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Christine Pinalto

Christine Pinalto

Christine Pinalto is the co-founder and Executive Director of Sidelined USA. The organization was founded by Christine and her son, Cade Pinalto, a teen athlete sidelined by a heart condition. They identified a lack of resources available for sidelined athletes and their parents and together, they started Sidelined USA to support these athletes in making the mental shift toward acceptance and to inspire them to re-engage with the sports world through alternate avenues.

Because athletes who have been medically disqualified are at high risk for further mental health implications, providing ATs with special resources to support a healthy psychological recovery is extremely valuable. Sidelined USA serves as a knowledge base for ATs and a place to refer their MDQ athletes for specialized support.

Through Sidelined USA’s program, permanently sidelined athletes and their families are offered free coping resources, social support, and mentorship opportunities.

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  • SIDELINED: Helping Athletes Adapt and Thrive after Medically Forced Exit from Sport
    Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits

    The transition following unanticipated and involuntary exit from sport is described as disruptive and traumatic. Understanding the patterns of psychological response for athletes no longer able to compete due to career-ending injury, health condition, or concussion is essential to patient care. Medically disqualified athletes experience a range of emotional responses such as grief, identity loss, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This presentation will address the psychological and social domains for athletes experiencing MDQ, implications for loss of athletic identity, and risk of related mental health concerns. Emphasis on research and practical methodology to support these athletes in their transition.