Zach Cummings’ journey is the definition of perseverance.

In this episode of the Purpose After Sports Podcast, Mikki O’Neal sits down with former college basketball player and creator Zach Cummings to unpack the real story behind the highlights. Zach opens up about losing his mother to cancer at 12 years old and how basketball became his therapy, the one place he could breathe when life felt too heavy.

From injuries and high school setbacks to nearly quitting at 17, Zach shares the turning points that shaped him: finding the right mentor, learning how to self-promote when no one was watching, and rebuilding confidence every time the game — or life — knocked him back. His college path took him through five different schools, forcing him to repeatedly prove himself in new environments and grow through each season of uncertainty.

We also dive into his transition after sport, how the athlete identity doesn’t just disappear when the final season ends, and why authenticity, mental health awareness, and goal setting became the foundation for his next chapter in content creation and podcasting.

In this episode of the Purpose After Sports podcast, Mikki O’Neal sits down with Tex McQuilkin, a former Division III lacrosse player turned strength and conditioning coach, speaker, and leadership educator.

Tex shares his journey from athlete to transformational coach, breaking down lessons on leadership, self-discipline, and purpose beyond sports. He opens up about how relationships shape great coaching, the difference between transformational and transactional leadership, and how athletes can use the same drive that built them in competition to thrive after the game ends.

If you’ve ever wondered how to carry your competitive edge into life after sport, this episode will give you the tools to do it.

In this episode of the PAS podcast, host Mikki O’Neal sits down with Erica Curry, a licensed therapist and former Division I athlete, to explore the often-overlooked side of the athletic journey, mental health and identity beyond sport.

Erica shares her story of transitioning from gymnastics to diving after a career-ending injury and how that experience shaped her path toward becoming a therapist for athletes, performers, and high achievers.

Together, they unpack topics like burnout, emotional regulation, values alignment, and coping strategies that help athletes navigate both performance pressure and life after the final whistle.

This episode is full of insight, honesty, and takeaways for anyone who’s ever tied their identity to their sport.

In this episode of the PAS Podcast, Mikki O’Neal sits down with Alan Stein Jr., former basketball performance coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author — to unpack the mindset strategies that help athletes and leaders thrive.

Alan shares lessons from working with some of the game’s best, from the power of discipline and repetition to seeing feedback as a gift. He breaks down the Next Play mentality for navigating setbacks like injury, career shifts, or personal challenges, and why emotional agility, community, and self-reflection are essential for growth.

This conversation blends stories from his career, insights from Raise Your Game, and a look ahead to his upcoming book Next Play. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply navigating transition, this episode will leave you with tools to bounce back stronger and perform with clarity and purpose.

In this episode of Purpose After Sports, Mikki O’Neal sits down with Bailey Ortega, former LSU volleyball player, to talk about her athlete journey, mental health, and what life looks like beyond the game.

Bailey shares what it was like growing up in a sports family, her transition from basketball to volleyball, and the challenges of competing in college athletics. She opens up about the impact of mental health on her performance, the emotional rollercoaster of stepping away from the game, and how coaching has given her a new sense of confidence and purpose.

This conversation is about more than volleyball, it’s about identity, growth, and the power of community for athletes navigating life after sports.

In this episode of the Purpose After Sports podcast, we sit down with Addison Stoller, former Division I basketball player turned Functional Health and Human Performance Coach. Addison shares her journey of leaving the game, finding her voice, and the critical role of vulnerability in unlocking growth.

She opens up about the challenges athletes face in transition, why being vulnerable is a strength, and how personal stories, connection, and support can help us reach our full potential. Whether you’re a current athlete, a former athlete, or just navigating your own professional and personal development, Addison’s insights are both relatable and inspiring.

From playing Division 1 softball at Dartmouth to becoming a college strength & conditioning coach, Tessa Grossman shares her powerful journey of resilience, transition, and growth. She opens up about facing burnout, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and the very real mental health struggles that athletes experience after leaving their sport.

Tessa also reflects on building an intentional career in strength and conditioning, why vulnerability in coaching matters, and even her experience interviewing with Coach Prime at Colorado football. Her story is raw, inspiring, and full of insight for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating life after sports.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations on athlete journeys, career transitions, and mental health in sports.

In this episode, Nicolle Skoien shares her journey from being a Division 1 basketball player to becoming an academic advisor and counselor for student-athletes. She discusses the challenges faced during her athletic career, the importance of preparing for life after sports, and how the DISC assessment can enhance team dynamics. Nicolle also addresses current issues in the athlete community, including the impact of NIL regulations and the balance between family life and sports involvement.

In this episode, Mia shares her journey from being a Division I volleyball player at Ohio State University to transitioning into independent wrestling. She discusses her early love for volleyball, the challenges of injuries, and the mental resilience required to navigate life after sports. Mia emphasizes the importance of finding new passions, the unique bond with teammates, and how gratitude shapes her perspective on success.

In this episode of Purpose After Sports, we sit down with Delaney Taylor — former softball player at Drake University and now Assistant Athletic Trainer at Bradley University. Delaney shares her path from being an All-MVC athlete to working behind the scenes to support today’s student-athletes.

She opens up about how she found athletic training  and what advice she’d give to anyone interested in working in sports medicine or support roles.

💬 Whether you're a current athlete exploring career options or just curious about life after the game, this episode brings valuable insight.

🔗 Subscribe for more athlete stories and tools for what’s next.