Hi, my name is Matthew Nochumson, and I’m the founder of the Beyond the Game Classic — a charity basketball tournament created to raise awareness and support for athlete and youth mental health.

As someone deeply involved in sports, both as a student at the University of Pittsburgh and a Scouting & Data Analyst at PROZONE: The Agency, I’ve seen firsthand how much pressure young adults and athletes face — and how often mental health struggles go unseen, unsupported, and unspoken.

That’s why I created this event: to use the power of basketball to spark change, build community, and raise vital support for Athletes for Hope — a nonprofit dedicated to helping athletes prioritize mental wellness and make a difference through service and advocacy.

Our goal is to raise $5,000 to fund the expenses of the tournament and directly support Athletes for Hope’s mental health programs, including their Whole Being Athlete initiative, which empowers athletes to balance performance with well-being.

Every donation helps us get closer to making this event — and its impact — a reality. Whether you’re an athlete, fan, parent, coach, or advocate for mental health, we invite you to be part of something bigger.

Let’s show the world that in sports — and in life — it’s okay to speak up, ask for help, and go beyond the game.

Thank you for your support.

– Matthew