Alex Eldridge

Empowering the Whole Athlete

My name is Alex Eldridge, and I am a student-athlete, honor student, and mental wellness advocate determined to create change in youth sports. My journey has taught me that leadership is not just about titles or talent; it’s about serving others, especially when times are hard. That belief fuels my career goal: to become a sports management professional who designs mental wellness programs for young athletes and transforms how schools and communities support them.

Volleyball has been my passion and my sanctuary. It’s where I’ve found confidence, discipline, and resilience. But during my senior year, I faced an unexpected challenge. A shift in coaching style shook the foundation I had built. For the first time, I questioned my value and struggled to find my voice. In that difficult season, I leaned on my faith, redefined my identity as a leader, and discovered a deeper purpose; one that extends far beyond the court.

That experience opened my eyes to a reality many student-athletes face: mental health challenges often go unspoken and unsupported. I knew I couldn’t be the only one feeling the pressure of performance, the sting of self-doubt, or the fear of not being enough. I realized that physical training alone isn’t enough, we must also nurture the minds and hearts of young athletes.

To take action, I created a program called The VIBE—Volleyball, Identity, Balance, and Empowerment. It’s an after-school initiative that connects college and high school athletes with underserved youth. Through volleyball, we will teach confidence-building, mindfulness, emotional awareness, and leadership. The goal is to empower the whole athlete; not just their performance, but their sense of self and belonging.

This is the foundation and passion for my future. I plan to major in Sports Management with a focus on the psychosocial aspects of athletics. I want to study how mental health, identity, race, and gender intersect in sports and use that knowledge to design supportive programming in schools, recreation centers, and athletic organizations. My dream is to lead initiatives that promote resilience, inclusion, and emotional well-being across all levels of youth sports.

Service has always been part of my life. In addition to athletics, I’ve taken AP and honors courses, received Academic All-Conference honors for four years, and earned the CAV Award for my leadership and character. I organized a school-wide blood drive, served in leadership roles through Jack and Jill of America, and used every opportunity to give back to my peers and my community. I know my ability to keep serving depends on my ability to keep learning and that’s where I need help.

Despite all my hard work, I have not yet received any funding for college. My family and I are doing everything we can, but the entire cost is beyond our reach. The Darrelle Revis Foundation Scholarship would not only allow me to attend college, it would open the door to a future where I can lead change, serve others, and create safe, supportive environments for athletes like me. With your support, I can turn a painful personal experience into a powerful purpose that impacts lives far beyond my own.

I am ready to rise to the challenge. I am ready to lead with heart, serve with purpose, and build a future where every young athlete is seen, heard, and supported…on and off the court.

Thank you for believing in students like me.

For your convenience, check out my video essay here.