Beyond the Game: Ready for Life Symposium Empowers Youth Athletes

Beyond the Game: Ready for Life Symposium Empowers Youth Athletes with Mental Health Awareness and Resilience

Monmouth Regional High School proudly hosted WEforum’s Beyond the Game: Ready for Life – an Athletic Youth Mental Health Symposium that left a profound impact on over 350 student-athletes, parents, coaches, and community members. The event fostered open discussions on mental health, resilience, and personal growth, equipping attendees with tools to navigate challenges on and off the field.

With a dynamic lineup of speakers, state-of-the-art audiovisual enhancements, and a community-driven spirit, Beyond the Game exceeded all expectations. Students remained engaged for over two hours, actively listening, participating, and walking away with more insight than they had anticipated. The symposium’s success reflected the dedication of all involved, including event organizers, volunteers, and guest speakers who brought invaluable messages of empowerment.

“Beyond the Game was an incredible opportunity for our athletes,” said Monmouth Regional High School Athletic Director Anthony De’Orio. “It provided them with valuable insights and resources to navigate the mental challenges of competition. Seeing them engage, learn, and take away important lessons from this event was truly rewarding.”

A Night of Inspiration and Impact

The symposium featured compelling keynote speakers, including former NFL player Val Barnaby, MEN’S X MENTAL founder Teddy Sourlis, and world champion skier Darian Boyle. Youth voices also played a pivotal role, with student-athletes such as Omari Julian Moore (Hudson Catholic High School), Cole Skinner (University of South Florida), and Cassidy Corcione (Iowa State University) sharing their journeys in sports and mental well-being. The Wise Up: Teen Advocacy Group contributed valuable perspectives, with students from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, Red Bank Regional High School, Trinity Hall, and Marlboro High School lending their voices to the conversation.

The symposium was made possible through the collaboration of WEforum, Monmouth Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health, and dedicated school districts, including Monmouth Regional High School and Rumson Schools, which played a crucial role in the event’s success. Mrs. Jennifer Gibbons, Principal of Forrestdale School, emphasized the event’s significance:

“This event highlighted the importance of equipping our youth with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life. The messages of resilience and mental preparedness resonated deeply with both students and adults. Rumson Schools are proud to be part of such a meaningful initiative.”

Dr. Michael Snyder, Director of Student Services for the Rumson School District, echoed this sentiment:

“Partnering with WEforum and other dedicated organizations shows our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our students. This symposium not only empowered our youth but also strengthened our community’s resolve to support them on and off the field. The lessons shared here go beyond athletics, equipping our students with a strong foundation of character, resilience, and the confidence to tackle life’s challenges.”

Student Reflections: Lessons for Life

Student-athletes left the event with valuable takeaways that will shape their personal and athletic journeys.

“I really appreciated how the speakers made us consider that we are in control of the positive changes we want to make.” – Coy Reid, Monmouth Regional High School Student

“Reminding me to always check on my friends was something I could key in on and see myself putting into action. It’s important to always be there for the people you care about.” – Shaina Andre, Monmouth Regional High School Student

Monmouth Regional Athletic Director Tony De’Orio expressed gratitude for the extensive efforts that went into planning and executing the event. From numerous visits by organizers to fine-tune logistics to bringing in a top-tier sound system and video screens for optimal engagement, every detail contributed to a seamless and impactful experience.

A Message of Gratitude and Hope

Christine Eberhard, a key contributor to the event’s success, reflected on the profound experience:

“Ready for Life was an incredible success. It was an honor to host WEforum, and the student and community response brought me so much joy. As my students and other Monmouth Regional athletes started filing in, I paused for a moment with sincere gratitude for their willingness to listen to a message that would help, encourage, and inspire them. I am so thankful for the efforts of the WEforum community, the student-athlete volunteers, and the incredible guest speakers. My hope is that our Monmouth Regional athletes will continue to reflect on what they learned and know they have a community of support rallying behind them in their journey as student-athletes and beyond.”

The symposium’s resounding success serves as a testament to the power of community partnerships in addressing crucial issues like mental health in youth athletics. The coaches, school districts and event organizers extend their sincere gratitude to Carolyn DeSena, the WEforum Group, Monmouth Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health, and all event partners for their dedication to empowering the next generation.

As Dr. Snyder aptly put it, “Together, we can continue to champion the mental health and well-being of our youth, ensuring they are ready for life—on and off the field.”

###

About WEforum
WEforum aims to strengthen the health and wellness of our local communities by educating and empowering individuals to take charge of their healthcare choices and make informed decisions. They partner with community leaders, wellness professionals, educators, and business organizations to promote a culture of healthy living. In addition, they foster awareness through community events, empower young people and adults alike through various programs, and raise funds to develop and support community programs and services that are free and accessible to all. Please visit weforumgroup.org.

Follow WEforum on social media: Instagram, Facebook