From 4:30 a.m. practices to NCAA champion, Caitlin Olliff’s journey to the University of Arizona was fueled by discipline, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence.

After chasing his D1 wrestling dream, Patrick Mosley walked away burned out and broken. But two years later, he returned on his own terms—and finally found the joy he’d been missing. This is his story of quitting, redemption, and the kind of wrestling that heals instead of hurts.

Under the lights of the United Center, Kelly Krumwiede lived her dream. But it was everything that came after—uncertainty, reinvention, and rediscovery—that truly defined her.

The athlete journey is long — filled with joy, pressure, setbacks, and growth. But it doesn’t end with the final game. Here’s what' athletes, parents and coaches should know about every stage.

Stephen Seliskar set a Purdue University school record in the 100-yard backstroke. But his success came from more than talent — it was built on family support, discipline, and hard-earned lessons he shares for the next generation.

The power of a dream. Hard work and grit took Anthony Grigsby Jr. from early morning workouts in Stockton to D1 football at Nevada — with coaches who invested in him far beyond the game.

After speaking with 20 athletes about life after sport, one thing stood out: the hardest part is losing a sense of identity. But they also shared what could make that transition easier — lessons that can help the next generation.

Years of grit, resilience, and relentless effort led Kate Leachman to her dream of playing Division I soccer at Nebraska — balancing early mornings, grueling practices, and the demands of competing at the highest level.

After years of high-level competition and early recruitment, Morgan Blackwell found herself questioning what came next when soccer ended. Her journey explores the pressure of unspoken expectations, the challenge of identity beyond sport, and how she ultimately rediscovered joy in the sport.

Justin Livengood walked away from the sport of baseball twice. Now, his journey has come full circle as he transitioned from playing professional baseball to coaching the same high school team that shaped him.

For Scott, triathlon is more than a sport—it’s a lifelong pursuit. While still competing, he’s also navigating what it means to build a fulfilling life beyond his identity as an athlete. His story offers insights into balancing competition with career, personal growth, and long-term success.

Alex Moore’s swimming career was abruptly halted by injury, forcing her to navigate the challenges of identity and purpose beyond the pool. Through resilience and self-discovery, she built a successful career and is now a leader in talent development, applying the discipline and adaptability she honed as an athlete to the corporate world

Coaching isn’t just about building great athletes—it’s about shaping great people. If we’re only preparing them for the next game and not for what comes after football, we’re failing them.

“… When I raised my hands above my head, I wasn’t sure whether to feel relief, pride, or heartbreak. Because once I walked off that mat, my life as a competitive gymnast was over.”