#30 Retirement From Sport, ACL Comebacks & Performing Under Pressure, With Piepa Cleary

What happens when the sport that’s been your whole life suddenly stops?Former Western Australian women’s cricket fast bowler Piepa Cleary shares the real story of retirement from professional sport, athlete identity loss, and what life after cricket actually feels like when the routine, team environment and performance goals disappear.We dive into:The emotional impact of retiring from elite women’s cricketAthlete identity and self-worth beyond performanceRecovering from an ACL injury and navigating setbacksSelection pressure in Big Bash cricket – when one over feels career-definingThe detachment mindset that improves performance under pressurePlaying free vs playing scaredThe six-month suspension that reshaped her resilience and careerThe growth of women’s cricket: funding, pathways, exposure and opportunityPiepa opens up about the “small and harmless” betting mistake that led to a six-month ban — and why that forced reset became one of the most important chapters in her development.This episode is for athletes navigating:Injury comebacksRetirement or career transitionPerformance anxietySelection stressIdentity outside of sportBecause sport can mean everything — but it shouldn’t be everything.⏱️ Key Timestamps03:17 – Retirement after 694 days: first game back and what it meant13:06 – Life skills sport teaches young athletes15:56 – Growth of women’s cricket: contracts, funding and exposure23:22 – Touring realities: recovery, sleep and flexibility34:25 – Selection pressure and playing scared38:00 – Detachment mindset and playing freeFollow Piepa on Instagram @piepa_cleary Support the showABOUT THE HOSTKylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.Connect with Kylie:Instagram: @kylie__lynchLinkedIn: Kylie LynchWebsite: www.4tg.com.auEmail: [email protected] THE 4TG COMMUNITY4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.Instagram: @4tg_podcastTikTok: ...