Scranton Golfers Shine a Light on Mental Health Awareness at Pine Hills

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | September 4, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

Taylor, Pa. – The John Malvizzi Foundation’s mission to bring mental health awareness into local athletics took center stage Thursday afternoon at Pine Hills Golf Course, where the Scranton Knights boys golf team partnered with the Foundation during their Lackawanna League match against Riverside.

A Night for Awareness

Scranton golfers carried a larger message alongside their play. Each athlete wore a green ribbon and received a green towel for their golf bag, featuring affirmations such as “You Matter,” “Be Kind to Your Mind,” and “Mental Health Matters.” The color green served as a unifying symbol for mental health awareness, creating a powerful reminder that student well-being reaches far beyond competition.

The John Malvizzi Foundation continues to grow its impact by partnering with schools and athletic programs across the region. These events are flexible, free of charge, and designed to highlight mental health while encouraging students, families, and communities to recognize its importance.

The Match

On the scorecard, Riverside secured the team win by a 143–175 margin. Kyle Connor led all golfers with a low round of 34, while teammates Ben Kulikowski (35) and Jacob O’Brien (36) followed close behind.

For Scranton, Drew Leonori finished with a 40, while Gabe Longworth posted a 43. Despite the outcome on the course, the Knights’ commitment to raising awareness defined the evening.

Looking Ahead

The Pine Hills golf match is just one of several awareness games planned for 2025. The Foundation already has volleyball and football events scheduled this fall, with more opportunities on the horizon. Executive Director Nina Judge and her team continue to welcome additional schools and programs interested in joining the effort.

How You Can Get Involved

Schools, coaches, and athletic directors are invited to bring similar events to their communities by partnering with the Malvizzi Foundation.

Fill out the inquiry form here: Host an Awareness Game

For more on the Foundation’s mission, visit www.johnmalvizzifoundation.com.

One Message, One Mission

Awareness nights like the one at Pine Hills show how powerful sports can be in creating conversations that matter. With more events already scheduled and opportunities for additional schools to take part, the John Malvizzi Foundation continues to build momentum around a simple but essential truth: mental health matters, and every student deserves to know it.

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