FIERCE Athlete Podcast

Carol Marquardt played amateur tennis (only because they didn't have pro back then) in the 1960s against the likes of Margaret Court and Billie Jean King. In the pre-Title IX era, Carol expresses she felt like she had to "apologize for liking sport" because as a woman it was so countercultural to do so. Our ability to play sport is built on the shoulders of women like Carol. As we recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX and women being given equal opportunity in sport, Sam and Carol have a dynamic conversation about how the culture of sport has changed. They talk about both the good and bad ways that women have gotten to where they are, but also the current threats that exist to Title IX in allowing biological men, identifying as transgender, to compete against women. Join us for a fun and thrilling chat between two dear friends of two very different generations. Support the show

Sam and Britt offer their commentary on the new hit movie, Encanto. There are so many gems that we as athletes can relate to.  Like many of us, the characters are solely defined by their talents, and have fears of appearing weak or vulnerable. While our athletic talents are amazing, and gifts from God, we are so much more than them. Join Sam and Britt as they discuss how to shift your viewpoint of being defined by just your talents, to one of self-acceptance in all facets of what it means to be human. You are more than your Talents, you are a GIFT! Grab a friend, watch Encanto, and listen to this podcast! Takeaways:Watch EncantoStare at yourself in the mirror, and "see me".How to share:Look into the eyes of someone else, seeing who they really are, seeing Christ."Be vulnerable, so others can be brave." Encourage others in their emotional expression and vulnerability. Invite them to do something, outside their sport, that brings them alive. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Our culture has a certain definition about what it means to be a woman....and the athlete culture seems to have a different one. So what does it mean to be a woman? A MUST LISTEN! Sam and Britt speak into their own experiences of trying to discover true femininity and how they came to embrace who they really are as athletic women. Even more, they discuss the factors that have contributed to the culture's distorted views of both men and women; from sport being historically male dominant, to the feminist movement. However, we need to celebrate both men and women in their differences, and lift each other up. You are feminine! You can be both a FIERCE and tender woman- go for it! Embrace who you are as a woman, athlete, mother, sister and friend. "The level of any civilization is the level of its womanhood. The nobler the woman, the nobler the man's love must be." The World's First Love by Fulton SheenSupport the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

As athletes, often times we are our own toughest critics. Britt and Sam wrap up the "opinions" mini-series by talking about the standards we set for ourselves as athletes. We dive into perfectionism, pride, and what true humility is. Join us as we encapsulate so many themes this week! “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne WilliamsonTakeaway:Be aware of your own attitude toward yourself. Come up with statements to write down or on your mirror in order to practice positive mindset.How to share:Be aware of others critiquing themselves. Combat their lies with truth. By doing this, it helps keep us accountable too. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Whether it's peer pressure, comparison, trying to fit in and be accepted, or changing who we are, we often give others, especially our teammates, power over us.  We need to have confidence in who we are because being authentic is what allows us to gain respect. Sometimes we gel with our teams and other times it takes more work. Sam and Britt discuss their own experiences but also give tips on how to set a positive healthy culture on our teams. You are more than your teammates' opinions of you…you are uncompromising.Takeaway: Be a good teammate! Encourage others. Uphold your values. Don't talk behind others backs. Be grateful.How to share:Call others out, in charity, if they are gossiping. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

We are continuing with our "opinion of others" mini series in Season 3. This week Britt and Sam talk about how our coaches affect us as athletes. They break down the things we can control in regards to our coaches and those we can't. They pull from their own experience in regards to playing time, coaching style and what to do with tough situations. They also offer advice and scripts of how to best have a conversation with your coach, and advocate for yourself as a player. So share with a teammate, friend or even coach as we walk this journey toward better understanding that we are more than our coaches opinion of us...we are already chosen!Takeaway:Have a conversation with your coach and ask these 4 things:1. What are your expectations for me?2. How can I achieve this goal?3. What am I doing well?4. What can I improve on?Do so with openness and humility. How to share this:Instead of giving into gossip or complaining about your coach with your teammates, encourage and equip them to have a conversation with your coach. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

For many of us, our parents are the reason we've been given the opportunity to play our sport. They can be our biggest fan, but sometimes we can feel a lot of pressure from our parents to perform, win the race, or earn a scholarship. Britt and Sam begin a mini series on others opinions by talking about our parents opinions of us. They equip you to talk to your parents if need, but also remind you that it is God the Father's opinion of you that really matters. Take a listen, share with your parents, and know you are more than your parents opinions of you…You are God the Fathers opinion of you. And that opinion- is all delight and love.Takeaway:Reflect on relationship with parents and have a conversation like this is need me...“Hey Dad I'm feeling like when I don't have a good game you don't love me…”Write down any misperceptions and renounce them.How to share:Help others combat any lies they believe about their worth in regards to their parents. Help them talk to their parents if need be. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Athlete Mental Health is at the forefront of the media right now, and yet it has been a struggle for many athletes for a long time. Sam, joined by her friend and former college rower Angelina Heyse, seek to bring much needed light to the reality of mental health in sport. They offer commentary on why this is a crisis, but also the anecdote and ways we can change the culture of sport. They hope to be a part of giving athletes a voice to talk about their struggles, but also make suggestions to athletes, teammates, parents, coaches, and fans as to how to practically help athletes, at all levels, overcome mental health struggles, and prevent further suffering. Join us and help us begin a long overdue conversation about athlete mental health. You are not alone. You are loved and deserve freedom!Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Perhaps our MOST IMPORTANT episode yet! You are more than your past self...part 2. This week we get deep, and real, hoping to offer consolation to all our listeners' hearts. You are more than your past sins, mistakes, failures, hurts, wounds, and pains. It is time to break free from the shame we carry, and move forward in freedom. Britt and Sam dive into some of the thoughts and unforgiveness that hold us back as women, and invite you to take a step toward deep freedom! Keep an ear out for the quote of the podcast, "its like Elephants." We are with you and invite you to listen with an open heart, because you are amazing and we love you!Takeaway:Forgive yourself. Say "In the name of Jesus, I forgive myself for ______" and then pick something physical, like throwing rocks in a river, or burning pieces of paper, that represents you letting go!How to share:Help your friends forgive others, and forgive themselves. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

You are more than...your past self. This week we dive into our GLORY DAYS (cue Springsteen)! As athletes it is really easy to compare ourselves to what we used to be: before we were injured, when we had a different coach, or when we were on a different team. While it is ok to celebrate where we have been, we can't let it ruin where we are or discourage us from where we are headed. Britt and Sam dive into their own struggles with comparison and how they have learned to really appreciate and embrace the present moment. So whether you are rehabbing from an injury, learning a new position, or joining a new team, this podcast is for you and your teammates! Listen in and follow-up next week for Part 2 where we look at the parts of our past we are not so proud of!Books:Into Your Hands, FatherInterior FreedomSt. Faustina's DiaryTakeaway:"When I look into the future, I am frightened, But why plunge into the future? Only the present moment is precious to me, As the future may never enter my soul at all. It is no longer in my power, To change, correct or add to the past; For neither sages nor prophets could do that. And so, what the past has embraced I must entrust to God. O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire. I desire to use you as best I can. And although I am weak and small, You grant me the grace of your omnipotence. And so, trusting in Your mercy, I walk through life like a little child, Offering You each day this heart Burning with love for Your greater glory."  - St. Faustina's Diary, Entry 2---------"Leave the past to God's Mercy, the present to His Grace, and the future to His Will."How to Share This:Recognize in your teammates or friends when they are dwelling too much on the past. Help them refocus on the "next pass" or next opportunity in sport and in life. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

You are more than an Athlete...you are LIMITLESS! Growing up, and even today, many of us are labeled as "an athlete", and while we are so proud of this, there is so much more to us than what we do on a track, or field, or in a pool; maybe it's drawing, or music, or like Sam, BIRDS! Whatever it is, we have been created for beauty and to discover the true, the good, and the beautiful in sport, but also in the amazing world around us. Sam and Britt talk about their experiences with labels, and breaking free to discover some really cool things that the world has to offer. So grab a buddy to listen with or throw us on while you're on a run, and enjoy! Feel free to share what brings you joy outside of sport! Tag us #iammorethan @fierceathleteTakeaway:Go on a Beauty Quest. How to share this:Bring someone along on a beauty quest, or do something that brings them fully alive!Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

You are  more than a number on a scale, a body fat %, or your eating habits. As women, and especially as athletes, we are hyper aware of our weight and body make up. We struggle with over eating, under eating, comparison, and false standards. Britt and Sam break down this sensitive topic, speaking into their own experiences, but also providing insight into the beauty of our bodies, not matter the weight, and how to have a healthy view of how we look. Resources:If you know someone struggling with disordered eating here are some resources that can help: https://catholicmentalhealth.org/eating-disordershttps://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-supporthttps://thecatholicwoman.co/letterstowomen/finding-my-worth-amidst-an-eating-disorderTakeaway:Mediate with 1 Corintians 6:19-20 "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body."How to Share This:If you see a friend struggling, talk to them about it. Don't try to fix them, but walk alongside them in their struggle and help them get help. See resources above for a start!Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Failure is a natural, but brutal part of sport. Ultimately, it helps us get better, but it definitely hurts in the process. This week, we talk about the times in sport and life we have faced failure. We hope to provide you with some advice and tips in order to turn your failures into your greatest drivers for growth, because you are more than your mistakes and failures...you are perfectly imperfect. I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.  - Michael JordanTakeaway:Pick a statement to help you combat negative cyclical thinking and refocus you on the gameHow to share this:Be an encouragement to others. Help them focus on "making the next play".Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

While once reserved for athlete's sporting accomplishments, everyone has access to a highlight reel today through social media. Britt and Sam dive into the world of social media and how it affects our performance, self image, and view of others. You'll also learn Britt's fun "nickname" and enjoy a few laughs with us! So press play during a workout, invite a friend to listen in and discuss, and join us for episode 4, because you are more than a highlight reel...you are loved as you are. Takeaway:Take a fast from social media, or learn to praise God for others accomplishments.Start a Gratitude Journal- write 3 new things you are thankful for everyday.How to share this:Invite someone else into a fast with you.Start a Gratitude Journal with someone else. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

You are more than your injury. Injury can be one of the toughest and yet most common realities of women's sports. Whether it be a concussion, sprained ankle, tendinitis, or a torn ACL, most of us have experienced injury. Between the two of them, Britt and Sam have 20 surgeries, so they are no stranger to the struggle. They speak into their own experiences, giving practical advice and new perspective as to how to both navigate and use our injuries to make ourselves and those around us stronger. So share with a friend whose injured, or listen and bring new light and healing to an injury you've had. Either way, you'll really enjoy the practical tips offered as to how injury can actually bring us closer to Christ.Takeaway:Reflect on how your injury can bring your closer to Christ. Find your role on your team while injured.How to share this: Offer your injury, rehab, and suffering up for someone else who is injured, having a hard time, or just needs your prayers. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

You are more than your view of your body. As athletes our bodies come in all shapes and sizes, often times reflecting our sport; whether it be soccer thighs, swimming shoulders, or runners legs. However, our views of our bodies range from body hate to body pride, causing us to view our bodies as tools, or something we can manipulate. Britt and Sam talk about their own struggles with their view of their bodies, and how those views have been redeemed. We want to honor our bodies, in order to perform, not get caught up in how we look. We need to realize we are beautiful! We are made in the image and likeness of God! We are designed as athletic. So grab a friend, take a listen during a workout, and lets learn the true nature of our beauty. Takeaway: Body ScanStart at the top of your head, and body part by body part go down to your toes, and with every body part ask yourself this question, "Do I like this part of my body?" Be honest- it can be tough. But don't stop there. Next but yourself in the Lords presence, and go body part by body part and ask him, "Jesus, do you love this part of my body?" (His answer is always yes!)Mirror Exercise: "This Body, is loved, by God" Breathing exerciseHow to Share:Watch and Listen for the pattern of self critique in others. Compliment them on their beauty, turn the conversation to the positive, and invite them to do the Body Scan with you. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

You are more than your performance. Everything we do as athletes comes down to performance- whether its wins or losses, time clocked, our play at practice, how much we lift, or what we do off the field. As such, we can easily get caught up in the ups and downs of sport day to day. Sam and Britt, offer practical advice to avoid this. They share how your true identity lies in being a Daughter of God. Ironically, realizing this truth as athletes actually helps us "perform" at our highest potential. So grab a teammate, listen on a run, and join us as we begin Season 3!Because you are more than your performance...you are a Daughter of God. Practical Takeaway:You were made in my Image Genesis 1:27You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1I knew you even before you were conceived.   Jeremiah 1:4-5 I knit you together in your mother's womb.   Psalm 139:13 And You are fearfully and wonderfully made.   Psalm 139:14 For I am the perfect father.   Matthew 5:48 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.   1 John 3:1 And I rejoice over you with singing.   Zephaniah 3:17 How to share this: Compliment someone, a teammate or friend, on something other than their performance. If you see them getting caught up in the up and down emotion of sport, encourage them and share where their identity really lies. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

We are living, playing, and competing in interesting times. Whether your season has been cancelled, changed, modified, or put on hold due to COVID, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances, this podcast is for you. Erin Yenney, current professional soccer player, joins us to talk about how the uncertainty of her professional career, but also how this specific time has shaped her outlook on sport, faith and life. She shares her own journey, as well as offers some amazing advice as to how to properly view, deal with, and receive the uncertainties of our sports careers and lives! Join us for a dynamic discussion. Know you are not alone, and are a part of this FIERCE family! We are all in this together. Show quotes:"You are rewarded not according to your work or your time but according to the measure of your love"- St Catherine of SienaLet love and faithfulness never leave you;bind them around your neck,write them on the tablet of your heart. - Proverbs 3:3Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Confidence is something that every athlete needs in order to be at the top of their game, and yet it is something that we all seem to struggle with. Former Notre Dame and 7 time professional soccer player, Brittany Bock, joins us to talk about her journey with confidence. Sam and Britt engage in a dynamic discussion, sharing their own experiences with injury, comparison, overcoming failure, and learning that true confidence is Trust. It takes a tremendous amount of confidence to reach the career level Brittany did, so we end the podcast with some GREAT practical tips for athletes to grow in confidence in their sport and beyond! Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

"Ugh its that time of the month again" is our usual reaction to our periods, but what if coming to understand our fertility cycles as women can not only help us appreciate how our bodies were designed but also help us with our sport training and performance? Join host, Samantha Kelley, as she interviews fertility care specialist Marie DiCecco. Marie was a health education teacher for 35 years, coached college sports, and is a Fertility Care Practitioner teaching the Creighton Model. Her unique knowledge and wit provides us, the athlete, with insights into our menstrual cycles and how they relate to performance, how to track and know our fertility better, how to identify and treat potential problems, the truth about the Pill, and the reality and risks of the female athlete triad. If you are an athlete or know an athlete, you won't want to miss this episode. We guarantee you will be shocked at how cool the female body is, and how much we can learn from it and celebrate it!Are you interested in learning more about YOUR specific cycle?Contact Marie at nfp.dicecco@hotmail.com As always if there is anything you have questions about or need please email us at info@fierceathlete.orgSupport the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

"The biggest difference between you being good and you being great is how you handle failure." In today's episode, we have Coach Alyson Habetz, Associate Head Coach of Alabama Softball, teach us how to "fail". Failure, frustration, and loss are a part of sport that we all have to deal with. Coach Habetz has coached at the highest level for over 20 years, and shares her wisdom with us about how to combat negative thoughts, how to have positive thoughts, how to be a good teammate, and how to find your role on your team. Every athlete can benefit from her wisdom, humor, faith and inspiring stories. The mental game is critical and we promise you your perspective on sport and life will be changed for the better! Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Part 2 of our opening podcast of Season 2 on Relationships in Women's Sports. In follow-up to the discussion about same-sex attraction, Sam and Angela desire to answer the deeper question: how to enter into true, real, honest and healthy friendships with our female friends and teammates.We discuss how to be a good friend, how to influence the culture of your team, how to have good boundaries and expectations in friendship, and how to seek out safe friends.If you have ever felt let down, violated, or used by a teammate or friend, we are sorry and we desire to help you heal and find and cultivate the friendship you deserve!Resources: The Gospel of John, the Gospel of Relationship by Jean VanierSupport the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Join Sam and Angela in an important conversation about a common reality in the female sports world: same-sex attraction. In Part 1 of our Season 2 opener on Relationships in Women's Sports, we want to begin the conversation, offer insights on attraction and invite our listeners into a deeper reverence of this topic. If you are an athlete, then you are around or perhaps experience same-sex attraction. So let's talk about it. In this episode we discuss what our own experiences have been, how to navigate same-sex friendships, what is true attraction and how to navigate our feelings. Ultimately we want to offer advice, invite our listeners into an honest conversation with Christ about their feelings, thoughts and fears, discuss how to not cross lines, and provide advice on how to be around teammates that are experiencing same-sex attraction.We want to hear your story, answer your questions, and continue the conversation on this topic. Please reach out to us at info@fierceathlete.org . You deserve to be listened to, loved, heard, and seen. Know of our prayers for you and we welcome you into the FIERCE Athlete community!Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Former College Tennis player, now avid Crossfitter, Krista Ingrilli, gets real with us about the mental and physical game surrounding competing! With "For the Glory of God Always" inscribed on her barbell, Krista seeks to lift and compete always for the Lord. She talks about being a STRONG woman, being proud of who you are, being kind to yourself, coming to peace with your body, and finding like-minded individuals to help you become the best version of yourself. So much good stuff- you won't want to miss this!Know YOU ARE NOT ALONE, but we are in this with you! Reach out info@fierceathlete.org if you need any mentorship, prayers, or have any thoughts! Challenge:Physical Challenge: Find your mantra! Pick a statement to use to refocus you and remind you who you are when you are in the heat of competition and the mental and physical battle!Spiritual Challenge: Subscribe to praymorenovenas.com!!!!Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Bailey Landry Domangue, an LSU Alumni, two-time NCAA D1 All American, and now professional softball player, joins us to discuss her journey through sport. She discusses how to prepare yourself mentally to compete at the highest level, how to adapt and grow into new roles on your team, and how to be uniquely the player and athlete that you were created to be. Your "X, Y, Z" may be different than someone else's "A, B, C", but Bailey encourages us athletes to push toward the goal in our unique way. And yes, to finish, Bailey will give her brilliant opinion on the age old baseball and softball comparison. Bailey, with such grace, gentleness, and tact speaks into the sometimes negative labeling we face as athletes. She leaves us with such an appreciation of the masculine and feminine complementarity, but difference, that exists in sport and in life! To learn more about and buy Bailey's Marucci Sports Line Click HERE ! Such cool stuff!Follow Bailey on Instagram: @Baileylandrydom or visit her website: https://www.baileylandry.comChallenge:Physical Challenge: When you face a challenge this week in sport or life, pray the prayer "Lord, make me courageous".Spiritual Challenge: Pray the Rosary once this week to start your day. Not sure how to pray the Rosary? Learn HERE Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Former professional basketball player and NCAA National Defensive Player of the Year, Jennifer Finegan, discusses how life can be a gift, when we look to make it one. She discusses the importance of good mentors and coaches, a proper perspective on basketball, and how she came back to living the gift of her Catholic faith. But her journey hasn't always been easy, Jennifer also talks about feeling used as an athlete, learning to integrate faith, and how the transition after her professional basketball career affected her mindset and view of her body. Jen gets real and raw sharing how she came to view her body as beautiful, powerful, and a gift. Weekly ChallengePhysical Challenge: Do something that is hard for you and try and find joy in it. Practice finding joy in the thing you find fear in. Maybe that means eating the cupcake!Spiritual Challenge: Look at a Crucifix, and take time to look at Christ's body. Then ask Him to help you love yourself, and love others.Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Kerri Gallagher is a former professional runner who represented the US at the World Championships in 2015, and currently coaches D1 Cross Country and Track at Manhattan College. She talks about how we “are not in the business of feeling good”, but of pursuing greatness both on the track and in the spiritual life. But greatness and progress come when we endure trails and plateaus, and have the courage to fail. It was taking risks that led to a deep surrender that allowed Kerri to progress from modest beginnings to the world stage. It allowed her to know she deserved to be on the track and could run in freedom. So if you have ever experienced failure in your sport or spiritual life, and are looking for the courage and inspiration to keep going or make sense of it, Kerri is the perfect guest to inspire you to keep putting one foot and front of the other. Join us on this journey toward growth both physically and spiritually. Challenge:Physical Challenge: Identify a perceived failure, weakness, or wound, and offer it to the Lord and ask Him where He was in it and give him freedom to transform it in your story Spiritual Challenge: Identify where you are failing or struggling in the Spiritual Life and offer it to God, asking Him to coach you and speak into it.Three Steps:1. Identify a Failure2. Face it3. Offer it to the LordSupport the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Have you ever talked to a nun? How about one who was a star basketball player at a top Division 1 program? On this episode, Sr. M. Xavier of the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George shares how she went from being all in as a Ohio State stand out to all in as a religious sister. We discuss the parallels that exist between sport and faith. We also talk about peer pressure, the struggles of team life, injury, and feeling alone in your faith. Stay tuned toward the end of the episode, Nicole, Sam and Sr. M. Xavier have a beautiful conversation about how to pray and specifically how to pray while working out!Challenge for the Week: Physical Challenge: Offer your workout up for someone in need, but unite that workout to Christ's passionSpiritual Challenge:Reflect on this poem suggested by Sr. M. XavierPoem from St. Faustina's Diary #1629I am a host in Your hand, O Jesus, my Creator and Lord, Silent, hidden, without beauty or charm, Because all the beauty of my soul is imprinted within me.I am a host in Your hand, O Divine Priest, Do with me as You please; I am totally dependent on Your will, O Lord Because it is the delight and adornment of my soul. I am like a white host in Your hand, O God, I implore You, transform me into Yourself. May I be wholly hidden in You, Locked in Your merciful Heart as in Heaven. I am like a host in Your hand, O Eternal Priest,May the wafer of my body hide me from human eye; May Your eye alone measure my love and devotion, Because my heart is always united with Your Divine Heart.I am like a sacrificial host in Your hand, O Divine Mediator, And I burn on the altar of holocaust, Crushed and ground by suffering like grains of wheat, And all this for the sake of Your glory, for the salvation of souls.I am a host abiding in the tabernacle of Your Heart. I go through life drowned in Your love, And I fear nothing in the world, For You Yourself are my shield, my strength, and my defense. I am a host, laid on the altar of Your Heart, To burn forever with the fire of love, For I know that You have lifted me up solely because of Your mercy, And so I turn all these gifts and graces to Your glory. I am a host in Your hand, O Judge and Savior. In the last hour of my life, May the omnipotence of Your grace lead me to my goal, May Your compassion on the vessel of mercy become famous.Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Kristen Phillips, former college and professional basketball player, Division 1 coach, and now mom of two, gets real about self-worth. From a young age, Kristin knew basketball was a part of God’s purpose for her life. A college career riddled with mono and injury, helped teach her the lesson that her self-worth is not based on success and achievements. On this episode, we chat about performance, recruitment, pressures, seeking help, counseling and so much more.We encourage our listeners who are struggling to consider finding a Christian or Catholic Counselor. Here are some places to start looking:https://www.catholictherapists.comhttps://www.catholiccounselors.comhttps://www.christiancounselordirectory.comChallenge for the Week1. Pray- WRITE IT OUT!2. Talk to a safe person about your struggles. Pray that person would come into your life3. Consider taking the first step toward finding a good counselor. Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)

Nicole and Sam welcome you to the FIERCE Athlete Podcast! From a very awkward first encounter to concurrent hip surgeries, these two friends and former D1 athletes have been through it all, and they are excited to welcome you into the journey to becoming a FIERCE Athlete.We are female athletes being raw and real about the joys and struggles of life both on and off the field. We share how faith can both heal our wounds and reveal true beauty.On this first episode we introduce you to the purpose of this podcast- to provide a platform for female athletes to share their stories, to discuss the issues of sport and life, and to form a community of like-minded FIERCE athletes. We discuss how we met as friends and how themes of identity and beauty have led us to a deeper realization of our purpose in sport and in life.A little bit more about your hosts:Nicole Skoch is a former D1 Volleyball player from the University of Texas. She won a National Championship in her time with Texas. She now lives in Kansas City with her husband and coaches women volleyball.Sam Kelley is the Founder and President of FIERCE Athlete- a non profit aimed at promoting true identity and femininity in female athletics. She is a former D1 soccer player at the University of Connecticut, and now is competitive rower and lifter.This Week's ChallengePhysical Challenge: Offer one of your workouts up this next week for a friendSpiritual Challenge: In prayer, ask Jesus "How do you see me"?Support the show (http://fierceathlete.org/donate)