Message YEAR IN REVIEW 2024-2025 lifesports.osu.edu YEAR INREVIEW2024-2025lifesports.osu.edu
Thanks to countless hours of strategic partnership development, fundraising, grant writing, and continued support from The Ohio State University, LiFEsports will continue operating all five of our camp programs in 2025. Even more exciting, our Coach Beyond Initiative expanded its reach to include community coaches for the first time. Join us as we celebrate these achievements and look ahead to an even brighter future for LiFEsports. FROM OUR TEAM Greetings! The year 2024 marked a year of significant growth and transition for LiFEsports. Amidst a shifting collegiate sports landscape, LiFEsports faced significant challenges related to center and program funding. In collaboration with our Advisory Council, we committed to sustaining and strengthening our community impact despite these financial changes. We are proud to announce—we succeeded. Thanks to countless hours of strategic partnership development, fundraising, grantwriting, and continued support from The Ohio State University, LiFEsports willcontinue operating all five of our camp programs in 2025. Even more exciting, ourCoach Beyond Initiative expanded its reach to include community coaches for thefirst time.Join us as we celebrate these achievements and look ahead to an even brighterfuture for LiFEsports.FROM OUR TEAMGreetings! The year 2024 marked a year of significant growth and transition for LiFEsports. Amidsta shifting collegiate sports landscape, LiFEsports faced significant challenges related to center andprogram funding. In collaboration with our Advisory Council, we committed to sustaining andstrengthening our community impact despite these financial changes.We are proud to announce—we succeeded.
WHO WE ARE MISSION To prepare youth for life and leadership through sport. VISION To be the national exemplar in sport-based positive youth development (PYD). OUR GOALS SERVICE & OUTREACH: Provide quality sport-based PYD programming. TEACHING & LEARNING: Prepare and train tomorrow’s sport-based PYD workforce. RESEARCH: Research and share best practices in sport-based PYD. WHO WE ARETo prepare youth for life and leadership through sport.MISSIONVISIONTo be the national exemplar in sport-based positive youth development (PYD).OUR GOALSSERVICE & OUTREACH: Provide qualitysport-based PYD programming.TEACHING & LEARNING: Prepare and traintomorrow’s sport-based PYD workforce.RESEARCH: Research and share bestpractices in sport-based PYD.
Youth from low-income families face significant barriers to sport participation as compared to their more affluent peers. In fact, only 1 in 4 children aged 6–12 from households earning less than $25,000 annually participate in team sports (SFIA, 2023). BUILDING BETTER FUTURES OUR COMMUNITY PRIORITIES ACCESS TO SPORT FOR ALL YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH & EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE Rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm among youth in the United States have increased by 40% over the past decade (CDC, 2021). These challenges are compounded by widespread exposure to violence—nationally, more than 60% of youth have been exposed to violence, crime, or abuse in their communities, schools, or homes (OJJDP, 2021). Creating positive sport environments for youth in the U.S. is increasingly challenging. Coaches are being asked to do more with fewer resources, all while youth face rising levels of stress, anxiety, and mental health concerns. QUALITY & SUPPORTIVE SPORT ENVIRONMENTS FUTURE READY YOUTH Participation in sport is shown to extend to the classroom and into life. At a time when technology is outpacing human connection and physical activity, sports provide a critical space for developing teamwork, leadership, resilience, and problem-solving skills that can help youth become future-ready. Youth from low-income families face significantbarriers to sport participation as compared totheir more affluent peers. In fact, only 1 in 4children aged 6–12 from households earningless than $25,000 annually participate in teamsports (SFIA, 2023). BUILDING BETTER FUTURES OUR COMMUNITY PRIORITIESACCESS TO SPORTFOR ALLYOUTH MENTALHEALTH & EXPOSURETO VIOLENCERates of anxiety, depression, and self-harmamong youth in the United States haveincreased by 40% over the past decade (CDC,2021). These challenges are compounded bywidespread exposure to violence—nationally,more than 60% of youth have been exposed toviolence, crime, or abuse in their communities,schools, or homes (OJJDP, 2021). Creating positive sport environments for youthin the U.S. is increasingly challenging. Coachesare being asked to do more with fewerresources, all while youth face rising levels ofstress, anxiety, and mental health concerns. QUALITY &SUPPORTIVE SPORTENVIRONMENTSFUTURE READYYOUTHParticipation in sport is shown to extend to theclassroom and into life. At a time whentechnology is outpacing human connection andphysical activity, sports provide a critical spacefor developing teamwork, leadership,resilience, and problem-solving skills that canhelp youth become future-ready.
Adult Workforce College THROUGH BETTER SPORTS OUR INTERVENTIONS Summer Camps & Clinics Youth Leadership Academy Implement the LiFEsports intervention to improve social skills, sport skills, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Provide learning opportunities for LiFEsports youth to foster college and career readiness. Facilitate education sessions to improve life, leadership, and mental performance skills among student-athletes. Provide learning opportunities for students in sport-based PYD. Provide professional development for sports coaches to improve coaching behaviors and youth sport experiences. Utilize research to influence the youth sport ecosystem to enhance child well-being. Life & Leadership Series Courses, Internships, Volunteer & Research Opportunities Coach Beyond Policy, Practice, & Systems Change High School 1st - 8th Grade LiFEsports STRIVES TO IMPACT THE SPORT ENVIRONMENT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN. Adult WorkforceCollege THROUGH BETTER SPORTSOUR INTERVENTIONSSummerCamps &ClinicsYouthLeadershipAcademyImplement the LiFEsportsintervention to improve socialskills, sport skills, and healthylifestyle behaviors.Provide learning opportunities forLiFEsports youth to foster collegeand career readiness.Facilitate education sessions toimprove life, leadership, and mentalperformance skills among student-athletes.Provide learning opportunities forstudents in sport-based PYD.Provide professional development forsports coaches to improve coachingbehaviors and youth sportexperiences.Utilize research to influencethe youth sport ecosystem toenhance child well-being.Life & LeadershipSeriesCourses,Internships,Volunteer &ResearchOpportunitiesCoachBeyondPolicy, Practice,& Systems ChangeHigh School1st - 8 GradethLiFEsportsSTRIVES TOIMPACT THESPORTENVIRONMENTACROSS THELIFESPAN.
LiFEsports is committed to delivering high-quality, sport-based positive youth development programming. Our outreach efforts are designed to create safe, supportive, and enriching sport-based environments where young people can grow physically, socially, and emotionally. Key programs include: Summer Camps – Multi-week, structured experiences that combine sport skill development with social skill development. Sports Clinics – Shorter, skill-focused sessions that provide accessible sport opportunities throughout the year. Youth Leadership Academy – A year-round initiative that equips high school youth with college and career readiness through sport and mentorship. Life and Leadership Student-Athlete Seminars - Interactive workshops designed to help middle and high school student-athletes develop leadership qualities and apply lessons from sport to their personal, academic, and future lives. Through these programs, LiFEsports ensures that youth not only gain access to quality sport experiences but also develop the tools they need to succeed on and off the field. OUTREACH & SERVICE Our programs focus on teaching youth four critical social skills. LiFEsports is committed to delivering high-quality, sport-based positive youth developmentprogramming. Our outreach efforts are designed to create safe, supportive, and enriching sport-basedenvironments where young people can grow physically, socially, and emotionally. Key programsinclude:Summer Camps – Multi-week, structured experiences that combine sport skill development withsocial skill development.Sports Clinics – Shorter, skill-focused sessions that provide accessible sport opportunitiesthroughout the year.Youth Leadership Academy – A year-round initiative that equips high school youth with collegeand career readiness through sport and mentorship.Life and Leadership Student-Athlete Seminars - Interactive workshops designed to help middleand high school student-athletes develop leadership qualities and apply lessons from sport to theirpersonal, academic, and future lives.Through these programs, LiFEsports ensures that youth not only gain access to quality sportexperiences but also develop the tools they need to succeed on and off the field.OUTREACH& SERVICEOur programs focus on teaching youth four critical social skills.
693 YOUTH SERVED Male 60% 82% LIVING IN POVERTY 33 School Districts, 256 Schools, & 44 Zip Codes RACE Asian 2% Multiracial 4% 55% RETURNING YOUTH Other 2% White 8% Bi-Racial 6% Black 78% Female 40% GENDER Each red dot represents one youth served. A star represents program location. IMPACTING YOUTH ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY LiFEsports originated from the National Youth Sport Program (NYSP), which had been a fixture on The Ohio State University campus since the late 1960s. In 2008, the program was rebranded as LiFEsports, marking a new chapter focused on sport-based PYD. Since then, LiFEsports has served more than 12,000 youth across Central Ohio. The data presented below represent youth reached from 2024 -2025 at our five summer camp locations. 693YOUTH SERVEDMale60%Female40%82%LIVING IN POVERTYGENDER33 School Districts, 256 Schools, & 44 Zip CodesIMPACTING YOUTH ACROSS OUR COMMUNITYLiFEsports originated from the National Youth Sport Program (NYSP), which had been a fixture on TheOhio State University campus since the late 1960s. In 2008, the program was rebranded as LiFEsports,marking a new chapter focused on sport-based PYD. Since then, LiFEsports has served more than12,000 youth across Central Ohio. The data presented below represent youth reached from 2024 -2025 at our five summer camp locations. RACEAsian2%Multiracial4%55%RETURNING YOUTHOther2%White8%Bi-Racial6%Black78%Each red dot represents one youth served. A star representsprogram location.
“To see my team interact with the LiFEsports youth and have the opportunity to share their sport was very rewarding. What made it even more rewarding is that this was a Team initiated, managed, and executed event. To see our student athletes so engaged and benefiting from the opportunity to support young people in the community was very meaningful for them and created an additional level of team bonding and camaraderie during the season.” The collaboration began in summer with student-athletes visiting three sites to run hands-on fencing sessions, sparking campers’ interest in the sport. In September, the team returned with 24 athletes and two coaches for a larger clinic where youth practiced footwork, bladework, coordination, and teamwork. More than an introduction to fencing, this partnership highlighted student-athletes as mentors, role models, and community leaders. STUDENT-ATHLETE INTRODUCES FENCING TO YOUTH LiFEsports was excited to welcome the Ohio State Fencing Team into our community programming, led by Donald Anthony Jr.—USA Fencing President, OSU Head Coach, and new Advisory Council member. Senior Anna Heiser, a decorated scholar-athlete, initiated the partnership to connect her team with the community and promote fencing. - Donald Anthony, Ohio State University Head Fencing Coach The collaboration began in summer with student-athletes visiting three sites to run hands-on fencingsessions, sparking campers’ interest in the sport. In September, the team returned with 24 athletesand two coaches for a larger clinic where youth practiced footwork, bladework, coordination, andteamwork.More than an introduction to fencing, this partnership highlighted student-athletes as mentors, rolemodels, and community leaders.STUDENT-ATHLETE INTRODUCESFENCING TO YOUTHLiFEsports was excited to welcome the Ohio State Fencing Team intoour community programming, led by Donald Anthony Jr.—USA FencingPresident, OSU Head Coach, and new Advisory Council member. SeniorAnna Heiser, a decorated scholar-athlete, initiated the partnership toconnect her team with the community and promote fencing.“To see my team interact with the LiFEsports youth and have theopportunity to share their sport was very rewarding. What madeit even more rewarding is that this was a Team initiated, managed,and executed event. To see our student athletes so engaged andbenefiting from the opportunity to support young people in thecommunity was very meaningful for them and created anadditional level of team bonding and camaraderie during theseason.” - Donald Anthony, Ohio State University Head Fencing Coach
Our Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) serves 40 high-school aged youth each year. Maurice Colber Jr. joined the YLA after spending four summers as a LiFEsports summer camper. In the YLA, he began building strong relationships and developing a sense of community. Maurice recalled being quite shy and reserved during his first year in the program. He was never the youth leader to speak up in front of the entire cohort - only sharing his thoughts when directly called upon. Despite his quiet demeanor, it was clear that Maurice was ready to start shining! Three years later, Maurice has grown into a confident and articulate young man who can speak comfortably in front of a crowd. He consistently ensures that the “quieter” members of YLA feel seen and heard, creating space for everyone to contribute and feel valued. His leadership style is inclusive, empathetic, and empowering—qualities that have made a lasting impact on his peers and mentors alike. Maurice will be spending his final summer with us in 2025 before heading to the Honors College at Bowling Green State University. Maurice plans to major in Computer Engineering. We are incredibly proud of Maurice and excited to see all that he will accomplish in this next chapter of his journey. A STAR ON THE RISE 5 Summer Camps 16 Youth Leadership Academy Sessions 59 Student-Athlete Life & Leadership Workshops 18 Sports Clinics Our Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) serves 40 high-school aged youth each year. Maurice Colber Jr. joinedthe YLA after spending four summers as a LiFEsportssummer camper. In the YLA, he began building strongrelationships and developing a sense of community.Maurice recalled being quite shy and reserved duringhis first year in the program. He was never the youthleader to speak up in front of the entire cohort - onlysharing his thoughts when directly called upon. Despitehis quiet demeanor, it was clear that Maurice wasready to start shining! Three years later, Maurice has grown into a confidentand articulate young man who can speak comfortablyin front of a crowd. He consistently ensures that the“quieter” members of YLA feel seen and heard, creatingspace for everyone to contribute and feel valued. Hisleadership style is inclusive, empathetic, andempowering—qualities that have made a lastingimpact on his peers and mentors alike. Maurice will be spending his final summer with us in2025 before heading to the Honors College at BowlingGreen State University. Maurice plans to major inComputer Engineering. We are incredibly proud ofMaurice and excited to see all that he will accomplish inthis next chapter of his journey.A STAR ON THE RISE5Summer Camps outreach impact 16Youth LeadershipAcademy Sessions1859Student-Athlete Life &Leadership WorkshopsSports Clinics
TEACHING & LEARNING LiFEsports provides meaningful teaching and learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in sport-based PYD. Beyond the university setting, LiFEsports engages with current practitioners—including coaches, athletic directors, volunteers, and parents/caregivers—offering training and resources grounded in PYD best practices, through our Coach Beyond initiative. TRAINING COACHES ACROSS OHIO Coaches in over ⅓ of all Ohio school districts have been trained by Coach Beyond! Coach Beyond is a transformative coach education initiative developed by LiFEsports in partnership with the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the Susan Crown Exchange, and school districts across the state. Launched in 2021, the program equips coaches with tools to support student-athlete mental health and positive youth development, extending their role beyond traditional athletic instruction. As of May 2025, Coach Beyond has trained over 27,477 coaches across Ohio (10,138 this year). The initiative offers in-person and online training sessions covering topics such as fostering positive team environments, recognizing mental health concerns, and developing life skills. Supported by a grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Coach Beyond has expanded its reach to community-based sports organizations. By empowering coaches to address the holistic needs of young athletes, Coach Beyond is redefining the landscape of youth sports in Ohio. LiFEsports provides meaningful teaching and learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduatestudents in sport-based PYD. Beyond the university setting, LiFEsports engages with currentpractitioners—including coaches, athletic directors, volunteers, and parents/caregivers—offering trainingand resources grounded in PYD best practices, through our Coach Beyond initiative. TEACHING & LEARNINGTRAINING COACHES ACROSS OHIOCoaches in over ⅓ of all Ohio school districts have been trained by Coach Beyond!Coach Beyond is a transformative coach education initiativedeveloped by LiFEsports in partnership with the Ohio HighSchool Athletic Association, the Susan Crown Exchange, andschool districts across the state. Launched in 2021, theprogram equips coaches with tools to support student-athletemental health and positive youth development, extending theirrole beyond traditional athletic instruction. As of May 2025,Coach Beyond has trained over 27,477 coaches across Ohio(10,138 this year). The initiative offers in-person and onlinetraining sessions covering topics such as fostering positiveteam environments, recognizing mental health concerns, anddeveloping life skills. Supported by a grant from the OhioDepartment of Mental Health and Addiction Services, CoachBeyond has expanded its reach to community-based sportsorganizations. By empowering coaches to address the holisticneeds of young athletes, Coach Beyond is redefining thelandscape of youth sports in Ohio.
In addition to training coaches in Ohio, LiFEsports has been hard at work expanding the Coach Beyond to three partner states: Indiana, Kansas, and Maryland! The LiFEsports team is supporting key leaders in each state in providing quality training for coaches on youth development, including experts at Ball State University, Wichita Public Schools, and the University of Maryland. All three groups of state leaders have been trained to facilitate several Coach Beyond sessions, including Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Health and Fostering a Positive Team Environment. LiFEsports is thrilled to share lessons learned from launching the Coach Beyond initiative, and cannot wait to see the impact on coaches and kids in Indiana, Kansas, and Maryland! EXPANDING THE REACH OF COACH BEYOND... “Coach Beyond helps us recognize warning signs earlier and also to communicate on a better level so the kids gravitate toward us and trust us.” – Jaunida Hurt, Dayton Public Schools In addition to training coaches in Ohio, LiFEsports has beenhard at work expanding the Coach Beyond to three partnerstates: Indiana, Kansas, and Maryland! The LiFEsports teamis supporting key leaders in each state in providing qualitytraining for coaches on youth development, including expertsat Ball State University, Wichita Public Schools, and theUniversity of Maryland. All three groups of state leaders havebeen trained to facilitate several Coach Beyond sessions,including Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Health andFostering a Positive Team Environment. LiFEsports is thrilledto share lessons learned from launching the Coach Beyondinitiative, and cannot wait to see the impact on coaches andkids in Indiana, Kansas, and Maryland!EXPANDING THE REACH OF COACH BEYOND...“Coach Beyond helps us recognizewarning signs earlier and also tocommunicate on a better level sothe kids gravitate toward us andtrust us.” – Jaunida Hurt, Dayton Public Schools
YLA HIGHLIGHTINSERT TEXTPREPARING TOMORROW’S SPORT-BASED YOUTH DEVELOPMENT LEADERS LiFEsports works year-round to provide teaching and learning opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students. Opportunities for students include credit-bearing field placements and internships, volunteering, and enrollment in Ohio State courses taught by LiFEsports faculty and staff. One key course for LiFEsports is Sport and Youth Development which is now offered multiple times on main campus and at three branch campus - Mansfield, Lima, and Newark. 6 Field Placement Students 160 Student Volunteers 2,416 Student Volunteer Hours 488 Field Placement Hours 10,138 Coaches Trained 848 Students Enrolled in Sport & Youth Development Course YLA HIGHLIGHTINSERT TEXTPREPARING TOMORROW’S SPORT-BASED YOUTHDEVELOPMENT LEADERSLiFEsports works year-round to provide teaching and learning opportunities to undergraduate andgraduate students. Opportunities for students include credit-bearing field placements and internships,volunteering, and enrollment in Ohio State courses taught by LiFEsports faculty and staff. One keycourse for LiFEsports is Sport and Youth Development which is now offered multiple times on maincampus and at three branch campus - Mansfield, Lima, and Newark. 6Field PlacementStudents teaching impact 160StudentVolunteers2,416488Student VolunteerHoursField PlacementHours10,138Coaches Trained848Students Enrolled inSport & YouthDevelopment Course
Add a little bit of body text Reflecting on my three years at LiFEsports, I’ve not only grown as a social worker, but as a person; gaining deeper empathy, sharper skills, and renewed passion forempowering youth and building stronger communities. I appreciate my time with LiFEsports, and I am grateful that I was able to grow with this program!” - Tanner Watson, Track & Field Student-Athlete & LiFEsports M.S.W. Field Placement Student TANNER WATSON: FROM THE TRACK TO COMMUNITY IMPACT Tanner joined us in summer 2022 and has been a strong force ever since. With a bachelor’s in Sport Industry and a master’s in Social Work, he blends athletic discipline with a passion for community impact. A dedicated track and field athlete for the past six years, Tanner specializes in discus and has overcome multiple injuries to continue competing. His commitment to youth development led him to work with our Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) for a year, where he helped mentor and support young leaders. He also served as site manager at Linden last summer and returned to the role this year, earning trust and respect for his leadership and reliability. Tanner’s passion extends beyond the field—he helped start a student organization to increase student engagement and empowerment within LiFEsports. Whether in athletics or community work, Tanner leads with determination, resilience, and heart. Add a little bit of bodytextReflecting on my three years at LiFEsports, I’ve not onlygrown as a social worker, but as a person; gaining deeperempathy, sharper skills, and renewed passion forempowering youth and building stronger communities. Iappreciate my time with LiFEsports, and I am grateful that Iwas able to grow with this program!”- Tanner Watson, Track & Field Student-Athlete &LiFEsports M.S.W. Field Placement StudentTANNER WATSON: FROM THE TRACKTO COMMUNITY IMPACTTanner joined us in summer 2022 and has been a strong force ever since.With a bachelor’s in Sport Industry and a master’s in Social Work, heblends athletic discipline with a passion for community impact. Adedicated track and field athlete for the past six years, Tanner specializesin discus and has overcome multiple injuries to continue competing.His commitment to youth development led him to work with our Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) for ayear, where he helped mentor and support young leaders. He also served as site manager at Linden lastsummer and returned to the role this year, earning trust and respect for his leadership and reliability.Tanner’s passion extends beyond the field—he helped start a student organization to increase studentengagement and empowerment within LiFEsports. Whether in athletics or community work, Tanner leadswith determination, resilience, and heart.
LiFEsports distinguishes itself from traditional sports-based youth development programs through itsdedicated focus on exploring how and why such programs influence youth development. Each year,LiFEsports actively involves faculty, staff, and students from Ohio State University and partnerinstitutions in research and evaluation studies. Check out a few of our research accomplishments thisyear!RESEARCHLEARNING WHAT WORKS...Coaches with the strongest career winning percentages share a common trait:holistic coach training.The article "Coach Training Participation and Athlete Life Skill Development"examines how structured coach education, like Coach Beyond, influences youthathlete development. Analyzing data from 7,354 coaches, it finds that trainedcoaches are more likely to foster life skills in athletes, beyond just improvingperformance. The research highlights the value of comprehensive coach training insupporting PYD through sports. Read the full article at:https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2024.2407140 The article "Long-Term Life-Skill Transfer from Sport-Based Youth DevelopmentPrograms" examines the factors influencing long-term social skill transfer andapplication among positive youth development program participants. Keyfactors that support transfer include: socialization with other youth, staffsupport, reinforcements of skills during program activities, participation inother PYD programs, and family support. Read the full article at:https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2024.2407140 RESEARCH LiFEsports distinguishes itself from traditional sports-based youth development programs through its dedicated focus on exploring how and why such programs influence youth development. Each year, LiFEsports actively involves faculty, staff, and students from Ohio State University and partner institutions in research and evaluation studies. Check out a few of our research accomplishments this year! LEARNING WHAT WORKS... Coaches with the strongest career winning percentages share a common trait: holistic coach training. The article "Coach Training Participation and Athlete Life Skill Development" examines how structured coach education, like Coach Beyond, influences youth athlete development. Analyzing data from 7,354 coaches, it finds that trained coaches are more likely to foster life skills in athletes, beyond just improving performance. The research highlights the value of comprehensive coach training in supporting PYD through sports. Read the full article at: https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2024.2407140 The article "Long-Term Life-Skill Transfer from Sport-Based Youth Development Programs" examines the factors influencing long-term social skill transfer and application among positive youth development program participants. Key factors that support transfer include: socialization with other youth, staff support, reinforcements of skills during program activities, participation in other PYD programs, and family support. Read the full article at: https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2024.2407140
8 peer-reviewed journal articles 1 book chapter 11 9 published graduate students research presentations EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN COACHING BEHAVIORS AND STUDENT-ATHLETE BURNOUT Emily Nothnagle, a current MSW/PhD student in the College of Social Work, successfully completed a Master’s thesis using opportunities provided through the LiFEsports. Emily’s research explored the powerful impact of coach behavior and the coach-athlete relationship on the mental health of college athletes. Her findings are both insightful and encouraging: When athletes have strong, positive relationships with their coaches, they’re less likely to experience burnout, and are better protected against symptoms of depression and anxiety. As a past collegiate athlete at Ohio State, Emily brings a unique perspective to this important work— highlighting just how crucial supportive coaching environments are in the world of sports. 8peer-reviewed journal articlesEXPLORING THE LINK BETWEENCOACHING BEHAVIORS ANDSTUDENT-ATHLETE BURNOUTEmily Nothnagle, a current MSW/PhD student in the College of SocialWork, successfully completed a Master’s thesis using opportunitiesprovided through the LiFEsports. Emily’s research explored the powerful impact of coach behavior and the coach-athlete relationship onthe mental health of college athletes. Her findings are both insightful and encouraging: When athleteshave strong, positive relationships with their coaches, they’re less likely to experience burnout, and arebetter protected against symptoms of depression and anxiety.As a past collegiate athlete at Ohio State, Emily brings a unique perspective to this important work—highlighting just how crucial supportive coaching environments are in the world of sports. research impact 1book chapter11 9published graduate studentsresearchpresentations
OUR OPPORTUNITIES LiFEsports uses summer camps and follow-up clinics to give kids positive sport experiences. The model has been tested, refined, and expanded into schools and community sites, showing real potential to grow even further. But with rising costs and commercialization, too many kids are being left out of quality sports opportunities. That’s why continuing to share our research, impact, and story is so important. LiFEsports is committed to continuing to expand our reach and serve additional youth both locally and across the nation through the replication of our model. Coach Beyond is helping change the game for coaches, student-athletes, and sport leaders across Ohio and beyond, partnering with groups like OHSAA, Project Play, and the Susan Crown Exchange. Together, we’re working to improve school and community sports nationwide. At the same time, youth sports are becoming more professionalized while mental health concerns for kids are on the rise. This makes it more critical than ever to train and support the next generation of coaches, social workers, and educators—along with offering ongoing development for those already working with young people. LiFEsports is committed to sustaining Coach Beyond work in Ohio as well as expanding it through partnerships to additional states! EXPANDING SPORT ACCESS PREPARING THE YOUTH SPORT WORKFORCE LiFEsports is committed to sharing what we learn across the U.S.! OUR OPPORTUNITIESLiFEsports uses summer camps and follow-up clinics to give kidspositive sport experiences. The model has been tested, refined,and expanded into schools and community sites, showing realpotential to grow even further. But with rising costs andcommercialization, too many kids are being left out of qualitysports opportunities. That’s why continuing to share ourresearch, impact, and story is so important. LiFEsports iscommitted to continuing to expand our reach and serveadditional youth both locally and across the nation through thereplication of our model. Coach Beyond is helping change the game for coaches, student-athletes, and sport leaders across Ohio and beyond, partnering withgroups like OHSAA, Project Play, and the Susan Crown Exchange.Together, we’re working to improve school and community sportsnationwide. At the same time, youth sports are becoming moreprofessionalized while mental health concerns for kids are on therise. This makes it more critical than ever to train and support thenext generation of coaches, social workers, and educators—alongwith offering ongoing development for those already working withyoung people. LiFEsports is committed to sustaining Coach Beyondwork in Ohio as well as expanding it through partnerships toadditional states! EXPANDING SPORT ACCESSPREPARING THE YOUTH SPORT WORKFORCELiFEsports is committed to sharing what we learn across the U.S.!
FY 25 FINANCIAL OUTLOOK 53% 33% 6% 5% 3% 19% 70% 3% 8% Outreach & Youth-Serving Programs Coach Beyond & Teaching Research Development & Marketing Administration MAJOR EXPENSES University Grants Fundraising Earned Income Total: $1,821,488 SOURCES OF INCOME Partnerships are central to our success. LiFEsports collaborates with local and state government, schools, non-profits, sport and youth organizations, professional teams, philanthropies, and corporate partners, including the City of Columbus, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Columbus Foundation, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Susan Crown Foundation, Rusty Bucket, and the ADAMH Board of Franklin County, among others. These champions make our work possible. We couldn’t accomplish as much as we do without their support and that of many others in our community. As part of Ohio State, LiFEsports has the opportunity to continue to grow these community partnerships to increase the impact of the University in our local community. DEEPEN OUR PARTNERSHIPS FY 25 FINANCIAL OUTLOOK53%33%6%5% 3%19%70%3%8%MAJOR EXPENSESOutreach & Youth-Serving ProgramsCoach Beyond & TeachingResearchDevelopment & MarketingAdministrationSOURCES OF INCOMEUniversityGrantsFundraisingEarned IncomeTotal: $1,821,488Partnerships are central to our success. LiFEsports collaborateswith local and state government, schools, non-profits, sport andyouth organizations, professional teams, philanthropies, andcorporate partners, including the City of Columbus, ColumbusMetropolitan Housing Authority, the Columbus Blue Jackets, theColumbus Foundation, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Susan CrownFoundation, Rusty Bucket, and the ADAMH Board of FranklinCounty, among others. These champions make our work possible.We couldn’t accomplish as much as we do without their supportand that of many others in our community. As part of Ohio State,LiFEsports has the opportunity to continue to grow thesecommunity partnerships to increase the impact of the University inour local community. DEEPEN OUR PARTNERSHIPS
ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS HALL OF FAME ($50,000+) FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK ($250+) STARTER ($1,500+) ROOKIE ($750+) MVP ($10,000+) CHAMPION ($25,000+) ALL-STAR ($5,000+) City of Columbus Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority Dick’s Sporting Goods Engage Central Ohio Hillsdale Fund, Inc. Ohio Department of Education & Workforce Development Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services Ohio State Energy Partners Susan Crown Exchange The Ohio State University, College of Social Work The Ohio State University, Department of Athletics The Ohio State University, Department of Recreational Sports The Ohio State University, Office of Outreach and Engagement ADAMH Board of Franklin County Columbus City Schools Franklin County Office of Juvenile Justice Lindy Infante Foundation William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis, & William C Davis Foundation Phil Anglim Columbus Youth Foundation Dublin City Schools Good Sports Huntington National Bank Northwoods Foundation Richard C. & Nanciann Kaufman Ninde Fund United Way of Central Ohio Big Lots Foundation Columbus Equipment Company Columbus Foundation - Anonymous Fund Encova Foundation of Ohio Fitzsimonds Charitable Trust Flag Football Fanatics Alicia Maynard Mellissa & Jonathan Kass Philanthropic Fund Southeast Lions Club The Gordon Flesch Charitable Foundation, Inc. Do It for 19 LLC Mark and Nicole Flesh Charitable Fund Marsha Temple Pitney Bowes Dawn Anderson-Butcher & Charles Butcher Frank Courtney Daniel & Kim Emmenegger Mark Flesh Jeffrey and Theresa Heaphy Charitable Fund Library Design Associates LLC Ryan Logan Mona A Fray Sunshine Fund Bill Nolan Debbie Pfeiffer & Jeffrey Kramer QJ Holdings LLC Jim Sauter Whiteboard Marketing LLC Anthony Amorose Jerry & Kim Bean Brian & Jodi Bergere Mike Broman Tasha & Max Childs James Craft Kristina Daiker Peter & Lisa Davies Alex & Ashley DeFEo Dublin Lions Club, Inc. Randy & Corinne Evans Debra Gleason Thomas Gregoire Tanya & Abdiwahid Gure Clark May Luke & Lindsay McComas Tigran & Rebecca Mdivanian Stacy & Michael Nelson Robert & Eileen Papotto Jai Perrin Ed Ramsey Ryan Schmiesing Rhonda & Thomas Stemmer Dave & Sara Van Slyke ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONSHALL OF FAME ($50,000+)FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK ($250+)STARTER ($1,500+)ROOKIE ($750+)MVP ($10,000+)CHAMPION ($25,000+)ALL-STAR ($5,000+)City of ColumbusColumbus Metropolitan Housing AuthorityDick’s Sporting GoodsEngage Central OhioHillsdale Fund, Inc. Ohio Department of Education & Workforce DevelopmentOhio Department of Mental Health & Addiction ServicesOhio State Energy PartnersSusan Crown ExchangeThe Ohio State University, College of Social WorkThe Ohio State University, Department of AthleticsThe Ohio State University, Department of Recreational SportsThe Ohio State University, Office of Outreach and EngagementADAMH Board of Franklin CountyColumbus City SchoolsFranklin County Office of Juvenile JusticeLindy Infante FoundationWilliam H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis, & William C Davis FoundationPhil AnglimColumbus Youth FoundationDublin City SchoolsGood SportsHuntington National BankNorthwoods FoundationRichard C. & Nanciann Kaufman Ninde FundUnited Way of Central OhioBig Lots FoundationColumbus Equipment CompanyColumbus Foundation - Anonymous FundEncova Foundation of OhioFitzsimonds Charitable TrustFlag Football FanaticsAlicia MaynardMellissa & Jonathan Kass Philanthropic FundSoutheast Lions ClubThe Gordon Flesch Charitable Foundation, Inc.Do It for 19 LLCMark and Nicole Flesh Charitable FundMarsha TemplePitney BowesDawn Anderson-Butcher & Charles Butcher Frank CourtneyDaniel & Kim EmmeneggerMark FleshJeffrey and Theresa Heaphy Charitable FundLibrary Design Associates LLCRyan LoganMona A Fray Sunshine Fund Bill NolanDebbie Pfeiffer & Jeffrey KramerQJ Holdings LLCJim SauterWhiteboard Marketing LLCAnthony AmoroseJerry & Kim BeanBrian & Jodi BergereMike BromanTasha & Max ChildsJames CraftKristina DaikerPeter & Lisa DaviesAlex & Ashley DeFEoDublin Lions Club, Inc.Randy & Corinne EvansDebra GleasonThomas GregoireTanya & Abdiwahid GureClark MayLuke & Lindsay McComasTigran & Rebecca MdivanianStacy & Michael NelsonRobert & Eileen PapottoJai PerrinEd RamseyRyan SchmiesingRhonda & Thomas StemmerDave & Sara Van Slyke
OUR TEAM ADVISORY COUNCIL Dr. Jerome Davis | Co-Executive Director Dr. Dawn Anderson-Butcher | Co-Executive Director Dr. Samantha Bates | Director of Research & Coach Beyond Rebecca Wade-Mdivanian | Associate Director Catelen Ramsey | Assistant Director, Outreach Programs Dr. Kylee Ault-Baker | Assistant Director, Coach Beyond Joe Ingram III | Senior Program Manager Tommy Papotto | Senior Program Manager Sydney Mack | PhD Student Emily Nothnagle | PhD Student Quinten Kimble | Adams Site Manager Chelsea Moore | Beatty Site Manager Claire Sobecki | Dublin Site Manager Tanner Watson | Linden Site Manager Phil Anglim, Retired, JP Morgan Chase Donald Anthony, Head Coach, OSU Fencing Jennie Babcock, Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs, OSU College of Social Work Jon Berniger, Financial Strategist, First Financial Group Michael Childs, Vice President, Community Development Director, United Midwest Savings Bank Kenton Curtis Jr., Assistant Director, City of Columbus Department of Recreation & Parks Kristi Daiker, Venture Partner, Refinery Ventures Dr. Kevin Dixon, Retired, ADAMH Board of Franklin County Corinne Evans, Executive Director, Engage Central Ohio Nettie Ferguson Community, Prevention Manager, ADAMH Board of Franklin County Matt Flamer, Vice President, Huntington National Bank Dr. Thomas Gregoire, Associate Professor, OSU College of Social Work Kevin Griffin, Associate Vice President of Brand Engagement, Services, & Partnerships, OSU Department of Athletics Tony Groh, National Account Manager, The AZEK Company Stephanie Infante, President, The Lindy Infante Foundation Dr. David Jenkins, Dean, OSU College of Social Work Melissa Kass, Philanthropist Kacy King, Director, OSU Student Athlete Support Services Office Ryan Logan, Senior Purchasing Manager, Worthington Industries Andre Love, Director, OSU Department of Recreational Sports Todd Markiewicz, President and General Manager, CBus Media Group; WLVQ, WSNY, WNND, WVMX Bill Nolan, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP Brianne Parnell, Extended Learning Supervisor, Columbus City Schools Andre Partee, Chief Executive Officer, EVOLVE WITH Debbie Pfeiffer, President, Pitney Bowes Presort Services Erik Porfeli, Chair, OSU Department of Human Sciences Jim Sauter, Vice President & Operating Partner, The Rusty Bucket Katie Smith, Assistant Coach, OSU Women’s Basketball Ralph Smithers Jr., Assistant Vice President of Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations, Encova Insurance Dale Smythe, Regional Vice President, Workday, Inc. Dave VanSlyke, Associate Attorney, Plunkett Cooney OUR TEAMADVISORY COUNCILDr. Jerome Davis | Co-Executive Director Dr. Dawn Anderson-Butcher | Co-Executive Director Dr. Samantha Bates | Director of Research & Coach Beyond Rebecca Wade-Mdivanian | Associate Director Catelen Ramsey | Assistant Director, Outreach Programs Dr. Kylee Ault-Baker | Assistant Director, Coach Beyond Joe Ingram III | Senior Program ManagerTommy Papotto | Senior Program ManagerSydney Mack | PhD Student Emily Nothnagle | PhD Student Quinten Kimble | Adams Site Manager Chelsea Moore | Beatty Site Manager Claire Sobecki | Dublin Site Manager Tanner Watson | Linden Site Manager Phil Anglim, Retired, JP Morgan ChaseDonald Anthony, Head Coach, OSU FencingJennie Babcock, Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs, OSU College of Social WorkJon Berniger, Financial Strategist, First Financial Group Michael Childs, Vice President, Community Development Director, United Midwest Savings Bank Kenton Curtis Jr., Assistant Director, City of Columbus Department of Recreation & Parks Kristi Daiker, Venture Partner, Refinery Ventures Dr. Kevin Dixon, Retired, ADAMH Board of Franklin County Corinne Evans, Executive Director, Engage Central Ohio Nettie Ferguson Community, Prevention Manager, ADAMH Board of Franklin County Matt Flamer, Vice President, Huntington National Bank Dr. Thomas Gregoire, Associate Professor, OSU College of Social Work Kevin Griffin, Associate Vice President of Brand Engagement, Services, & Partnerships, OSU Department of Athletics Tony Groh, National Account Manager, The AZEK Company Stephanie Infante, President, The Lindy Infante Foundation Dr. David Jenkins, Dean, OSU College of Social Work Melissa Kass, Philanthropist Kacy King, Director, OSU Student Athlete Support Services Office Ryan Logan, Senior Purchasing Manager, Worthington Industries Andre Love, Director, OSU Department of Recreational Sports Todd Markiewicz, President and General Manager, CBus Media Group; WLVQ, WSNY, WNND, WVMX Bill Nolan, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP Brianne Parnell, Extended Learning Supervisor, Columbus City Schools Andre Partee, Chief Executive Officer, EVOLVE WITHDebbie Pfeiffer, President, Pitney Bowes Presort Services Erik Porfeli, Chair, OSU Department of Human Sciences Jim Sauter, Vice President & Operating Partner, The Rusty Bucket Katie Smith, Assistant Coach, OSU Women’s BasketballRalph Smithers Jr., Assistant Vice President of Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations, Encova Insurance Dale Smythe, Regional Vice President, Workday, Inc. Dave VanSlyke, Associate Attorney, Plunkett Cooney
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