Tom Henske is a former collegiate goalkeeper and three-time national champion at the University of Virginia whose path after soccer unfolded very differently than he expected. After recurring shoulder injuries brought his playing career to an end, Tom found himself facing the uncertainty of life beyond sport — eventually beginning a career in financial planning that would span more than three decades.

In this episode, Tom reflects on the lessons goalkeeping taught him about resilience, recovering from mistakes, and putting in the work when no one is watching. He shares how returning to soccer as a high school goalkeeper coach gave him an opportunity to mentor the next generation, and how those experiences ultimately sparked a deeper interest in helping young people understand money and prepare for life beyond athletics.

Now a professor of personal finance working with students and student-athletes at UVA, Tom has brought his career full circle. He helps athletes build the financial confidence and habits they can carry long after their playing days are over. Tom discusses financial literacy in the age of NIL, the importance of starting early, and why confidence with money can create greater freedom to pursue purpose and eventually, pay it forward.

Tom is also continuing to bring these ideas to a wider audience. His recently released TEDx Talk was selected as an Editor’s Choice by TED, furthering the conversation around financial literacy and empowering the next generation to build confidence with money.

Watch Tom’s TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GpcY-mAIRc

Connect with Tom: https://www.totalcents.com/about

This conversation is about navigating unexpected transitions, trusting the skills sport gives you, playing the long game, and finding meaningful ways to use what you've learned to help the people coming after you.