As an incoming fifth-year senior at the University of Texas, Olivia Bray is poised to conclude her collegiate swimming career on a triumphant note. Beyond her remarkable athletic feats, Olivia's story is a powerful testament to self-awareness and the unyielding human spirit. By taking the courageous step of seeking help, she not only defeated depression but also a debilitating eating disorder known as ARFID. 

Olivia's story is a testament to her unwavering determination. Despite the ups and downs, she refuses to be held back. As she embarks on her fifth year with resounding confidence, Olivia's story is a powerful reminder that "it's brave to ask for help" (her slogan!). Get ready for a vulnerable conversation about mental health battles, personal growth, and identity, transcending her career as an athlete.

**You can find Olivia on Instagram!**

Hey everyone!

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Davis, a former University of Minnesota football player who, like many of us, faced post-sports struggles. However, Steve turned his challenges into a mission to help others. He founded Strive Higher After Sports to coach and guide athletes through their transitions. Now a certified life coach, Steve shares his journey from the field to becoming a mentor for athletes navigating life after sports.

Join us as we dive into the raw and real experiences of post-sports life, discussing:

• The unique challenges athletes face when their careers end

P.S. - Find Steve & Strive Higher After Sports below! 

Strive Higher Sports (website)

Steve Davis (Instagram)

As always, I genuinely appreciate your support!

Hey everyone!

Today, I am interviewing the Stories by Student-Athletes Podcast host Jonathan Curran! Jonathan was a student-athlete at Saint Mary's College of California and had an excellent career as a golf player. We dive deep into his battle with mental health and how that motivated him to begin his podcast, as well as some of the critical issues that athletes face as they enter their new life chapter after sport. 

Instagram: @storiesbystudentathletes

Podcast: Stories by Student-Athletes on Apple Podcasts

Hey, everyone!

Today’s episode features Christina Chu, a decorated registered sports dietitian. She has several years of experience working with high-level athletes, and I brought her on to discuss how important nutrition is for retired athletes. Christina offers a wealth of knowledge that many retired athletes can benefit from.

Christina’s Instagram Page: @christinaychu

Christina’s Website: https://www.christinaychu.com/

Hi everyone!

Today, Bobby Melley is joining me. Bobby is a former professional baseball player who knows all too well what athletes face on a daily basis. His experience with mental health motivated him to create SOAR, an app that provides college athletes with a community to share their struggles and seek support. On today's episode, we dig deeper into SOAR while discussing the mental health crisis that many college athletes face on a daily basis. 

SOAR's website: https://soarhealthapp.com/about-soar

SOAR's Instagram: @soarhealthapp

Hey, everyone!

Welcome to episode 7 of the Next Chapter Athletes podcast. Today, Megan Reuter joined me. Megan is a former Division I swimmer and the founder of the Rooted Athlete podcast and organization (description below!). Megan and I share many experiences with navigating life as retired athletes, and we dive deep into them to share some of the lessons we have learned along the way. 

The Rooted Athlete Instagram: @rootedathlete

The Rooted Athlete Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/50UlJkT3d5o0ojdbSMRP7I?si=187e373e929a4d5b

The Rooted Athlete Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rooted-athlete-podcast/id1620177131

Description of the Rooted Athlete Podcast: 

The Rooted Athlete Podcast shines a light on athletes as they transition into life after sports. Hosted by Megan Reuter, former D1 swimmer . It’s said that an athlete dies twice: first at retirement, then at the end of life. Here, we dive into the challenges associated with this transition and how you can use your athletic roots in your day-to-day life! Through featured guests that have navigated this transition, across all sports and industries, sharing their journey, our goal is to empower you to grow beyond sport! Join us every Monday!

Hi, everyone! In today’s episode, Katie Alexander joined me to discuss some of the most notoriously sensitive issues seen in sports: hazing, abuse, and trauma. Katie is a current PhD student at Utah State University researching these issues in depth, so I am excited to have her on. While this isn’t an easy subject to talk about, it’s important we have open discussion surrounding it. 

Hey, everyone! On today's episode, I sit down with Kelsey Bickley, a former collegiate student-athlete and current counselor working closely with athletes. We discuss the retirement process and how this experience carries over into life's bigger picture.

How to find Kelsey:

Check Out Her Website!

**I also want to apologize for the audio quality - I am learning how to improve my recording and editing skills!**

Hey everyone! I had the pleasure of speaking with Emily Esposito today. Emily is a former DI Women's Basketball player and founder of the Em-Empowerment movement. We discussed some battles she fought as a DI athlete and how she found herself after moving on from basketball. Her story is an excellent example of turning adversity into power. 

Em-Empowerment Website: https://www.emilyespositoempowerment.com/

Instagram: @em_powerment_

Hey everyone! Today, I had Evann Smith join me on the podcast. Evann was a Division I women’s soccer player at UCSB, where she was the team’s starting goalkeeper and team captain. In addition, she was nominated for the 2023 NCAA Woman of the Year Award in college. In this episode, we discuss Evann’s experience with retirement and a new career while examining some of the mental aspects of her playing days.