Episode #194 - Caitlin Walsh

This week on The Mental Matchup, we sit down with Caitlin Walsh, a former Saint Anselm College lacrosse player whose athletic journey was shaped by multiple knee injuries, surgeries, and ultimately the difficult decision to medically retire from the sport she loved. Caitlin opens up about the mental health challenges that accompanied her recovery, including anxiety, uncertainty, and the loss of an athletic identity she had built for years. She shares how she navigated some of the hardest moments of her life, what helped her move forward, and why choosing to step away from the game became the right decision for her. In this episode, we discuss: • The mental health impact of long-term injuries • Navigating multiple surgeries and recoveries • Anxiety during the rehab process • The challenges of medically retiring from sport • Grieving the loss of an athletic identity • Finding purpose and confidence beyond the game Connect with Caitlin here Learn more about Morgan’s Message here Connect with Morgan’s Message on IG here