Physical and mental health are intertwined. Developing healthy athletes requires an understanding of young athletes’ physical, mental, social, and emotional health--that was the consensus of the four experts PCA gathered for an in-depth conversation in the Murr Center Varsity Room overlooking Harvard Stadium, on July 11 before PCA’s annual Harvard Stadium Stampede.
Sports medicine, strength, conditioning, pliability, injury prevention, coach education, and the mental side of the game were all topics in a lively, engaging conversation led by PCA Board Member and Managing Director of Porchlight Equity, David Krauser, a former Amherst College baseball player and now a sports parent and youth coach. Joining David were:
Dr. John McCarthy, Boston University, Institute for Athletic Coach Education, who focuses on coaching and how to develop young athletes both physically and in social, emotional skills through sports.
Dr. Jessica Flynn, Sports Medicine Physician at Lahey Hospital, seeks to prevent athletic injuries and treats the whole athlete. She works with athletes of all ages, especially adolescents, and the mental, social and emotional issues that come with injuries.
James Castrello, CAT, CSCS, The TB12 Head Body Coach, helps athletes age 4 to 80+, and has a passion for working with kids, developing a relationship with them to help teach them what they need to become their best selves.
Seitu Smith, M. Ed., Brown University, Assistant Coach, Quarterbacks, grew up playing football in South Florida, is a former Harvard football player, and now coaches football at Brown University. Seitu appreciates the challenges facing kids on the road to college athletics.
Click below to see highlights from the 2019 Harvard Stadium Stampede.
LEARN MOREHere are a few highlights of moments from the conversation, captured in the full-length video.
SPECIALIZATION
Dr. Flynn:
Dr. McCarthy:
Seitu Smith:
STRENGTH TRAINING
James Castrello:
Dr. McCarthy:
RECOVERY
James Castrello:
Dr. McCarthy and Seitu Smith:
Dr. Flynn:
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS AS A SOCIAL ACTIVITY, A PLACE TO BELONG
Dr. Flynn:
Seitu Smith:
Dr. McCarthy:
With that, the group headed out to Harvard Stadium to join a very positive group of 250+ people for PCA’s STADIUM STAMPEDE, a work out and celebration of the power of sports done right to build the character, resilience, grit, leadership and so much more that kids need to succeed on the field, and in life.
WATCH THE FULL PANEL BELOW: