Mental Health Matters
How it started
5G Prime began in 2022 in the Upstate of South Carolina. Coach Jeff Moon was giving baseball and softball lessons when a longtime friend told him about a new local sports facility called 5G Sports. When circumstances changed at the facility where Jeff had been training players, that conversation opened the door for him to move his lessons to 5G Sports.
At the time, Jeff was also coaching a travel team under another organization. After concerns about how that organization was operating, the owner of 5G Sports encouraged Jeff to build a team of his own. The “5G” name came from the owner’s five daughters, and his love of Deion “Prime Time” Sanders helped inspire the name 5G Prime.
Early success — then tragedy
The new team took off. Players competed hard, won tournaments and quickly built recognition around the Upstate of South Carolina. Then, during a championship game, Jeff received the news that the owner of 5G Sports had died by suicide after battling depression.
After the tragedy, Jeff visited the owner’s family. His wife encouraged Jeff to continue building 5G Prime and make it as successful and meaningful as possible. That became a promise and a responsibility.
Why the green ribbon matters
From that point forward, 5G Prime’s mission became about more than wins and player development. The green mental health awareness ribbon became part of the organization’s identity. Players and coaches carry it as a reminder that people can be fighting battles others cannot see.
The goal is simple: use the visibility of youth sports to make conversations about mental health more normal, reduce stigma and remind athletes, parents and coaches across the Upstate that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Where we are going
5G Prime continues to develop baseball and softball players, compete across the region and create opportunities for young athletes. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, it also creates a clear way for supporters to invest in the mission. But the larger goal is to build good teammates, leaders and people—and to make sure the organization’s reach always serves a purpose beyond the field.