The Mental Matchup

In today’s episode, we are lucky to have Hilary Lemonick join The Mental Matchup. Hilary is a former Division I lacrosse player at Cornell University. She talks with Kat about everything from having type 1 diabetes, to disordered eating after a collegiate lacrosse career, to her experience and transition out of sport into the working world. Thank you Hilary for coming on and sharing your story!

In today’s episode, we are lucky to have Sophie Speidel join The Mental Matchup. Sophie is a former Division I lacrosse player at the University of Virginia and also represented Team USA. Sophie is currently the mother of three, a lacrosse coach, and a counselor at St. Anne’s-Belfield School (STAB) in Charlottesville, VA. As a school counselor, she focuses on a specific curriculum called “Life Skills” that aids social and emotional learning for Upper School students. The course is structured around the Youth Mental Health First Aid platform that focuses strongly on mental health and is utilized by students, teachers, coaches, and even parents. Sophie is an insightful and knowledgeable guest when it comes to the importance of mental health awareness and if you’d like to learn more about the program, check out mentalhealthfirstaid.org!

In today’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down and talks with Scott Kelsey. Scott founded Shareapy, an organization thatwhich centers on the concept that human connection is a key component to success and happiness through sharing our life experiences. Throughout the episode, we open up about the importance of helping others live happier and more meaningful lives. Scott talks about his hockey career, shifting his mindset to a growth mindset, and how he works to manage his mental health every day. You don’t want to miss this episode!

If you’d like to learn more, check out @shareapy’s Instagram or head to Shareapy.com

This week, Kat speaks with Kelly Oberle, a leadership development expert who founded Access Human Potential. The organization focuses on working with corporate and athletic organizations to enhance the overall performance of individuals, teams, and coaches. Throughout the episode, Kelly highlights the importance of connectivity, mindfulness, and gratitude to help people achieve their highest potential and how important creating a positive routine can be within one’s day-to-day life. Kelly was a Division I softball player at Northwestern University and also has experience coaching with multiple youth leagues to promote fun and activity in younger children. During the conversation, she shares integral tools and techniques that can help individuals become both mentally and physically healthier. If you’d like to learn more, check out Access Human Potential’s Instagram (@access_human_potential) and Twitter (@ahpnow)!

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat connects with Brandon Teixeira. Brandon is the founder and CEO of Mental Health Declassified. Mental Health Declassified is a platform that focuses on creating a safe space for anyone struggling with mental health and highlights the importance of supporting those around you who may be struggling alone. In the episode, Brandon opens up about his experience as a black athlete, how to approach a loved one who is struggling, and the power of your own brain. If you’d like to learn more about Brandon and his incredible work, check out Mental Health Declassified at mentalhealthdeclassified.com!

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down with Ben Greiner. Ben is a former collegiate ice hockey player and current founder and CEO of TadHealth. Ben is also the founder of an organization called The TAD Project. Both of these incredible platforms focus on creating a safe community and navigating the often difficult topic of mental health. Throughout the episode, Ben opens up about the culture of the sport of hockey and also the relationship that many males have with mental health. Ben has given valuable resources and tools to so many individuals, friends, and families through these platforms and we’re so grateful to have him on the podcast! If you want to learn more about his organization, check out https://thetadproject.org and follow @thetadproject on Instagram!

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down with Shelby Milne. Shelby played lacrosse at Hofstra University, is currently an Assistant Athletic Trainer UPenn, and is getting her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Throughout the conversation, Shelby opens up about mental health being on a spectrum, whether or not having a competitive mindset can be healthy or unhealthy, and the importance of finding your identity outside of sport. Shelby also wrote a great article titled “On the Brink of Change” so don’t forget to check that out on The Mental Matchup website!

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat speaks with Angelica Galluzzo. Angelica is the host of the podcast The Revolutionized Mind, which provides space for people to share their mental health stories in order to promote positivity and happiness even in difficult situations. She talks about finding one’s identity outside of sport, the differences in sports culture between the US and Canada, and dealing with 5 major knee surgeries within 5 years.

Angelica stresses the fact that injuries or tough times are only momentary and things will get better. As advertised in her podcast’s bio, “Life is short, why not make every day count?”

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Smita Nalluri. Smita ran track and field at Cornell University, while also handling a move from sunny California to upstate New York and balancing Ivy League academics. She opens up about her experience with depression and how important the power of connectivity can be. As a student-athlete, she dealt with injury and the difficult decisions surrounding switching a major. Smita teaches us the importance of not only listening to your body, but also your mind and highlighting the fact that you are never truly alone in your experiences or mental struggles.

In today’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat speaks with Ida Farinholt. Ida played lacrosse for four years at Cornell before transferring to UNC to complete her graduate studies. Ida opens up about tearing her ACL not once, but twice while in college and how she dealt with the recovery process along with the mental struggles that come with being an impact player to having to sit out for multiple seasons. Ida was also in a unique position as a transfer graduate student at UNC. She discusses having to navigate her role on a new team and also the impact of COVID canceling her last year of eligibility. Ida’s experiences are not unlike many athletes who go through injuries or having to deal with transferring so tune in tomorrow to hear more!