Role Model for Youth and Olympic Champ Katerina Stefanidi to Soar into 2023 Season this Weekend!
Olympic champion pole-vaulter Katerina Stefanidi is spreading the hopeful message of positive mental health for young people in the Foreword pf the acclaimed young adult sports novel "Maggie Vaults Over the Moon".
BOSTON, MASS. — Katerina Stefanidi, Olympic gold medalist and world champion pole vaulter, is gearing up for an epic rematch against Olympic champion and friendly rival, Katie Moon. The two will face off this weekend in Boston at the 2023 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on NBC from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, Feb. 4.
But Katerina's success in the sport is just one aspect of her remarkable story. Not only is she an all-time leader in the sport of pole vaulting, but she is also a vocal advocate for the mental health and well-being of young people. One of the ways Katerina is spreading this message of mental health is through her role as the foreword author of the young adult novel "Maggie Vaults Over the Moon" written by Grant Overstake. She’s a positive force on the runway and a shining example of perseverance and determination for young readers everywhere.
Saturday’s rematch between Katie and Katerina will renew one of the friendly rivalries in sport. Moon, pictured at left, has come out on top in thrilling competitions at the 2020 Olympic Games and the 2022 World Athletics Championships, is a four-time US national champion and took silver at last year’s World Athletics Indoor Championships. Katerina is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the women’s pole vault, having won the Olympic title in Rio de Janeiro, the 2017 World Championship, two European Championships and three Wanda Diamond League Championships.
Hailed one of the great track and field novels of all time by CITIUS MAG, the saga of a gritty farm girl’s quest to master the daring sport of pole-vaulting has stirred hopes and dreams around the world, especially among tweens and younger teens.
The book follows a gritty Kansas farm girl named Maggie Steele as she strives to become a master of the difficult event. It showcases the importance of perseverance and builds upon the struggle of social and emotional life many teenagers experience in this day and age. Writing to young readers, Katerina shares her own experience of struggle and success, inspiring them to persevere no matter what life throws their way.
From the Foreword of ‘Maggie Vaults Over the Moon’
“As my husband and I plan to coach young aspiring athletes, we often discuss the importance of teaching life skills that can be applied outside of sport. The lessons we hope to teach our athletes are identical to the lessons learned by Maggie in this story, which is the focus of the excellent Chapter Questions written by sport psychologist and coach Dr. Melissa White.
“I became the person I am today because of all my life experiences, both good and bad. Maggie Steele is a lot like me and you and every person struggling with important life decisions and challenges right now. Like Maggie, our success in life and in sport comes from listening to the voice that whispers to us from within, to get back up and try again!”
— Katerina Stefanidi, Olympic Champion
The novel has become a gold-medal favorite for its positive message for tweens and teens. In addition to the foreword by Stefanidi, the new edition includes chapter discussion questions by Dr. Melissa White, a Language Arts Teacher and Mental Performance Consultant with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology. It's a great read for young people facing important life decisions and challenges and will a perfect tool to teach skills that can be applied in sports and in real life.
“Girls who play sports and the coaches and families who support them will thoroughly enjoy this warm, uplifting story.” – Christine Brennan, USA TODAY
Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Katerina Stefanidi is considered the finest female athlete in the storied history of the nation where in Ancient Olympia the Olympic Games began. She was selected to light the Olympic Torch to begin the ceremonial torch relay for the 2020 Olympic Games.
The book is endorsed by school counselors, adolescent psychologists. Olympians who became coaches themselves have purchased the book in mass quantities to motivate their own athletes, especially young teen girls. Dr. White’s questions invite group discussion on important themes in the story, including shared grief and the healing power of community, overcoming internal and external obstacles, how to build determination and resilience.
“The positive influence this book can have is invaluable. I’m thrilled to have my young athletes read it and be energized by its positive message: Stay driven and never give up!” – Erica (Bartolina) Fraley, US Olympian and Coach of Champions
Katerina Stefanidi is supported on her quest by her husband and coach, Mitchell Krier. They live and train in Colorado, USA.
Maggie is a perfect read-aloud book for middle school language arts classes or to supplement Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities, in which children learn to understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions for themselves.
So, be sure to tune in to watch Katarina and Katie fly high this Saturday at the Indoor Grand Prix. And, be sure to pick up a copy of "Maggie Vaults Over the Moon" which is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook by award-winning narrator, Tavia Gilbert.
(Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Contact the National Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text "talk" to 741741.)
This flyer can be downloaded and shared in an email to teachers, librarians, school counselors and coaches of young people. Thank you for spreading the good news about Maggie Vaults Over the Moon.