HARROGATE, Tenn. — Lincoln Memorial University Athletics will host its annual Railsplitter Strong Student-Athlete Wellness Program on Thursday, Sept. 17, bringing together the university's student-athlete population for an evening focused on education, personal development and overall well-being.
This year's event marks the third consecutive year and fifth consecutive semester that LMU Athletics has provided the educational program for its student-athletes. Railsplitter Strong continues to provide student-athletes with practical information and resources designed to help them navigate the challenges they may face both during their collegiate careers and beyond.
"I'm very proud of this program and how it has been received by our student-athletes," said Don Grigsby, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance & Wellness. "We've seen tremendous progress over the past several years, and I believe that speaks to the importance of continuing to provide our student-athletes with education and resources that address the whole person — not just the athlete."
Grigsby is especially excited about this semester's speakers and the topics they will bring to LMU student-athletes.
"I'm extremely excited about this semester's speakers and the topics they will be addressing," Grigsby said. "Each speaker brings a unique perspective and professional experience, and these are conversations that can have a lasting impact on our student-athletes. Our goal is to give them information they can use now, while also preparing them for life after college athletics."
Addressing the Needs of Every Class
The Railsplitter Strong program will feature speakers and topics specifically designed for different stages of the student-athlete experience.
First-year student-athletes will hear from Denise West, Executive Director of the Claiborne County Family Justice Center, who will address the important topic of sexual violence. West has worked in advocacy since 2012, beginning her career in aging services before moving into victim advocacy and community response. She joined the Claiborne County Family Justice Center in 2021 and has served in several roles, including Law Enforcement Victim Coordinator and Coordinated Community Response Specialist, before becoming Executive Director.
Second-year student-athletes will hear from Larra Williams, LCSW, on alcohol and substance abuse in college athletes. Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Kentucky and Tennessee with 26 years in the profession, including 14 years providing mental health services and three years at LMU. Her professional experience includes outpatient services for children, inpatient mental health services for adults and 10 years working with adults in addiction treatment. She also holds specialty certifications in addiction treatment and grief counseling.
Third-year student-athletes will focus on nutrition and performance, with Eddie Reymond, owner and founder of Eddie's Health Shoppe, joined by Stephen Manners. Reymond has more than two decades of experience in the health, wellness and sports nutrition industry. He opened his first Health Shoppe in Knoxville in the mid-1990s and has since helped thousands of athletes and customers pursue their health and performance goals. Through Eddie's Health Shoppe, Reymond has conducted more than 6,000 nutritional consultations and worked with more than 1,000 professional athletes. He has also helped formulate sports nutrition products, including the Athlete's Recovery protein powder, and is the founder of Knoxville-based ZenEvo Chocolate.
Joining Reymond will be Stephen Manners, who specializes in nutrition planning for military personnel preparing for Special Forces selection and currently works with nearly 60 clients. Manners is also pursuing a degree in dietetics at the University of Tennessee and has participated in numerous educational presentations with Eddie.
Senior and graduate student-athletes will hear from Jazzy Oates on "Life After Sports." Oates currently serves as a Mental Performance Specialist with the University of Louisville Athletic Department, where she works with student-athletes, coaches and support staff to develop mental skills that enhance performance both in and beyond sport. She has also worked with military service members, providing resilience and mental performance training.
A former LMU student-athlete and graduate, Oates holds a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from Lincoln Memorial University, a master's degree in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology from Barry University and a master's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Austin Peay State University. She is also a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Continuing the Railsplitter Strong Tradition
The Railsplitter Strong Wellness Program is part of LMU Athletics' ongoing commitment to supporting the physical, mental and emotional well-being of its student-athletes.
By bringing professionals from mental health, victim advocacy, addiction treatment, nutrition, performance psychology and other areas directly to student-athletes, the program continues to expand the definition of what it means to support the whole student-athlete.
"We want our student-athletes to understand that being a successful college athlete is about much more than what happens between the lines," Grigsby said. "It's about making good decisions, taking care of yourself, developing healthy relationships, understanding your mental health and preparing for the person you want to become after your playing career is over."
"We are extremely excited about this semester's speakers and topics, and we're grateful for their willingness to invest their time and expertise in our student-athletes!
The Railsplitter Strong Student-Athlete Wellness Program will take place Thursday, Sept. 17, from 7–8 p.m.
