Erik Poldroo and Ivan Tchatchouwo from The Zone joined Roy Kessel and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at Super Bowl 59. Ivan and Erik shared their insights into the importance of mental wellness in athletics and how The Zone is providing innovative solutions to support athletes’ mental health and performance.
Erik Poldroo is a co-founder of The Zone, a mental wellness application dedicated to supporting athletic staff and the student-athletes they mentor. His professional journey reflects a strong commitment to enhancing mental health resources within the athletic community.
Prior to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Poldroo pursued a career in baseball. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 195 pounds, he played as an outfielder. His athletic career included time at The Beacon School in New York and collegiate baseball at Concordia College in Bronxville, NY.
Poldroo’s transition from athletics to mental health advocacy underscores his dedication to the well-being of athletes. By leveraging his sports background, he aims to address the unique challenges faced by athletic professionals and students, promoting a culture of support and resilience within the sports community.
Ivan Tchatchouwo, a Cameroonian native raised in the Bronx, New York, is the founder and CEO of The Zone, a digital wellness startup dedicated to providing accessible and personalized mental health resources to student-athletes. His journey into mental wellness advocacy began during his tenure as a collegiate basketball player and team captain at Concordia College-New York, where an injury sidelined him during his junior year. This setback led to struggles with identity and mental health, culminating in a diagnosis of depression. Recognizing that many of his peers faced similar challenges but seldom sought help, Ivan was inspired to create a platform that offers efficient and effective mental wellness support for athletes.
Under Ivan’s leadership, The Zone integrates seamlessly into athletic programs, empowering both athletes and wellness teams to achieve optimal performance and well-being. The platform addresses the rising instances of anxiety and depression among athletes by providing proactive, data-driven approaches to mental wellness, ensuring that staff have the proper tools to support their athletes. The Zone’s mission is to transform athletic wellness through innovation, challenging norms to make mental health support an essential component of athletic success.
The Zone
The Zone is a pioneering organization dedicated to transforming mental health support within athletic programs through innovative, data-driven solutions. Their comprehensive platform seamlessly integrates into existing athletic infrastructures, empowering both athletes and wellness teams to achieve optimal performance and well-being. By providing tools for mood tracking, mental performance exercises, and real-time support, The Zone addresses the unique challenges athletes face, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for success both on and off the
Founded by athletes for athletes, The Zone’s leadership team brings personal experience and passion to their mission. Co-founder and CEO Ivan Tchatchouwo, a former collegiate basketball player and team captain, faced significant mental health challenges following a career-altering injury. His journey through depression and identity crisis highlighted the silent struggles many athletes endure, inspiring the creation of The Zone to provide efficient and effective mental wellness support. Similarly, Co-founder and COO Erik Poldroo, who grappled with anxiety and stress during his college baseball career, found mindfulness practices transformative. Recognizing the widespread lack of mental wellness resources, Erik was driven to co-establish a platform dedicated to comprehensive athlete support.
The Zone’s commitment extends beyond individual athletes to encompass entire athletic programs. By prioritizing mental wellness, they assist organizations in creating environments where athletes feel valued and supported, leading to higher retention rates and a competitive edge in recruitment. Their platform’s integration of real-time analytics, external clinician access, and tailored resources amplifies a program’s ability to offer comprehensive and responsive support. This proactive approach not only enhances athletic performance but also fosters personal development, ensuring athletes thrive in all aspects of their lives.
WATCH INTERVIEW
0:01 – 0:19 – They discuss their mission of improving athlete mental health and their presence at Super Bowl 59.
0:32 – 0:49 – The Zone is in town for business meetings, partnerships, and networking. They emphasize the tight-knit nature of the sports industry and how major events create opportunities.
1:05 – 1:26 – The Zone provides mental health tools for athletes and coaching staff. Their technology helps coaches identify issues, track mental wellness, and connect players to resources.
2:08 – 2:30 – Coaches also struggle with mental health due to year-round recruitment and pressure. The Zone aims to support both athletes and coaching staff for a holistic wellness approach.
2:57 – 3:27 – Players want team-wide mental health tracking but also value privacy. The platform shows overall team wellness trends without revealing individual athlete details.
3:40 – 4:03 – Some college athletes have spoken out about privacy violations. The Zone is bridging the gap by allowing athletes to choose whom they share with while still providing organizations with critical insights.
5:53 – 6:24 – The Zone participated in NFLPA’s Pitch Day, meeting leaders in player development and business innovation. They highlight NFLPA’s commitment to supporting players holistically beyond just their playing careers.
7:12 – 7:47 – The Zone is positioned to be a leader in mental health solutions for sports. Their focus is on equitable access to mental wellness resources from youth sports to professional levels.
7:55 – 8:23 – They seek partners and organizations passionate about athlete mental wellness.
8:25 – 9:08 – Ivan picks Athlete Mental Health as his cause, sharing his personal struggles and near fall through the cracks. They place their impact cards on the Wall of Philanthropy, reinforcing their commitment to mental wellness.
