What The Hell Do I Do Now?
by Genevieve Henderson
Hi, I am a "washed up" college athlete that had NO freaking clue what to do after I was done playing soccer (and lets be honest, I still don't). I never thought about life after soccer, until life after soccer happened. Being an athlete was my character trait, who was I without that? My goal is to create more conversation around this huge transition in life. Each episode will be filled with experiences and advice from many different athletes. No matter the sport, we are all on the same team here (yes, I know that is corny). So to all my fellow "washed up athletes"...what the hell do we do now?
Episodes
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103. Alex White | Redefining Success After College Sports
Alex White is a former collegiate track and field athlete at the University of Montana, where he competed in throwing events after receiving an unexpected opportunity to join the team as a walk-on. Having nearly accepted that his athletic career would end after high school, Alex entered college...
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102: Tynan Gable | The Courage to Pivot and Start Again
Tynan Gable is a former collegiate volleyball player whose path through sport has been anything but linear. After growing up as a multisport athlete and initially focusing on basketball, an ACL tear in high school unexpectedly opened the door to volleyball. Tynan went on to play collegiately at...
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101. Ian Sylves | Win Where You Are
Ian Sylves is a former collegiate and professional hockey goalie whose relationship with the game began almost as soon as he could walk. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Ian spent much of his life on the ice before eventually playing Division III college hockey and continuing his career...
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100. Genevieve Henderson | What I Learned From 100 Episodes About Life After Sports
Genevieve Henderson, is a former collegiate soccer player, therapist, business owner, and the host of What the Hell Do I Do Now? In this 100th episode, Gen reflects on a career and life path that has been anything but linear, sharing how unexpected changes, setbacks, and new opportunities...
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99. Tom Henske | With Confidence Comes Freedom
Tom Henske is a former collegiate goalkeeper and three-time national champion at the University of Virginia whose path after soccer unfolded very differently than he expected. After recurring shoulder injuries brought his playing career to an end, Tom found himself facing the uncertainty of life...
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98. Shahar Biran | From Competing Alone to Building a Team
Shahar Biran is a former collegiate tennis player competing at Old Dominion University for undergrad, and then completing her MBA while finishing her final year of eligibility at the University of South Carolina. Like many international athletes, her transition to college athletics required...
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97. Brett Stern | From Elite Athlete to Entrepreneur
Brett Stern is a former collegiate tennis player whose life revolved around pursuing excellence on the court from a young age. After training at one of the country's most elite tennis academies and competing at both UC Irvine and the University of Florida, Brett faced a reality many athletes...
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96. Madeline Davis Tully | The Power of Choice
Madeline "Maddie" Davis Tully is a former collegiate rower at Princeton University whose athletic journey carried her from the Ivy League to the U23 U.S. National Team and the World Rowing Championships. After stepping away from elite competition on her own terms, Maddy transitioned into…
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95. Lae Kollasch | Learning To Pivot
Lae Kollasch is a former track and field athlete whose collegiate career took her from the University of Northern Iowa to the junior college level. As her priorities began to shift, Lae realized she could no longer give the sport everything it deserved, leading her to make the difficult decision…
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94. Dillon Schoen Toohill | A Journey Through Grief and Athletics
Dillon Schoen Toohill is a former Stanford lacrosse player and team captain whose transition out of athletics unfolded alongside one of the most challenging seasons of her life. After losing her father just before her senior year, Dillon found herself navigating both the emotional weight of grief...
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93. Brandyn Curry | From Recovery to Reinvention
Brandyn Curry is a former Harvard basketball player whose athletic journey took him from the Ivy League to professional basketball overseas. After graduating, Brandyn spent several seasons playing professionally in Europe before a devastating knee injury in Romania ended his playing career and...
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92. Aubrey Peterson | Once an Athlete, Always an Athlete
Aubrey Peterson is a former Division I softball player at the University of Utah and a longtime member of the Great Britain national softball team. Competing internationally for seven years, Aubrey traveled the world while balancing the transition from collegiate athletics to the reality of...
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91. Ed Lubowicki | Reconstructing What was Best about Sport
Ed Lubowicki is a former Division 1 lacrosse athlete at Notre Dame who now works at the intersection of athlete transition, identity, and professional development. In this episode, Ed joins Genevieve to unpack the often overlooked reality of life after sports — from the identity shifts that…
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90. Haley Paez | It’s not Failure, It’s Feedback
Haley Paez is a Denver-based food content creator and former Division I soccer player at the University of Denver. In this episode, Haley shares her journey through college athletics — from navigating multiple coaching changes and transferring schools, to facing the intense internal and external...
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89. Chris Duvall | Redirecting Work Ethic after Sports
Chris Duvall is a former professional soccer player who spent eight seasons competing in Major League Soccer, playing for multiple clubs including the New York Red Bulls, Montreal Impact, Houston Dynamo, Portland Timbers, and FC Cincinnati. After retiring from professional soccer, Chris faced the...
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88. Sophia Woodland | Leaving the Program Better Than You Found It
Sophia Woodland is a former Division I soccer player from Boston University, where she competed for four years while studying business and minoring in psychology, graduating in 2023. In this episode, Sophia reflects on the reality behind her collegiate career — from feeling voiceless in a…
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87. Maya Lorimer | Lean in to What Calls You
Maya Lorimer grew up in the dance studio, training competitively from the time she could walk and eventually earning a spot on the Arizona State University dance team — one of the top programs in the nation. During her time at Arizona, she balanced game days, appearances, and the pressure of...
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86. Mika Mierzwa | Sometimes Not Having a Plan Is the Plan
Mika Mierzwa is a former collegiate volleyball player from Coastal Carolina, where she competed in both indoor and beach volleyball while pursuing a biology degree. Graduating early, Mika stepped away from sport sooner than expected — a transition that pushed her to confront how deeply her…
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85. Maddy Brill-Edwards | From the Pitch to the Operating room
Dr. Maddy Brill-Edwards is a former collegiate soccer player at the College of Charleston and a current general surgery resident navigating one of the most demanding training paths in medicine. In this episode, Maddy shares how a childhood plan to become a doctor, shaped by a family of…
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84. Sarah Colton | Finding Yourself After the Game Ends
Sarah is a former Division III basketball player whose college experience looked and felt much bigger than the label — intense time commitments, deep preparation, and three conference championships that shaped her identity and routine. After graduating, Sarah faced the familiar but often unspoken...
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83. Vivian Mroz | Finding my Next Race
Vivian Mroz is a former dual-sport athlete at Canisius College, where she competed in both diving and track. After graduating, Viv faced the challenge many college athletes experience — redefining her identity beyond sport while navigating multiple career moves and relocations. In this episode…
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82. Kyle Murphy | Ending on your Own Terms
Kyle Murphy grew up in upstate New York and played soccer at Clemson University before pursuing a professional career, with stops in Houston, Orlando, DC, Miami, and Memphis. In this episode, Kyle reflects on his decision to retire at age 31, the highs and challenges of competing at a…
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81. Khallil Stewart | Healing Through Music
Khallil Stewart played soccer at George Washington, College of Charleston, and for the Jamaican National Team. Khallil has always had a fierce passion for creating, whether it was making poems, creativity with a ball at his feet, or writing and recording music, Khallil has made art in many forms,...
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80. Casey Martinez | It is All About the Perspective You Choose to Take
Dr. Casey Martinez is a former Duke and Arizona State soccer player, who competed for 5 years before deciding to go to medical school. During this episode, Casey shares her experience deciding to step away from sport, how she manages injuries, and her experience taking the leap to apply for med...
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79. Gaby Vincent | Retired but Never Done
Gaby Vincent is a former professional soccer player who competed in the NWSL for four years after a successful collegiate career at the University of Louisville. In this episode, Gaby opens up about the emotional and mental challenges of stepping away from the game: from the loss of structure and...
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78. Danielle Johnson | Stepping into New Seasons of Life
Danielle Johnson (formerly Mellem) is a former student-athlete where she played soccer for the College of Charleston. Her playing career was unexpectedly cut short due to injury, leading to a medical retirement. In this episode, Dani opens up about the emotional and psychological impact of…
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77. Pete Anderson | Life Beyond the End Zone
Pete Anderson is a former University of Georgia football standout and consensus All-American, team captain and SEC powerhouse. After a stint in the NFL, Pete transitioned into a successful career in real estate development. In this episode, we dive into his journey from the gridiron to the…
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76. Tori Karsten | Reinventing Yourself After Your Sport is Over
Tori Karsten is a former University of Delaware Blue Hen who joins the podcast to share her experience after leaving Field Hockey. Tori is the head coach of the Cherry Creek High School Field Hockey team, and in her first season she guided them to a state title. She is also a fitness coach and...
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75. Julia Rubinstein | The Trial and Error of Figuring Out Who You Are After Sport
Julia Rubinstein is our guest this week!!! After swimming for a year at Colorado College, Julia decided to transfer to the University of Colorado. Julia shares the experience that she had that led up to this decision, her feelings of imposter syndrome, and her ability to pivot and lean into new...
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74. Corinn Childs | Navigating Life Without Cheerleading
Corinn Childs joins the podcast this week to share her experience leaving collegiate cheerleading. After knowing from a young age that she would be an Oregon cheerleader, Corinn walks us through her experience leaving the sport, experiencing rejection, and navigating life without the sport she…
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73. Nicole Koretsky | Going After What You Want
Nicole Koretsky hops on the podcast this week! A New Jersey native, Nicole walks us through her decision to leave the cold and move to Charleston, SC to play soccer (and be much warmer). Nicole shares her journey managing burn out, meeting new people, developing and pursuing her passions, and how...
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72. Danny Robison | The Bittersweet Feeling of Leaving Competition
Danny Robison is our guest this week. Danny is a former Montana State Bobcat men’s basketball player and he joins the podcast to share his experience leaving competition. Danny speaks about his journey dealing with injury, utilizing his support system, and how he has identified the structures he...
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71. Hope Walker | Allowing Yourself Grace to Learn This New Version of You
Dr. Hope walker joins us this week to share her experience leaving soccer and the impact this transition had on her mental, physical, and emotional health. Hope played soccer at College of Charleston and during this time managed injuries, burnout, and the drive to find new hobbies. During this...
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70. Matt Frakes | Leading with Gratitude
Dr. Matt Frakes joins the podcast this week to share his experience leaving sports as a player and re-entering the world of sports post competition. Matt is a leader in the world of sports nutrition, working with both collegiate and professional athletes by providing crucial research around the...
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69. Suzi Sheldon | Just Go For It
Suzi Vallez Sheldon is a former College of Charleston Cougar who reflects on her experience finishing collegiate soccer. Suzi speaks to the importance of putting your eggs in multiple baskets, and the power of exploring other identities. She highlights the value that each individual adds to a…
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68. Sarah Cardamone | Finding My New Identity
This week on the podcast, Sarah Cardamone joins us to share her journey after leaving collegiate soccer. After completing her fifth year at the College of Charleston, she stayed in the sports industry, working in public relations for a professional soccer team. During COVID, she transitioned out…
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67. Chelsea Hoffman | The Importance and Value of Shared Experience
This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Chelsea Gamble Hoffman! As a former lacrosse player, coach, mom, entrepreneur, and mentor, Chelsea shares her personal journey of transitioning out of competitive sports. She offers valuable insights and practical advice for student-athletes navigating…
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66. Elle Truax | Chasing Powder Not Competition
This week on the podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Elle Truax! Elle joins us from Hood River, OR, to share her journey of retiring from competitive freeride skiing and discovering a new passion. Elle discusses how competition made a lasting impact on developing and refining her values. After...
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65. Bitsy Cairns | Learning to Give Myself Grace
Dr. Bitsy Cairns joins us this week and discusses her journey leaving Rugby. After a stint with the US Women's National Team, Bitsy decided to hang the cleats up. She is now a chiropractor and living in Denver, CO with her husband. Bitsy is candid in sharing her experience leaving rugby, and how...
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64. Sarah Meister | The Challenge of Choice
Sarah Meister joins the podcast this week to share her experience leaving collegiate volleyball. After leaving Mizzou, Sarah pursued a career in public relations. Sarah talks about her decision to leave PR and in turn, pursue mental health counseling and become a therapist. Sarah lives and works…
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63. Kelsey Cirrito | The Power of the Domino Effect
Kelsey, former goalkeeper at the University of Mount Olive, joins the podcast this week!! Kels finished her soccer career and immediately went into graduate school to study athletic training. After an unexpected shift in her career expectations, Kels found herself in Crested Butte, CO. An avid...
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62. Shawn McKinney | The Importance of Stepping into the Unknown
This week we are joined by Shawn McKinney, former Collegiate Offensive Lineman at the University of North Texas. Shawn is the current VP of Growth at Influxer, where he works with collegiate athletes on a daily basis, helping them navigate NIL contracts and deals while providing mentorship and...
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61. Allie Dacar | Learning to be New
Allie Dacar is a former Stanford Women's Lacrosse Goalie who joins the podcast this week to share how she experienced her transition out of sports. Allie is a California native, but currently lives in Denver and enjoys all of the things Colorado has to offer. In this episode, Allie shares the...
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60. Jill Ferraro | It’s Not The Hand You’re Dealt, It’s How You Play Your Cards
Jill Ferraro joins the podcast this week. She is a Virginia native and former Tarheel and Duke Blue Devil. Jill has a unique story, one filled with massive change during her softball career. During this episode, Jill describes her experience starting her career at UNC Chapel Hill, and later...
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59. Christian Michner | Focus on the Things That Drive You and See Where it Takes You
Christian Michner has been the head coach at the College of Charleston since 2010, where he returned to his alma mater. After retiring from professional soccer, mich jumped in head first into coaching. He has coached at University of Oklahoma and the University of Illinois before he found his way...
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58. Izzy Germano | Choosing Myself Over What Makes Sense On Paper
Isabelle Germano, originally from Saratoga Springs, New York, is a former coxswain for Northeastern University's women's rowing team. She graduated from Northeastern University in 2018. Izzy then decided to attend graduate school to become a therapist, now providing vital support to individuals...
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57. Sara & Leah | Pulling Lessons from Sport into Our Daily Lives
Sara Deutsch and Leah Sack (formerly Deutsch) are former collegiate athletes and sisters who played soccer at the College of Charleston, where Sara competed from 2015 to 2018 and Leah from 2017 to 2021. Known for their skill, leadership, and versatility on the field, they have since transitioned...
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56. Shanna Caldwell | Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Shanna Caldwell is an accomplished soccer coach and former collegiate goalkeeper with over 15 years of coaching experience. Currently, she serves as the Associate Head Coach for the College of Charleston women's soccer program. Shanna previously led Texas A&M-Corpus Christi as the inaugural head...
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55. Gianna Salanitro | Letting go of Control to Get Where You Are Supposed to Go
Gianna Salanitro, a former collegiate swimmer at Colorado State University, brings her inspiring story to the podcast this week. As an athlete, Gianna experienced the rigorous structure and discipline that swimming provided, which became a foundation for her personal and professional life. Now a...
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54. Mary Rounce | Zooming out, It is All About Perspective
Mary Rounce is a dedicated educator and former collegiate athlete with a passion for fitness, teaching, and community. She currently serves as a Physical Education teacher in Illinois, where she provides support and encouragement to both the students she works with as well as the teachers she…
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About this show
Hi, I am a "washed up" college athlete that had NO freaking clue what to do after I was done playing soccer (and lets be honest, I still don't). I never thought about life after soccer, until life after soccer happened. Being an athlete was my character trait, who was I without that? My goal is to create more conversation around this huge transition in life. Each episode will be filled with experiences and advice from many different athletes. No matter the sport, we are all on the same team here (yes, I know that is corny). So to all my fellow "washed up athletes"...what the hell do we do now?
Hosted by
Genevieve Henderson