Toms River, NJ – Angela Teeple, founder of the apparel company All In, spoke to a packed auditorium of female student athletes at High School North in Toms River. The event was organized by Ted Gillen, Toms River Regional Schools Athletic Director, and included female athletes from all three district high schools.
Teeple shared her personal journey, discussing obstacles she overcame, including battling addiction within her family, a rare medical condition requiring frequent surgeries, and experiences of being bullied and underestimated. Her talk emphasized the value of mental resilience, in addition to physical athleticism. She spoke about her career in field hockey and softball, eventually coaching for over two decades before transitioning to her current role as an entrepreneur and public speaker.
“The three words that matter most to me,” Teeple said, “are grit, grace, and gratitude.”
The event included question-and-answer sessions, during which students received T-shirts for participating. Teeple noted the importance of discussing mental health openly and assured the young athletes that they had an ally in her.
“My superpower,” she revealed, “is turning pain into purpose.”
The event left a noticeable impact on the student body, many of whom were seen smiling and optimistic as they left the auditorium to resume their sporting activities. Teeple, too, acknowledged the large audience and spent time post-event interacting with students, taking photos, and making personal connections.