No Former Athlete

From Competitive Cheerleader to Women’s Sports Broadcaster | Athlete Identity After Sport with AriMost people assume Ari played basketball.She’s 6 feet tall. She covers women’s sports. It feels obvious.But her athletic background?Taekwondo. Gymnastics. Competitive all-star cheer. Volleyball.Use code ARIPOD to get a special discount to get lifetime access on the NFA Breathe Here Now Virtual Breathwork session. https://bit.ly/Ari-BreathworkIn this episode of the No Former Athlete Podcast, Ari shares her full athletic journey — from earning a black belt at 4 years old to competing in Division I cheer, to navigating a medical situation that abruptly ended her volleyball career.We talk about:The physical reality of competitive cheerleading (and why it’s one of the most demanding sports)Growing up tall in gymnasticsLosing a sport unexpectedlyTransitioning out of team athleticsRedirecting competitive energy into career and entrepreneurshipFounding Highlighter and building a platform for women’s sportsThe perfectionism that follows athletes into adulthoodWhy women’s sports advocacy is her life’s workThis conversation goes deep into athlete identity after sport, chasing perfection outside of competition, and what it means to still be an athlete long after the uniform comes off.If you’ve ever struggled with life after sports, leaving a team environment, or redefining what winning looks like — this episode is for you.Are you an athlete?Ari’s answer: Always. Forever. Even if it looks different now.Use code ARIPOD to get a special discount to get lifetime access on the NFA Breathe Here Now Virtual Breathwork session. https://bit.ly/Ari-Breathwork

What happens when the thing that defined you… ends?In this episode of No Former Athlete, Brad Hauter opens up about life after sport — from being told he’d never play again, to playing professionally for 10 years, to chasing validation long after the crowd was gone.We talk athlete identity, fake dopamine, ego, grief, and the emotional crash that comes when the season ends — sometimes over and over again. Brad shares what finally helped him find grounding, purpose, and relevance beyond the game.If you’ve ever felt lost without the structure, validation, or identity of sport — you’re not alone.

In this episode of No Former Athlete, we sit down with Megan, a former D1 soccer player whose career ended suddenly after multiple concussions. What followed wasn’t just an exit from the game—it was a full identity reckoning.We talk about control issues athletes carry into adulthood, why rest can feel like failure, and how so many no former athletes (NoFos) replace sport with work, productivity, or “impressive” job titles just to feel valuable again. Megan opens up about living with unfinished business, navigating invisible injuries, staying close to sport through her career, and learning how to ask a harder question: Who am I doing this for now?This conversation explores:Losing sport before you’re readyWhy athletes struggle with rest and free timeIdentity after injury and retirementThe pressure to stay “impressive” post-sportWorking in sports vs. healing from sportLearning to sit in success instead of chasing the next goalIf you’ve ever felt anxious without a schedule, uncomfortable slowing down, or unsure who you are outside performance—this one will hi

Ever look back at your high school athlete days and think, “Damn, who was that person?” Same. In this episode, Brandi takes us on a hilarious, honest, and nostalgic ride from being a basketball star to figuring out who she is after the final buzzer. We talk college hoops drama, identity crises, career pivots, concussions, and why walking away from the game might’ve been the best move she ever made.Now a director and creative entrepreneur, Brandi shares how her athlete mindset still drives her — just in a different arena. If you’ve ever felt lost after leaving something that defined you, this one’s for you.In this episode:– “I used to be an athlete” moments 😂– Why college ball wasn’t it– Career burnout & the pressure to “figure it out” by 30– Turning creative hustle into a career– Rebuilding identity after sport

Are you still an athlete if you’re not competing anymore?In this episode of No Former Athlete, we sit down with Zach, a former collegiate baseball player, to talk about the moment sport ends—and everything that quietly comes after it.Zach opens up about how his brain still defines “athlete,” why adult leagues don’t quite count, and what it actually felt like to hang up the cleats. From checking his college stats after graduating to see if he could’ve redshirted… to giving a final speech that was supposed to bring closure (but didn’t)… this conversation captures the subtle grief, confusion, and identity friction so many no former athletes carry without realizing it.We talk about why it’s so hard to work out when you’re no longer training for something, why being “coached” in fitness settings can feel deeply uncomfortable post-sport, and how much we miss the parts no one warns you about—the locker room jokes, the bus rides, the in-between moments of practice, and working toward one shared goal with your people.This episode isn’t about wanting to go back. It’s about understanding why that part of you never fully leaves—and how no former athletes learn to carry it forward into work, relationships, and everyday life.In this episode, we explore:How NoFos define “athlete” after competition endsThe emotional whiplash of knowing it’s over—but not feeling doneWhy many athletes stop training when sport disappearsMissing the team more than the gamesWhy adult leagues feel both healing and frustratingFinding competition, purpose, and camaraderie post-sportIf you’ve ever thought, “Mentally, I’m still an athlete… but I don’t know where that part of me fits anymore,” this episode is for you.

What happens when being an athlete is all you’ve ever known — and then it’s suddenly taken away?In this episode of No Former Athlete, Kelly Balch opens up about growing up as a multi-sport athlete, earning a soccer scholarship as a goalkeeper, and competing at a high level — only to lose her senior season two practices in. What followed wasn’t just the end of a career, but a deep identity rupture she didn’t fully grieve until years later.Kelly shares what it felt like to not “look like” an athlete anymore, dating her teammate in secret at a religious school, and compartmentalizing her pain by killing off her athlete identity and becoming an artist instead. We talk about her last game in Italy, exchanging jerseys after a win, and the long-term impact of athlete mindset on creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership.This is a conversation about grief, identity, queerness, ambition, and what it really means to still be an athlete — long after the games end.If you’ve ever lost a version of yourself you thought defined you, this episode is for you.

This week on No Former Athlete, we sit down with BJ Beckwith — co-host of the Just Women’s Sports: Sports Are Fun podcast — for one of the most honest, refreshing conversations we’ve ever had about identity, pressure, and choosing your own path.BJ grew up in a D1 household.A sister who played D1.A dad in two Hall of Fames.A family where sports weren’t just a hobby… they were the blueprint.And then one day, BJ realized something he never expected:He didn’t want the life everyone assumed he’d chase.Not the recruiting calls.Not the pressure.Not choosing “the right sport” at 14.Not sacrificing the once-in-a-lifetime moments of high school for playing time.What followed is a story every no former athlete will feel in their bones — the tug of expectations, the fear of disappointing people, the shock of stepping onto a college campus without the title “student-athlete,” and the messy journey of rebuilding identity on your own terms.We break down:• Growing up in a high-performance sports family• Rejecting the D1 path and choosing your version of success• Queerness, locker rooms, and redefining belonging• Learning to compete for joy instead of survival• Finding community again through running, club teams, and adult rec sports• The unexpected path that led BJ to become a voice in women’s sports• Why your athlete identity never leaves — it just evolvesThis episode is a reminder that:You don’t lose your athlete identity when you stop playing.You reclaim it.If you’ve ever questioned who you are without the jersey… this one is going to land deep.

What happens when the thing that’s defined you your entire life… suddenly ends?Jazzmyne Jay was born and raised to be an athlete.Volleyball was everything — her schedule, her identity, her way of belonging.But two games before playoffs, she tore her ACL, MCL, and meniscus.In one moment, everything she’d built came crashing down.In this episode, Jazzmyne sits down with Erin to unpack what it really means to lose your sport — and find yourself again.They talk about what being a teammate actually means once the games are over, how perfectionism follows you into adulthood, and why she’s finally playing for joy instead of performance.Jazzmyne opens up about healing through adult rec leagues, seeing more Black and brown women on the court, and what it’s like to rebuild a relationship with her body on her own terms.It’s raw, funny, and deeply human — a conversation about identity, healing, and that question every athlete eventually asks:“For what?!”

Kara Campbell has never known life without sports. From t-ball to college volleyball, and now as a head athletic trainer, she’s always been surrounded by athletes—and still proudly identifies as one. In this conversation, Kara reflects on what it means to carry the athlete identity long after your own playing days end. We talk about the bittersweet transition from being on the court to supporting from the sidelines, the struggle to find motivation without a team or season ahead, and how she continues to “live it” through the athletes she serves today. Kara’s story is a powerful reminder that there’s no single way to define being an athlete—and that identity can evolve without ever disappearing.

From D3 football to 100-mile ultra marathons — meet Toan Nguyen.In this episode of No Former Athlete, Toan shares how he went from playing football and basketball in college to becoming a long-distance runner chasing ultra endurance goals. He opens up about his athlete identity, how a concussion changed his outlook on health, and why he believes movement is medicine.Subscribe for more athlete stories redefining what it means to compete — beyond the scoreboard.

What happens when a high school hallway conversation launches a Division I basketball career? In this powerful episode, Nina shares her incredible journey from picking up a basketball for the first time as a freshman to competing against legends like Cheryl Miller and starting on one of the top teams in the nation.With honesty, humor, and humility, Nina reflects on the evolution of women’s sports, the joy of playing with and against Olympians, and the lasting life lessons she carried into motherhood, career, and beyond. From packed gyms in the ‘80s to raising the next generation of athletes, this is a story of growth, grit, and giving back.Whether you’re a lifelong athlete or just love a great underdog story, this one will leave you inspired.

Why I’m Done Working Hard (And You Should Be Too)We grew up believing that hard work was the ultimate badge of honor — especially as athletes. Hustle harder. Push through. No excuses. But what happens when you hit your 30s and realize… maybe that kind of grind isn’t it anymore?In this episode, we unpack the moment Erin said, “I’m not a hard worker anymore. I’m a soft worker.” And something about that phrase broke us open. This convo dives into:What it means to become a “soft worker” in a world that worships burnoutWhy rest isn’t laziness — it’s a strategyHow athlete conditioning screws with our relationship to ease, effort, and worthFlow state, perfectionism, and redefining success in real lifeNapping as productivity (yep, we went there)And the hilarious core memory of being complimented for hard work… in a failed teenage flirt attempt If you’ve ever felt guilty for not grinding 24/7 — this one’s for you. Hit play, let it soften your day, and join us in rewriting the rules of “working hard.”

Are you still an athlete if you're not competing anymore?In this episode of No Former Athlete, I sit down with one of my best friends and former college basketball teammates, Allie Ross, for a raw and honest conversation about what happens after sports end.We talk about the identity crisis that hits when the season’s over, how external validation shaped our entire self-worth, why we both shoved our "athlete selves" into a box and hid it under the bed — and how we’re slowly learning to reclaim that identity on our own terms.This conversation is about more than sports — it’s about grief, transition, healing, and the complicated journey of figuring out who you are when the jersey comes off.👉 Topics We Cover:Athlete identity after collegeThe emotional fallout of “the last game”Compartmentalization and emotional regulationThe pressure to always have a goalUsing fitness (like triathlon) to feel “valid” againLearning to feel without performanceWhether you’re a former athlete or just someone who’s ever asked, “Who am I now?” — this one’s for you.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jax—athlete, entrepreneur, and founder of California’s first sports bar dedicated to women’s sports, Watch Me. Jax opens up about reclaiming her athlete identity, navigating identity shifts post-sport, and the fire that fueled her journey from JV standout to community trailblazer. We talk about what it means to start before you’re ready, building safe spaces, and how sports continue to shape our drive, self-worth, and vision. This one’s for anyone who’s ever struggled to find their place after the final whistle.

She Walked Away from the Game — and Found Herself AgainIn this episode of No Former Athlete, Jerrica Brooks keeps it real about what it’s like to grow up loving a sport that doesn’t always love you back.We get into the highs of high school hoops, the pain of toxic coaching, and how stepping away from basketball for six years ended up being one of the most important moves of her life.This episode includes:– What happens when your identity is your sport– The mental/emotional burnout no one warns you about– Being Black, gay, and constantly underestimated– Learning how to feel feelings (?!?) in your 30s– Reconnecting with joy — on and off the courtThis one’s for the athletes, the ex-athletes, and anyone out there trying to figure out who they are when the jersey comes off.Make sure to follow, and tell us in the comments:What did sport teach you about YOU?

Life After Pro Sports with AthletEX Founder: Taylor CohenWhat happens when the final whistle blows — and you’re not ready to stop playing? In this episode, we sit down with a former pro soccer player and founder of AthletEX, a community-driven platform helping athletes rediscover identity, purpose, and connection after competitive sports.She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of retirement (twice!), playing overseas during COVID, returning to the field for one final gold-medal run, and ultimately transitioning into entrepreneurship. We dive into:✅ Coping with identity loss post-sport✅ Coming out of retirement on your terms✅ The power of athlete community after college✅ Starting AthletEX and redefining “retired”✅ Dealing with long-term injuries and navigating recovery✅ Why there's no such thing as a “former” athleteWhether you’re one season removed or a decade out, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the afterlife of sport.

What does it mean to be an athlete—after the game ends?In this episode of No Former Athlete, we sit down with the one and only April “Scherm” Schermann: Division 1 softball player, award-winning educator, and legendary coach with over 21 years at the helm.Scherm shares her story of growing up as the only girl in a neighborhood full of boys, her competitive drive to play college ball, and the emotional transition that comes after the final whistle.💭 From athlete dreams that still haunt us at night to the grief no one talks about when you stop competing, this conversation is raw, reflective, and honestly? A love letter to the lifelong identity of an athlete.We talk about:-The moment she realized she’d grieved sports for over a decade-Why “mental toughness” needs to evolve alongside mental healthHow coaching became her new way to compete-And why there’s truly no such thing as a former athlete💬 If you’ve ever felt like your body moved on from the sport, but your soul never did—this episode is for you.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments—do you still consider yourself an athlete?🔔 Subscribe for more real convos about identity, movement, and the athlete mindset that stays with us forever.

What makes a great coach? In this episode, I sit down with my former high school soccer coach, Coach Walker—a man who didn’t just teach the game, but taught life through it.From growing up playing barefoot on the streets of Jamaica to coaching high school and club soccer in the U.S., Coach Walker shares the lessons he’s learned about leadership, resilience, culture, and community. We talk about the transition from athlete to coach, the challenges of coaching girls for the first time, and the evolution (and sometimes downfall) of youth sports in America.This episode is full of honest moments, laughs, and the kind of perspective you don’t get from the sidelines. Whether you’re a no former athlete, current coach, or just someone who believes in the power of sports to shape people—you’ll take something meaningful away from this conversation.🎧 Listen in as we unpack: – What sports really teach us– Why the best coaches lead with heart– How youth sports are changing– And how identity, culture, and empathy all play into the gameSubscribe, rate, and share if this hit home.This is No Former Athlete.

What happens when the sport that shaped your entire identity suddenly ends? In this episode of No Former Athlete, I sit down with Logan, a former college volleyball player, lifelong athlete, and coach, who’s still pushing herself at 47 — even with a walking boot on her foot.We talk about the transition from being a competitive athlete to figuring out how to stay consistent without a team or a coach, the power of accountability partners, and how to redefine what being an athlete means as life changes.If you’ve ever struggled with motivation, missed the structure of practice, or wondered how to stay connected to that competitive fire — this episode is for you.🎧 In this episode:— Why the end of competitive sports can feel like an identity crisis— How accountability partners help you stay consistent (even when motivation fades)— Shifting from performance-based training to longevity and health— The emotional side of leaving sports behind— Why once an athlete… always an athlete (just in a different way)👉 Ready to feel less alone in your post-sports journey? Hit play.Follow @noformerathlete on Instagram for more.

Imagine grinding your whole life to play at the D1 level—only to have it all taken away by injuries. That’s exactly what happened to Natalie Freeman, a former college soccer player whose career was full of unexpected twists, surgeries, and one brutal conversation that changed everything.But here’s the thing: When sports end, your identity doesn’t just disappear. So what happens next?In this episode of No Former Athlete, we get real about:- The highs and lows of Natalie’s D1 soccer career- Tearing an ACL right before signing a scholarship- The identity crisis athletes face when the game is over- The weird feeling of having free time for the first time ever- Learning to fill that competitive void (hello, golf)- The emotions that hit after sports are goneIf you’ve ever struggled with what comes after competitive sports, this one’s for you.