Danielle Johnson (formerly Mellem) is a former student-athlete where she played soccer for the College of Charleston. Her playing career was unexpectedly cut short due to injury, leading to a medical retirement. In this episode, Dani opens up about the emotional and psychological impact of stepping away from the game and how she found her footing beyond the sport. Now wearing many hats, Dani draws on the lessons she learned both on the field and through the transition out of athletics to guide her life today. Dani is a co-owner of a gorgeous jewelry company (one that started during her college years), called Our Spare Change.

https://oursparechange.com/

Pete Anderson is a former University of Georgia football standout and consensus All-American, team captain and SEC powerhouse. After a stint in the NFL, Pete transitioned into a successful career in real estate development. In this episode, we dive into his journey from the gridiron to the business world, how he navigated major life transitions, and what legacy means to him now as a father, leader, and community member.

Tori Karsten is a former University of Delaware Blue Hen who joins the podcast to share her experience after leaving Field Hockey. Tori is the head coach of the Cherry Creek High School Field Hockey team, and in her first season she guided them to a state title. She is also a fitness coach and personal trainer, working with athletes of all ages. After recently suffering an unexpected injury, Tori is learning how to navigate her active lifestyle and uses her experiences as an athlete to help guide her.

Julia Rubinstein is our guest this week!!! After swimming for a year at Colorado College, Julia decided to transfer to the University of Colorado. Julia shares the experience that she had that led up to this decision, her feelings of imposter syndrome, and her ability to pivot and lean into new experiences. Julia is an all around athlete who continued to pursue mountain sports following her collegiate career. She has lived many experiences and continues to use the lessons learned during her time in sports to apply to her day to day life.

Corinn Childs joins the podcast this week to share her experience leaving collegiate cheerleading. After knowing from a young age that she would be an Oregon cheerleader, Corinn walks us through her experience leaving the sport, experiencing rejection, and navigating life without the sport she knew for so long. Corinn also discusses how she started to find different hobbies and seek out new opportunities and relationships.

Nicole Koretsky hops on the podcast this week! A New Jersey native, Nicole walks us through her decision to leave the cold and move to Charleston, SC to play soccer (and be much warmer). Nicole shares her journey managing burn out, meeting new people, developing and pursuing her passions, and how travel has helped shape the person that she is today. Nicole is a woman of many talents which all come from a palpable curiosity for life.

Danny Robison is our guest this week. Danny is a former Montana State Bobcat men’s basketball player and he joins the podcast to share his experience leaving competition. Danny speaks about his journey dealing with injury, utilizing his support system, and how he has identified the structures he needs in his life. Danny currently lives in Denver, CO and works as an engineer.

Dr. Hope walker joins us this week to share her experience leaving soccer and the impact this transition had on her mental, physical, and emotional health. Hope played soccer at College of Charleston and during this time managed injuries, burnout, and the drive to find new hobbies. During this episode we discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with people that know you well, taking time away from sport, continuing to set goals in your life, and being open to new experiences. Hope is now working with the pediatric population as a physical therapist in Charleston, SC.