Eric Monday Foundation

02/20/2026

Winter can be an especially demanding season for athletes.

Many are balancing multiple sports, school, practices, and competitions, often without much downtime. While dedication is admirable, it’s important to remember that your health matters more than any sport.

Taking time to rest, recharge, and check in with yourself isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a key part of long-term success, both on and off the field. Burnout can affect performance, motivation, and mental well-being, and recognizing when you need a break is an act of strength.

This winter, prioritize balance. Listen to your body. Make space for rest. The game will still be there, your well-being comes first.

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

02/17/2026

For those of you who are new here, we wanted to share Eric’s Story. He is the whole purpose behind EMF and our why.

Eric Monday was many things. A dedicated wrestler, a relentless competitor, a teammate who lifted others up. He didn’t enter the sport with natural advantages or early success, but he showed up with something stronger: heart, discipline, and perseverance.

Wrestling shaped Eric’s life. It taught him humility through loss, confidence through hard work, and pride through persistence. He grew into a dominant high school wrestler and continued that journey at Washington & Jefferson College, where his commitment and work ethic defined him both on and off the mat.

What many didn’t see was the quiet battle Eric faced with depression, a struggle often hidden by stigma, especially in athletics. Even while carrying that weight, Eric devoted himself to encouraging others, pushing teammates forward, and making sure no one felt alone after defeat.

The Eric Monday Foundation was created to honor that spirit. To carry forward Eric’s belief in growth, resilience, and support, and to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health in athletics.

Eric’s legacy lives on every time an athlete is encouraged to speak up, keep going, and know they are not alone.

If Eric’s story resonates with you, or if you or someone you know may be struggling, please share this post or visit https://ericmondayfoundation.org/ for support and resources.

02/11/2026

We’re grateful for the support of our local community, including amazing businesses like Anita’s.

This family-owned, New Mexico–style Mexican restaurant has been serving Northern Virginia for over 50 years with authentic cuisine, top-notch catering, and personal service.

It’s partnerships and support from community staples like Anita’s that help the Eric Monday Foundation continue our mission of supporting athletes and raising awareness around mental health.

Thank you, Anita’s, for helping us make a difference. It truly takes a community! 💙🌮

Check them and their delicious menu out here: https://www.anitascorp.com/

02/04/2026

Mental health awareness isn’t just important for kids, students, and athletes.

Adults, coaches, athletic directors, and other trusted adults play a critical role in the lives of these individuals, making mental health awareness matter for you too.

Supporting athletes starts with adults who are informed, prepared, and empowered to recognize and respond to challenges.

The Eric Monday Foundation offers a free, online Coach’s Mental Health Awareness Training, designed to equip coaches with the tools they need to:

Understand the prevalence of mental health challenges in student-athletes

Break through the stigma that prevents athletes from seeking help

Integrate mental health awareness into coaching strategies

Use a step-by-step guide to talk with athletes about their mental health

This training takes less than 40 minutes and includes videos, graphics, quizzes, and voice-over instruction.

Plus, you’ll receive a certificate upon completion. A small investment of time can impact lives and potentially save them.

Take the training today and make mental health a priority in your coaching: https://ericmondayfoundation.org/mental-health-awareness-training/

01/30/2026

We’re proud to highlight L. F. Jennings, Inc. as a valued partner of the Eric Monday Foundation!

Serving the Mid-Atlantic region since 1952, L. F. Jennings has built a legacy rooted in quality, trust, and long-standing relationships, delivering impactful commercial projects across a wide range of industries.

Their commitment to service and excellence is reflected in the strong partnerships they’ve built over decades, with the majority of their work coming from repeat clients.

We’re grateful for their support and for standing with EMF as we continue our mission to break down stigma and support mental wellness within our communities.

Thank you, L. F. Jennings, for being part of the EMF community!

01/28/2026

Mental wellness is central to EMF’s mission, which is why we’re proud to recognize Mental Wellness Month this January.

Athletes are taught to push through pain, stay strong, and never quit. But too often, that mindset makes it hard to speak up when something isn’t right.

EMF exists to change that narrative by taking down the stigma, encouraging open conversations, and reminding athletes that mental strength includes asking for help.

Mental wellness matters year-round, but January is an important reminder that building resilience, character, and support systems is just as critical as physical training.

We have an array of mental health resources available on our website, because support should always be within reach.

Explore them here: https://ericmondayfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/

01/26/2026

Inspired by the life of Eric Monday, a dedicated athlete who embodied perseverance, discipline, and heart, the Eric Monday Foundation (EMF) exists to support athletes beyond the competition.

EMF uses the values learned through sports- resilience, accountability, and personal growth, to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, especially among athletes who often feel pressure to stay silent.

Through awareness, conversation, and community, EMF helps athletes build strength both mentally and physically.

See how EMF is building a stronger, more supportive athletic community: https://ericmondayfoundation.org/

12/18/2025

WE HAVE SOME EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE!
"The Eric Monday Foundation, a nonprofit uniquely focused on raising awareness of student-athletes’ mental health issues, has now reached the milestone of training its 5,000th coach in Northern Virginia and 15 other states." Read the full Press Release here 🔗

The Eric Monday Foundation, a nonprofit uniquely focused on raising awareness of student-athletes’ mental health issues, has now reached the milestone of training its 5,000th coach in Northern Virginia and 15 other states. Today’s youth are facing a mental health crisis. Outside of immediate fam...

12/02/2025

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT THIS GIVING TUESDAY!

Today is more than a global day of generosity, it’s a chance to stand with athletes, families, and coaches who are impacted by mental health challenges every single day.

At the Eric Monday Foundation, our mission is simple and urgent: is to surrounding mental health by empowering coaches, supporting athletes, educating communities, and creating safe spaces for honest conversations.

We just reached a major milestone and have had over 5,000 coaches complete our Coach’s Guide to Mental Health Awareness, reaching and supporting over 100,000 young athletes nationwide. Your generosity fuels programs like this—and makes a real, measurable difference in the lives of young people.

On this Giving Tuesday, your support helps us:

📍Expand free mental health resources
📍Grow our training opportunities
📍Support more athletes and families
📍Strengthen community outreach and awareness

Every gift helps build a future where no athlete struggles in silence and today, your donations are doubled due to the match of a generous donor.

Help us continue the work. Help us .
🔗https://4agc.com/donate/takedownthestigma

11/24/2025

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁✨

We are deeply grateful for the incredible commitment you’ve shown to the Eric Monday Foundation in 2025. Your support fuels the programs that drive our mission to surrounding mental health and athletes.

This year, our Coach’s Guide to Mental Health Awareness reached a major milestone: we just surpassed 5,000+ coaches who have completed the training. If each coach works with just 20 athletes, that means over 100,000 young people are now supported by adults who can recognize, respond to, and reduce the stigma around mental health. 💛

This life-changing impact is possible because of YOU.

From now through November 30, 2025, ALL DONATIONS WILL BE MATCHED UP TO $10,000 thanks to two generous donors. This is your opportunity to make an even greater difference for the athletes, families, and coaches who depend on these resources.

Every contribution—big or small—helps us grow our programs, strengthen our community, and provide vital tools to those who need them most and to surrounding mental health. 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 and double your impact ✨ https://4agc.com/donate/takedownthestigma

🙏 Thank you for standing with us and helping create a stronger, more supportive future for all athletes. Let’s close out the year even stronger!

11/14/2025

It’s OK to not be OK! If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is there for you.

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline understands that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, their caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

11/05/2025

Behind every moment of victory is a circle of people who show up, in the stands, in life, in the quiet moments that matter most. These people are your resources, along with Eric Monday's resources here https://ericmondayfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/athletes/.