What happens when you do everything you can to reach a goal and the outcome still doesn’t come?

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast! Today’s guest is Jason Kaul, a former Stanford University football player whose journey offers powerful lessons in preparation, perseverance, and finding purpose beyond the game.

Originally from Ham Lake, Minnesota, Jason was a three-sport athlete and team captain before joining Stanford as a preferred walk-on. He arrived determined to earn an athletic scholarship. Although that scholarship never came, he became a contributor on special teams and defense while graduating with a degree in psychology and a 3.95 GPA.

A three-time Pac-12 All-Academic Honor Roll honoree and recipient of the Chris Draft Commitment to Community Outreach Award, Jason learned that the value of his journey extended far beyond his position on the depth chart.

In this episode, Jason opens up about questioning whether he belonged, earning the respect of his teammates, and staying ready for an opportunity that could arrive at any moment. He shares the unforgettable play against Washington State when years of preparation met a sudden call to step into a bigger role.

We also explore the mental side of performance: responding to pressure, managing your inner critic, focusing on what you can control, and taking action even when you feel scared.

Jason’s experience at Stanford helped shape his passion for sports psychology. After earning his master’s in kinesiology at the University of Minnesota, he brought those lessons into his work with athletes through Premier Sports Psychology. In our conversation, he also shares his plans to pursue doctoral training in clinical psychology at James Madison University.

Through it all, his personal mission remains simple:

“Faith first, fire always, love deeply.”

Join us for a conversation about building confidence, embracing who you are beyond your athletic identity, and preparing for the next chapter of life.

Listen to the just-dropped episode, subscribe, and share it with an athlete, coach, or anyone working through their next challenge.

When life tests you, stay strong!

Today’s guest is Kelsey Walker, a former Rutgers University Division I lacrosse player whose story is about much more than what happened on the field.

Growing up in Rumson, New Jersey, Kelsey was a standout two-sport athlete at Rumson-Fair Haven. She was a four-year varsity lacrosse player, team captain, All-Shore selection and two-time Shore Conference Champion before earning the opportunity to continue her lacrosse career at Rutgers University.

But when Kelsey arrived at Rutgers, her journey didn't unfold the way she imagined.

She went from being one of the best players on the field in high school to struggling for playing time at the Division I level. That experience forced her to confront a question that so many athletes eventually face:

If I'm not playing, who am I and what is my purpose?

Kelsey opens up about the pressure she experienced as a college athlete, her struggles with anxiety, disordered eating and trying to control parts of her life when so much around her felt out of her control. She also shares why she made the decision to seek therapy and how getting help eventually changed the way she looked at herself, success and her identity as an athlete.

Just when she rediscovered her love for lacrosse and was preparing for what she hoped would be a breakthrough senior season, Kelsey tore her ACL bringing her Rutgers playing career to an unexpected end.

But that ending became the beginning of something much bigger.

Kelsey went on to build a career around the sport she loves. She played box lacrosse, helped build opportunities for women in the game, became a top ticket sales performer in the National Lacrosse League with the San Diego Seals, and built a career in sports marketing, partnerships and athlete development.

Today, she is also a Peer Support Specialist with Onrise, using her own experiences to help athletes navigate the mental and emotional challenges that come with competing at a high level.

Throughout our conversation, Kelsey shares a philosophy she learned at Rutgers that has stayed with her:

“Control the controllables and then relax and enjoy the waves of life.”

This is a conversation about mental health, identity, resilience, asking for help, redefining success, and discovering that sometimes the experience you didn't want becomes the experience that prepares you for the rest of your life.

Please welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, Kelsey Walker!

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast! Today’s guest is Mitch Lyons, a former NFL tight end whose journey shows what it takes to keep moving forward when life changes your game plan.

Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mitch knew his family didn’t have a lot of money, and earning an athletic scholarship became his path to a college education. That determination took him to Michigan State, where he became a four-year letterman, team captain, and All-Big Ten honoree before being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1993. He spent seven seasons in the NFL with the Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers.

But behind those accomplishments were years of fighting for playing time, proving his value, and dealing with the pressure of knowing another player could take his spot. Mitch opens up about playing through pain, the anxiety of competing at the highest level, and the physical toll of the game.

After recovering from a torn ACL early in his time with Pittsburgh, another devastating knee injury, tearing three ligaments, ended his career. Suddenly, the sport that had shaped his life since childhood was gone.

Although Mitch had prepared financially for that possibility, the emotional transition was much harder. He shares the shock of knowing he would never play again, watching teammates return to training camp without him, and the dreams about football that still follow him today.

His faith helped him recognize that he had a purpose beyond being a football player. Today, as the founder of Mitch Lyons Wealth, he brings that same discipline and preparation to helping others plan for retirement while building a business alongside his children.

We also talk about balancing ambition with being present for family, giving back, and the legacy he hopes to leave.

Join me for an honest conversation about resilience, identity, and finding your next chapter with Mitch Lyons!