About Beyond The Grind
At Beyond the Grind, I believe strong athletes are built from the inside out. My mission is to promote mental wellness, resilience, and holistic development in youth sports by equipping athletes, parents, and coaches with tools that strengthen mindset, foster connection, and prevent burnout.
Who I serve:
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Youth athletes (ages 10 and up) in all sports
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Parents who want to support their athletes without overstepping
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Coaches seeking to build mentally strong, team-centered players
Whether you're on the sidelines or the field, our programs offer actionable strategies, reflection tools, and skill-building exercises that benefit the whole sports community.
My Story:
Beyond the Grind was founded by Tessa McIlraith (that's me), a District Nurse, youth sports consultant, and mom of two competitive athletes. After years of supporting student athletes both professionally and personally, I saw a growing need for mental wellness and communication tools within the youth sports world.
The program was developed during my Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness, with an emphasis on prevention science. It brings together evidence-based strategies, lived experience, and a deep commitment to helping young athletes thrive—not just compete.
Why it matters:
Too many athletes burn out, shut down, or walk away from the sports they love because the mental load becomes too heavy. Beyond the Grind gives them a toolkit for balance, purpose, and confidence—while helping the adults in their lives become better supporters and leaders.
"Beyond The Grind bridges the gap between performance and wellness—transforming pressure into growth and turning sports into a foundation for lifelong success."
