BEYOND THE GAME

Next month, Aspirus Health will host a summit centered on the mental and emotional demands athletes face and how to better support them.
“Beyond the Game: A Mental Health Summit Focused on Well-Being in Sports” will be held at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The free, one-day event will feature nationally recognized speakers alongside local experts in professional sports and clinical care, including:
• LeRoy Butler, Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame member, and Super Bowl champion.
• Jeff Olson, former Ishpeming High School coach and teacher, Michigan High School Football Coaches and U.P. Sports Hall of Fame inductee, speaker, father.

• Dr. Chris Carr, Director of Performance Psychology and Team Behavioral Health Clinician for the Green Bay Packers.
• Katey Collins, LCSW, MSW, CWP, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Aspirus Health and USA Swimming Certified Coach.
A release from Aspirus said conversations will include how to better support athletes at all levels, with particular attention to student-athletes navigating the pressures of sports today, alongside perspectives from the professional level.
“In my role with the Green Bay Packers, I see firsthand how important mental health is to performance and overall well-being,” Dr. Carr said. “Athletes are dealing with pressure and expectations that aren’t always visible, and the right support can make a real difference.”
Coaches, educators, health care professionals, parents, and community members are encouraged to attend and take part in the conversation.
“This summit is about hope, connection, and prevention for the young people in our communities,” said Heidi Pritzl, LCSW, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Aspirus Health. “My hope is that attendees leave knowing how to help athletes feel seen, supported, and never alone during difficult moments.”
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required, and continuing medical education credits (CMEs) are available for eligible professionals.
To register or learn more, visit aspirus.org/beyond-the-game.