FIERCE Athlete Podcast

"If I have a peaceful, quiet soul, it is going to allow the rest of my life to be balanced and focus." When the game gets heated or comes down to the wire...how do we stay focused on the task at hand? Angel, Sam, and Danae discuss the best way to refocus our selves, our minds, and our tasks in order to reach our goals, especially amidst the many many distractions that vie for our attention both on and off the court. You won't want to miss this very practical episode where we will break down the goals you want to achieve, and help you focus in on how to achieve them. The good news is our focus in our sport, allows us to focus in our path toward heaven. Join us on this journey as we grow together physically, mentally and spiritually. Bible Verse:  1 Peter 5:8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Takeaway #1: Set one long term goal, then three short term for the week. Write them somewhere you will see them multiple times a day.Takeaway #2: Do a social media fast. Support the show

Join us as we jump back into our Athlete Toolbox- the attitudes and characteristics that will distinguish you as a player and person. While internal drive may get you out of bed in the morning, today we're talking about HOW you approach the workout, game, practice, and our sport. Yes- lets talk "Work Ethic". It is virtuous to work hard, to do everything in front of you to the best of your ability! Join this discussion of how to grow in discipline to positively impact your sport performance, your spiritual life, and your whole life- especially when no one else is watching or there. Bible Verse: 2 Thes 3:10-12 "For even when we were with you we gave you this command, anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living irresponsibly, mere busy bodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, to do their work quietly and earn their own living."Takeaway: "Do it Again" by Steven FurtickMovie: "Greater"Support the show

Dive back into our FIERCE Athlete toolbox with us – listen to our dialog on the essential characteristics that make individuals & teams successful.....What is toughness? Can we increase our capacity for being tough? Can I be Tough AND Feminine? Learn how to grow in physical and spiritual toughness, who we can look to as our role model, and how we can use our sufferings to offer them up as a gift for others. Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have competed well, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith..”Take Away: Wall sit &/or Plank challenge - Pick an intention… offer it up for someone as a prayer!Support the show

Join us as we continue to unpack these FIERCE Athlete tools that aren’t found on the stat sheets…. the skills that are helping the individuals reach new heights on the athletic field/court AND also propels teams to success. Self-Confidence is KEY for our athletic performance as well as instrumental in understanding our identity as Daughters of God. We are confident because our creator is confident in WHO we are and who HE created us to be. What is the line between confidence and arrogance… and how can we use this tool to develop ourselves into the athlete we desire to be?This season we are talking about the IT Factor-The toolbox of attributes beyond your skills, drills and stats. Whether you are looking to be a stand out recruit, a leader on your team, or be an influence beyond your athlete career… These topics will help you become the best athlete and person you can be. We’re going deep; to discuss how to grow in virtue and strength, ultimately becoming a FIERCE Athlete. Bible Verse: Psalm 23 Take Away: Reflect on these words from Psalm 23. The Lord is my Shepherd I have EVERYTHING  I need. How does our Lord take care of us? Do we acknowledge his hand in our life?Support the show

Many moments during the game, race, or match are out of our control.  When in the heat of competition… What DO we as athletes have control & choice over? Digging into the FIERCE Athlete Toolbox; Sam, Angelina, & Danae discuss the essential role ATTITUDE plays in success on and off the field. Unlock the secrets to becoming a true competitor, different ways to contribute to your team/individual success, and how to use CHRIST as the example of how to become the ultimate FIERCE Athlete.This season we are talking about the IT Factor-The toolbox of attributes beyond your skills, drills and stats. Whether you are looking to be a stand out recruit, a leader on your team, or be an influence beyond your athlete career… These topics will help you become the best athlete and person you can be. We’re going deep; to discuss how to grow in virtue and strength, ultimately becoming a FIERCE Athlete. Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians  9:24Take Away:  Look at all aspects of your game, sport, and find where the opportunities for growth are… Be honest with yourself! How is your ATTITUDE? Switch your mentality… have the best day you can have even when its not going perfectly…. It is a CHOICE! Support the show

Summer workouts, 6am weights, long road trips, and countless hours in the gym…Why do we do what we do? What do we need to be “successful” athletes and people… and what does success really mean? The FACT is that we were CHOSEN by God to be an athlete. What a gift and responsibility.  Sam, Angelina, & Danae dive into the “WHY” behind the INTERNAL DRIVE to compete and discuss what our greater purpose is for. Help us unpack the FIERCE Athlete Toolbox to see what is truly important in sport. This season we are talking about the IT Factor-The toolbox of attributes beyond your skills, drills and stats. Whether you are looking to be a stand out recruit, a leader on your team, or be an influence beyond your athlete career… These topics will help you become the best athlete and person you can be. We’re going deep; to discuss how to GROW in virtue and strength.....ultimately becoming a FIERCE Athlete!Bible Verse:  1 Corinthians 9:26-27Take Away: Find your WHY! Return to the LOVE of the Game and what inspired you as a young athlete. Support the show

Sam and Britt offer their commentary on the new hit movie, Encanto. There are so many gems that we as athletes can relate to.  Like many of us, the characters are solely defined by their talents, and have fears of appearing weak or vulnerable. While our athletic talents are amazing, and gifts from God, we are so much more than them. Join Sam and Britt as they discuss how to shift your viewpoint of being defined by just your talents, to one of self-acceptance in all facets of what it means to be human. You are more than your Talents, you are a GIFT! Grab a friend, watch Encanto, and listen to this podcast! Takeaways:Watch EncantoStare at yourself in the mirror, and "see me".How to share:Look into the eyes of someone else, seeing who they really are, seeing Christ."Be vulnerable, so others can be brave." Encourage others in their emotional expression and vulnerability. Invite them to do something, outside their sport, that brings them alive. Support the show

Our culture has a certain definition about what it means to be a woman....and the athlete culture seems to have a different one. So what does it mean to be a woman? A MUST LISTEN! Sam and Britt speak into their own experiences of trying to discover true femininity and how they came to embrace who they really are as athletic women. Even more, they discuss the factors that have contributed to the culture's distorted views of both men and women; from sport being historically male dominant, to the feminist movement. However, we need to celebrate both men and women in their differences, and lift each other up. You are feminine! You can be both a FIERCE and tender woman- go for it! Embrace who you are as a woman, athlete, mother, sister and friend. "The level of any civilization is the level of its womanhood. The nobler the woman, the nobler the man’s love must be." The World's First Love by Fulton SheenSupport the show

As athletes, often times we are our own toughest critics. Britt and Sam wrap up the "opinions" mini-series by talking about the standards we set for ourselves as athletes. We dive into perfectionism, pride, and what true humility is. Join us as we encapsulate so many themes this week! “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne WilliamsonTakeaway:Be aware of your own attitude toward yourself. Come up with statements to write down or on your mirror in order to practice positive mindset.How to share:Be aware of others critiquing themselves. Combat their lies with truth. By doing this, it helps keep us accountable too. Support the show

Whether it’s peer pressure, comparison, trying to fit in and be accepted, or changing who we are, we often give others, especially our teammates, power over us.  We need to have confidence in who we are because being authentic is what allows us to gain respect. Sometimes we gel with our teams and other times it takes more work. Sam and Britt discuss their own experiences but also give tips on how to set a positive healthy culture on our teams. You are more than your teammates’ opinions of you…you are uncompromising.Takeaway: Be a good teammate! Encourage others. Uphold your values. Don’t talk behind others backs. Be grateful.How to share:Call others out, in charity, if they are gossiping. Support the show

We are continuing with our "opinion of others" mini series in Season 3. This week Britt and Sam talk about how our coaches affect us as athletes. They break down the things we can control in regards to our coaches and those we can't. They pull from their own experience in regards to playing time, coaching style and what to do with tough situations. They also offer advice and scripts of how to best have a conversation with your coach, and advocate for yourself as a player. So share with a teammate, friend or even coach as we walk this journey toward better understanding that we are more than our coaches opinion of us...we are already chosen!Takeaway:Have a conversation with your coach and ask these 4 things:1. What are your expectations for me?2. How can I achieve this goal?3. What am I doing well?4. What can I improve on?Do so with openness and humility. How to share this:Instead of giving into gossip or complaining about your coach with your teammates, encourage and equip them to have a conversation with your coach. Support the show

For many of us, our parents are the reason we’ve been given the opportunity to play our sport. They can be our biggest fan, but sometimes we can feel a lot of pressure from our parents to perform, win the race, or earn a scholarship. Britt and Sam begin a mini series on others opinions by talking about our parents opinions of us. They equip you to talk to your parents if need, but also remind you that it is God the Father’s opinion of you that really matters. Take a listen, share with your parents, and know you are more than your parents opinions of you…You are God the Fathers opinion of you. And that opinion- is all delight and love.Takeaway:Reflect on relationship with parents and have a conversation like this is need me...“Hey Dad I’m feeling like when I don’t have a good game you don’t love me…”Write down any misperceptions and renounce them.How to share:Help others combat any lies they believe about their worth in regards to their parents. Help them talk to their parents if need be. Support the show

Perhaps our MOST IMPORTANT episode yet! You are more than your past self...part 2. This week we get deep, and real, hoping to offer consolation to all our listeners' hearts. You are more than your past sins, mistakes, failures, hurts, wounds, and pains. It is time to break free from the shame we carry, and move forward in freedom. Britt and Sam dive into some of the thoughts and unforgiveness that hold us back as women, and invite you to take a step toward deep freedom! Keep an ear out for the quote of the podcast, "its like Elephants." We are with you and invite you to listen with an open heart, because you are amazing and we love you!Takeaway:Forgive yourself. Say "In the name of Jesus, I forgive myself for ______" and then pick something physical, like throwing rocks in a river, or burning pieces of paper, that represents you letting go!How to share:Help your friends forgive others, and forgive themselves. Support the show

You are more than...your past self. This week we dive into our GLORY DAYS (cue Springsteen)! As athletes it is really easy to compare ourselves to what we used to be: before we were injured, when we had a different coach, or when we were on a different team. While it is ok to celebrate where we have been, we can't let it ruin where we are or discourage us from where we are headed. Britt and Sam dive into their own struggles with comparison and how they have learned to really appreciate and embrace the present moment. So whether you are rehabbing from an injury, learning a new position, or joining a new team, this podcast is for you and your teammates! Listen in and follow-up next week for Part 2 where we look at the parts of our past we are not so proud of!Books:Into Your Hands, FatherInterior FreedomSt. Faustina's DiaryTakeaway:"When I look into the future, I am frightened, But why plunge into the future? Only the present moment is precious to me, As the future may never enter my soul at all. It is no longer in my power, To change, correct or add to the past; For neither sages nor prophets could do that. And so, what the past has embraced I must entrust to God. O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire. I desire to use you as best I can. And although I am weak and small, You grant me the grace of your omnipotence. And so, trusting in Your mercy, I walk through life like a little child, Offering You each day this heart Burning with love for Your greater glory."  - St. Faustina's Diary, Entry 2---------"Leave the past to God's Mercy, the present to His Grace, and the future to His Will."How to Share This:Recognize in your teammates or friends when they are dwelling too much on the past. Help them refocus on the "next pass" or next opportunity in sport and in life. Support the show

You are more than an Athlete...you are LIMITLESS! Growing up, and even today, many of us are labeled as "an athlete", and while we are so proud of this, there is so much more to us than what we do on a track, or field, or in a pool; maybe it's drawing, or music, or like Sam, BIRDS! Whatever it is, we have been created for beauty and to discover the true, the good, and the beautiful in sport, but also in the amazing world around us. Sam and Britt talk about their experiences with labels, and breaking free to discover some really cool things that the world has to offer. So grab a buddy to listen with or throw us on while you're on a run, and enjoy! Feel free to share what brings you joy outside of sport! Tag us #iammorethan @fierceathleteTakeaway:Go on a Beauty Quest. How to share this:Bring someone along on a beauty quest, or do something that brings them fully alive!Support the show

You are  more than a number on a scale, a body fat %, or your eating habits. As women, and especially as athletes, we are hyper aware of our weight and body make up. We struggle with over eating, under eating, comparison, and false standards. Britt and Sam break down this sensitive topic, speaking into their own experiences, but also providing insight into the beauty of our bodies, not matter the weight, and how to have a healthy view of how we look. Resources:If you know someone struggling with disordered eating here are some resources that can help: https://catholicmentalhealth.org/eating-disordershttps://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-supporthttps://thecatholicwoman.co/letterstowomen/finding-my-worth-amidst-an-eating-disorderTakeaway:Mediate with 1 Corintians 6:19-20 "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body."How to Share This:If you see a friend struggling, talk to them about it. Don't try to fix them, but walk alongside them in their struggle and help them get help. See resources above for a start!Support the show

Failure is a natural, but brutal part of sport. Ultimately, it helps us get better, but it definitely hurts in the process. This week, we talk about the times in sport and life we have faced failure. We hope to provide you with some advice and tips in order to turn your failures into your greatest drivers for growth, because you are more than your mistakes and failures...you are perfectly imperfect. I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.  - Michael JordanTakeaway:Pick a statement to help you combat negative cyclical thinking and refocus you on the gameHow to share this:Be an encouragement to others. Help them focus on "making the next play".Support the show

While once reserved for athlete's sporting accomplishments, everyone has access to a highlight reel today through social media. Britt and Sam dive into the world of social media and how it affects our performance, self image, and view of others. You'll also learn Britt's fun "nickname" and enjoy a few laughs with us! So press play during a workout, invite a friend to listen in and discuss, and join us for episode 4, because you are more than a highlight reel...you are loved as you are. Takeaway:Take a fast from social media, or learn to praise God for others accomplishments.Start a Gratitude Journal- write 3 new things you are thankful for everyday.How to share this:Invite someone else into a fast with you.Start a Gratitude Journal with someone else. Support the show

You are more than your injury. Injury can be one of the toughest and yet most common realities of women's sports. Whether it be a concussion, sprained ankle, tendinitis, or a torn ACL, most of us have experienced injury. Between the two of them, Britt and Sam have 20 surgeries, so they are no stranger to the struggle. They speak into their own experiences, giving practical advice and new perspective as to how to both navigate and use our injuries to make ourselves and those around us stronger. So share with a friend whose injured, or listen and bring new light and healing to an injury you've had. Either way, you'll really enjoy the practical tips offered as to how injury can actually bring us closer to Christ.Takeaway:Reflect on how your injury can bring your closer to Christ. Find your role on your team while injured.How to share this: Offer your injury, rehab, and suffering up for someone else who is injured, having a hard time, or just needs your prayers. Support the show

You are more than your view of your body. As athletes our bodies come in all shapes and sizes, often times reflecting our sport; whether it be soccer thighs, swimming shoulders, or runners legs. However, our views of our bodies range from body hate to body pride, causing us to view our bodies as tools, or something we can manipulate. Britt and Sam talk about their own struggles with their view of their bodies, and how those views have been redeemed. We want to honor our bodies, in order to perform, not get caught up in how we look. We need to realize we are beautiful! We are made in the image and likeness of God! We are designed as athletic. So grab a friend, take a listen during a workout, and lets learn the true nature of our beauty. Takeaway: Body ScanStart at the top of your head, and body part by body part go down to your toes, and with every body part ask yourself this question, "Do I like this part of my body?" Be honest- it can be tough. But don't stop there. Next but yourself in the Lords presence, and go body part by body part and ask him, "Jesus, do you love this part of my body?" (His answer is always yes!)Mirror Exercise: "This Body, is loved, by God" Breathing exerciseHow to Share:Watch and Listen for the pattern of self critique in others. Compliment them on their beauty, turn the conversation to the positive, and invite them to do the Body Scan with you. Support the show