What The Hell Do I Do Now?

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 pressures that came with competing at a high level.She opens up about her experience with disordered eating, the physical and mental toll of injuries, and the difficult decision to step away from the sport before she felt ready. Haley reflects on the identity loss that followed and how therapy helped her reframe her past, adopting the mindset that “failure is feedback.”Now a full-time content creator, Haley shares how she’s applied the discipline and work ethic she developed as an athlete to build a career in the digital space. She also talks about rediscovering her love for soccer in a low-pressure environment and learning to define herself beyond sport. This episode explores transition, healing, and what it means to rebuild your identity on your own terms.If you or someone you know is struggling, Visit the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to learn about eating disorders, find help, and how you can take action to raise awareness.

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 transition many athletes experience — figuring out how to redirect the intensity, discipline, and identity that come with competing at the highest level.In this episode, Chris opens up about a pivotal moment in his career when a serious leg injury forced him to confront the mental and emotional challenges of being sidelined. Initially skeptical of therapy, he eventually sought help after experiencing symptoms of PTSD following the injury — a decision that ultimately reshaped his perspective on mental health and personal growth.Chris shares what it looked like to rebuild his life after sport: finishing his graduate degree while still playing, briefly coaching, and eventually stepping into a new career as a mortgage lender in St. Louis. He reflects on the difficulty of shifting from constantly proving yourself as an athlete, to building a sustainable life where your worth isn’t defined by performance.This conversation explores identity beyond sport, the power of mental health support, and the challenge of learning where to place your energy after leaving a career built on giving everything to the game.

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 difficult team environment her first two years to beginning therapy and learning to separate her self-worth from her performance on the field.She shares how adopting a new mindset her junior year helped her reclaim some joy, and how a coaching change her senior year allowed her to enjoy the game again. For Sophia, the hardest part of leaving collegiate soccer was leaving the daily access to her teammates and built in community. Sophia speaks candidly about the importance of coaching culture, power dynamics, and the silence many athletes feel pressured into. After the release of a documentary by Alex Cooper highlighting experiences under former coaches Nancy Feldman and Casey Brown, Sophia found herself revisiting her own experience. She discusses the fear of retaliation, the risks athletes face in speaking up, and the lasting impact of negative language — particularly around body image — during formative years.Now based in Denver, Sophia serves as Head of Ratings at 2aDays, a platform designed to bring transparency to college athletics through coach and program reviews. Inspired by the belief that athletes have a responsibility to “leave the program better than you found it,” she is helping create space for honest feedback and systemic change. This conversation explores identity, accountability, the NCAA’s gaps in supporting athlete transitions, and the courage it takes to use your voice after years of being taught not to.

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 re-auditioning annually just to keep her place. When her senior season was cut short by COVID, her dance career ended without the closure she had imagined. After graduating with a degree in urban planning, Maya found herself in an isolating cubicle job, struggling to adjust to life without the structure, intensity, and built-in community of dance. What followed was a pivot into social media — first as a manager, then freelancer, and now full-time content creator based in Denver.In this episode, Maya reflects on rebuilding identity after sport, replacing the loss of team culture with new forms of community, and learning to say yes to opportunities before she felt fully ready. This conversation explores creativity, confidence, and what it really takes to build purpose beyond athletics.

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 identity was tied to being an athlete. After college, she spent time living abroad in Thailand and later in Charleston, using that space to disconnect, reset, and rediscover who she was outside of volleyball.Now a veterinary student at the University of Arizona, Mika shares how her experience as a college athlete prepared her for the intensity of vet school – from discipline and time management to resilience under pressure. She reflects on the challenge of no longer receiving external validation through sports, learning to build her own internal feedback loop, and embracing uncertainty in the seasons where there is no clear plan. This episode explores identity, transition, and trusting that sometimes not having a plan is exactly what you need.

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 physicians, evolved alongside a deep love for soccer that followed her from youth competition, to playing at a Division 1 level collegiately, and finally to playing professionally in Scotland after college.Maddy reflects on choosing general surgery over more “glamorous” specialties, the realities of residency life, and why the intensity that once fueled her as an athlete eventually became unsustainable. She explores how stepping away from soccer during the pandemic helped her understand its role as an emotional outlet, and how returning to the game now serves as both joy and therapy. This conversation weaves together identity, discipline, mental health, and the value of having multiple dimensions beyond a single pursuit — in sport, medicine, and life.

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 challenge of leaving sport, structure, and community all at once, while also navigating personal and family changes.In this episode, Sarah opens up about the messy transition into the “real world,” the struggle to rebuild a sense of purpose, and the surprising role fitness played in her healing. After years of programmed training with teammates and a shared mission, she had to relearn how to move for herself — eventually finding spin, community, and joy again in Denver. Her journey led her to becoming a spin instructor, a vulnerable leap that restored routine, confidence, and a deeper focus on mental health.Sarah reflects on redefining success beyond sport, making decisions for herself even when they’re uncomfortable, and trusting that purpose can evolve. This conversation is an honest look at life after athletics, the power of community, and learning to give yourself grace while your path unfolds.

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, she shares how her athletic journey evolved after college, eventually leading her to the world of swimrun, a sport she discovered by chance and now competes in at a world championship level.Viv reflects on the uncertainty that followed her collegiate career, the importance of community, and how shifting her mindset toward health, longevity, and partnership helped her find fulfillment again through sport. She offers insight into embracing change, trusting the process, and carrying the lessons learned through athletics into life beyond competition.

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 professional level, and the lessons he’s carried into his next chapter in commercial real estate with CBRE in Jacksonville. He shares how preparing for life after sport, building supportive relationships, and pursuing personal interests have helped him transition successfully, while also reflecting on the aspects of professional soccer he misses most—competition, camaraderie, and the thrill of scoring in front of a crowd.

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, since he was young. This episode explores the unexpected end of his career, how he managed injuries throughout his time as a player, and how he has used art as a therapeutic tool through his life.Check out his newest album, streaming on all platforms.

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 school. Life after soccer was filled with uncertainty for Casey. She shares the valuable insight of going for her dreams and utilizing the knowledge she already had from decades of competition, to apply to her life now.This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind. Click the link to claim 50% off your first month https://magicmind.com/WTH50

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 identity to navigating injury, burnout, and imposter syndrome. She shares what it was like to “retire” on her own terms, the unexpected weight of redefining herself outside of sport. She speaks to the healing power of community, therapy, and slowly reconnecting with the game on her own terms. Now a community advocate and on-air analyst, Gaby reflects on how her experiences in sport continue to shape how she shows up today: in life, in work, and in purpose.

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 stepping away from the game and how she found her footing beyond the sport. Now wearing many hats, Dani draws on the lessons she learned both on the field and through the transition out of athletics to guide her life today. Dani is a co-owner of a gorgeous jewelry company (one that started during her college years), called Our Spare Change. https://oursparechange.com/

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 business world, how he navigated major life transitions, and what legacy means to him now as a father, leader, and community member.

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 personal trainer, working with athletes of all ages. After recently suffering an unexpected injury, Tori is learning how to navigate her active lifestyle and uses her experiences as an athlete to help guide her.

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 experiences. Julia is an all around athlete who continued to pursue mountain sports following her collegiate career. She has lived many experiences and continues to use the lessons learned during her time in sports to apply to her day to day life.

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 knew for so long. Corinn also discusses how she started to find different hobbies and seek out new opportunities and relationships.

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 travel has helped shape the person that she is today. Nicole is a woman of many talents which all come from a palpable curiosity for life.

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 needs in his life. Danny currently lives in Denver, CO and works as an engineer.

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 episode we discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with people that know you well, taking time away from sport, continuing to set goals in your life, and being open to new experiences. Hope is now working with the pediatric population as a physical therapist in Charleston, SC.

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 importance of nutrition for high level athletes. We chat about how his experiences growing up shaped him to provide perspective to his life now, which he is able to provide through mentorship and connection to the athletes he works with.

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 team, and that no matter how you get somewhere, it is important that you are there. Suzi currently resides in Charleston, SC with her family.

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 of sports to become a financial advisor. Sarah reflects on how leaving collegiate athletics impacted her and how she continues to navigate that 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 life beyond the game—covering everything from entering the job market, to self-compassion, to leveraging personal networks for new opportunities.

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 stepping away from the sport, she channeled her creativity into hat-making—ultimately founding Björkstam Hat Co. in Crested Butte, CO. What started as a curiosity-driven pursuit has grown into a brand rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and the spirit of learning. Next time you're in Crested Butte, be sure to check out Björkstam Hat Co.!

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 this has impacted her relationship with herself, her body, and her mind over the past couple of years.

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 in Chicago, IL, working with student athletes daily and helping to support their experience during collegiate sport as well as exiting sport.

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 snowboarder and worldwide traveler, Kels shares her experience leaving sport as well as the lessons that she learned throughout her career.

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 support. In this episode, Shawn shares his experience leaving football, and the things that he wished he knew during this transition. Shawn is full of knowledge and provides tips and tricks that he discovered during his own journey.

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 lessons that she learned while playing lacrosse, what she did when she finished college, and how she continues to give back to the sport.

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 transferring to Duke and finishing her career there. Jill discusses the role that her family as well as previous coaches and teammates played in her career. She shares the lessons that she learned and how she has utilized these in her day to day. During this episode, we also discuss the podcast that Jill co-hosts with her sister, ‘Gut Talk’, available on all platforms (https://open.spotify.com/show/6U8taTiHqwLEZz3fft2qKt?si=8fdd2f11efc74cff)

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 back to Charleston. During this episode, Mich provides insight about his experience following his playing career, hobbies that he learned, and how he continues to utilize his knowledge of the game to impact people of all ages.

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 navigating mental health challenges. In this episode, we explore Isabelle’s evolving relationship with her body, exercise, and mental health, and how her experiences shape the compassionate care she offers as a therapist.

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 into impactful professional careers—Sara in marketing and communications and Leah in healthcare, focusing on patient advocacy and community support. Together, they join the podcast, sharing their journeys from collegiate athletics to professional life while offering insights and advice to help listeners navigate career development and personal growth.

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 coach, where she built the program from the ground up, and has held coaching roles at several universities, including Oklahoma and Alabama. As a player, Shanna started her career at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, before transferring to the University of Connecticut. Shanna shares her journey of leaving college soccer as a player while staying involved in the sport at a much different capacity.

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 Real Estate Agent in Denver, CO, Gianna opens up about the challenges of navigating major life transitions, from stepping away from competitive sports to finding a fulfilling career path. Join us as we dive into her journey, uncovering the resilience and adaptability it takes to redefine success and embrace new opportunities.

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 works with. Mary’s athletic journey began on the soccer field. She started her collegiate soccer career at Michigan State University before transferring to the College of Charleston, where she balanced academics and athletics, showcasing her drive and discipline. Mary brings energy, passion, and a commitment to growth in everything she does.

Andie Creel is a passionate advocate for the environment and a leader in fostering community connections. She began her collegiate journey as a cross-country athlete at Montana State University but decided after her freshman year to step away from the sport to pursue her deep love for the outdoors. During the spring of her freshman year, Andie co-founded Backcountry Squatters alongside her classmates, creating a platform dedicated to supporting women non-binary people in outdoor recreation and fostering meaningful connections in natural spaces. Now pursuing a PhD at Yale University, Andie combines her passion for nature with her leadership in community-building. Andie, daughter of former guest Nancy Creel, reflects on transitions and how movement, structure, and community have been a pillar in shaping her journey and purpose.

Chandler Frisbie is a former collegiate athlete who played softball at the College of Charleston, excelling as an infielder and bringing energy and skill to her team during her years on the field. Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Chandler has emerged as an advocate for mental health and self-discovery, using her experiences to help others navigate life beyond sports. Chandler discusses her challenges of finding an identity outside of athletics. The conversation delves into eating disorders, discussing their profound impact on individuals, teams, and families. Chandler shares her journey of overcoming these struggles, highlighting the importance of self-care, community, and resilience. Today, Chandler continues to inspire others through her storytelling and creative pursuits, blending her athletic past with her commitment to community connection and creating welcoming spaces for all people to engage in movement and wellbeing. Chandler is a co-founder of “The Drop In”, a holistic space that creates experiences and focuses on making all people feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

Kooba Pardo, formerly known as Kooba Richard, is a former collegiate soccer player turned influencer and creative. She played soccer at Belmont Abbey College, where she made significant contributions to her team as a midfielder. She later pursued a master’s degree in Education at The Citadel, where she continued her soccer career. Kooba now channels her creativity through lifestyle and fashion content, documenting her daily life via social media platforms. Her content blends her passion for design, her love for travel, and her commitment to family. Additionally, she serves as the Director of Marketing and Development at Saint Michael Catholic School, where she uses her Catholic faith to inspire and connect with the community​

Nancy Creel is a dedicated dog trainer, outdoor enthusiast, and former collegiate athlete with a lifelong passion for animals and nature. A cross-country runner during her time at Bowling Green State University, Nancy's love for the outdoors has remained central to her life. As a mother of two, Nancy seamlessly blends her nurturing spirit with her expertise as a dog whisperer, specializing in herding and agility classes dogs (and their owners) . Her approach emphasizes trust, communication, and mutual respect, making her a sought-after trainer for both working and companion dogs. When she's not training dogs or spending time with her family, Nancy enjoys exploring the great outdoors, whether hiking, running, or observing the natural world alongside her loyal four-legged companions.

Hannah Singer is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who supports individuals facing eating disorders, body image issues, and mental health challenges. A former collegiate diver at Northwestern University, Hannah combines her athletic background with her expertise in mental health to offer a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, mental wellness, and recovery. As an advocate with Morgan's Message, she helps amplify mental health resources for athletes, bringing awareness to the struggles many face. Working with E&S Therapy Group, she offers individualized care to empower clients on their journeys toward resilience and self-compassion.

Kelly Siewers Paone, studied and played soccer for Elon University. Her career is shaped by resilience, adaptability, and growth. Facing the challenges of injuries, Kelly developed a deep sense of perseverance that guided her both on and off the field. Following her choice to medically retire, Kelly transitioned from player to coach. She embraced new leadership responsibilities, fostering teamwork and mentorship skills that would become foundational in her life beyond athletics. Stepping back from her player identity after college, Kelly began to explore new passions and pursuits, creating a well-rounded life enriched by both her athletic background and her evolving personal interests.

Marie Zimmerman is a former NCAA Division I volleyball player who began her athletic and academic journey at Sacred Heart University before transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder. Now a corporate attorney based in Denver, she brings the same dedication and competitive edge from her sports career to her legal practice. As an attorney at Buchalter, Marie focuses on corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and private equity. She advises clients across sectors like technology, data security, and financial services, helping them navigate complex growth and regulatory challenges. Recognized as a 2024 Rising Star by Super Lawyers, Marie shares her path from collegiate athletics to law, offering insights on building a rewarding career after sports.

P.J. Rosowski is a former University of Wisconsin football player, where he contributed as a punter. After his athletic career, PJ transitioned into engineering, earning professional certifications as a P.E. (Professional Engineer) and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management). He has since built a career in engineering and project management, bringing a disciplined, team-oriented mindset from the field into his work. P.J. shares his experiences navigating the shift from sports to a professional career and the feeling of isolation that came along with this shift.

Julia Dorsey began her athletic journey as a competitive volleyball player, playing at Sierra College and then Metropolitan State University of Denver. Now, she channels her passion for sports into coaching fitness classes where she inspires others on their fitness journeys. Outside the gym, Julia is an avid trail runner and outdoor enthusiast, finding joy in nature and the meaningful connections she builds along the way. Deeply committed to fostering community, meeting new people, and empowering others, Julia shares in this episode how her athletic experiences have shaped her path from player to coach and helped her build a fulfilling life beyond competitive sports.

Bailey Ness is a former collegiate athlete who competed in cross country and track and field at both the University of Minnesota and Colorado State University. Bailey stayed busy after college where she founded Nesscessity Creative, a company that specializes in creative marketing and branding services, helping businesses and individuals craft authentic and impactful brand stories. Her passion for running continued after college, and she co-founded Cool Down Running, a platform that connects and empowers people through community events and a distinctive clothing line designed for runners. Bailey shares her journey of transitioning from competitive athletics to entrepreneurship, where she discusses the challenges and opportunities of life after sports, offering inspiration to others going through similar transitions.

Alex Wilson, a former NCAA gymnast, spent years training with the singular goal of excelling in competitive sports. She made her way to Arizona State University. But when her gymnastics career came to an unexpected end, she found herself at a crossroads, questioning what to do next after dedicating her entire life to one path. In this episode, Alex shares her journey of navigating life beyond gymnastics and opening up about the challenges of redefining her identity and purpose when things didn’t go as planned. Now a successful fitness coach, she reflects on the mental hurdles she overcame, the resilience she built, and how she found a new sense of fulfillment outside of her original expectations. Her story highlights the universal struggle of adapting to life’s unexpected changes and finding your way when the future looks different from what you had planned.

Celeste Utley grew up in California, where her passion for athletics and fitness took root. She went on to compete in shot put and discus for the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos' Track and Field team, gaining valuable experience and discipline. After college, Celeste transitioned into the fitness industry, where she now works at Traverse Fitness. Currently living in Denver, CO, she is also pursuing her MBA, blending her academic goals with her commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles. This week, Celeste joins the podcast to share her journey of balancing career transitions, athletic pursuits, and academic goals, offering insight into how she navigates these challenges.

Susannah Anderson joins the pod this week, sharing her experience following collegiate soccer career and graduating from Elon University. Susannah grew up playing soccer in Jacksonville, FL before she moved up to North Carolina to pursue her collegiate soccer career. After graduating from Elon, she made her way to New York (with a few stops along the way) where she currently lives instructing yoga and leading yoga wellness retreats. In this episode, she shares insights on how athleticism has influenced her wellness journey, adapting to life in Brooklyn, and finding balance in her new career path. The podcast continues to explore the challenges of life transitions, focusing on mental health and personal growth. Available anywhere you get your podcasts!!!