FIERCE Athlete Podcast

Carol Marquardt played amateur tennis (only because they didn't have pro back then) in the 1960s against the likes of Margaret Court and Billie Jean King. In the pre-Title IX era, Carol expresses she felt like she had to "apologize for liking sport" because as a woman it was so countercultural to do so. Our ability to play sport is built on the shoulders of women like Carol. As we recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX and women being given equal opportunity in sport, Sam and Carol have a dynamic conversation about how the culture of sport has changed. They talk about both the good and bad ways that women have gotten to where they are, but also the current threats that exist to Title IX in allowing biological men, identifying as transgender, to compete against women. Join us for a fun and thrilling chat between two dear friends of two very different generations. 

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Sam and Britt offer their commentary on the new hit movie, Encanto. There are so many gems that we as athletes can relate to.  Like many of us, the characters are solely defined by their talents, and have fears of appearing weak or vulnerable. While our athletic talents are amazing, and gifts from God, we are so much more than them. Join Sam and Britt as they discuss how to shift your viewpoint of being defined by just your talents, to one of self-acceptance in all facets of what it means to be human. You are more than your Talents, you are a GIFT! Grab a friend, watch Encanto, and listen to this podcast!

Takeaways:
Watch Encanto
Stare at yourself in the mirror, and "see me".

How to share:
Look into the eyes of someone else, seeing who they really are, seeing Christ.
"Be vulnerable, so others can be brave." Encourage others in their emotional expression and vulnerability. Invite them to do something, outside their sport, that brings them alive. 

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Our culture has a certain definition about what it means to be a woman....and the athlete culture seems to have a different one. So what does it mean to be a woman? A MUST LISTEN! Sam and Britt speak into their own experiences of trying to discover true femininity and how they came to embrace who they really are as athletic women. Even more, they discuss the factors that have contributed to the culture's distorted views of both men and women; from sport being historically male dominant, to the feminist movement. However, we need to celebrate both men and women in their differences, and lift each other up.

You are feminine! You can be both a FIERCE and tender woman- go for it! Embrace who you are as a woman, athlete, mother, sister and friend.

"The level of any civilization is the level of its womanhood. The nobler the woman, the nobler the man’s love must be." The World's First Love by Fulton Sheen

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As athletes, often times we are our own toughest critics. Britt and Sam wrap up the "opinions" mini-series by talking about the standards we set for ourselves as athletes. We dive into perfectionism, pride, and what true humility is. Join us as we encapsulate so many themes this week! 

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson

Takeaway:
Be aware of your own attitude toward yourself. Come up with statements to write down or on your mirror in order to practice positive mindset.

How to share:
Be aware of others critiquing themselves. Combat their lies with truth. By doing this, it helps keep us accountable too. 

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Whether it’s peer pressure, comparison, trying to fit in and be accepted, or changing who we are, we often give others, especially our teammates, power over us.  We need to have confidence in who we are because being authentic is what allows us to gain respect. Sometimes we gel with our teams and other times it takes more work. Sam and Britt discuss their own experiences but also give tips on how to set a positive healthy culture on our teams. You are more than your teammates’ opinions of you…you are uncompromising.

Takeaway: 
Be a good teammate! Encourage others. Uphold your values. Don’t talk behind others backs. Be grateful.

How to share:
Call others out, in charity, if they are gossiping. 

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We are continuing with our "opinion of others" mini series in Season 3. This week Britt and Sam talk about how our coaches affect us as athletes. They break down the things we can control in regards to our coaches and those we can't. They pull from their own experience in regards to playing time, coaching style and what to do with tough situations. They also offer advice and scripts of how to best have a conversation with your coach, and advocate for yourself as a player. So share with a teammate, friend or even coach as we walk this journey toward better understanding that we are more than our coaches opinion of us...we are already chosen!

Takeaway:
Have a conversation with your coach and ask these 4 things:
1. What are your expectations for me?
2. How can I achieve this goal?
3. What am I doing well?
4. What can I improve on?

Do so with openness and humility.

How to share this:
Instead of giving into gossip or complaining about your coach with your teammates, encourage and equip them to have a conversation with your coach. 

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For many of us, our parents are the reason we’ve been given the opportunity to play our sport. They can be our biggest fan, but sometimes we can feel a lot of pressure from our parents to perform, win the race, or earn a scholarship. Britt and Sam begin a mini series on others opinions by talking about our parents opinions of us. They equip you to talk to your parents if need, but also remind you that it is God the Father’s opinion of you that really matters. Take a listen, share with your parents, and know you are more than your parents opinions of you…You are God the Fathers opinion of you. And that opinion- is all delight and love.

Takeaway:
Reflect on relationship with parents and have a conversation like this is need me...“Hey Dad I’m feeling like when I don’t have a good game you don’t love me…”

Write down any misperceptions and renounce them.

How to share:

Help others combat any lies they believe about their worth in regards to their parents. Help them talk to their parents if need be. 

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Athlete Mental Health is at the forefront of the media right now, and yet it has been a struggle for many athletes for a long time. Sam, joined by her friend and former college rower Angelina Heyse, seek to bring much needed light to the reality of mental health in sport. They offer commentary on why this is a crisis, but also the anecdote and ways we can change the culture of sport. They hope to be a part of giving athletes a voice to talk about their struggles, but also make suggestions to athletes, teammates, parents, coaches, and fans as to how to practically help athletes, at all levels, overcome mental health struggles, and prevent further suffering. Join us and help us begin a long overdue conversation about athlete mental health. You are not alone. You are loved and deserve freedom!

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Perhaps our MOST IMPORTANT episode yet! You are more than your past self...part 2. This week we get deep, and real, hoping to offer consolation to all our listeners' hearts. You are more than your past sins, mistakes, failures, hurts, wounds, and pains. It is time to break free from the shame we carry, and move forward in freedom. Britt and Sam dive into some of the thoughts and unforgiveness that hold us back as women, and invite you to take a step toward deep freedom! Keep an ear out for the quote of the podcast, "its like Elephants." We are with you and invite you to listen with an open heart, because you are amazing and we love you!

Takeaway:
Forgive yourself. Say "In the name of Jesus, I forgive myself for ______" and then pick something physical, like throwing rocks in a river, or burning pieces of paper, that represents you letting go!

How to share:
Help your friends forgive others, and forgive themselves. 

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You are more than...your past self. This week we dive into our GLORY DAYS (cue Springsteen)! As athletes it is really easy to compare ourselves to what we used to be: before we were injured, when we had a different coach, or when we were on a different team. While it is ok to celebrate where we have been, we can't let it ruin where we are or discourage us from where we are headed. Britt and Sam dive into their own struggles with comparison and how they have learned to really appreciate and embrace the present moment. So whether you are rehabbing from an injury, learning a new position, or joining a new team, this podcast is for you and your teammates! Listen in and follow-up next week for Part 2 where we look at the parts of our past we are not so proud of!

Books:
Into Your Hands, Father
Interior Freedom
St. Faustina's Diary

Takeaway:
"When I look into the future, I am frightened, 
But why plunge into the future?
Only the present moment is precious to me, As the future may never enter my soul at all. 

It is no longer in my power,
 To change, correct or add to the past;
 For neither sages nor prophets could do that.
 And so, what the past has embraced I must entrust to God. 

O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire. I desire to use you as best I can.
 And although I am weak and small,
 You grant me the grace of your omnipotence. 

And so, trusting in Your mercy,
 I walk through life like a little child, Offering You each day this heart Burning with love for Your greater glory."  - St. Faustina's Diary, Entry 2

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"Leave the past to God's Mercy, the present to His Grace, and the future to His Will."

How to Share This:
Recognize in your teammates or friends when they are dwelling too much on the past. Help them refocus on the "next pass" or next opportunity in sport and in life. 

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