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Andie Creel is a passionate advocate for the environment and a leader in fostering community connections. She began her collegiate journey as a cross-country athlete at Montana State University but decided after her freshman year to step away from the sport to pursue her deep love for the outdoors. During the spring of her freshman year, Andie co-founded Backcountry Squatters alongside her classmates, creating a platform dedicated to supporting women non-binary people in outdoor recreation and fostering meaningful connections in natural spaces. Now pursuing a PhD at Yale University, Andie combines her passion for nature with her leadership in community-building. Andie, daughter of former guest Nancy Creel, reflects on transitions and how movement, structure, and community have been a pillar in shaping her journey and purpose.
Chandler Frisbie is a former collegiate athlete who played softball at the College of Charleston, excelling as an infielder and bringing energy and skill to her team during her years on the field. Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Chandler has emerged as an advocate for mental health and self-discovery, using her experiences to help others navigate life beyond sports. Chandler discusses her challenges of finding an identity outside of athletics. The conversation delves into eating disorders, discussing their profound impact on individuals, teams, and families. Chandler shares her journey of overcoming these struggles, highlighting the importance of self-care, community, and resilience. Today, Chandler continues to inspire others through her storytelling and creative pursuits, blending her athletic past with her commitment to community connection and creating welcoming spaces for all people to engage in movement and wellbeing. Chandler is a co-founder of “The Drop In”, a holistic space that creates experiences and focuses on making all people feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
Kooba Pardo, formerly known as Kooba Richard, is a former collegiate soccer player turned influencer and creative. She played soccer at Belmont Abbey College, where she made significant contributions to her team as a midfielder. She later pursued a master’s degree in Education at The Citadel, where she continued her soccer career. Kooba now channels her creativity through lifestyle and fashion content, documenting her daily life via social media platforms. Her content blends her passion for design, her love for travel, and her commitment to family. Additionally, she serves as the Director of Marketing and Development at Saint Michael Catholic School, where she uses her Catholic faith to inspire and connect with the community
Nancy Creel is a dedicated dog trainer, outdoor enthusiast, and former collegiate athlete with a lifelong passion for animals and nature. A cross-country runner during her time at Bowling Green State University, Nancy's love for the outdoors has remained central to her life. As a mother of two, Nancy seamlessly blends her nurturing spirit with her expertise as a dog whisperer, specializing in herding and agility classes dogs (and their owners) . Her approach emphasizes trust, communication, and mutual respect, making her a sought-after trainer for both working and companion dogs. When she's not training dogs or spending time with her family, Nancy enjoys exploring the great outdoors, whether hiking, running, or observing the natural world alongside her loyal four-legged companions.
Hannah Singer is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who supports individuals facing eating disorders, body image issues, and mental health challenges. A former collegiate diver at Northwestern University, Hannah combines her athletic background with her expertise in mental health to offer a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, mental wellness, and recovery. As an advocate with Morgan's Message, she helps amplify mental health resources for athletes, bringing awareness to the struggles many face. Working with E&S Therapy Group, she offers individualized care to empower clients on their journeys toward resilience and self-compassion.
Kelly Siewers Paone, studied and played soccer for Elon University. Her career is shaped by resilience, adaptability, and growth. Facing the challenges of injuries, Kelly developed a deep sense of perseverance that guided her both on and off the field. Following her choice to medically retire, Kelly transitioned from player to coach. She embraced new leadership responsibilities, fostering teamwork and mentorship skills that would become foundational in her life beyond athletics. Stepping back from her player identity after college, Kelly began to explore new passions and pursuits, creating a well-rounded life enriched by both her athletic background and her evolving personal interests.
Marie Zimmerman is a former NCAA Division I volleyball player who began her athletic and academic journey at Sacred Heart University before transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder. Now a corporate attorney based in Denver, she brings the same dedication and competitive edge from her sports career to her legal practice. As an attorney at Buchalter, Marie focuses on corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and private equity. She advises clients across sectors like technology, data security, and financial services, helping them navigate complex growth and regulatory challenges. Recognized as a 2024 Rising Star by Super Lawyers, Marie shares her path from collegiate athletics to law, offering insights on building a rewarding career after sports.
P.J. Rosowski is a former University of Wisconsin football player, where he contributed as a punter. After his athletic career, PJ transitioned into engineering, earning professional certifications as a P.E. (Professional Engineer) and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management). He has since built a career in engineering and project management, bringing a disciplined, team-oriented mindset from the field into his work. P.J. shares his experiences navigating the shift from sports to a professional career and the feeling of isolation that came along with this shift.
Julia Dorsey began her athletic journey as a competitive volleyball player, playing at Sierra College and then Metropolitan State University of Denver. Now, she channels her passion for sports into coaching fitness classes where she inspires others on their fitness journeys. Outside the gym, Julia is an avid trail runner and outdoor enthusiast, finding joy in nature and the meaningful connections she builds along the way. Deeply committed to fostering community, meeting new people, and empowering others, Julia shares in this episode how her athletic experiences have shaped her path from player to coach and helped her build a fulfilling life beyond competitive sports.
Bailey Ness is a former collegiate athlete who competed in cross country and track and field at both the University of Minnesota and Colorado State University. Bailey stayed busy after college where she founded Nesscessity Creative, a company that specializes in creative marketing and branding services, helping businesses and individuals craft authentic and impactful brand stories. Her passion for running continued after college, and she co-founded Cool Down Running, a platform that connects and empowers people through community events and a distinctive clothing line designed for runners. Bailey shares her journey of transitioning from competitive athletics to entrepreneurship, where she discusses the challenges and opportunities of life after sports, offering inspiration to others going through similar transitions.
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