The Inspiring Journey of Notre Dame's Berkley Mensik; How a positive mindset can transform challenges into opportunities

This week, Leah and Kate sit down with Notre Dame’s Berkley Mensik — a baller with a bright future and a story that goes way deeper than soccer. From growing up in Chicago to grinding through the ECNL circuit, Berkley seemed destined for the top. But after a brutal ACL tear during practice, everything paused. What followed? A journey of recovery, reflection, and radical resilience — including time at the Grotto on Notre Dame’s campus that changed the way she sees the game…and life. Berkley gets real about the mental side of injury, the small wins that matter most, and the freedom she’s found in embracing her full identity — not just as a player, but as a person. Her message for other athletes? Find joy in who you are off the pitch, too. She’s still got big dreams (think overseas), but this convo is all about mindset, growth, and the stuff you don’t see on the highlight reel. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel