Mental Fitness Forum 2026

To register, fill out the interest form and, once a date is selected, you are guaranteed to receive an email with the official registration link.

Mental Fitness Forum includes discussions, workshops, trainings, and activities. You’ll learn about pressing topics on mental fitness in sports.

• The clinical perspective on mental health challenges and solutions
• Insights from players, parents, and coaches on navigating mental health in sports 
• An exploration of mental health at college and professional levels, and more

Mental Fitness Forum brings together:

• Young athletes ages 13 to 18
• Coaches, athletic directors, trainers, and club administrators
• Parents
• Mental health professionals
• College coaches
• Soccer mentors
• Inspirational speakers, and more

The event includes:

• 8 AM breakfast and networking session
• A keynote presentation and additional speakers
• Expert panels for group discussions
• And more!

Our event will be in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Moderator

Suzie Pileggi Pawelski, MAPP, freelance writer and well-being consultant

Keynote Speaker

Keith Wilford, Philadelphia Union, YSC Academy Health and Wellness Coach. Keith Wilford is widely recognized throughout the Greater Philadelphia region as both an accomplished athlete and a respected educator across the Mid-Atlantic. Now gaining national prominence, Keith delivers high-energy, impactful messages to schools across the country, inspiring individuals of all ages and backgrounds to break through barriers and unlock their full potential. In addition to his speaking engagements, Keith works closely with athletes at every stage of development, equipping them with the physical and mental strength needed to excel in the next chapter of their journey.

Panelists

Panel 1: The Mind Game: Mental Wellness in Competitive Sports — Clinical and Positive Psychology Perspectives

• Dr. Ryan Connolly, Behavioral Health Medical Director, IBX
• Dr. Meghan Walls, Nemours, Public Policy Leader, Pediatric Psychologist, National Speaker, Pop Media Author
• Dr. James Pawelski, professor of practice and director of education in the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania 

Panel 2: Coach the Mind: How Coaches Shape Athlete Mental Fitness

• Colleen Finegan, Mental Performance Coach, Germantown Friends — CMPC candidate, Mental Performance Coach, Mental Wellness Educator, Athlete, Mentor, Speech-Language Pathologist
• Dr. Liz Nobis, Athletics Psychologist, U Penn
• Kevin Miller, Director of Sports Performance, Villanova
• Connor Robick, Co-Executive Director, Philadelphia International FC

Panel 3: Beyond the Pitch – Supporting the Whole Athlete

• Maddie Elwell,  Retired Professional NWSL Soccer Player, Washington Spirit, Vanderbilt University Student Athlete SEC Standout
• Julia Marrone,  Virginia Wesleyan 4 Year Student athlete, played in Division 3 Final Four, Graduate Student at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Dr. Stephany Coakley, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Mental Health, First full-time mental health specialist at Temple
• Dr. Alec Baker, Family Psychologist

• Spread the word about this event — and HeadFirst resources.
• Share your bag tag — let another player scan the QR code.
• Attend a Philadelphia Union game in May and visit our Foundation tent to show your support and learn more.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can create a world where the strength of our minds is celebrated as much as the strength of our bodies.