Harrogate, TN – Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Athletics held its second annual Railsplitter Strong Wellness Program last night, engaging all 470 student-athletes in a series of impactful, age-specific presentations designed to promote mental, emotional, nutritional, and physical well-being—both on and off the field, and outside the classroom. Organized by LMU's Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance and Athlete Wellness, Don Grigsby, the program brought in guest speakers and professionals from across Tennessee and beyond to address relevant and timely topics in student-athlete wellness.

"Last night's program was a hit and really hit home with many of our student-athletes," said Grigsby. "If even one of our athletes takes something they learned and implements it in their daily routine, thought process, or life, then the program was a success."

This year's program featured four breakout sessions tailored to each class level: Freshmen: Sexual Violence Awareness
Presented by Denise West, Ashley Hamilton, and their team from the Claiborne County Justice Center, the session focused on understanding consent, identifying unhealthy relationships, avoiding violence, and the importance of reporting stalking, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. The presentation sparked meaningful discussions and shared powerful statistics that resonated deeply with the first-year students. Sophomores: Alcohol & Drug Abuse in Athletics
Dr. Satoshi Mizuguchi, Program Coordinator of the Sport Science Master's Program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), delivered a compelling session on how alcohol and drug use can negatively impact athletic performance, career longevity, and mental health. His message emphasized the importance of making informed, mindful decisions in high-pressure athletic environments. Juniors: Supplementation in Sports
Eddie Reymond, owner of Eddie's Health Shoppe in Knoxville, led an informative discussion on vitamins, minerals, and supplements for general health, recovery, and athletic performance. Junior athletes were highly engaged, asking questions and gaining a clearer understanding of how to responsibly approach supplementation in their training. Seniors: Life After Sports
In a moving and interactive open forum, former college athletes shared personal stories about transitioning from competitive athletics to life beyond the game. The panel included:

• Irelynn Davisson – Former basketball player at Belmont Abbey College and LMU, now Assistant Coach for LMU Women's Basketball.
• Katherine Browning – Former LMU women's soccer captain, 2024 Lincoln Honor Court Award recipient, and current Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
• Jared Carter – Former Emory & Henry football and tennis athlete, now Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at LMU.

This session helped senior athletes begin to navigate identity shifts and career planning after sports, offering encouragement and resources for the next chapter of their lives. Looking Ahead
Grigsby noted the program's growth and importance in cultivating well-rounded student-athletes: "As a parent of former student-athletes, I know how important it is to have a university that cares not just about performance, but about people. This initiative is a testament to that. We look forward to hosting Railsplitter Strong every semester moving forward."

The Railsplitter Strong program continues to be a cornerstone of LMU's commitment to athlete wellness and personal development.