Sara is flying solo in this week’s episode! She sits down with retired WNBA professional basketball player, Chelsea Poppins. They get into some of Chelsea’s most memorable moments from her career and how she learned to advocate for herself while dealing with injuries throughout her career. Chelsea also talks about her retirement journey, and how she was able to find new passions and an identity outside of athletics that helped her move forward with confidence. Chelsea played Division 1 basketball at Iowa State before continuing her professional career in the WNBA and various overseas professional teams throughout her career. After retiring in 2019, she has been doing it all. She is the COO of the branding and digital agency, DayCloud Studios, an ESPN+ color analyst for her alma mater, co-host of Champion This podcast, and creator of CKP athletics – a youth program that provides basketball training, mentorship, and life-skills development.

On this week's episode, Julia and Sara sit down with Michele Lowry, former D1 swimmer and D1 college swim coach turned US Ski and Snowboard Team Athlete Professional Development Manager. In her current role, she works with the US team’s athletes on developing themselves off snow and making steps towards preparing for post-athletic careers.

In the episode, Michele recounts how she went from swimming to snowboarding and details ways athletes can create career opportunities for themselves while they are still competing. She gives practical advice for athletes to thrive outside of sport and highlights the many valuable skills athletes inherently have that employers want, even if you’ve never held a job before.

Julia and Sara are joined this week by Miranda Holder. Miranda rowed at Wellesley prior to taking on the head coaching position at Georgetown University. Listen in as Miranda discusses the trials and tribulations of her athletic career, as she diagnosed with a genetic heart condition which forced her to retire at 25.

As always, check out our website at athletesbeyondthegame.com and follow us on social at athletesbeyondthegame!