Sand volleyball tourney for early-career professions works to ‘Spike the Stigma’ on mental health

Joining the workforce is no walk on the beach, said Mark Potts, but give him and his teammates a few hours in the sun and sand on a Saturday afternoon and it could be. 

“Nobody is on their journey alone,” said Potts, president of the Go Further Foundation, explaining the organization’s purpose and its goal to bridge gaps between personal and professional development for those in the early stages of their career. 

Champion team photo from a previous Go Further Foundation sand volleyball event

The organization is guided by a commitment to mental wellness and the role the workplace can play in better supporting those navigating mental health experiences. Potts and his partners are set to take such a mission to the court Sept. 16 at Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball, 19800 Johnson Drive, with the return of Go Further’s annual Bump, Set, Spike the Stigma event. 

“Our team is super proud of this event and the stage is set for this year to be our biggest yet,” Potts said.

Click here to learn more about the Go Further Foundation.

The event places special emphasis on suicide prevention amid suicide awareness month. 

“It’s about spreading the word,” Potts said, noting the organization has grown exponentially over the past four years, better connecting young people to resources and techniques that can help them overcome mental health experiences or find community with others navigating them. 

“My favorite part [of the tournament] is seeing the friendships that bloom that otherwise wouldn’t have,” he continued, referencing the organization’s year-long commitment to fostering connectivity through league play in intramural sports — a way of easing the transition between high school or college and the workforce. 

Go Further Foundation summer social event

“It’s amazing to see the high fives, comeraderie, and relationships built through these activities, Potts explained, adding a number of speed bumps could make or break careers. Go Further and its peer-to-peer network hope to smooth the transition. 

“Whether joining a startup or another company, young professionals have to navigate a difficult journey. Sometimes expectations aren’t met. The dream job doesn’t end up being the dream job [and] you get laid off — a global pandemic hits. GFF exists to help young professionals through those speed bumps, to break down those walls, and to be a helping hand up when you’ve fallen down.”

Potts believes the event could also serve as an opportunity for corporate teams and leaders to learn more about the experiences of their younger teammates. 

“Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned professional there’s opportunity to get involved and make an impact at Go Further Foundation,” he said. “… We’re always looking for dynamic executive coaches to come and speak to our group, so if there’s a topic you’re passionate about we’d love to talk to you.”

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