May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of emotional well-being in every area of life, including youth sports. At Moore-Myers Children’s Fund, we believe developing strong mental skills is just as important as building physical strength and technique. That’s why we were honored to welcome Dr. William Kitchings, PhD a respected expert in sports psychology, to lead a special workshop for our Eagles.

Dr. Kitchings guided our student-athletes through an engaging session on the role of self-talk in performance and personal growth. He introduced them to the powerful concept of the Three R’s—a simple but effective mental strategy to help athletes manage negative thoughts and stay focused under pressure:

• Recognize – Notice when you’re thinking something unhelpful or negative.

• Release – Take a deep breath and let the thought go.

• Refocus – Shift your mind to what you want to do next.

These tools help young athletes build mental resilience, handle setbacks, and improve focus skills that are valuable on the course and in life. Dr. Kitchings emphasized that mastering the mental game is a key part of reaching one’s full potential, and our Eagles walked away empowered and inspired.

As we reflect on Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reminded that taking care of the mind is just as critical as training the body. Through workshops like this, we continue to support our young athletes in becoming confident, well-rounded individuals—on and off the golf course.