Sam Swart did not grow up in a lacrosse hotbed, did not specialize in one sport and never restricted herself to one group. Rather, her mindset to be intentionally free, creative and have fun has enabled her to be 2 sport NCAA athlete, All-American, and member of Team USA lacrosse. She prioritizes what is most important to her while supporting everyone around her. She has trained herself to believe that each experience is the best experience ever! Her mission is simple: Live with no regrets and make sure that the 12-year-old version of yourself will always be proud.

@samswart1

Meaghan Tyrrell is a 2022 Tewaaraton Finalist, 2X NCAA All-American, 2022 World Games Team USA member and Team Captain of Syracuse Women’s Lacrosse. She dominates on the field but her attitude and approach is what really sets her apart. Whether it was choosing her sport, the position she plays or making it to the highest level, her mindset is simple. She decides that, “I want to do it.” Her focus on meditation, visualization and breathing into her daily training has allowed her to master the ability to turn it on at the most critical moments without overthinking, thinking at all, or simply singing “Gary’s Song” from Sponge Bob in her head!

@meaghanntyrrell, @cusewlax

Over his 16-year career, Sam Koch has established himself as one of the most accomplished punters in NFL history. This Baltimore Raven legend didn’t start until perfecting his art until he entered the pros and learned to create a routine that included strength training, nutrition, sleep and a pre-kick process focused on footwork and fundamentals. Sam discusses the importance of doing everything with a purpose including his relationship with family, mentorship with teammates off the field and his passion for craftsmanship. His experiences have shaped the mindset he teaches his son and other players, which is that simple: “Find a way to have fun.”

@sdkoch4

Jacob Pacheco is a content creator, entrepreneur, model, speaker (including TedX talk) and professional surfer who works with major brands such as Zappos, UGG, Nike, and Tommy Hilfiger, Liv3mind, Bomber Eyewear, Adidas and more. Born with cerebral palsy, he was consistently told that his “body was broken” and bullied because he was “not good enough”. His experiences also include medical setbacks, surgical complications, abuse, and depression. However, instead of letting others write his own story, he chose to “take the pen back,” literally focus on one step at a time, and founded “Prone to Life” which promotes empowerment and optimization. 

@pronetoride

Her dream was to play soccer at UNC. Once she got a lacrosse stick for Christmas, her reality became playing lacrosse at UNC. But the transition was anything but easy for Marie McCool including self-doubt, comparisons to other players and wondering if she was worthy. Her willingness to open up to her coach helped her develop a plan for growth leading to an amazing career being considered as perhaps the most decorated player in UNC history. Most importantly was her ability to develop a sense of confidence, pure enjoyment and love for her teammates. This Team USA member shares the value of preparation, learning from failure and becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable as critical experiences for success.

@mariemccool

Mason Beckman is one of Pennsylvania’s most accomplished wrestlers including a 2X PA State Champ, 4X State Medalist, 2nd All time in PA HS wins, 4X NCAA qualifier and 2X NCAA D1 All-American. The foundation to his success is built on a desire to compete, a family and community of support and the ability to reframe and redefine his identity several times. The lessons learned on the mat provided the strength to navigate some incredibly vulnerable times in his personal life. He chooses to have a mindset of growth, gratitude, and the quest to always “do the next right thing.”

@the_rudis, Twitter @beck_diggity

Natural talent and the enjoyment of winning motivated Julie Culley to excel early on as a runner. She became a 3X Cross Country and 2X track/Field MVP at Rutgers. However, as expectations increased, she learned that her mind was the real key to her performance and gave her the power to do something so great or so detrimental. She decided to invest in her mindset and redefine her identity within her sport. The results include competing in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, creating over 50 All-Americans as a coach, induction into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame and the manager of sports marketing at Brooks Running. While running is the common theme in her life, she really believes in the power of movement. 

@jeculley2012

Jack Kelly embodies the ultimate inspirational story. Learning the concepts patience and enjoyment early on, he accomplished almost every award imaginable:  2X H.S. State Champ, 2X NCAA All-American, top college goaltender in the nation, MLL Rookie of the year, MLL Champion, MVP Finalist and Gold Medalist for Team USA. However, a devastating knee injury with surgical complications derailed his playing career for 3 years while also challenging his identity. While many would have retired and suggested he do the same, Jack chose to focus on his mental health and reinvest in the concepts of patience and enjoyment in order to promote his physical recovery. The results include a new definition of strength, a new appreciation for his sport and a spot on Team USA “Sixes Team” in the 2022 World Games.

@j.kelly94

Zion Clark is recognized by many as the wrestler, Guinness world record holder, motivational speaker and social media icon that was born with no legs, grew up in foster care, and survived abuse/neglect. But Zion is really known for choosing a mindset that focuses on his strengths, his creativity, his passion, and being known for who he is and what he is doing now rather than the stereotypical narrative of overcoming adversity. There are two statements that are his mantra and way of life; “If they are going to look at you, make sure they remember your name” and, “No Excuses.”

 

@bigz97, zionclark.com

Like so many high school athletes, Cailin Bracken only focused on her physical health not mental health. Like so many D1 athletes, she was unprepared for the pressure that would impact her performance. However, she broke the norm when she decided to take time away to prioritize herself, her mindset and mental health.  By choosing herself she was able to choose to return to lacrosse as a better player, teammate and most importantly…a better person. She also created a platform to advocate for the responsibility and privilege of “adults” to become “mentally tougher” by having more open discussions and creating a safer/more supportive environment.

ownyourstory.community, @kalewithcail