomika Ferguson headshot.Tomika Ferguson, PhD
Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor, School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University

Dr. Tomika Ferguson is the assistant dean for student affairs and inclusive excellence and an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Ferguson’s research centers on the intersection of race, gender, sport, and educational equity. Additionally, she explores the influence of equity-minded practice within the professional development of educational and sports leaders.

Her work has been published or featured in the Journal of College Student Development, College Student Affairs Journal, Journal of Research in Leadership Education, and Diverse Issues in Higher Education. Dr. Ferguson is the founder of the Black Athlete Sister Circle (BASC), a holistic development program for Black women student-athletes in higher education institutions. She has professional experience in college access, enrollment management, student affairs, and community engagement. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, and her master’s and doctoral degrees from Indiana University – Bloomington.

Amanda Stanec, PhD

Amanda Stanec headshot.Amanda Stanec, PhD
Founder, MOVE+LIVE+LEARN
Youth Development Researcher & Writer

Dr. Amanda Stanec was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada where she attended and played soccer for St. Francis Xavier University. 

Upon moving to the US, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she attained a Masters of Science with an emphasis in Physical Education and Sport Psychology. Completely devoted to her field, she enrolled in a PhD program in Kinesiology within the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia where she was recognized as the outstanding doctoral student in her graduating year. Amanda was honored as the 2016 young alumna of the year by St. Francis Xavier University.

Further achievements include the publication of more than twenty articles as well as co-authoring several book chapters related to physical education, sport, health, and wellness topics. She has served on the Board of Directors for Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada and is well-respected for her contributions as Lead Writer for provincial wide physical education curriculum, university kinesiology and teacher education courses, and youth sport leadership and positive youth development programs. Most recently, Amanda has led projects on behalf of the International Olympic Committee, the Association of the Summer Olympic International Federations, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, United World Wrestling, NFL Play 60, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and PHE Canada. She continues to travel extensively to educate and inspire through her relatable and humorous keynote presentations.

Goal-Setting Lesson Video Transcript

Hi. I’m Trevon, Trey, Jennifer. Team USA wheelchair basketball player, Paralympian, and TrueSport Athlete. Today, I want to talk to you about goal setting. And there are three things that I would like you to know. First, successful athletes set goals and a planned roadmap. Second, goals should be written down, assessed over time, and changed if necessary. And third, goals need to be challenging in order to be worthwhile. As a freshman at Edinboro University, I was a part of a team that made the national championship game. And at that time, I recognized I was the low man on the totem pole, but I felt in my heart that I knew my dreams were so much bigger than winning a national title. I wanted to make Team USA. I knew what achieving my lofty goal was not going to be easy and that I would need to work hard every day.

So, as a reminder, I created a pyramid of goals that I kept right above my bed. This pyramid reminded me of the accomplishments that I was working towards and visually represented my need to create a solid foundation underneath me before reaching the top. In the bottom roll of my pyramid of goals I listed goals such as obtaining my bachelor’s degree, becoming a scholar athlete award recipient, and becoming an All-American. The middle row listed winning a national title and playing for a professional team. And at the top row, the most challenging of them all, I listed becoming a gold medalist for Team USA.

By understanding that there are smaller stepping stones to achieving my ultimate goal of being on Team USA, I was able to stay motivated and to stay focused on completing the smaller stepping stones fully before moving onto the next one. Now I’ll be the first to admit that not every goal that I listed on my pyramid was accomplished, but seeing my goals every day when I went to bed, I was able to push through the days that I felt like doing nothing in hopes of achieving the bigger picture. Remember, create a clear goal roadmap, assess your goals often, and continue to challenge yourself. I hope that you never stopped dreaming big or reaching for the stars. And I look forward to seeing where your roadmap takes you.

Body Image Lesson Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Kara Winger, Olympic javelin thrower, and TrueSport Athlete. Today, I want to talk to you about body image, and I have three things I’d like you to know. First, healthy thoughts often lead to healthier bodies. Second, there are varying body types and no one’s body is exactly like another. And third, true beauty goes deeper than the skin. As a multi-time Olympian, I’ve experienced a lot of variation and progression in my training. My coaches and I adapt to my training frequently, all with the goal of supporting my long-term success and health in the sport of javelin. I’m talking to you about body image today because sometimes even with the best of intentions and a common goal in mind, the changes you make to your training habits can prove to be detrimental if made for the wrong reasons. In the lead up to the 2012 Olympic trials, I was told in order to improve my performance on the field, I should try to become a leaner, skinnier version of myself.

So, I changed my diet. I went along with what I was being told to do, even though I’d had great success at a slightly heavier weight and higher body fat percentage and became much leaner than ever before. It seemed like a successful change at first, but I didn’t have nearly the results I’d had before. And I believe becoming leaner than my body naturally wanted to be was what caused my ACL to tear. In the end, it cost me heavily going into the 2012 London games. The takeaway for me, and hopefully for you, is that it’s important to know what works for you and your body and to not compare yourself to others. You should do your research and experiment with your diet to find what makes you feel the best, rather than focusing on what you look like. Today, if I feel like having a chocolate chip cookie, I have one, just not every day.

I’ve learned what a properly balanced meal for my body looks like and I recognize food as the fuel that keeps me throwing. I hydrate and allow myself time to recover. And I listen to and communicate with my body so that I can be the best version of myself. In the end, you are in control of how you see, treat, and respond to your body. We only get one and it’s amazing to discover how many things our bodies can do. Be a true sport athlete. Love who you are in this moment and get excited for all the places your body will take you.

A Good Sport Lesson Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Izy Isaksen, Team USA, Modern Pentathlon, Olympian, US Army Sergeant, and True Sport Ambassador. Today, I want to talk to you about being a good sport. There are three things I’d like you to know. First, real winners act the same toward their opponent, whether they win or lose. Second, follow the rules and be a gracious winner and respectful loser. And third, sportsmanship reveals your true character.

I started competing in Modern Pentathlon eight years after my older sister and three-time Olympian, Margaux Isaksen, began competing. I soon realized that people often compared the two of us. I would overhear spectators and teammates asking, “Who’s the better athlete,” and “Who’s going to beat the other.” Instead of letting outside pressures create a negative experience for us, I chose to practice winning and losing with grace and respect. I know that it would have been easy to let our hyper competitive mindset affect our relationship, but instead we decided to support and cheer for each other, regardless of our own performance. My experience of competing against and being compared to my older sister, taught me to focus on how to perform at my best, rather than putting wasted energy into wishing for others to fail.

I believe that sportsmanship reveals true character. So, no matter what situation I encounter during competition, I know it’s important to always treat people with respect and be a good sport. Remember, be a fierce competitor, find grace in all your victories and losses. And I hope to see you out there.

What Kind of Coach Do You Want to Be? Video Transcript

Edwin Moses: You’re a coach. Maybe what you want is very simple, for everyone to just run in the right direction, score for their own team, to try and try again and again. Maybe you want your athletes to become all stars. You want them to earn trophies, medals, win titles. You want them to reach the highest height their sport allows. And wanting all of that, of course, that’s good. But as every great coach discovers, developing a great athlete means nurturing, nurturing the even greater person within. Truth is, you have even more influence than you know.

You have the ability to affect even deeper change, to take what’s in your hands and do something even more extraordinary. You can be both the coach who provides the skills needed to win the game and the coach who helps them learn and succeed beyond the sport, to become all stars wherever they land in the future, and to enjoy their lives more now, because the confidence and courage they find working with you will stay with them when they need it the most. There are games to be won, lives to change. Coaches have the power to do both.

I’m Edwin Moses, and the lessons I’ve learned through sport have challenged me, guided me, and shaped my life forever. What kind of coach do you want to be?

THE SIMPLE TRUTH: DECODING THE SUPPLEMENT INDUSTRY VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

At first glance, dietary supplements look the same. They seem safe and healthy, but just because the label says a product is a dietary supplement, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Unfortunately, you can’t tell whether a product is safe or not just by looking at the label. Most vitamins, minerals, fish oil, and other supplements containing nutrients are probably just fine, but supplements are not evaluated or approved by FDA before they are sold. Although it is rare for vitamins or minerals to be contaminated with drugs, there has been at least one case of a vitamin containing an anabolic steroid.

At the other extreme are products that contain drugs, stimulants, anabolic steroids, or other hormones. Even though these are not technically dietary supplements, many of them are labeled as supplements. For example, body-building products sometimes contain anabolic steroids or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, known as SARMs, or other hormones. Some pre-workout or energy products contain illegal stimulants like DMAA, ephedra, or other amphetamine-like stimulants. Weight loss products might contain prescription drugs like sibutramine, or hormones, like human chorionic gonadotropin, also known as hCG. All natural or herbal sexual enhancement products might contain hormones or Viagra-like drugs. Products like these can harm your health and career, but they’re for sale online, in some nutrition stores, and they’re labeled as dietary supplements.

When you pick up a supplement, especially one that promises performance enhancement, you don’t know if it belongs in the “Mostly O.K.” pile or in the “Dangerous” pile. After all, two products might look the same, but one might contain just amino acids and other legitimate ingredients, while the other also contains anabolic steroids. Because of this, FDA has issued a warning about certain categories of supplements: body building products, weight loss products, and sexual enhancement products. Be extremely careful when considering a supplement in one of these categories. We strongly recommend that you avoid products in these categories.

Even when FDA tests supplements and finds dangerous ingredients, companies sometimes refuse to recall them. Sometimes, they simply repackage their product and continue selling it under a new name. Just because a product is on a store shelf doesn’t mean it is safe. You need to do your research and be an informed consumer. The dietary supplement industry is enormous. Supplements that appear to be safe could actually be dangerous products in disguise. If you use dietary supplements without doing your research, you may be taking serious risks with your health and your career. Please visit USADA’s Supplement 411 for more information about dietary supplements.