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

“… 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.”