Eric Monday Foundation

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Eric Monday Foundation EMF fosters opportunities for young athletes who strive to develop their mind, body and spirit while

To the parents cheering from the sidelines, sitting through late practices, and driving home after tough losses: this on...
10/21/2026

To the parents cheering from the sidelines, sitting through late practices, and driving home after tough losses: this one's for you.

Your child might not remember the final score of every game. But they'll remember how you made them feel afterward.

They'll remember whether the car ride home was filled with encouragement or criticism. Whether you asked if they had fun before asking why they missed that shot. Whether they felt just as loved after a loss as they did after a win.

As parents, it's easy to get caught up in wanting the best for your kids. You see their potential, you know how hard they work, and you want to see them succeed.

But sometimes, the most important thing you can do has nothing to do with their performance. It's reminding them that their worth will never be determined by a scoreboard.

Supporting young athletes means supporting their mental health, too. And parents play an important role in making that happen.

Looking for ways to better support your child's mental well-being? Explore the resources available on our website: https://ericmondayfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/parents/

Your Monday Motivation: Give Yourself the Same Grace You Give Your Teammates. Think about the last time a teammate made ...
10/19/2026

Your Monday Motivation:

Give Yourself the Same Grace You Give Your Teammates.

Think about the last time a teammate made a mistake. Did you tell them they weren't good enough? That they should give up? That one bad moment defined everything they were capable of?

Probably not. You encouraged them. Reminded them that everyone makes mistakes. Told them to shake it off and keep going.

So why is it so much harder to offer ourselves that same kindness? Remember that you deserve the same patience, understanding, and encouragement you so freely give to the people around you.

You're allowed to have an off day. You're allowed to make mistakes. And you're allowed to be proud of yourself even when things don't go according to plan.

Be the teammate to yourself that you've always been to others.

Your Monday motivation: You are more than what you do.  The scoreboard can tell you how you played. It can’t tell you wh...
10/12/2026

Your Monday motivation:

You are more than what you do.

The scoreboard can tell you how you played. It can’t tell you who you are.

Neither can your stats, your starting position, the result of your last match, or the mistake you can’t stop replaying.

Sports are something you do. They can teach you, challenge you, and become a huge part of your life, but they don’t define your worth.

So whether this week brings a big win or a tough day, remember:

You are a person first. An athlete second. And you are always more than your performance.

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes it looks like pulling away from friends. Losing interest in somet...
10/07/2026

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness.

Sometimes it looks like pulling away from friends. Losing interest in something you used to love. Struggling to concentrate. Feeling exhausted. Or simply not feeling like yourself.

And sometimes, the person struggling is still showing up to school, practice, and everything else expected of them.

That’s why awareness matters.

National Depression Education & Awareness Month is a reminder to pay attention, keep the conversation open, and make it safe for someone to say, “I’m not okay.”

You don’t have to have all the answers to be someone they can talk to.

For mental health resources, visit: https://ericmondayfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/

Your Monday motivation: Be someone’s safe place to land.  You don’t need to be a mental health expert to make a differen...
10/05/2026

Your Monday motivation:

Be someone’s safe place to land.

You don’t need to be a mental health expert to make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes it starts with being the person who asks the extra question, sticks around for the real answer, and listens without judgment.

Especially for young people, knowing there’s an adult, coach, teammate, friend, or family member they can talk to can matter more than we realize.

Be that person. And make sure the people in your life know it.

This month, take a second to think about how you show up for the people around you. October is National Bullying Prevent...
10/01/2026

This month, take a second to think about how you show up for the people around you.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a reminder that our words and actions can have a much bigger impact than we realize.

In the classroom, on the mat, in the locker room, or online, we all have a role to play. Include the person sitting by themselves. Speak up when something isn’t right. Check in on a teammate who seems off. Choose kindness even when no one else is watching.

Small actions can change the way someone experiences their entire day.

This month and every month, let’s look out for each other and continue to around asking for help.

Your Monday motivation:  Stop keeping score against everyone else. In sports, there’s always a scoreboard. But when it c...
09/28/2026

Your Monday motivation:

Stop keeping score against everyone else.

In sports, there’s always a scoreboard. But when it comes to your own growth, someone else’s progress isn’t the number you need to beat.

Someone may be stronger, faster, getting more playing time, or hitting milestones before you. That doesn’t mean you’re falling behind.

Your progress is your own. Pay attention to how far you’ve come, what you’re learning, and the work you’re putting in.

The only comparison that really matters is who you were yesterday.

Keep showing up for yourself.

This one is for the athletes.  You train your body. You practice your skills. You put in the work to become a better com...
09/24/2026

This one is for the athletes.

You train your body. You practice your skills. You put in the work to become a better competitor. Taking care of your mind deserves that same attention.

We know asking for help doesn’t always come naturally, especially when you’re used to pushing through the hard stuff. That’s why the Eric Monday Foundation is committed to giving young athletes and competitors access to resources, education, and conversations that make brain health and wellness part of the game.

And we’re encouraged to see more athletes at every level speaking up, supporting one another, and showing that taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength.

If you’re an athlete looking for support, information, or a place to start, visit our website and explore the mental health resources available to you. https://ericmondayfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/athletes/

Your mind is part of your game. Take care of it, too.

Mental health support looks different for everyone. Finding the right resource shouldn’t be the hard part. That’s why th...
09/23/2026

Mental health support looks different for everyone. Finding the right resource shouldn’t be the hard part.

That’s why the Eric Monday Foundation has created a collection of mental health resources for the people who make up the athletic community: athletes, coaches, and parents.

Whether you’re looking for guidance on starting a conversation, trying to recognize when someone may need support, or simply want to learn more about mental health and brain wellness, there’s a place to start.

Swipe through for a look at what’s available, then visit our website to explore our Coaches Library, Athlete Resources, Parent Resources, and additional Mental Health Resources.

There is no shame in taking care of your brain. And the more we learn, talk, and support one another, the closer we get to truly .

Explore the full resource library: https://ericmondayfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/

Your Monday motivation: Check on the “strong” friend. 💙 The one who always shows up. Who keeps everyone laughing. Who sa...
09/21/2026

Your Monday motivation:

Check on the “strong” friend. 💙

The one who always shows up. Who keeps everyone laughing. Who says “I’m good” and keeps moving. The one who always seems to have it together.

Strength doesn’t mean someone never struggles, and being the person everyone relies on doesn’t mean they don’t need someone to lean on, too.

Send the text. Make the call. Ask how they’re really doing. And then give them the space to answer.

Sometimes, being there for someone starts with simply reminding them they don’t always have to be the strong one.

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P. O. Box 2342
Vienna, VA
22183

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