In the World of Female Sports

Welcome to the first episode of “In the World of Female Sports” podcast! I am your host, Larissa Maloney.  I am a former professional athlete, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and a team bonding strategist. Each week I will bring you a guest or a motivational message that will help empower you as a female athlete or coach with confidence, mental strength and with the strategies and tools to perform at the highest level. In this episode I will dive deep into my upbringing and what made me create this podcast as well as my journey to becoming a professional athlete, actress and producer. Enjoy and thanks for listening!   Connect: Insta: @Larissa.Maloney Website: www.BlueCrushVball.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/FemSportPodcast   Episode Sponsor:  https://www.prana.com/    

Raquel Ferreira is a world renown, professional athlete, coach and founder of BeVolley Academy! BeVolley Academy is one of the nation's Top Beach Volleyball Academies. In this episode, we talk about: The highs and lows of a professional beach volleyball athlete! BeVolley and how athletes are being recruited to big name colleges. Typical training day with her club and professional athletes! Having a Growth Mindset and the struggles that female athletes face and ways to overcome them! Connect with Raquel:  Insta: @Raquelvball Email: RaquelFerreira13@yahoo.com Facebook: Raquel Ferreira (Raquel BeachPro) www.BeVolleyAcademy.com Find more Info on Blue Crush Team Building & the Podcast at: www.BlueCrushVball.com  

Cindy Phillips is a pioneer in the beach volleyball community. In this episode she talks about her story, how she built the largest and most successful beach volleyball youth club in the United States and so much more! You don't want to miss this one! In this episode, we talk about: Becoming a professional athlete! The story of building BeachDig! Female Activism empowering young females: Legacy Thirteen! Bringing your passion in everything you do in life! Connect with Cindy:  Insta: @cindyleephillips Insta: @Legacy.thirteen Facebook:www.facebook.com/TheLegacy13  Find more Info on Blue Crush Team Building & the Podcast at: www.BlueCrushVball.com  

Malina Terrell is a Professional Indoor Volleyball Player that plays over in the south of France! She is the embodiment of the quote: Hardwork+Preparation=SUCCESS! She has produced many accolades in her professional career which include: MVP of the League, Top Scorer in the league and Best Server! Volleyball has truly been her vehicle to travel the world doing something that she absolutely loves. Her passion and story will inspire you to take the leap out of your comfort zone and get into the driver seat of your own life.  This episode is full of words of wisdom and motivation to push you to be the best player and person you can be. You don't want to miss this episode!    In this episode, we talk about:  Life growing up on the West Coast! Diversity in the game of Volleyball. Using your gift to benefit yourself & spreading the love to others. Finding your purpose and being your best self. Your calling vs. your vehicle. Connect with Malina: Insta: @MalinaTerrell Facebook: www.facebook.com/malinaterrell  Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building & the Podcast at: www.BlueCrushVball.com Follow: @Larissa.Maloney on Instagram for behind the scenes footage and special Q & A sessions with our guest!

Bea Tan is a remarkable athlete as well as business woman! She is a  Beach Volleyball Player in the Philippines as well as Founder of a Beach Volleyball Tour called Beach Volleyball Republic. She also is the manager of the first independent club team in the country: Perlas Spikers!! She is single handedly changing the way volleyball is perceived in the Philippines! She has a huge go-getter attitude and she won't stop until she reaches her goals and dreams. You do not want to miss this episode!  In this episode we discuss: How Bea got into the game of volleyball! How she built the biggest tour in the Philippines! The importance Self-Confidence is for female athletes! How she has made things "happen" and how YOU can too! Connect with Bea:  Insta: @BeachvolleyballRepublic Insta: @Perlasspikers Insta: @BeaVelascotan Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building Retreats, Mindset Coaching & the Podcast at:  www.BlueCrushVball.com  

Brianna Pinto is the number one 18 year old female soccer player in the country right now. She has produced many accolades in just 18 years of life. She is the US ambassador for soccer, plays for the US Women's National Team, NCAA National Finalist & First Team All-ACC! Brianna is one of the most driven women that I have had the honor of speaking with. She has lofty goals and expects to reach each and every one of them. You do not want to miss this episode! In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in a competitive household Setting goals and reaching them! Balancing academics and athletics. Training your best so you can BE the best! & so much more... Please RATE & Give a REVIEW for this amazing episode on ITUNES! Connect with Brianna:  Instagram: B.Pinto Facebook: Brianna Pinto Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, Mindset Coaching & the Podcast at: Follow us: @Larissa.Maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com

Vanessa Blair-Lewis is a tremendous motivator and head coach of the D1 collegiate basketball team, Bethune Cookman University. She has been Conference Coach of the Year 5 times! She not only is a well sought-after coach, but a role model for so many young female athletes through her words & actions. She makes it a priority to not only develop the player, but their character as well.  She is actively changing young females lives daily and is incredibly humble while doing it. This is an episode where you need to have a notepad and pen because there are so many nuggets of knowledge throughout the whole chat. Vanessa is a figure that you can't help but to relate to and love. She spills her soul in this episode as she does with each and every athlete she coaches! In this episode we discuss: Becoming a D1 head coach at the young age of 24! Being a mentor and leader to African American female athletes.  What she looks for in a new recruit. Finding and fulfilling your purpose! Balancing a career and family life Connect with Coach Vanessa:  Email: blairv@cookman.edu Find more info on Blur Crush Team Building, Mindset Coaching & the podcast at:  IG: Larissa.Maloney www.BlueCrushvball.com

Cierra Burdick is a former WNBA star that is now playing professional basketball overseas in Poland. She is incredibly motivated and determined to be the best player and person that she can be on and off the court. Her work ethic is undeniable. We dive deep into her relationship with legendary coach, Pat Summitt and the life lessons that she gained through her. Coach Summit’s lessons live on through her amazing athletes, like Cierra. Cierra's drive to motivate as many young female athletes will inspire you to keep striving to be the best! You don’t want to miss this episode! In this episode we discuss: Cierra’s upbringing in sports Her love and passion for the game The lessons she learned from the late great, Pat Summitt. Her mission to impact young female athletes  Connect with Cierra: Instagram: C_burdick11 Instagram: 1dream_hoops Facebook: Cierra Burdick Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, mindset coaching and the podcast at:  IG: @Larissa.Maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com

This week we discuss a very serious topic on the podcast. I have a deep and intimate chat with former UCLA beach volleyball standout: Kamila Tan. She is a pioneer in the collegiate beach volleyball world and now hopes to become a pioneer in advocating for bringing awareness to the sporting world about the taboo subject of eating disorders. This San Diego native has had an incredible career in the sand at UCLA and has many awards to back it up. This episode is not only for female athletes but also for all women who struggle with body image, disordered eating, self-confidence and anxiety. Please share this with the girls and women in your life because you may be helping save a life as Kamila hopes to do through sharing her journey.   In this episode we discuss: Kamila's personal journey with an Eating Disorder Why Eating Disorders are so prevalent in athletics The negative stigma surrounding eating disorders Finding meaning in her life through her recovery Connect with Kamila: Facebook: Kamila Tan Instagram: @Kamillionairee Blog: https://kmktan.wixsite.com/kamilatan Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, Mindset Coach & the podcast at: IG: @Larissa.Maloney www.BlueCrushvball.com

Pri Piantadosi-Lima is a professional beach volleyball athlete originating from Brazil! Pri has often been described as a hardworking, competitive and an extremely fierce competitor. Pri has travelled all around the world playing with and against the best players in the world. Not only is she one of the top athletes, she is also an incredibly motivating coach.  We dive deep into the best ways to overcome self-doubt on and off the court as well as becoming an all-around confident athlete.  You do not want to miss this episode! In this episode we discuss: Having purpose every time you step on the court Changing to win! Being present in every situation Finding the courage to succeed!  Connect with Pri: FB: Pri Piantadosi-Lima Insta: @PriLima13 Insta: @Optimumbeach Email: Director@Optimumbeach.us www.Optimumbeach.com Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, Mindset Coaching & the Podcast at:   IG: @Larissa.Maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com  

Victoria Garrick is an incredibly motivated and determined Division 1 athlete at USC in sunny California. Victoria not only excels on the court, but also off the court where she spends her days motivating younger females in Mental Health and Positive Body-Image. Her drive to make a difference is admirable and the real*ness she gives to her fans is undeniable. She has reached women and girls all over the world spreading her message of "The most beautiful thing a girl can be is herself."  We dive deep about her personal struggles as a collegiate athlete as well as how she overcame depression and anxiety. You do not want to miss this episode! In this episode we discuss:  The Demanding Schedule of a Top Collegiate Athlete Handling anxiety and depression in a competitive environment. Being happy RIGHT NOW! Being Real on Social Media  & so much more! Connect with Victoria: Insta: www.Instagram.com/@VictoriaGarrick Youtube: Victoria Garrick Twitter: @VictoriaGarrick Look out for her Podcast coming out soon! Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, Mindset Coaching & the Podcast at:  IG: www.instagram.com/Larissa.Maloney www.BlueCrushvball.com

Alexa Strange is a former USC beach volleyball standout turned AVP PRO.  She is so full of energy and spunk that it's hard not to love her! She has an incredibly inspiring story being half Indian/half American and she is not afraid to bare it all in this episode. Alexa opens up about her fears of failing and her insecurities as not only an athlete, but as a woman. Alexa hopes to be a volleyball pioneer in India  revolutionizing the way Indian women see and value the benefits of playing sports. You do not want to miss this episode! In this episode we discuss: Following your dreams! Overcoming the fear of failure! Setting Intentions. Growing the game in India. Her unique relationship with her mom. Connect with Alexa:  Insta: www.instagram.com/alexastrange_beachvb FB: Alexa Strange Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, Mindset Coaching & the podcast at:  IG: www.instagram.com/Larissa.Maloney www.BlueCrushvball.com    

Jasmine Thomas is one of the best point guards in the world right now! Her relentless defense, quickness on the court and flawless assist game is undeniable. She is extremely wise for her age and has demonstrated that throughout her entire life as an athlete and as a person. Being a leader has been natural for Jasmine, but perfecting her craft took practice and dedication. Jasmine discusses the struggles that you may go through as you try to find your unique way of leading on and off the court and encourages you to navigate through it while being true to yourself. Her advice is priceless. You do not want to miss this episode! In this episode we discuss: Discovering who you are as a player as well as a person. Staying true to you. Being a vocal and active leader on the court.  Using failure as a tool! Connect with Jasmine: Insta: www.instagram.com/jazthomas FB: @JasmineThomas Twitter: @jaszthomas Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, Mindset Coaching & the podcast at: IG: www.instagram.com/larissa.maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com  

Brooke Seaman’s story of perseverance is truly inspiring for anyone that has lofty goals and that is willing to work hard to achieve them. Brooke is not your conventional volleyballer, she started playing the game in her junior year of HIGH SCHOOL and soon after that decided this is what she wanted to do as a career. Now just finishing up her 7th season she takes you on her journey of struggle/doubt, but most of all determination to play professional indoor volleyball. You do not want to miss this episode! In this episode we discuss: Growing up not pursuing sports  Hard work and work ethic The importance of persistence The struggles playing overseas Growing as a player & person. Connect with Brooke: Insta: www.Instagram.com/bklnthebeast FB: BrookeSeamanVB Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, Mindset Coaching & the podcast at: IG: www.Instagram.com/larissa.maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com    

Heather Friesen's story is one that will give you chills down your spine. Heather is an athlete that worked extremely hard to become a top indoor player as well as top collegiate beach volleyball athlete at the University of Hawaii. Her world came crashing down one day as she went on a hike on one of Hawaii's most beautiful hiking trails. Heather slipped and fell from a 40-50ft waterfall that broke 10 ribs, fractured her shoulder blade and made her lung collapse. In this episode Heather tells you her story about her horrific accident, but most of all how she recovered mentally and physically to come out even stronger. You do not want to miss this episode!! In this episode we discuss:  Heather's journey to collegiate volleyball The tragic accident Having faith over fear Growing as a player & person Connect with Heather: IG: www.instagram.com/heatherfriesen_3 FB: Heather Boyan Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, Mindset Coaching & the Podcast at: IG: www.instagram.com/Larissa.Maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com  

Jessica McGuire is an athlete with an incredible story. She planned on going to UCLA to just study biology, but life had something different in mind. She became a top D1 collegiate rower all because she attended an open tryout for the University. Her story doesn’t stop there. Jess has a shocking discovery that almost cost her her life… She discovered a tumor in her left lung which left her unable to talk or move. You do not want to miss this episode about her recovery and her spontaneous transformation from a rower to a professional beach volleyball athlete!! In this episode we discuss: Jess growing up playing sports. Becoming a D1 athlete from an open tryout! Her incredible journey of having a baseball sized tumor in her lung. Deciding to become a professional beach volleyball athlete after college!   Connect with Jess: IG: www.instagram.com/relentlessjess Facebook: www.facebook.com/JessicaMcGuire Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, Mindset Coaching & the podcast at: IG: www.instagram.com/larissa.maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com  

Melissa Powell is a professional volleyball athlete that has played both indoor and beach in college! She comes from a long history of volleyball athletes in her family and is in line to become a top beach volleyball player on tour! She is extremely determined and won't let anything stop her! You do not want to miss this episode!   In this episode we discuss: Growing up in a volleyball family Playing indoor and beach volleyball in College Journey to playing professional Mental toughness techniques Connect with Melissa:  IG: www.instagram.com/melissalessa FB: Melissa Fuchs Powell Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, Mindset Coaching & the podcast at: www.instagram.com/larissa.maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com  

Maci Morris is a former University of Kentucky powerhouse! She comes from a family full of basketball coaches and players so this sport is in her blood! In today's chat, Maci opens up about her try-out for the Washington Mystics and ultimately being cut from the team. She heard the news the same exact day so you can imagine the feelings rushing through her as a high level athlete. Maci talks about how she plans on coming back and getting even stronger for the next opportunity that is presented to her. There are some great tips in this episode to help you as an athlete overcome any type of setback! You do not want to miss this episode! In this episode we discuss:  Growing up in a sports family Communication Style Being a leader Overcoming rejection & using it as motivation! Connect with Maci:  IG: www.instagram.com/Maci4morris Twitter: @Maci4Mo Find more info on Blue Crush Team Building, Mindset Coaching & the podcast at:  www.instagram.com/larissa.maloney www.BlueCrushvball.com  

Courtney Williams isn't your normal D1 recruit story. She wasn't recruited heavily at an early age. She always had to work hard to clench that starting spot on the team. One thing that was instilled in her at a young age was her work ethic and confidence! She is now a super star leader and competitor for the Connecticut Suns WNBA squad. Her energy on and off the court is contagious and she is determined to get a championship under her belt this year! You don't want to miss this chat! In this episode we discuss: Courtney's journey to USF Her inspiration: her mom! Being a confident person and player Her prediction for the Sun's this season Connect with Courtney: IG: www.instagram.com/courtneywilliams10 Twitter: @CourtMWilliams   Find out more about the podcast:  IG: www.instagram.com/larissa.Maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com Sponsor: 15% OFF FOUR SIGMATIC products! www.foursigmatic.com/femalesportspodcast    

Karissa Cook is an incredible beach volleyball athlete! She has set her sights high and is now living the life that she has always dreamed of. Karissa has just won her first AVP championship in Austin, Texas! Her journey is unique and has always led her back to the sport she loves: volleyball. This is an episode you don't want to miss. In this episode we discuss: Growing up in a volleyball family Playing at Stanford Journey on Tour Hopes for the season Connect with Karissa: IG: www.instagram.com/karissakellie Find more about the podcast, Blue Crush Team Building and mindset coaching: IG: www.instagram.com/larissa.maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com Shoutout to my awesome SPONSOR: FourSigmatic!! Receive 15% OFF your full purchase! www.foursigmatic.com/femalesportspodcast OR discount code: FemaleSportsPodcast

Brandie Wilkerson is the top beach volleyball athlete in the world right now. She is a confident athlete that is extremely proud of who she is and where she has come from. This conversation is extremely open and vulnerable in which we talk about utilizing sports beyond the court. We also talk about multiculturalism within the sport and Brandie's life. We touch on so many different topics in this chat!! Tune in! In this episode we discuss:  Brandie's heritage Her journey to becoming PRO Multiculturalism   Being true to who you are Connect with Brandie:  IG: www.instagram.com/bvuilleumier FB: Brandie Wilkerson Find out more about the podcast, Blue Crush Team Building and mindset coaching: IG: www.instagram.com/larissa.maloney www.Bluecrushvball.com Huge Shoutout to our SPONSOR: Four Sigmatic!! 15% OFF your full order! www.foursigmatic.com/femalesportspodcast or use discount code: FEMALESPORTSPODCAST  

Michelle Piantadosi was a D1 athlete and elite college coach when one phone call changed her life. Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer on a phone call 5 minutes before her first preseason practice. In this episode, she explains her journey battling cancer and balancing her career at the same time. This episode will have you laughing one second then tearing up the next. You do not want to miss this episode! In this episode we discuss: Michelle being recruited to UT Finding out she has cancer Her inspiration through her journey What she lives for now Connect with Michelle: Facebook: Michelle Piantadosi  Find more out about the podcast, Blue Crush Team Building & Mindset coaching: IG: www.instagram.com/larissa.maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com   Shout out to my sponsor Four Sigmatic! 15% OFF your full purchase! www.foursigmatic.com/femalesportspodcast  or use discount code: FEMALESPORTSPODCAST at checkout

Delaney Spaulding is a TEAM USA softball athlete! She is an accomplished gold medalist and has had an incredible career at UCLA. Delaney's skills on the field are quite impressive, but I was most impressed with her humble spirit and willingness to share her knowledge to the younger generation. This episode is full of golden nuggets that you don't want to miss! In this episode we discuss:  Balancing life as an athlete in High School & College Trying out for TeamUSA Becoming the first NIKE sponsored athlete in 10 years! Controlling the Uncontrollables! Growing the game! Connect with Delaney:  IG: www.instagram.com/delaneyylyn Twitter: @DelaneyyLyn Find out more about the Podcast, Blue Crush Team Building & Mindset Coaching: IG: www.instagram.com/Larissa.Maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com Shout out to my sponsor Four Sigmatic! 15% OFF your full purchase! www.foursigmatic.com/femalesportspodcast or use discount code at checkout: FEMALESPORTSPODCAST

Haylie McCleney is a TEAM USA softball athlete! She is a top outfielder who believes that whatever you do, do it with all of your heart. Haylie has not only given her all on the field, but also in shaping who she is as a person today. Haylie shares her story about coming out to her conservative family and friends. She details the struggles and the backlash that she's gone through because of her sexuality. Being a voice of acceptance has made her not only a strong role model, but a strong person of faith as well. This episode is all about being brave, authentic, truthful but most importantly just being true to who you are. You do not want to miss this episode!  In this episode we discuss: Growing up in a sports family. Coming from a conservative family. Announcing her engagement to her fiance, Kylee Hanson! Being your authentic self! Being a servant leader! Connect with Haylie:  IG: www.instagram.com/hayliemac8 www.HaileyMcCleney.com Find out more about the Podcast, Blue Crush Team Building & Mindset Coaching:  IG: www.instagram.com/Larissa.Maloney www.BlueCrushVball.com Shout out to my AMAZING Sponsors: FourSigmatic! www.foursigmatic.com/femalesportspodcast Use code: FemaleSportsPodcast for 15%OFF VanScotty Visors: www.Vanscotty.com Use Code: FemaleSportsPodcast20 for 20% OFF C33wear Tribal Sunglasses: www.etsy.org/shop/C33Wear?coupon=FEMALESPORTSPODCAST $15 OFF ALL Sunglasses!

Batouly Camara is an incredible basketball athlete that plays for UCONN! She not only reaches new heights on the court, but in her homeland of West Africa as well. Batouly spends her summer inspiring young females to follow their dreams whether that be on the court or in the classroom. She shows all young females that there is a world beyond the traditional and hopes to inspire as many as she can! You don't want to miss this episode! In this episode we discuss: Journey in boarding school Choosing the school perfect for you. Enjoying the present moment. Batouly's incredible TedTalk Taking the journey of self-discovery Connect with Batouly:  IG: www.instagram.com/toolyyy Twitter: @BatoulyCamara Find out more about the podcast, Blue Crush Team Building & Mindset Coaching:  IG: www.instagram.com/Larissa.Maloney www.Bluecrushvball.com Shout out to my AMAZING sponsors:  Four Sigmatic: Mushroom Coffee & Tea! 15% OFF Code: www.foursigmatic.com/femalesportspodcast VanScotty Visors: www.VanScotty.com 20% OFF Code:  FemaleSportsPodcast20 C33Wear Tribal Sunglasses $15 OFF All sunglasses! www.etsy.org/shop/C##Wear?coupon=FEMALESPORTSPODCAST  

The Colorado Classic is a Professional Cycling Race that has made the BOLD move to become a women's only PRO Cycling Race! I dive deep into the inner workings of cycling and the race itself with event producer, Lucy Diaz.  Colorado is known for innovation and inclusion so this race is a perfect match for the active community. Lucy has made it her mission to help propel these athletes as well as the future generation of cycling. I'm loving that on our last episode we are exploring new terrain (literally!) In this episode we discuss: Hope & vision for the event & women's cycling Propelling the athlete through the event Empowering women through cycling! Exposing your children to different sports  The inner workings of the event!  Connect with the Colorado Classic: Race Dates: August 22-25th  www.ColoradoClassic.com FB: ColoradoClassicPRO IG: www.instagram.com/ColoradoClassicPRO Twitter: COClassicPRO Find more about the podcast, Blue Crush Team Building & Mindset coaching: IG: www.instagram.com/Larissa.Maloney www.Bluecrushvball.com Shout out to my AMAZING SPONSORS: Four Sigmatic: Mushroom Coffee & Tea 15% OFF! www.foursigmatic.com/femalesportspodcast VanScotty Visors: 20% OFF  DISCOUNT CODE: FemaleSportsPodcast20www.VanScotty.com C33Wear Tribal Sunglasses: $15 OFF all sunglasses! www.etsy.org/shop/c##Wear?coupon=FEMALESPORTSPODCAST