Team Psycho

WHAT IS TEAM PSYCHO'S ELITE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM?

The Beginning: Team Psycho created the Elite Development Program (EDP) as a not-for-profit program 10 years ago when the sport of triathlon was making its Olympic debut and the funding for up-and-coming triathletes was scarce. The board and team members of Team Psycho saw an opportunity to grow, support and fund local triathletes pursuing their dream of becoming Olympians.

Team Psycho started funding athletes with potential and passion but not the structure and resources needed to get experience on the world stage. The funding was targeted to help with expenses and travel to races that would help an athlete’s world ranking, which would in turn help them qualify for the Olympic trials.

The Present: The Team Psycho EDP athletes have done incredibly well: Jarrod Shoemaker was one of only 6 U.S. triathletes to make the 2008 Olympic Triathlon team. Currently, all 3 of our EDP athletes - Jarrod Shoemaker, Alicia Shoemaker, Ethan Brown - have the potential to make the 2012 team.

The Future: Team Psycho desires to expand the reach of EDP and broaden the scope of the program. We want to reach more people and have a greater impact on all of those involved.

With that broader mantra in mind, EDP will branch out with 2 new programs.

First and foremost, EDP wants to focus on youth to highlight key themes of goal-setting, healthy lifestyles and personal achievement. EDP will continue to support the Lincoln Kids Tri, and this year will expand that initiative to reach kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in a sport like triathlon. EDP will partner with Bill Burnett and Streamline Events to add a kids race to the Boston Triathlon. EDP will cover entry fees as well as secure bicycles for any participants who don't have access to a bicycle and helmet.

Team Psycho and current EDP athletes will work with the Dorchester Boys & Girls Club, hosting a series of clinics to prepare kids for the August race.

In a second initiative, EDP will partner with Bill Burnett and Streamline Productions to use the Cohasset Triathlon as a focus race to identify upcoming talent at the junior level. There will be a Team Psycho EDP wave, open to athletes under 22 years of age. Winners of this wave will receive a combination of prize money and product support through EDP. These athletes will then be paired with our existing EDP athletes in an effort to mentor the next generation of professional triathletes.

The Harpoon B2B Ride is a key source of funding for EDP. Team Psycho and EDP value our relationship with the wonderful folks at Harpoon and appreciate the tremendous support from the riders as we move forward with new and exciting programs within the Elite Development Program.

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about becoming an EDP sponsored athlete, call Carmen Monks at 617-330-8969.