The Mindset Experience®
‘The Mindset Experience’ is a personal growth and development podcast presented by The Hidden Opponent, top mental health non-profit recognized as a standout resource for athletes by Kobe Bryant. The podcast is hosted by Arman Taghizadeh, M.D., also known as “Dr. T,” who is a Johns Hopkins trained psychiatrist and former Division 1 athlete. The Mindset Experience integrates Dr. T’s professional expertise and lived experience as he and his guests explore how high performers can overcome challenges and achieve success in order to live their best lives.
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Makenna Jones On “The Inner Game of Tennis”
11/12/2025
Makenna Jones On “The Inner Game of Tennis”
Despite being the child of two professional tennis players, Makenna Jones was never forced to play the game. Furthermore, she hated tennis as she never felt good enough, felt her standard was so high and didn’t have fun playing the game. Ironically, when her family moved and she was without a soccer club, she decided to choose tennis. Makenna often felt tremendous stress and pressure to win every match which typically led to panic, negative thought spirals and very critical thoughts about herself. However, when she focused on having fun, her performance excelled. She played for five years at UNC Chapel Hill (2017-2021), earning a top singles ranking of #2 and a doubles ranking of #1. She won 4 ACC titles and 3 National Indoor titles. She also made it to the professional level reaching a career-high ranking of No. 236 in singles and No. 107 in doubles and played in some of the world’s biggest tournaments, including the US Open, Wimbledon, Indian Wells BNP, and Miami Open. Makenna shares how her mindset played a key role in both her performance and her rocky relationship with her sport. It wasn’t until she read the classic sports psychology book, “The Inner Game of Tennis” where she learned how to try less and let her body do what it already can do. Through her ups and downs, she has learned to get through struggle with grace, joy and gratitude. @kennajones14
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Daphne Faldi On Life is Better When We are Together
10/29/2025
Daphne Faldi On Life is Better When We are Together
Daphne Faldi graduated from Harvard University in 1997 with a degree in Biological Anthropology, where she played both field hockey and lacrosse. After losing her best friend, Dartmouth athlete Sarah Devens, to suicide, Daphne dedicated her career to supporting athlete wellness and mental health. A certified life coach, she has served as a head lacrosse coach and spent over a decade in school administration. Daphne now works with the YMCA of the North Shore, partnering with donors to advance the Y’s mission of strengthening communities and promoting healthy living in spirit, mind, and body. She also serves on the advisory board at McLean Hospital and collaborates with nonprofits including The Hidden Opponent, Morgan’s Message, Katie’s Save, The Kevin Love Fund, and One Love. She also works with student athlete mentors at Athletes Better Together. In the mental health field, when so many student athletes struggle and feel alone, Daphne’s experience has shaped her message that, “Life is better when we are together.” Passionate about connection and community, Daphne strives to inspire others and spread joy and compassion. @daphnefaldi, @athletesbettertogether, @coacmh
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Dickinson Lacrosse star Mac Childs On Asking is Free and How Cool it is to Care
10/22/2025
Dickinson Lacrosse star Mac Childs On Asking is Free and How Cool it is to Care
Mac Childs has had the privilege of growing up with a caring family including siblings and a dog. He attended top schools where he played alongside the most talented teammates and learned from the best coaches all of whom instilled consistency, discipline, and a passion for growing the game. While his environment provided the framework to succeed in athletics, he also grew up in a culture where alcohol and substance use was associated with fun. At a relatively young age, he transformed from a participant to an initiator leading others to confront his choices. In 2021, the age of 18, things had progressed to a point where he had to make the uncomfortable decision to enter a treatment facility, talk about his insecurities and make the commitment to focus on his physical and mental health. As a senior captain on the Dickinson Men’s lacrosse team, Mac is now inspiring others though his play on the field but more so, his impact off the field. He serves as the SAAC membership chair, is a mental health and addiction awareness speaker, advocate and mentor for Athletes Better Together, Dickinson Athletics, and Generation S.O.S. He is described as purposeful, impactful, honest and strong. How does he earn such high praise? He is intentional, has empathy, and believes it’s cool to care! @macmchilds, @athletesbettertogether
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2X Olympic Wrestler Myles Amine: “The Standard is the Standard”
10/08/2025
2X Olympic Wrestler Myles Amine: “The Standard is the Standard”
Myles Amine was born into a family of wrestling champions. But once he forgot about his family’s legacy, he unlocked his own potential to achieve greatness while continuing to surround himself with mentors. By learning from mistakes and focusing on the process, his intentional training has led to more successes than those around him. He is a 5X NCAA All-American, 2X Big Ten Champion, 2022 European Champion, 2X Olympian and 2020 Olympic Bronze Medalist. Myles shares that we are often surrounded by exceptional people that make mediocre decisions but to raise the standard, champions need to go places that most people won’t go and always aim to be the best at whatever they do physically and mentally. His mindset has led to greatness off the mat earning an MBA from Ross School of Business and a Masters in Sports Management at University of Michigan. As he transitions out of competitive athletics and becomes an amateur again, he knows as long as he sets the bar high, he will find a way to get there again. @mylesamine, @earningearth
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Tom Turcich On A Remarkable Life Existing in the Realm of Action
09/17/2025
Tom Turcich On A Remarkable Life Existing in the Realm of Action
Tom Turcich, the tenth person to walk around the world and the first to do so with a dog, captured the world's imagination with his remarkable journey. After the death of a close friend, Tom resolved to make the most of life by seizing each day. The day before his twenty-sixth birthday, he stepped out his front door to begin an adventure spanning seven years, twenty-eight thousand miles, thirty-eight countries and over 34 pairs of shoes! By traversing the globe on foot, Tom immersed himself in the diverse cultures and landscapes. But his expedition was not just a physical feat but a profound introspection. Each step was a testament to an unwavering commitment to self-discovery of his adaptability and capability but also his realization of his selfishness and lack of generosity compared to others. Through encounters with strangers, weeks of solitude, and a sheer resilience of spirit, Tom emerged as a beacon of inspiration and serves as a reminder that fulfillment lies not solely in reaching a destination but in the transformative power of the journey itself. Ironically, through taking more steps in life, he developed the psychological assurance that what he is doing by staying still is enough! Tom has been featured on CNN, BBC, Good Morning America, The Guardian, and countless other news outlets. @theworldwalk, tomturcich.com
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2X Olympic Water Polo Legend Amanda Longan: “You are good, Its just Water polo.”
09/10/2025
2X Olympic Water Polo Legend Amanda Longan: “You are good, Its just Water polo.”
In the sport of water polo, Amanda Longan was “late to the pool party” as she was introduced at the age of 14. Day 1, she hated it but by day 2, she was hooked. Since then, she has excelled at every level including 2 National Championships at USC, was MPSF player of the year, NCAA player of the year and Cutino Award Winner (equivalent to the Heisman) in 2018. She has also made 6 world championships rosters winning 4 world championship gold medals. She is a 2X Olympian, gold medalist in Tokyo and now pursuing the LA Olympics in 2028. With increased pressure and competition, Amanda found that the mental demands were far more challenging than the physical ones, so she really invested in her mindset and reminded herself that she is really that good. Despite her work ethic, talent and previous accomplishments, she later learned that being a leader does not always take place in the starting lineup. In fact, true leaders also learn how to be followers. By embracing her role and ability to make an impact regardless of circumstances, she experiences an appreciation for the opportunity to do hard things. @amanda_longan, @usawaterpolo
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One Love Foundation CEO Julie Myers On Family First, Doing Hard Things and Loving Better
08/27/2025
One Love Foundation CEO Julie Myers On Family First, Doing Hard Things and Loving Better
In the sport of lacrosse, Julie Myers is a legend. As a player, she achieved a National Championship. As a coach, she is responsible for 2 total National Championships, 6 Final Four appearances, 5 Title Game appearances, 5 ACC Championships and 27 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. She was also National Coach of the Year in 2004, ACC Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2006 . She was inducted in the US Lacrosse Hall of fame and the IWLCA Hall of Fame. In 2022, She earned the Diane Geppi Aikens Lifetime Achievement Award. But athletics is only part of her story. Julie’s success in sports and life is a result of grit, resilience and putting family first. Growing up, she loved competing with her siblings while appreciating how lucky she was to be able to play. As a coach, she emphasized the value of relationships and feeling connected. As a mother, she made hard decisions that kept her on the right path. In one of the biggest tragedies to affect the lacrosse communities, the death of Yeardley Love to abuse by an ex-boyfriend, Julie Myers realized that who she was and what she accomplished was just a drop in the bucket of life but also learned that every drop is incredibly important. With the beginning on The One Love Foundation, she was determined to make her ripple bigger by creating social change, raising awareness about relationship abuse and educating about relationship health. Now as CEO, she is responsible for ultimately teaching us all to “Love Better.” Julie Myers’ message and legacy show us that, “It is amazing what people can do, especially when they have to.” @join1love
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Pro Soccer Player Maddie Prohaska On Striving to Strike What’s Important
08/20/2025
Pro Soccer Player Maddie Prohaska On Striving to Strike What’s Important
Maddie Prohaska was initially drawn to soccer to spend time with her friends but fell in love with the goalie position because it was, “weird, different, unique.” It also produced special moments where it was all on her. As her career evolved, so did her mindset from “nothing else matters, I will give up everything” to” I will strive to strike what’s important for my physical and mental performance.” Not surprisingly, by thinking about things differently, she started to train differently using visualization, journaling, meditation and reframing her approach on the field. The results were record breaking. At University of Auburn, Maddie played over 96 matches with 36 shutouts! She was a 2022 Golden Glove Winner and 2023 Team Captain. In March 2025, she signed with Seattle Reign FC and in June 2025, she was selected to the Team USA U23 team. She shares that she didn’t always believe she was capable but started to once she realized others did. By focusing on her feelings and identifying her values off the field, she is able to be where her feet are typically stopping a soccer ball and giving her team a chance to win! @m.proha
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Pro Hockey player Casey Dornbach On Thinking About What He is Thinking About
08/06/2025
Pro Hockey player Casey Dornbach On Thinking About What He is Thinking About
Despite growing up in a hockey family and living in a hockey town, Casey Dornbach was taught early on that if he wasn’t passionate about it, he didn’t need to do it. But he fell in love with the process of growth, striving for something and the feeling that comes from learning and getting better. At Harvard, whether in difficult classes or the challenge on a D1 sport, he “honored the gifts he was given” and did everything to the best of his ability. As a professional hockey player, he has dedicated time and intentionality to his mental training resulting in the mindset to believe that he “can make mistakes but also be his best,” As the Founder of Whole Hockey Group, Casey is redefining what it means to train like a pro—blending neuroscience, breathwork, and game IQ to prepare the next generation for success on and off the ice. He gives rising players what he wishes he had: a system built around longevity, elite skill detail, and internal growth. Now in its second year, WHG has become a trusted path for high-level athletes seeking to elevate their game. @caseydornbach, @wholehockeygroup
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Dom Pietramala On Being Different, Unique and Furthest From Normal
07/30/2025
Dom Pietramala On Being Different, Unique and Furthest From Normal
Dominic Pietramala is a standout collegiate lacrosse player who made a major impact during the 2025 season. He was named to the Tewaaraton Award Watch List, recognizing him as one of the nation’s elite players. Pietramala earned All-ACC honors and was named an Honorable Mention All-American by both the USILA and Inside Lacrosse, while also being selected to the USA Lacrosse Second Team All-America. He led the ACC in goals this past season, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the field. Before his collegiate success, Pietramala was one of the top high school players in the country—winning the prestigious C. Markland Kelly Award as Maryland’s top high school player and being named the Mid-Atlantic Boys Player of the Year during his senior season. As a younger player, Dom was initially motivated to be the best version of himself to gain his father’s approval, but once he learned to be the best for himself, his game went to another level. When so many players want to be like their role models, he grew up wanting to be different. When others try to overcome their perceived limitations, he utilizes them to excel even further. When others have the ultimate dream of winning awards and championships, Dom’s dream was always to play for his dad alongside his brother. In storybook fashion, last season his dream came true during a breakout game against Johns Hopkins, on the same field where his father left an irreplaceable legacy! @dompietramala
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TB12’s Alex Guerrero On Getting worse to Get Better
07/23/2025
TB12’s Alex Guerrero On Getting worse to Get Better
Alex Guerrero is one of the key reasons that Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski and so many other legends have found success. When it comes to recovery, so many other trainers and practitioners focus on self-imposed physical timelines, but Alex is different. Using his background and training in holistic Chinese medicine, he integrates physical, emotional and spiritual components to improve strength and relief exponentially faster. By setting higher expectations for his athletes and changing their negative neuromuscular responses, his athletes start to learn and believe they can do things that others can’t do. By training athletes to see and remember positive experiences, he trains their bodies to respond ultimately accomplishing things that other athletes dream about. Alex is also a father, grandfather, author and collaborator for Tom Brady’s TB12 brand. He teaches us the secret to being elite “by focusing on the better” and that, “We can’t be afraid to get worse, to get better.” @ag_tb12, @tb12sports
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3X Olympian in Javelin Liz Gleadle: “It’s my Runway, Just Me and a Stick”
07/16/2025
3X Olympian in Javelin Liz Gleadle: “It’s my Runway, Just Me and a Stick”
Liz is a 3x Olympian and Canadian record-holder in javelin, now a dedicated holistic performance coach. From her own experiences, she has learned the ability to sensitive oneself to the process, invest into the learning process and train to appreciate delayed gratification. But when it’s time to compete, she has a routine that dials her in and helps her realize that “It’s her runaway, just her and a stick!” As a performance coach, she draws upon her own learned experience about the importance of the emotional state, and she helps athletes strategically optimize their time and energy investments to accelerate results and avoid burnout. Liz guides individuals to uncover the highest return on investment (ROI) strategies for their unique journey. Her philosophy centers on working smarter by addressing the entire human – physical, mental, emotional, and social – not just the athlete. She shares her strategies and systems in her course, the . Liz helps us understand that every challenge is a learning experience and we have the power to choose to learn now or look for the lesson later. @javelizz
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Jill Schulman On Courage Over Regret and “The Bravery Effect”
07/02/2025
Jill Schulman On Courage Over Regret and “The Bravery Effect”
Jill Schulman is a former U.S. Marine Corps Officer, leadership development expert and founder of Breakthrough Leadership Group. She also has a master’s in Applied Positive Psychology. Jill has dedicated her career to studying the science of bravery, resilience, and peak performance, drawing on disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science. Her work merges the academic rigor of research with practical tools that help individuals and teams increase their performance, resilience and well-being. Her upcoming book, The Bravery Effect is the culmination of years of exploration, offering evidence-based strategies for increasing bravery by developing a courageous mindset, taking bold actions, and building brave relationships. In short, Jill helps people do hard things—and loves it! @jillschulman, www.jillschulman.com
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Female Footballer Sierra Enge On Failing Fast and Failing Often
06/18/2025
Female Footballer Sierra Enge On Failing Fast and Failing Often
Sierra Enge is a professional soccer player for Racing Strasbourg in France. She started her career in the US, playing for the San Diego Wave in the NWSL. She received her BA and MA from Stanford University ('22) where she was a five-year member and captain of the soccer team which won a National Championship in 2019 and 3 Pac-12 titles. Sierra was named the 2022 Pac-12 Scholar Athlete of the year. In addition to her soccer career, Sierra is a mentor for Female Footballers and Athletes Better Together as well as an advocate for mental health. She works with Athletes for Hope and Katie's Save to increase conversations around mental health and wellness. Her passion and lived experiences have led Sierra to creating communities and spaces where people feel comfortable talking about the challenges and struggles, they are facing. @sierraenge, @femfootballers, @athletesbettertogether
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Miles Williams On The Value of Love, Equity and Wellness
06/11/2025
Miles Williams On The Value of Love, Equity and Wellness
Miles is a former student-athlete (Elon FB 2X team captain)turned award-winning educator and school principal. After nearly a decade leading in classrooms and communities, Miles now focuses on storytelling, mental health advocacy, and building platforms that center love, equity, and wellness. Known for his powerful voice on identity, transition, and healing, he brings lived experience and deep empathy to every conversation. Whether it’s in schools or on sidelines, Miles is all about helping people show up whole. His passion and purpose come from lived personal experiences and the mindset to develop a true understanding on how to define and implement the concepts that he teaches. Miles shares the importance of communication through listening and empathy which creates a community that inspires and allows us to feel like the wealthiest people in the world. @themileswill
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LPGA Golfer Allisen Corpuz: “The Most Important Shot is the Next One”
06/04/2025
LPGA Golfer Allisen Corpuz: “The Most Important Shot is the Next One”
Allisen Corpus was introduced to the game of golf at the age 4 by her father and older brother. She played through a few junior circuits and ultimately went to USC where she became a 2X NCAA All-American. In 2021, she turned pro and has earned several top 10 finishes on the LPGA tour. Allisen shares the importance of making sure that no one shot defines her by reinforcing the mindset that, “The most important shot is the next one.” By focusing on her pre-shot routine she is able to relax into her shots and make sure she is comfortable in the most difficult situations. Despite some injuries, she has trusted in her process, reminded herself that everything happens for a reason and had faith that golf will come around again when she is ready. Her support system and approach to her sport have allowed her to experience meaningful opportunities, see iconic places and live so many “pinch me” moments on and off the course. @allysoncorpuz
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Duke Runner Jackson Heidesch On Training Your Brain to Deal With The Pain
05/07/2025
Duke Runner Jackson Heidesch On Training Your Brain to Deal With The Pain
Jackson Heidesch is a sophomore on the Duke Cross Country and Track and Field teams. Hailing from Iowa, Jackson first made national headlines by winning the NXR Heartland Regional in 2022, earning the nickname “The King of Iowa” from The Running Effect. His momentum carried into a historic 2023 season: he won the mile at New Balance Indoor Nationals, shattered the coveted 4-minute mile barrier at the HOKA Festival of Miles, and captured victory at the prestigious Brooks PR Invitational. Following his historic senior year, Jackson has faced a series of injuries that sidelined him for much of his freshman and sophomore seasons at Duke. The physical setbacks were compounded by mental health challenges, as he battled depression that turned training into dread and everyday life into a struggle. Through it all, Jackson discovered a deeper resilience, sharing openly about his experiences with therapy, medication, and the slow, patient process of rebuilding his love for running. Now redshirted and healthier, Jackson has embraced a broader mission: to speak out on the importance of mental health in athletics. Whether competing at the highest level or advocating for mental health awareness, Jackson Heidesch is committed to making a lasting impact both on and off the track. His journey is one of resilience, community, and a relentless belief in moving forward—no matter how difficult the path may be. @jacksonheidesch, @duketfxc
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Morgan’s Message’s Dona Rodgers On the Stigma That Took Her Daughter’s Life
04/30/2025
Morgan’s Message’s Dona Rodgers On the Stigma That Took Her Daughter’s Life
In the Rodger’s household, Dona and Kurt discussed everything they could ever imagine their children would encounter. Nothing was too uncomfortable to talk about including alcohol, drugs, sex, etc. However, the one subject they never discussed was mental health, not because they avoided it but because it never came up. They were fortunate to have a close loving family, and their kids were safe, supported, loved and most importantly, happy. Their daughter Morgan was a bright student, a talented athlete, a gifted artist, a lover of music and dancing and a loyal friend. She achieved her dream to play lacrosse at Duke University. In January 2017, just before her sophomore season, she experienced a devastating knee injury along with other stressors but feelings of isolation and being misunderstood along with the stigma of reaching out for help prevented her from getting the help and support she deserved. Morgan Rodgers died by suicide July 11, 2019, at the age of 22. In the wake of this tragedy, her friends and family have created something so meaningful and powerful. What was supposed to just be podcast to share stories has turned into an internationally recognized nonprofit called Morgans Message that is impacting thousands of student athletes. While the organization has grown beyond anything imaginable, the message is simple: You are not alone, there is always someone in your corner. In this episode Morgan’s mother Dona shares her passion, her purpose and her unwavering pride for her daughter, her love of her family, her gratitude for daughter’s friends and her respect for the athletes who have chosen to take a shot at mental health. @morgansmessage WARNING: This episode contains sensitive material including comments about suicide that may be triggering to some listeners. If you are struggling with thoughts of self harm, please contact a mental health professional or dial 988.
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Kylie Ohlmiller: Things May Happen for a Reason But What Are Those Reasons
04/23/2025
Kylie Ohlmiller: Things May Happen for a Reason But What Are Those Reasons
Kylie Ohlmiller is a true legend in the sport of Lacrosse. Her accomplishments include 2X Tewaaraton Finalist, 4X NCAA All-American, 2022 Team USA Gold Medalist and Professional lacrosse player with the NY Charging. She is also the Founder of KO17 Lacrosse, Owner KO17 Lacrosse App and Co-Founder of TBD Lacrosse. However, what is most impressive is her journey through two devastating knee injuries, surgeries and rehabs within a two-year period. During a time when women’s lacrosse was gaining massive notoriety and exposure, she was asking herself, “why now, why me, why is this happening?” Because she had already developed and was actively training her mindset pre-injury, she was able to dedicate more time to her process. Instead of just trusting that things happened for a reason, Kylie went further to find the reasons creating a challenge that inspired her competitive spirit. Not only did she return to her sport, but she also scored the first ever goal in the history of the WLL Champs Series! While others celebrated her record, she is celebrating the wins along the way including her relationship with the game that has introduced lifelong friends, her fiancé, travel around the world and the ability to inspire young girls to grow the game she loves. For Kylie Ohlmiller, her new definition is success is so simple: suiting up, catching, shooting and running up and down the field! @kylieohlmiller17, @ko17lacrosse
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Madison Doucette On Consistency, Transparency and Appreciating for the Vibes
04/16/2025
Madison Doucette On Consistency, Transparency and Appreciating for the Vibes
Madison Doucette is a 2x World Champion with Team USA and a current pro lacrosse player for the New York Charging. She recently set a record in sixes lacrosse for the most saves made in a championship series game and holds the saves per game record at both Northwestern and Johns Hopkins, where she played collegiately. However, her first love was hockey, and her father was her coach. While her dad expected a lot from all his players, he made sure he was composed, consistent and always checked in. As such, Madison never dreaded the ride home and embodies many of her father’s traits in own athletic career. Even though she is the player to represent the US in all three disciplines of lacrosse, which demands variability, she created a process that she can replicate and a mindset that allows her to believe that “the only thing going in the net is her.” As a currently student manager, she has combined her father’s coaching style with her experience as a player to take the perspective and approach of consistency, transparence and gratitude. As she plainly states, “I am just here for the vibes!” @_madisondoucette
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Colleen Magarity On Mental Toughness through Discomfort, Humility and Adaptability
04/09/2025
Colleen Magarity On Mental Toughness through Discomfort, Humility and Adaptability
Not only did Colleen Magarity grow up playing multiple sports, but she also excelled in them. In fact, she was specifically told by her Team USA lacrosse coach that she, “will make the team because she played basketball.” Given her diversity in athletics, she was rarely hurt, had better situational awareness than others and could play both offense and defense. She was ultimately inducted into Germantown Academy Hall of fame Inductee for Soccer, Basketball, and Lacrosse. More importantly, learning how to play on different teams serving different roles allowed her the mental toughness to adapt to various challenges within the college game. At Northwestern University, she incorporated mental skills training into her physical training setting her up to win 3 National Championships, become an All-American, NCAA All-Tournament and serve as captain for the 2011 team. Colleen is now the director girl's HHH lacrosse club, and the head coach of Penn Charter's girl's lacrosse team where she has taken them from not ranked to a nationally top ranked High School Program. She also serves as Head Coach of the WLL New York Charging. Her ability to connect with her players personally, keep her all-stars humble and use mental training to help them adapt to challenges has earned her the respect of all players youth, collegiate and professional. She doesn’t just preach true mental toughness, she lives it! @cmagarkelly, @hhhphillygirls, @limitlessphilly_ksp
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Kate Daley, MA, LPCC, RDN: Readiness Is Not a Feeling, it’s a Decision
04/02/2025
Kate Daley, MA, LPCC, RDN: Readiness Is Not a Feeling, it’s a Decision
Like many elite athletes, Kate Daley grew up playing multiple sports and only considered indoor track in high school as it provided social opportunities and allowed her to “get her homework done between events!” However, once she realized the ability to consistently improve, break new barriers and feel a sense of accomplishment, she caught the “running bug.” As her career evolved, she needed to shift her mindset around success but also health and nutrition. As a retired collegiate distance runner, registered dietician and mental health therapist, Kate has combined her own athletic experiences, educational background and personal struggles with an eating disorder to treat athletes struggling with eating disorders. She also continues to study weight stigma, trauma, and disordered eating in marginalized populations. She is passionate about taking a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach to sport psychology and nutrition as well as instilling hope that recovery is always possible. @katedaleynutrition, @athlete_edge_at_edcare
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WBC Champion Danny O’Connor On Fighting His Biggest Battles Outside The Ring
03/26/2025
WBC Champion Danny O’Connor On Fighting His Biggest Battles Outside The Ring
Danny O’Connor was an honor roll student, a Massachusetts HS wrestling state champion, and a nationally ranked wrestler as a sophomore in high school. By his junior year, he was failing every class, dropped out of school, fell into substance abuse, experienced homelessness, and had 22 involvements with the criminal justice system before adult age. He was on a path destined for prison or death. In just two years two years after finding boxing, he became a two-time national amateur champion, ranked #1 in the U.S., and traveled the world as part of Team USA. He made the United States Olympic boxing team, turned professional, won 31 fights, and became the WBC International Champion. He was ranked in the top 5 in all major sanctioning bodies, managed and mentored by the Dropkick Murphys, and fought on HBO, Showtime Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and more. However, the hardest and longest battle he fought was not on a mat or in the ring but rather with his eating disorder. The very same discipline that led to his success also led to his demise taking away his dreams and almost his life. Danny shares his incredible story and struggles in hopes that others can learn from his mistakes and be inspired from his resilience. @therealdannyoconnor,
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Becca Mann On Swimming Outside The Lanes to Create Life Defining Experiences
03/19/2025
Becca Mann On Swimming Outside The Lanes to Create Life Defining Experiences
Becca Mann is a writer and athlete. A member of the USA Swimming National Team from 2012 until 2021, Becca is a 2x USA National Champion and was the youngest person ever to place in the Top 10 in 4 events at a single Olympic Trials. She has also represented Team USA at 4 World Championships. Becca initially fell in love with the solitude, power and efficiency that swimming offered but was ultimately motivated by the ability to consistently achieve goals. Whether moving to a more advanced lane, breaking a school record, breaking a state record or becoming a world champion, each small goal led to an even bigger one. No matter how big the goal was, her mindset stayed the same. She maintained the same pre-race routine (as it had worked before) and reminded herself that every meet was the most important meet of her life. After missing her 3rd Olympic team, she decided that if she was going to walk away, she would need to do something that had never been done before. With clear understanding and mastery of her mental strengths and vulnerabilities including OCD, she became the first person to have consecutively swum the triangle between the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. This life defining experience allowed her to redefine her relationship with swimming and reminded herself that it is supposed to be fun. Becca Mann shares her struggles, insights and knowledge in her latest book, “Outside the Lanes.” @becca__mann
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Lacrosse Standout Emily Hawryschuk On Loving the Game and Never Putting Her Stick Down
03/12/2025
Lacrosse Standout Emily Hawryschuk On Loving the Game and Never Putting Her Stick Down
Emily Hawryschuk has been standout player her entire career. She is the all-time career goals leader at Syracuse, 2X All-American and 3X First Team All-ACC Selection. She has been involved with Team USA since 2013 and secured 2 gold medals at both the prestigious Super Sixes tournament and the first ever Women's Box Lacrosse Championships. Most recently she earned the Golden Stick Award and All- Tournament Team Honors at the inaugural Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL) Champ series. However, her introduction to lacrosse was unique and her love for the game came from a perspective of healing exemplifying why they call it “the medicine game.” What most fans don’t realize is that Hawryschuk still considers herself a nervous player and has chosen to acknowledge her thought and accept her feelings and always come back to her preparation. While she appears naturally calm with a quiet but intentional intensity, she has developed this mindset through extensive training. Whether she is navigating a physical challenge or mental obstacle, she reminds herself that “She will not quit.” As founder and head coach of 51 Stars Lacrosse, she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of women's lacrosse players by focusing on both on-field skills and off-field personal development, ensuring athletes excel in all aspects of the game. @ejaneh803 @51starslacrosse
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Pro Soccer Player Carly Nelson On Saving Yourself Over Saving a Goal
03/05/2025
Pro Soccer Player Carly Nelson On Saving Yourself Over Saving a Goal
Like so many elite athletes, Carly Nelson grew up playing multiple different sports and was attracted to soccer because she could run around with her friends and kick a ball. She was both a field player and a goalie until a pivotal moment at age 15. During a typical game while playing goalie, she saved a great shot and experienced feelings of excitement, euphoria, validation, appreciation and ultimate confidence realizing, “I can do this!” Despite this life changing moment, she was talented enough in college that she didn’t fully understand the work ethic required to be great. That was until she sustained a severe concussion and learned that her sport could be taken away from her at any moment. She also learned the critical values of self-talk, discipline, and effort through the unlikeliest of circumstances. After 4 years at the University of Utah, achieved her goal of becoming a professional athlete where she has played for the last 5 years for the Seattle Reign, Kansas City Current, Orlando Pride, Utah Royals FC. Carly explains however that while many consider professional sports a dream, it’s really a job and it began to take away the joy, excitement, and validation she once felt. As hard as it was to get into pro sports, she made an even harder choice to step away. By taking care of her own health and wellness and appreciating herself, she is highlighting that if we want people to show up for us, we need to show up for ourselves. Showing up for ourselves might include walking away from something we love. @carly_nelson
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Wrestling Champion Katherine Shai On Anchoring Into Our Values and Choosing to Come Back Monday
02/12/2025
Wrestling Champion Katherine Shai On Anchoring Into Our Values and Choosing to Come Back Monday
For Katherine Shai, the sport of wrestling is embedded into the culture of her family. Her father was an Olympic wrestler, Olympic coach and was instrumental in growing the sport of women’s wrestling. Her sister was also an elite wrestler. She was drawn into it for its competitiveness and intensity but excelled once she understood the power of choice. By choosing to show up for herself and choosing how to train regardless of the outcome, she created the process to achieve success at every level. She became a 2X College National Champion. Senior National Champion, University World Champion, 7X Team USA National Team member and a 2X Olympic Alternate. More importantly, she helped give the sport a platform where others could advocate for themselves, get more opportunities and achieve the unthinkable like winning Olympic Gold Medals for USA in women’s wrestling. She has also used her experiences to create LuchaFit which is a series of resources including articles and workshops to address gaps in education, mental preparation and athlete well-being. Whether or not you get your hand raised at the end of a match, Katherine Shai teaches us to anchor into our values and choose to come back Monday! @katherineshai, @lucha.fit
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Strength and Conditioning Coach Matthew Ibrahim on Discipline, Structure and Mental Fortitude
02/05/2025
Strength and Conditioning Coach Matthew Ibrahim on Discipline, Structure and Mental Fortitude
, is a strength and conditioning coach, college professor, public speaker, author, and founder of. Currently, he serves as Clinical Coordinator/Instructor of Exercise Science and Co-Advisor of The Hidden Opponent chapter at Endicott College. Initially drawn to strength and conditioning for the structure, routine and discipline, he started to see the impact on self-efficacy, problem solving and positive change. He has shared his knowledge and experience in over 25 U.S. states at prestigious venues such as the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), Perform Better, EXOS at Google Headquarters, Sports Academy (formerly Mamba), UFC Performance Institute, Duke University, Stanford University, and Equinox, along with several engagements across Europe. His professional work and expertise have been featured in leading platforms and publications, including Muscle & Fitness, Men’s Journal, NSCA Personal Training Quarterly, Science for Sport, and T-Nation. As an author, Matthew is set to release his first book through Human Kinetics in July 2025: “Train Like a Pro: Programming to Develop Your Inner Athlete”. @matthewibrahim_, www.athleticperformanceu.com
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Marcus Holman On Playing with Emotion Not playing Emotional
01/29/2025
Marcus Holman On Playing with Emotion Not playing Emotional
In the sport of lacrosse, Marcus Holman is the standard of ultimate success. He was a 3X NCAA All-American at UNC Chapel Hill, 11X Pro All-Star, 2017 MLL Championship MVP, 3X Team USA Member, 2023 PLL Attackman of the Year and is currently 3rd All time in Pro Goals Scored. However, he will be the first to tell you that he has never been the best player, but he truly enjoys the process of getting better each day. In addition to training physically, he focuses on being present and remembers, “to play with emotion but don’t play emotional.” Marcus’ is not only the son of a lacrosse coach but also the husband of another professional lacrosse player. He shares both the challenges and unique relationship with lacrosse that he gets to experience. For him, this is truly a family affair! @marcusholman1
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Anthony Pecorella: Give Each Moment Your All and Just Keep Swimming
01/23/2025
Anthony Pecorella: Give Each Moment Your All and Just Keep Swimming
Anthony Pecorella is a Division 1 football punter, cancer survivor and mental health advocate. Like so many elite student athletes, he played multiple sports until he became a specialty player as a quarterback, kicker and punter. When given the opportunity to play at University of Maryland, a Big10 program, all seemed to be going well until it wasn’t. One night, while with family and friends, he heard a voice in his head saying that “he would not make it until tomorrow.” In that moment, he learned that “someone could have the biggest smile on their face while fighting the biggest war in their head.” Fortunately, that moment passed but shortly after, he was faced with the hardest but most rewarding period in his life. Diagnosed with cancer, he began his treatments on a pediatric floor where he was inspired by so many young kids who taught him that, “if they can do it (fight), he can do.” In particular, a 3-year-old named Elianna taught him the power of resilience, friendship and how to “Just Keep Swimming!” While Eli is now gone physically, her legacy and mindset lives on in Anthony as he shares his story, her story, and so many others who are struggling physically and mentally. Through his speeches and advocacy work, the message is simple. “Give each moment your all because tomorrow is not promised and always keep 10 toes on the ground” @ant_pec98, @healthyminds____
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