From Diver to PhD: Dr. Grace Davie’s Journey Beyond Sport | Ep. 85

What happens when an athlete’s journey takes them far beyond the pool?In this episode of Athlete Insights, I sit down with Dr. Grace Davie, Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Kennesaw State University, to talk about her incredible journey from young athlete to college diver, aspiring Olympian, PhD student, and professor.Grace shares how her early start in gymnastics eventually led her to diving, and how she developed the goal of competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics.We also discuss her collegiate career as a diver at the University of South Carolina, how her experiences as a student-athlete helped shape her academic interests, and her transition from the pool into a PhD program in Sport Management.Finally, Grace talks about beginning her career as an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Kennesaw State University and the lessons she has learned throughout her journey.One of the biggest pieces of advice Grace shared for young girls pursuing sport was:“Everyone you meet, there’s something you can learn from them.”A great reminder that every person we encounter—and every experience we have—can teach us something valuable.In this episode:- Grace's early start in gymnastics- How gymnastics translated into diving- Her goal of reaching the 2016 Rio Olympics- Her journey as a South Carolina diver- Transitioning from student-athlete to PhD student- Her Sport Management academic journey- Becoming an Assistant Professor at Kennesaw State- Advice for young girls pursuing sport- Finding purpose beyond your athletic careerIf you enjoyed the episode, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE Athlete Insights with someone who could benefit from Grace's story!