E9: Redefining Identity After PCS with Former D1 Athlete Hannah Hall

Hannah Hall grew up with her life mapped out: play soccer, go D1, and keep chasing the sport that defined her. But at age 13, everything changed. What she initially thought was a “mild” concussion spiraled into a decade-long battle with persistent post-concussion symptoms that impacted every part of her life—school, relationships, mental health, and the sport she loved. In this episode of Invisible Impact, Hannah sits down with our host Julia Manning, who has her own history of concussions, to discuss navigating invisible injuries, adapting when life’s curveballs reroute your dreams, and finding purpose beyond the field. 👤 About the guest: Hannah is a former Division I soccer player whose career was cut short by persistent post-concussion symptoms. A lifelong lover of the game, she fulfilled a childhood dream by joining the San Jose State women’s soccer team and tallied her first collegiate assist as a freshman against Cal Poly. After her sophomore year, however, she made the difficult decision to retire. Today, Hannah is thriving in a different corner of the sports world, working for a professional team and staying connected to high-performance environments while prioritizing her long-term brain health. Connect with Hannah: Instagram: hannah_halll  📞 Need support after a concussion? If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion Legacy Foundation offers free resources and support through the CLF HelpLine. Visit CLFHelpLine.org to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs.  💬 Connect with us Instagram: @concussionfoundation  Website: ConcussionFoundation.org  ⭐ Enjoyed the episode? If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury.