No Struggle No Story

Former Iowa State baseball player Ty Henry has faced many hardships throughout his life. From the loss of his aunt during his college years to the uncertainty of when his last game would be, he stayed strong through it all. In this episode of NSNS, Ty talks about how important his faith in who he was, in his identity, and in God helped him face whatever came his way and thrive under the conditions. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation with a story that every person needs to hear!

Mental health matters. Former University of Michigan Volleyball OH B1G Sportsmanship Award recipient and current Florida State University Beach Volleyball player Sydney Wetterstrom joins us on this episode to talk about what led her to become a major advocate for mental health, ways to cope with performance and life anxiety, and resources that student-athletes and people alike need to build and take advantage of. In an eye-opening conversation, Sydney's passion for mental health and validation of feelings shines through from her own personal struggles. This is a must-listen episode for any person that has or is experiencing adversity! Tune in!

Everything is never as it seems. CAA Tournament MVP and JMU Women's Tennis Player Amanda Nord joins the show to share her journey with mental health and the never-ending fight against depression, anxiety, and body image. It rings true that even when a person seems to be okay, it is not always the case. Amanda talks about ways she has learned to cope with these demons and what the idea of accepting the fact that these emotions will come has meant to her. Through counseling, an immense support system, and learned techniques that have helped her grow Nord has found the strength to share her story in hopes of inspiring many. Listen in!

One brain tumor and two surgeries later yet volleyball was still what was on her mind. Hawaii State and Female Volleyball Player of The Year and Nebraska Volleyball player Kaylei Akana faced this shocking experience in her early high school years but didn't let it derail her dreams. In fact, it led her to be the athlete and person she is today. Kaylei used this adversity to learn to never take anything for granted, find her identity in Kaylei the person over Kaylei the volleyball player, and found that you can achieve anything you set your heart to regardless of how tough it may seem. Don't miss this incredible story and an amazing lesson on how each experience is truly what you make of it.

Former Hawaii Beach Volleyball player and Western Kentucky Indoor Volleyball player Heather Friesen looked death in the face just a few short years ago. After falling down a 50-foot waterfall, she was on the brink of survival and had frail hopes of ever competing in the sport she had built her life around again. Yet through an unwavering determination, a beautiful experience that brought her closer to God, and a mentality to always grow from every situation, Heather now competes on the professional beach volleyball circuit. Heather learned to never hold your sport as an idol and that you are worth so much more than just your status as an athlete. Tune in to hear this incredible story and how much these values can help you face struggles and adversities in your life!

It's not about the size of the dog in the fight, it's about the size of the fight in the dog. Episode 26 brings on First Team All-B1G and ATP #690 Illini tennis player Zeke Clark to talk about his experiences breaking the expectations put on him due to his physical stature and the ways he has learned to grow from every experience. Known as one of the toughest competitors in college tennis, listen in to hear about the incredible ways Zeke has learned to take every experience as an opportunity to grow and maximize his potential.

Georgia Tech NCAA All-American and Junior Wimbledon participant Vicky Flores speaks on Episode 25 about her dark experiences with depression and anxiety and how they have helped shape her into the person she is today. Through her strong Christian faith, a sense of gratefulness for living out each day, and a newfound routine that allowed her to see the truths in who she is Vicky began to learn how to use this experience to change her life for the better. You will undoubtedly find ways to help uplift your life and gain confidence in who YOU are in this riveting episode!

Coming in ready to receive playing time his true freshman year, University of Nebraska Defensive End Tate Wildeman faced a heartbreaking injury when he tore his ACL one day before the Huskers' game against Colorado. Facing what Tate described as the first serious adversity in his life piled on with a new position coach, he wasn't sure what the future held. But through this struggle, Wildeman credits his blossoming relationship with God, a strong support system, and his belief that everything happens for a reason as ways that helped him learn and grow each day from this event. An inspiring story about the strength of community and how to find your identity in something that can't be taken away from you, Episode 24 is not one to miss!

National Gatorade Player of The Year, AVCA All-American, Nebraska Outside Hitter. All of these accolades describe Lexi Sun, but they do not define her. In an incredible episode 23, Lexi joins the podcast to talk about the struggles of dealing with expectations, how she has handled the coronavirus crisis, and how her love for Jesus has become the most important aspect of her life. Each of these topics encompasses Sun's belief that she is more than just Lexi Sun the volleyball player. She is Lexi Sun the person above all else. Listen to her inspiring story!

Episode 22 brings on Under Armour All-American and Nebraska Volleyball outside hitter Riley Zuhn to talk about her experiences coming into college as one of the best volleyball players in the country to join a perennial powerhouse program at the University of Nebraska. Through this process, Riley learns that no matter what role you are in, if you do it to the best of your abilities and come into each day with a "sell the fuck out" attitude, you can go to bed knowing you are improving not only as an athlete but a person as well. Finally, Zuhn reflects on her faith and how it has led her to realize that it is okay to not be okay. To her, you are not supposed to understand many things as a person, but that is the beauty of life. This episode provides inspiring advice from not only an amazing athlete but an even better person. Listen in!