Eric Monday Foundation

03/06/2026

February was a powerful month of connection, community, and continued impact for Eric Monday Foundation.

We were honored to host a special fundraiser on February 26th alongside Mayor Linda Colbert at our incredible community partner, Vienna Inn, as part of their 66th Anniversary celebration.

Our founders, Brian and Holly Monday also attended the VHSL State Wrestling Championship, continuing conversations with student-athletes, families, and coaches about the importance of mental health in competitive sports.

This month also marked an exciting milestone: all FCPS Spring Coaches are participating in our training program, expanding awareness and equipping leaders with tools to better support student-athletes both on and off the field.

And the conversations are growing beyond the field, as Brian was recently a guest on a mental health podcast (more to come there), helping further the dialogue around mental health, resilience, and community support.

Every event, every training, and every conversation moves the mission forward. Thank you to everyone who continues to stand with us. We can’t wait to tackle March with you all!

03/04/2026

Attention young competitors & teams! 🌟

At the Eric Monday Foundation, we believe every young athlete deserves the tools to thrive. That’s why we provide grants and scholarships to help K-12 competitors access equipment, clinics, camps, tournaments, and mental health programming. 💪🧠

The Grant Application Window opened on March 1st and runs through September 15th. Awards up to $2,500 can help support your team or personal growth journey. Small awards under $500 are also available year-round!

Don’t miss your chance to strengthen your skills, boost resilience, and promote mental fitness in your community. Applications are reviewed carefully to align with our mission to around mental illness.

Apply and empower yourself or your team: https://ericmondayfoundation.org/impact/

Together, we can foster courage, confidence, and mental wellness in youth sports, because everyone deserves a fair shot to grow. 🌱

02/27/2026

The Eric Monday Foundation works alongside community leaders, local schools, coaches, educators, and mental health experts to deliver meaningful, in-person presentations focused on mental health awareness and helping .

Our programs create space for honest dialogue, education, and connection, reaching students, athletes, and communities where support matters most.

Beyond in-person engagement, our message continues online, with 3,500 people each month viewing our social media content promoting mental health resources and awareness.

Together, we’re building understanding, breaking stigma, and reminding people they’re not alone.

https://ericmondayfoundation.org/

02/26/2026

We want to recognize and congratulate every wrestler who stepped on the mat at the VHSL High School State Championship—your grit, drive, and determination were on full display.

Thank you to the coaches who invest so much into developing these athletes, and to the referees whose commitment keeps the sport strong, fair, and respected.

Proud to stand with this community as we continue to .

02/25/2026

EMF Friends, join us and Mayor Linda Colbert on Thursday, Feb 26th from 4:30-6:30 at the Vienna Inn! Mayor Colbert will be hard at work making hot dogs to raise money for the Eric Monday Foundation! It's a fun night for a great cause.

📣𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 will be working behind the Dog Stand on Thursday, Feb 26th from 4:30-6:30 making our famous chili dogs.

Mayor Colbert kindly does this each year as part of our anniversary events to support different community causes. This year a portion of all sales during that time will be donated to the Eric Monday Foundation.

The Eric Monday Foundation is a Vienna based non-profit uniquely focused to raise awareness of student-athletes’ mental health challenges and to that prevents so many from seeking help.

We hope to see you on Thursday!

02/23/2026

Strong bodies need strong minds, too.

At EMF, we’re committed to supporting the mind, body, and spirit of athletes. We know asking for help doesn’t always come easily, which is why we’ve curated a wide range of trusted mental health resources for athletes on our website.

From peer-support apps and student-led movements to athlete-specific tools for managing pressure, stress, and overall wellness, these resources are here to remind athletes they’re never alone, and that mental health is just as important as physical health.

The conversation is growing and together, we’re helping athletes . Explore our resources, share them with a teammate, and start the conversation, because mental health matters.

https://ericmondayfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/athletes/

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/