Voice In Sport
Stefanie Strack
Voice in Sport® is on a mission to bring more visibility to female athletes and elevate their voice. Sport Industry Executive, Advocate, Former Athlete and Founder of VIS®, Stef Strack explores the journey of female athletes by sharing untold stories on topics rarely discussed like mental health, body image, female specific sports science and nutrition. Stef hosts a conversation with female athletes, at all levels, inspiring us all to raise our voice, keep playing and change more than just the game.
Voice in Sport® is on a mission to bring more visibility to female athletes and elevate their voice. Sport Industry Executive, Advocate, Former Athlete and Founder of VIS®, Stef Strack explores the journey of female athletes by sharing untold stories on topics rarely discussed like mental health, body image, female specific sports science and nutrition. Stef hosts a conversation with female athletes, at all levels, inspiring us all to raise our voice, keep playing and change more than just the game.
Episode 141: Haleigh Washington: Haleigh Washington’s Toolkit for Pressure, Setbacks & Burnout
Epizodai
Haleigh Washington is a two-time Olympic Medalist and professional volleyball player with LOVB Los Angeles. As the nation’s top recruit, she went on to Penn State, where she was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2014, helped the Nittany Lions win the 2014 NCAA national championship as a freshman, and earned AVCA First Team All-American honors in 2015, 2016, and 2017. With Team USA, Haleigh helped the U.S. women win the first Olympic gold medal in program history at the Tokyo Games, where she was named Best Middle Blocker, and returned to earn a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She is also a two-time Volleyball Nations League gold medalist (2019 and 2021), a 2019 VNL Best Blocker, and a Pan American Cup gold medalist. After playing professionally in Italy, she returned to the U.S. to join League One Volleyball (LOVB), and she is a VIS Mentor.
Mental performance coach Dr. Haley Perlus, discusses the importance of showing up for competition without fueling unhealthy comparisons against your opponents. As a former athlete and coach, Haley understands how competition can quickly become negative comparisons between opponents. She shares different perspectives and tools that young women athletes can use to help them reshape their mindset when it comes to anxiety around competition. Haley encourages listeners to thank their opponents, thank themselves for showing up, and the importance of using visualization. Growth can’t happen when we’re stuck in a land of comparison. It's important to learn from others and what they’re doing well in order to become the best versions of ourselves.
With a Ph.D. In Sport Psychology and an extensive background as an athlete, coach, speaker, and author, VIS Expert Dr. Haley Perlus helps athletes find the tools and mindsets they need to optimize their mental game to achieve at a high level. She discusses the importance of reframing failure to be an opportunity both in life and in sport, instead of getting stuck in an “evaluation zone.” Coming from a competitive ski-racing background, Haley understands why failure feels frustrating, but she shares different mindsets and tools, like visualization, that girls and young women can use in order to grow from failure. Her mantra that “failure is an option, what a relief” helps to keep her going instead of getting discouraged from mistakes. Haley encourages listeners to give themselves grace, but to never let themselves off the hook, and this idea is what helps us grow as athletes.
Olympic Gold Medalist and Team USA hockey player shares what it truly takes to reach the highest level of sport. From dreaming of the Olympics at age three to competing in the 2022 Beijing Games as the youngest player on the roster, she reflects on the journey of building confidence, overcoming setbacks, and embracing every role along the way. Now a national champion and team captain at the University of Wisconsin, she opens up about the transition from being a “sponge” at the Olympics to becoming a leader and top contributor at both the collegiate and international levels. She discusses the importance of consistency, work ethic, and the small daily habits that separate elite athletes. She also shares honest insights on navigating slumps, managing pressure, and finding identity beyond sport, emphasizing the importance of balance and mental well-being. Through it all, she highlights that leadership comes in many forms and that success is about more than just performance, it's about growth resilience, and who you become in the process.
Team USA water polo athlete and Stanford student athlete Ella Woodhead shares what it truly takes to pursue excellence at the highest level of the sport. From growing up in the water and being inspired by her brothers, to competing on junior national teams and training for the Olympics, Ella opens up about the moments that defined her journey, leaving home in high school, becoming a team captain, and navigating the intense pressure of elite competition. She reflects on the emotional challenge of being cut from the 2024 PAris Olympic team and how that experience reshaped her mindset. Ella shares powerful lessons on resilience, leaning on support systems, and finding confidence through growth rather than perfection. Through it all, she emphasizes the importance of attitude, effort, and being a great teammate, reminding young athletes that success is about more than just outcomes, it's about who you become along the way.
Professional golfer and Stanford University graduate Rose Zhang shares what it really takes to build longevity in elite sport. From picking up a golf club at nine years old to spending a record 141 consecutive weeks as the world's top amateur, Rose opens up about the moments that challenged her most — a persistent neck injury, burning out after 22 units at Stanford, and losing her period for a year and a half — all while competing at the highest level. She reflects on the power of quiet time, gut health, working with a sports nutritionist, and learning to lean on the people in her circle when the pressure felt impossible. Rose encourages young women athletes to give themselves grace, treat their bodies as a temple, and understand that success isn't just about the scorecard — it's about caring for your whole self. Her story is a powerful reminder that the road back from burnout starts with honesty, self-reflection, and the courage to ask for help.
Registered dietitian and eating disorder expert Jillian Lampert, PhD, joins the VOICEINSPORT podcast to bust three eating disorder myths, and give athletes, parents, and coaches the tools to drive real change. Drawing on her own eating disorder experience, 30 years in a clinical background, and doctoral research on sport and disordered eating, Jillian breaks down why weight-based coaching is harmful, why eating disorders affect athletes across every sport, and why bullying is never tough love. She also outlines what true recovery looks like, and shares the story of her work with Olympic gold medalist Jessie Diggins and the documentary Threshold. Jillian offers guidance for athletes, parents, and coaches, including the language shifts that protect girls, the signs of disordered eating to be aware of, and why building a community of support is the most important thing a young athlete can do before entering a collegiate environment. “If we don’t do this work, who will? I care a lot about people with eating disorders, and if I don’t use my voice, people who don’t care about people with eating disorders, because they don’t know about it, they’re not gonna do it. So if it’s not gonna be me and the people that I work with, who will it be?”
American hockey player, PWHL athlete, and Olympic gold medalist Gwyneth Philips shares what it really takes to stay ready, patient, and committed while building a career in elite sport. From competing at the highest level with Team USA to navigating the intensity of the PWHL, Gwyneth opens up about the reality of waiting for your opportunity and the mental strength required to stay prepared behind the scenes. She reflects on the discipline it takes to remain consistent, the importance of trusting your development, and how daily habits, both on and off the ice, shape long-term success. Gwyneth encourages young women athletes to believe in their process, stay grounded in their preparation, and understand that growth often happens in the moments no one else sees. Her story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t always immediate, but with patience, resilience, and trust, the right moment can change everything.
Two-time Olympic medalist and PWHL Minnesota Frost goaltender Nicole Hensley joins us to share her journey navigating self-belief, rejection, and mental resilience in elite sport. From growing up playing hockey with the boys in Colorado to hearing “no” from nearly every college during recruiting, Nicole opens up about the challenges that shaped her confidence and helped her forge her own path in hockey. In this episode, Nicole reflects on her time at Lindenwood University, where she became the NCAA all-time leader in saves, and shares the mental tools she uses to manage overthinking, reset after mistakes, and stay grounded under pressure. Her story is a powerful reminder that belief starts from within — and that confidence is built through persistence, perspective, and trusting yourself when the path forward isn’t clear. “You have to believe in yourself before anyone else does.” — Nicole Hensley
Canadian Women’s National Team defender and professional footballer Ashley Lawrence shares what it really takes to build longevity in elite sport. From leaving college early to play professionally in Europe, to navigating cultural change, competition, and self-doubt, Ashley opens up about the moments that challenged her most — and the tools that helped her stay grounded. She reflects on the importance of mental health support, nutrition, sleep, gratitude, and remembering the joy that first drew her to the game. Ashley encourages young women athletes to trust themselves, embrace curiosity, and understand that success isn’t just about performance — it’s about caring for your whole self. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth happens when you’re willing to take the leap, ask for help, and reconnect with your purpose — even when the journey gets hard.
Former elite gymnast and UCLA standout Katelyn Ohashi returns to the Voice in Sport Podcast to talk about life beyond competition and what it means to redefine who you are after stepping away from sport. In this episode, Katelyn opens up about leaving elite gymnastics, discovering new creative outlets, and learning how to listen to her own voice after years of external pressure. She reflects on identity, transition, and the freedom that comes with allowing your path to evolve. Her story is a reminder that you are more than your sport, and that growth, purpose, and joy can look different in every season.
Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S.—but the pathway to the top hasn’t always been clear, especially for women. In Episode 2, Team USA Flag Football athlete and Olympian Madison Fulford returns to the VOICEINSPORT Podcast to break down the evolution of the sport, the gaps in the development pipeline, and why representation and coaching matter more than ever. Madison shares how she discovered flag football later in life, what it takes to compete at the elite level, and how she’s now giving back as a coach through MAD Skills Training—working with girls ages 7–18 to help build confidence, skills, and belief. From Olympic dreams to grassroots development, this episode explores how athletes can help shape the future of their sport.
Three-time Paralympian swimmer Lizzi Smith was born with amniotic band syndrome, which resulted in her losing her left hand. She spent years trying to make that part of herself invisible, but through swimming, the pool became the one place where she wasn't afraid to be seen. Lizzi encourages us to build confidence through adversity, and to find strength in the parts of ourselves we’re tempted to try and hide. She shares honest reflections on the heartbreak that comes with chasing Olympic dreams and the courage required to show up as a woman athlete with a disability, and reminds us how essential owning your space and finding your voice is — especially when everything inside you wants to shrink.
Former elite gymnast and UCLA standout Katelyn Ohashi joins us to share her journey navigating body image, mental health, and rediscovering joy in gymnastics. From the pressure and perfectionism of the elite world to the freedom she found at UCLA, Katelyn opens up about how she learned to rebuild her confidence and love for the sport on her own terms. In this episode, we also highlight excerpts from her new book, Every Time, I Always Would — a beautiful collection of poetry that reflects her growth from self-doubt to self-love. Katelyn’s story is a reminder that healing takes time, and that true confidence comes from embracing who you are, not who you think you’re supposed to be. “Appreciate what your body is capable of and give yourself all the love because you deserve it.” — Katelyn Ohashi
Two-time Olympian, Team USA middle blocker, and VIS Mentor Chiaka Ogbogu opens up about her ongoing journey with perfectionism and the mindset shifts that helped her rediscover confidence and joy in sport. Chiaka shares how she learned to redefine success on her own terms, set goals that empower rather than pressure, and use tools like journaling and self-reflection to stay grounded. She also discusses how faith has shaped her mental performance journey, helping her navigate setbacks, silence self-doubt, and embrace progress over perfection. Her story is a reminder that true strength in sport comes not from being perfect, but from learning to evolve with purpose and grace. “I’m here for a reason… I’ve already done the hard to get here. I might as well see this through with the joy I had coming into it.” — Chiaka Ogbogu
Skylar Park, professional taekwondo athlete and Olympic bronze medalist for Team Canada, discusses how she manages family dynamics being coached by her father and growing up in a Taekwondo family. Skylar opens up on the difficulties in continuing finding love for the sport during the Paris Olympics and how her family was able to help her through that. Skylar provides young women athletes with great advice for managing parents who are coaches and the importance of family support in sports.
Brittany Brown, Olympian, professional sprinter for Team USA, Adidas athlete, and VIS Mentor, takes us inside the world of track and field beyond race day. From her first memories on the track in Southern California to competing on the world’s biggest stage, Brittany opens up about the highs and lows of confidence, nerves, and performance. She shares the evolution of her pre-race routine—from journaling and visualization to logging off social media and even smiling at the starting blocks—as tools to protect her energy and stay grounded. Brittany also reflects on moments of doubt early in her career, reminding young athletes that their talent deserves recognition, and that confidence can be built over time with awareness and self-belief. Her story is a powerful reminder that success in sport isn’t just about speed—it’s about mindset, resilience, and finding joy in the journey. “Your talent deserves to be seen. Don’t hide away from it—because the more you show up as yourself, the more it helps others.” – Brittany Brown
Morgan Hentz, professional volleyball player, three-time NCAA champion, three-time Pac 12 Libero of the year, and VIS mentor, gives us insight into the world of professional volleyball. She has experienced both overseas play and play within the United States and shares with our audience how to go about deciding if playing overseas is for you. Morgan breaks down the new United States pro volleyball leagues, discussing structure, prize money, culture, and benefits. While diving into what professional volleyball entails, Morgan offers great advice to girls looking to pursue playing volleyball professionally. “My biggest hope is that the sport continues to grow… there’s just such talent” -Morgan Hentz
While dominating in the pool as a 3-time Olympic medalist, Paige Madden has also been quietly fighting a different kind of battle— at age 13, she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. Behind the scenes of her athletic success, she has faced extreme fatigue, emotional lows, and the mental strain of managing a condition that can be as unpredictable as it is exhausting. Paige opens up about the hidden toll Hashimoto’s has taken—on her body, her mindset, and her identity as an athlete. She shares her lowest moments, what it took to keep pushing forward, and how learning to embrace vulnerability became one of her greatest strengths. Her story is a powerful reminder that even at the highest levels of sport, athletes are not immune to struggle—and no one has to face it alone. “It'll pull you back if you let it pull you back.”-PaigeMadden
Skylar Park, professional taekwondo athlete, Olympic bronze medalist for Team Canada, and VIS mentor, discusses how she managed to embrace her feminine side as an athlete in a combative, male-dominated sport. Skylar debunks common combative sport myths by sharing her experiences and describes the strides the sport of Taekwondo has made towards equity for men and women athletes. Skylar provides young women athletes with great advice for embracing their athletic selves in sport. “Be confident in who you are and … believe in yourself wholeheartedly” -Sklyar Park
Morgan Hentz, professional volleyball player, three-time NCAA National Champion, three-time Pac-12 Libero of the Year, and VIS Mentor, shares her best performance mindset tips. Morgan breaks down how working with a sports psychologist helped her develop new skills to overcome game-day performance anxiety. Morgan discusses strategies like breathwork, visualization, and communication with teammates, which have helped her to perform at her peak. Having access to mental health resources at Stanford helped Morgan balance her identity in and out of sport. Morgan wraps this episode with game-changing dos and don'ts—what coaches, parents, and teammates should (and shouldn't) say to athletes on game day. “Effort, attitude, focus, being a great teammate—those four items you can always control" -Morgan Hentz
Christine Monjer, the President of the Los Angeles Sparks, joins us to share her inspiring career journey, which includes leading brand strategies for the Las Vegas Aces and major shows at MGM Resorts International. She takes us through her dynamic career journey from marketing at Quaker Oats and MGM Resorts to shaping the brand identity of the Las Vegas Aces. Christine shares the power of being fearless in her professional life, emphasizing how important it is to speak up, take risks, and pursue what truly excites you. She also reflects on the lessons she’s learned from her career transitions and how transferable skills have played a pivotal role. Our personal and professional journeys are seldom linear or predictable. Christine speaks from personal experience about how the unpredictable can be a source of growth and strength. Christine opens up about the importance of giving herself emotional space, especially after facing significant personal challenges; this practice helped her grow into the successful leader she is today. “Ask for the coffee, ask for the promotion, speak up in the meeting. If you see that something’s going left and it needs to go right, say it. Be less afraid of saying the wrong thing. Stay present and be fearless” - Christine Monjer
In this episode of the Becoming President series, President and COO of the Atlanta Dream, Morgan Shaw Parker walks us through her career journey from being an intern at the Kansas City Chiefs, to becoming the first female Vice President of Communications in the NFL, and eventually to the C-Suite of the Dream. Shaw Parker shares the importance of being intentional in curating a team ready to ‘roll up their sleeves and get in the mud together.’ Success comes from teams comprised of people with a shared mission, perseverance, and mutual respect. Ultimately, Morgan encourages us to embrace diverse perspectives and pave the path for other women. “Be open to taking on any challenge, especially things that scare you, especially things that are outside your comfort zone. Go in eyes wide open and figure it out because you wouldn't be there if you weren't smart enough to figure it out” -Morgan Shaw Parker
In a new, exclusive Voice in Sport podcast series featuring women presidents, we dive into the stories of trailblazing leaders shaping the future of sport. This episode highlights Keia Clarke, the President & CEO of the New York Liberty, who shares her incredible journey to the top of one of the most iconic teams in the WNBA. Keia began her career at the NBA/WNBA League Office, prior to joining the New York franchise. Among her many awards, Keia was named to Adweek’s Most Powerful Women in Sports list, Sports Business Journal’s Game Changers Class of 2023, and most recently, CNBC’s Changemakers Inaugural Class of 2024. Clarke’s story is one of persistence, learning, and trust-building. Reflecting on her career growth, she discusses the challenges she overcame, the importance of mentorship and building trust, and encouraging innovative leadership. From Clarke's first chapter, “Sport Adjacent” where she stepped outside her comfort zone fresh out of college, to her current role in chapter, “Point Guards Lead From the Front” as the President & CEO, her journey is a remarkable trajectory of personal and professional growth. "You always want that feeling of we did this, not, I did this” - Keia Clarke.
In a new, exclusive Voice in Sport podcast series featuring WNBA presidents, we dive into the stories of trailblazing women shaping the future of basketball. This episode, Jennifer Rizzotti, a basketball legend and current President of the Connecticut Sun has had nothing short of a remarkable career. She is a former standout point guard at the University of Connecticut, national championship winner, WNBA professional athlete and two-time WNBA championship winner, and 2013 inductee in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. In this conversation, Rizzotti shares insights into her leadership journey, the lessons she’s learned from building teams, and her passion for developing the next generation of female leaders in sports. Reflecting on her 17 years of head coaching at the University of Hartford, her continued work with USA Basketball, and entry into the C-Suite at the Sun, this episode is packed with inspiration for aspiring athletes and leaders alike. “There’s no dream that's too big, right? If your goal is to be a president of an organization, put the work in, build the relationships, and just be somebody who wants to learn all the time" - Jen Rizzotti.
Dr. Lennie Waite is a VIS Expert and Industrial-Organizational Sports Psychologist who specializes in team dynamics, motivation, and performance. In today's episode, Dr. Waite shares her expertise on the science behind eating disorders and disordered eating. She discusses how unhealthy habits can manifest in young athletes, what the warning signs are, how these habits can spread throughout teams, and the ways we can support athletes who struggle with these challenges. Dr. Waite also delves into the current culture surrounding eating disorders within the NCAA and running community with the goal of better informing coaches, athletes, teams, and parents on how to talk about these topics in healthy, supportive, and constructive ways. Overall, Dr. Waite encourages everyone to stand up and use our voices for positive change. "You only have one body, and it has to last us our entire lives” - Dr. Lennie Waite, VIS Expert
Athing Mu, a professional track & field athlete and 2x Olympic gold medalist in the 800m and 4x400m relay in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, shares her journey of having success in running at an early age, and the transition to becoming a pro athlete. In this episode she takes us through growing up in a Sudanese family in New Jersey and the impact her seven siblings have had on her passion for running. Athing discusses her time as a high school and college athlete and what it was like turning pro, landing Nike as a sponsor and winning a gold medal all before the age of 20. After a disappointing result at Worlds in Budapest - she takes us through how she managed the pressure and disappointment and the steps she took to build a strong support system around her and climb back to the top of the 800m podium at the Diamond League Championship by setting a new World Record. While running is a huge part of Athing’s identity she emphasizes the importance of having hobbies and passions outside of sport and surrounding yourself with inspirational teammates that help keep the joy of sport front and center. ““Pressure’s always going to be there. It’s about how to take that pressure and use it to fire you up for what you need to do and accomplish””. - Athing Mu
CLIF endurance athlete and a leader in the space of ski-mountaineering and endurance sports, Caroline Gleich shares with us how she has built her career and broken barriers as a woman and as an activist. She began her ski career while attending University of Utah and then went on to become the first woman to ski all 90 lines of the Chuting Gallery, climb Mount Everest and has competed in several ultra-marathons. Carolines legacy extends beyond her expeditions as she combines her passion for sport and advocacy as an activist for gender equity and environmental policy, traveling to Washington DC to testify in front of the House and Senate and organize climate rallies. Today she shares with us the pros and cons of social media, how to best protect yourself as a woman when faced with online harassment and how to build your brand with a powerful community of women and mentors. Caroline explores with us the path to becoming a pro and how to tear down the harmful narratives in sport around the “ideal” woman's body type. "Sometimes I feel like if I fail on an expedition that I'm not just failing for myself, I'm failing for all women and that's just simply not true.” - Caroline Gleich
Emma Schieck, Paralympic sitting volleyball player and gold medalist in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games, shares her journey into adaptive sport and the challenges, relationships, and unforgettable rewards within it. She takes us through her childhood growing up without a knowledge of paralympic sports. She gives us an inside look at what it felt like to serve in the match point of a gold medal game. She emphasizes the importance of honoring our passions, never giving up, and believing in ourselves against all odds. Emma expresses hope for a future where paralympic sports gain more viewership and respect. She is such an inspiration for all female athletes and especially those with disabilities who dream of achieving their own goals. “They're challenging and competitive. No matter what your disability is, no matter what your sports background is, playing a paralympic sport is going to push you and it's going to be different.” -Emma Schieck
Kaitlin Hawayek is Team USA Ice Dancer and a 2022 Pyeongchang Olympian. She is a 5x Bronze Medalist at the National Figure Skating Championship, 2018 Four Continents Champion, 2018 NHK Trophy Champion, and 2014 World Junior Champion. Kaitlin takes us through her junior career, highlighting the lessons she learned in competing in a multitude of environments at a young age. She shares her journey struggling with an eating disorder and how she grew into a healthy relationship with her body image. Later in her career, facing near career ending injuries, Katilin discusses how she took a pause from sport in order to take care of her physical and mental health. Through her journey, Kaitlin shares incredible advice for women athletes on how to take care of our bodies and minds, to advocate for our needs, and to find and develop resources for both our personal and athletic success and longevity. "I am limitless. I am neither who I was or who I want to be, but I am who I am right now. I am a human that has so many values beyond sport. Sport is what I do. Art is what I share. But I love myself because of my kindness, because of my resilience, and because of my passion and creativity." - Kaitlin Hawayek
Sasha Digiulian, professional rock climber and CEO of Send Bars is a key figure in the world of climbing. She has won the World Championships for Female Overall and has placed Silver in the Bouldering World Championships, as well as Bronze in the Duel. Sasha has been the undefeated PanAmerican Champion from 2004 to the present, and also a three-time US National champion. She joins us to share her journey in the world of climbing, the mindset of a risk-taker, and how she navigates body image and scrutiny in the age of social media. Sasha also teaches us how she manages fear and self-doubt when performing her difficult climbs, and the lessons she’s learned from becoming a champion in climbing - which she also writes in her new upcoming book “Take the Lead: Hanging On, Letting Go, and Conquering Life's Hardest Climbs” available September 26, 2023. Sasha’s impact reaches far beyond climbing, she is an example to many young women to embrace their own potential and carve out their own paths. “It's women achieving something that opens the floodgates to other women seeing inspiration and possibility.” - Sasha DiGiulian
Dr. Allison Brager, an Army Neurobiologist who specializes in sleep and circadian rhythms, shares her college athletic journey as a track and field athlete and how she got into studying sleep and its importance for athletics. Brager graduated from Brown and Kent State with a Ph.D of psychology, and also serves as a VIS Expert, where she conducts sessions about sleep. She shares with us the science behind sleep and gives us tips for how to create a sleep routine that benefits our mental, physical, and emotional health. Allison dives into her role on the NCAA advisory board and the importance of athletes finding hobbies outside of sports to realize they are more than just an athlete. She reminds girls that sleep is the secret weapon in athletic performance. “This [sleep] is how the pros got to how they are, starting out at your age and doing the same things you were.”- Dr. Allison Brager
Ali Riley, captain of Angel City FC in NWSL and captain of the New Zealand women’s national soccer team, joins us to share her journey in women’s soccer. She has represented her country in four Olympic Games and five FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, most recently helping New Zealand to secure their historic first World Cup win against Norway in this year's FIFA Women's World Cup. Ali has gathered a host of experiences playing professional soccer, both in the United States and around the world. Most importantly, Ali’s impact is reflected in her work off the pitch as she is a champion for empowerment and equality, using her platform to advocate for women athletes and for marginalized communities everywhere. In this week’s episode, we dive into her resilience in facing and overcoming obstacles in her career, the importance of representation, and her hopes for the future of women’s sports—from visibility to equal pay. For more information on equal pay, the Voice In Sport Foundation, and its initiatives, head to https://www.voiceinsport.com/press/side-of-equity “You don't have to have thousands of followers. If you just are yourself and confident and do something that you love and are passionate about, it's going to make an impression on someone younger than you.” - Ali Riley
Becky Sauerbrunn, 2x World Cup Champion, 2x Olympian, 3x NWSL Champion, and former captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team, joins us as we unpack her journey to becoming a leader in the world of women’s soccer. She speaks candidly about her time with the youth national teams, her collegiate soccer career at the University of Virginia, as well as her professional career—highlighting how she gradually grew into her role as a leader over many years. We dive into how Becky has channeled this leadership as captain of the USWNT and the intricacies of how her leadership manifested itself in the fight for equal pay for women’s soccer players. Becky challenges us to both reconsider our preconceived notions of what a leader is, and to channel the leadership within us to advocate for gender equity and accessibility of sport for all. For more information on equal pay, the Voice In Sport Foundation, and its initiatives, head to https://www.voiceinsport.com/press/side-of-equity “It's gonna get better, but we need everyone to own and feel responsible for where women are going in this country when it comes to sport.” - Becky Sauerbrunn
Julie Foudy, former captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team, 2x World Cup Champion, 2x Olympian, National Soccer Hall of Fame member, and espnW Writer and Commentator, joins us as we unpack her experiences in the soccer world. She shares with us her journey in finding joy in sport and building confidence and how this not only led her to an incredible career with the USWNT from 1987-2004, but it also led to the eventual foundation of the leadership academy that she runs today for young women athletes. In our conversation, Julie emphasizes the importance of leadership that transcends the sports field; we see this in her discussion of the ongoing fight for equal pay in sport and her partnership with CLIF that supports her activism efforts. Julie Foudy is an inspiration to young women athletes everywhere, and her confidence, joy, and determination are truly gifts that we all can learn from. For more information on equal pay, the Voice In Sport Foundation, and its initiatives, head to https://www.voiceinsport.com/press/side-of-equity. “If we can teach these women to be amazing athletes, that's great. But most importantly, let's create amazing humans who wanna give back into their communities and realize that every single one of them is a leader.” - Julie Foudy
2022 Olympic All Around Gold Medalist and decorated NCAA Division 1 gymnast Suni Lee, shares her journey growing up as a Hmong American gymnast. She shares with us her experience at the Tokyo Olympics and her transition to competing at Auburn University, delving into the differences of the collegiate and elite competition levels. Suni guides us through her pre-meet rituals and training tips. She emphasizes the importance of visualization, repetition, and confidence. Suni shares why her partnership with CLIF and VOICEINSPORT Foundation help her to pursue her advocacy efforts towards building mentorship and representation. Suni's inspiring journey exemplifies dedication, hard work, visibility, and believing in oneself.
Adrienne Smith, a professional football player, serial entrepreneur, and VIS mentor shares her journey in sports and business. A 5 time WFA champion, 2 time gold medalist with the US Women’s Tackle National team, WFA career leader in reviewing yards, and 9 time WFA all-star, Adrienne shares how she mentally and physically trains and performs as an elite athlete. She discusses the importance of discipline, recovery, and mindset. Off the field, Adrienne discusses the inspiration behind her numerous entrepreneurial projects: Harlem Hip-Hop Tours, Gridiron Queendom, and Blitz Champz. She reminds us to pursue our dreams no matter what anyone else says. “If you think you can be something, you can be. That's it. Regardless of what the world is saying to you in that moment. If you think you can achieve it, then I got my money on you. You can achieve it.” -Adrienne Smith
Toni Breidinger is a Professional NASCAR Race Car Driver for Venturi Motorsports where she drives a number 25 Toyota Camry. She has the most wins for women in United States Auto Club history with 19 wins! Toni shares her journey in the sport of race car driving beginning with how she entered the world of motorsports at the age of nine. Toni talks about her new partnership with Victoria’s Secret while working with the company to spread body positivity and shift the narrative around beauty ideals . She talks about how to deal with performance anxiety, lifting other women up in sport, and encourages other young girls to compete in motorsports. “Your body isn't a trend. You don't need to look at all these people who probably Photoshop their photos and everything like that. I think if you're just strong and you're healthy, like that's the most important thing and your body's beautiful.” - Toni Breidinger
Sheera Goren is the co-founder of Zygo, the first submersible headset for swimmers that receives radio frequencies from a poolside FM transmitter which is paired with your smartphone - enabling athletes to listen to music underwater, receive coaching and of course listen to the VOICEINSPORT Podcast. Sheera graduated from UCLA with an undergraduate degree in Communications. She reminds young women that the degree you achieve is just one part of your story - and never limit yourself to go a different direction after graduation. We love the inspiring conversation of rolling with your mistakes, and using them as learning experiences. It’s never too late to start something new and as Sheer Goren shares with the VIS community “I think failing is not ever starting something.”
Jenny Nguyen, entrepreneur, chef, and founder of The Sports Bra shares with us her journey in starting her own business. With a culinary background and love for women’s sports, Jenny took her passions into the restaurant and business industry. Inspired to create a sports bar that was centered around women's sports and more inclusive, The Sports Bra was born. Jenny emphasizes the importance of community as seen through her partnerships with local woman owned and operated businesses. “Have you ever felt like you didn't belong at a sports bar? And why? Because those are the reasons why I opened The Sports Bra.” -Jenny Nguyen
On today’s special Entrepreneur Series, we are chatting with Jordan Robbins, Founder of Revly Sport. REVLY Sport is a swimwear brand designed for women with active lifestyles. Their goal is to take the stress out of swimwear so that women athletes who wear it can confidently live and enjoy their lives. Jordan is a former volleyball player for UCLA and UWisconsin, who overcame severe scoliosis to compete in college. Her sports and entrepreneurship story is incredible.
Welcome to the 100th episode of the VOICEINSPORT Podcast! Thank you for being on this journey with us, we are so excited to be able to share the stories of so many incredible women athletes, experts, and advocates. In this 100th episode, we are celebrating the highlights of the Voice in Sport podcast around the four core VIS topics; MIND, NUTRITION, ADVOCACY, and BODY. Our producers, Zosia, Elizabeth, and Kate, have put together a compilation of their favourite quotes and will introduce and explain why these quotes resonated with them! Before we get started, we wanted to share some of the amazing statistics of the guests we’ve had on the podcast. In the past 99 episodes, we’ve hosted 48 Olympians, 20 Olympic Medalists across 20 different sports. We hope that as you’re listening to today's episode you’re inspired to check some of those great episodes out! Enjoy!
2-time Olympian and VIS League Mentor, Rosie Brennan is a professional cross country skier who has had multiple top 15 performances at the 2022 winter olympics in Beijing. Previously, Rosie attended Dartmouth college where she competed on the ski team. Rosie has had multiple ups and downs in her career including being cut from the National team twice, suffering two freak accidents including a bike and a car crash, and coming down with mono during her first Olympic Games. While Rosie may have thought about quitting, she never did and always came back with an even stronger fire. Today, she talks about her resilience and gives advice to young girls who may be going through similar obstacles. “It made me realise that part of the joy of competing is to have that feeling of being so immersed in something that you can have that many emotions and one of my biggest takeaways from the Olympics was how lucky I am to have had this experience that allows me to feel so much.” - Rosie Brennan
VIS Expert, Dr. Paige Roberts, a sports psychotherapist, athlete mental health advocate and a peak performance expert speaks about trauma injuries and how to recover from them. Paige specializes in helping athletes overcome performance anxiety, recover fully from sports injuries or failures, and rebound from performance slumps or blocks. As a high school and college athlete, Paige faced numerous challenges including overuse injuries, an eating disorder, addiction and multiple concussions. Today Paige shares the neuroscience behind overcoming all of them, and dives deep into the technique she uses called Performance Neuro Training, which is a combination of sports psychology, brainspotting, and hot & cold photobiomodulation laser-light therapy. This draws upon techniques from clinical social work, exercise and neuroscience along with health and wellness lifestyle coaching. “When we look at the results of Performance Neuro Training, athletes are loving sport again. They're energised, they're sleeping well, they're not having as intense anxiety.” - Dr. Paige Roberts
Lexi DuPont, professional big mountain skier, bush pilot, and entrepreneur talks about an exciting new event, the Sister Summit! The Sister Summit brings women snowboarders and skiers together to build a community, create more visibility for the sports, and learn about mindfulness and nutrition, much like the mission of VOICEINSPORT! Lexi also dives deep into her relationship with nature. She shares how she cultivates confidence as a love for yourself, for life, and for the people around you. Finally, Lexi’s journey with her mental coach highlights how beneficial it can be to learn to let go. “When we drop in on the mountain and we're going, we are unstoppable. I am unstoppable. I am fierce and I am going to charge down this mountain.” - Lexi DuPont
Andi Sullivan, professional soccer player, captain of the Washington Spirit, collegiate national champion, and Hermann trophy winner shares her journey in soccer. She takes us through her experience through the US Women’s National team programs from her early teens and then as only one of six players to land a spot on the women’s world cup roster before attending college. Andi highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health as she shares her recruitment process at a young age and how she overcame injuries. Andi shares important advice on how to build confidence through value-driven progress rather than result or statistic based metrics. Andi urges us to focus on our individual narratives, all the while bringing up the people around us to create stronger communities and teams! “Even when things were difficult and frustrating… every day I’d drive to the facility and say: I can control my attitude and my effort”. -Andi Sullivan
Julia Landauer, Champion Race Car Driver and VIS League Mentor speaks about her journey with sexism in racing, sponsorships and dealing with bad races! Julia is an incredibly accomplished competitor in a sport where women and men compete against each other. She was the first and youngest woman to win the Skip Barber racing series at 14 years old, and was the only female to be invited to the 2016 NASCAR Next Program. Julia is currently racing in the Xfinity Series for Alpha Prime Racing, and was the only woman at her debut race in July 2022. Today, she explains how to navigate a male dominated sport that is so reliant on sponsorships, and shares so many wise tips on male allyship for women athletes! “Focus on where you wanna be and then you'll have a better chance of getting there.” - Julia Landauer
Blake Bolden is a professional Ice Hockey player for the Boston Blades, where she won two national titles and works to pave the way in the sport for young black girls such as herself. She is also an NHL reporter on ESPN and a professional scout as well as a growth and inclusion specialist for the LA Kings! In this podcast, Blake discusses her journey with ice hockey from a young age to her mid-thirties and her struggles to fit in, accept who she was, and deal with the ups and downs that come with being an elite athlete. “Just tell yourself you can do this, you can be bold and face whatever fear, whatever doubt. Just face it, head on.” - Blake Bolden
Dr. Stacy Sims, VIS Expert, a performance physiologist and researcher specializing in women athletes, shares the science behind periods and performance. As a former runner, rower, and cyclist, Stacy dove into studying movement and sports sciences at Purdue University. In her Master’s program, Stacy researched sex differences and overtraining in women athletes. As a professional, Stacy has directed research programs at Stanford, AUT University, and the University of Waikato that focus on women athlete health and performance. In today’s episode, Stacy brings her expertise and experiences as an athlete to share her research and work about menstrual cycles, training, and nutrition. We also discuss the underrepresentation of women in scientific studies, the misconceptions about women’s physiology, and the myths relating to our periods. “At any point in the menstrual cycle, you can come and bring your A-game.” - Dr. Stacy Sims.
Sierra Brooks, a gymnast at the University of Michigan, NCAA Champion, 2022 Big 10 Gymnast of the Year, and 13x All-American shares with us her dedicated relationship with athletics and academics. As a highly competitive gymnast and also an avid learner, Sierra gives us great advice on how we can better ourselves inside and outside of sport. Sierra also encourages us to seize career and professional opportunities to better understand ourselves and interests. With a focus on the importance of relationships, Sierra shares just how crucial our support systems are. “Once you really buy into the mindset that you're doing things as a team, you're more successful individually” -Sierra Brooks.