🎙️ In this episode, I’m joined by my former college basketball teammate, Ellie Pearson, for a deep dive into life after sports. 🏀 We explore the emotional and mental challenges that come with leaving behind an athletic identity, including the grief, the struggle to find new routines, and the ways that competitive drive never really fades. Ellie opens up about her journey, from the highs of winning a national championship to the unexpected challenges she faced once the games ended. She shares how moving to San Francisco, discovering yoga, and embracing the importance of rest have helped her redefine success and fulfillment. Whether you’re a former athlete or someone curious about the transition from sports to the ‘real world,’ this conversation is packed with insights, relatable experiences, and practical advice. Don’t miss out on this candid and inspiring discussion!

In this episode of No Former Athlete, we sit down with Kurt Swearingen, a retired multi-sport athlete who has seamlessly transitioned into a successful career as an educator. Kurt shares his journey from the football field and baseball diamond to the classroom, discussing how his identity as an athlete continues to influence his life today in retirement. We dive into topics like the enduring competitive spirit, the challenges of aging while staying active, and why he chose not to pursue coaching despite his athletic background. Kurt also reflects on the rituals that still connect him to his sports days and offers valuable insights into how the athlete’s mindset can shape all aspects of life. Whether you're an athlete, a no former athlete, or just curious about the lasting impact of sports, this episode is full of inspiration and wisdom. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more great conversations!

In today’s electrifying episode, we’re joined by Jack Burgeson, a retired swimmer whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Jack didn’t start swimming until high school, yet he propelled himself to become a collegiate swimmer at DePauw University and is now a dedicated triathlon enthusiast in between his work as a physician. Tune in as Jack shares the adrenaline-pumping highs and gut-wrenching lows of his athletic career, the critical choices that defined his path, and how he continues to fuel his competitive fire long after leaving the college pool. Discover the mindset that keeps him going and why he believes once an athlete, always an athlete.

Today on the No Former Athlete Podcast, we’re joined by 2019 World Cup gold medal-winning athletic trainer, Katie Donnelly. Katie reveals how she transitioned from an active kid trying out every sport imaginable (after School Sports Specialist anyone?) to becoming a vital part of the support staff for professional athletes on the world stage. She shares her conflicted experience immediately following a World Cup victory, and opens up about the complexities of athlete identity, including the extreme highs and lows that often come hand and hand with competition. We discuss the camaraderie and sense of purpose often found in sport, and Katie's insights into the mental and emotional toll of injuries, the sacrifices made for the grueling schedule on the road, and the process of finding a new identity after sports.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Eversley, an athlete from the South Side of Chicago who played professional basketball internationally, and has now fully bet on himself and his skills as an entrepreneur. Chris shares his experiences, challenges, and triumphs, revealing the resilience and perseverance that have defined his life.

This episode is packed with insights into the mental and physical demands of being an athlete, the importance of family and community support, and the transition from sports to a successful career beyond the court.

Connect with Chris and Overtime Solutions:

• LinkedIn: Overtime Solutions
• Instagram: @overtimesolutionsllc
• Website: overtimesolutions.com

Today on No Former Athlete, we explore the inspiring journey of Alison Wiley, a retired competitive dancer who has faced the complexities of athletic identity, body autonomy, and the transition to motherhood. Alison shares her early beginnings in ballet, her experiences with competitive dance growing up, and her time on her college dance team. She opens up about the struggles of leaving the dance world, the grief associated with losing that part of her identity, and her ongoing battle with perfectionism.

Alison candidly discusses how becoming a mother reignited her passion for dance, the pressures of societal expectations, and the challenges of balancing a career and reconnecting with passions. She delves into the emotional and physical impacts of intense athletic training, the lasting effects on body image, and her efforts to find joy and fulfillment in movement once again.

Tune in to hear Alison's reflections on resilience, the pursuit of new dreams, and the importance of grace and self compassion. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone experiencing identity shifts, looking to reconnect with their passions, or interested in the powerful stories of athletes beyond their competitive years. Join us for this heartfelt and motivational conversation with this no former athlete.

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Welcome to the very first episode of the No Former Athlete Podcast! Today, our host Erin McGinnis has the pleasure of chatting with Jill Hutchison, a true pioneer in women's basketball. Jill opens up about her incredible journey from being an athlete to becoming a coach and eventually finding her way into retirement.

She shares the ups and downs of advocating for women's sports since the 1960s, the transformative impact of Title IX, and her groundbreaking role in proving that women could play full-court basketball.

During this heartfelt conversation, Jill dives into the evolution of women's sports, drawing from her personal experiences and storied coaching career. She talks about her unwavering passion for promoting gender equality in sports and the emotional journey of transitioning from coaching to retirement. You'll get an intimate look at the life of this legendary Women's Basketball Hall of Famer and be inspired by her enduring legacy.

Join us on the No Former Athlete Podcast as we celebrate Jill's remarkable story and explore the profound impact she's had on women's basketball.If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us reach more athletes like you and continue bringing you inspiring stories. Your feedback makes a difference!

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Welcome to the first episode of the No Former Athlete Podcast. Most athletes spend more time retired than playing the sports they love. When the arena empties, retired athletes face a significant shift in identity, leading to feelings of loss, purposelessness, and confusion as they attempt to redefine themselves outside of their sport. In this episode, we explore the emotional and psychological challenges that come with leaving competitive sports.

From the rehearsed responses about their sports prowess as young athletes to the unexpected struggles in their 30s, our hosts, Erin McGinnis and Alex Gasaway, delve into the profound impact of retirement on athletes' everyday lives. They share personal stories and insights on how former athletes grapple with the void left by their sport, the search for new validation, and the struggle to maintain confidence and purpose.

This episode sheds light on the lack of support and conversation around this experience, highlighting the weight it carries on athletes' lives for years, even decades, after retirement. We discuss the mental gymnastics required to reshape the core of who they are and how athletes can process these feelings to avoid unexpected emotional upheavals later in life.

Join us on the No Former Athlete Podcast as we bring these hidden challenges from the shadows and reshape the narrative around life after sports. Whether athletes retire by choice, on a win, a loss, or due to a career-ending injury, every athlete must grapple with the fact that their beloved sport will never be the same. So, are you an athlete?

Let's redefine that identity together.

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https://www.noformerathlete.com/