At Girls on the Run, we believe that every girl deserves to feel joyful, healthy, and confident—not just in how she moves, but in how she feels. That’s why partnerships that support the whole girl—mentally, emotionally, and physically—are so meaningful to our mission.
The Sarah Shulze Foundation is one of those partners.
Turning Loss into Purpose
The Sarah Shulze Foundation was created by Scott and Brigitte Shulze after the tragic loss of their daughter, Sarah, in April 2022. In the face of unimaginable grief, they chose to turn loss into purpose.
Today, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting the mental health of student-athletes. Through education, advocacy, and open conversations, their work helps ensure that no athlete feels alone.
At its heart, the Foundation is about connection—helping young people feel seen, supported, and understood. It’s a mission that reflects a powerful truth: mental health matters just as much as physical performance.
Creating Space for Girls and Women to Thrive
In the Madison community, the Sarah Shulze Foundation focuses on the areas that mattered most to Sarah—mental health, student-athlete support, and women’s empowerment.
Through partnerships with local organizations, the Foundation brings resources and conversations directly into the community. From mental health education to open dialogue events, their work helps reduce stigma and build environments where girls and young women feel valued and heard.
This commitment goes deeper than programming. It’s about creating a culture where girls are supported as whole people—on and off the field—and where they are equipped to thrive in every part of their lives.
Why This Partnership Matters
The partnership between Girls on the Run and the Sarah Shulze Foundation is a natural fit.
Both organizations are committed to nurturing the whole athlete. At Girls on the Run, participants build confidence, connection, and life skills through movement and mentorship. The Sarah Shulze Foundation complements this by focusing on mental health awareness and support for student-athletes.
There’s also a meaningful connection between our communities. Many of Sarah’s teammates were once Girls on the Run participants in their hometowns. It’s where they first discovered a love of running—making this partnership especially personal and full circle.
Together, we share a common goal: to reach girls early and reinforce that their well-being, confidence, and self-worth matter just as much as performance.
A Message for Young Athletes
To every girl and young athlete:
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
You deserve support. You deserve to feel seen. And you are never alone.
Turning Care Into Action
What inspires the Foundation’s members and volunteers is both deeply personal and widely shared. Many are motivated by Sarah’s story and a desire to ensure that no young athlete feels alone in their struggles.
Others are driven by their own experiences or the impact they see in their communities. They witness the power of open conversations, access to resources, and supportive environments—and it moves them to act.
Together, they are turning care into action and honoring Sarah’s legacy every day.
Get Involved
If you’re inspired by this work, there are many ways to get involved. Learn more about programs, events, and ways to support the mission by visiting: www.sarahshulzefoundation.org
You can also follow along on social media at @sarahshulzefoundation to stay connected and be part of the conversation.
At Girls on the Run, we are grateful for partners who help us create spaces where girls can grow, connect, and thrive. Together, we are building a future where every girl knows her worth—and feels supported every step of the way.
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