Ashley Matern may not be a household name—yet—but her story is one of the most powerful we’ve ever shared on the Especially for Athletes podcast.

A world-class tumbler, Ashley has faced the highest highs and the lowest lows in one of the most demanding sports in the world. After a devastating leg injury in 2023—featuring a cracked tibia and torn ligaments—most assumed her career was over. But Ashley knew she wasn’t done.

This episode dives deep into her comeback story: from missing World Championship teams since 2019… to becoming the 2024 U.S. Tumbling Champion and earning her place back on the world stage. Her message to young athletes is clear and unforgettable:

“Don’t close the door on yourself. If there’s still gas in the tank, make someone else close the door—you don’t shut it on yourself.”

Highlight Moment:

“The joy after the absolute antithesis of joy.” – a commentator, watching Ashley celebrate with her coach after her winning run.

Listen to learn:
• How Ashley handled years of coming up short—and kept going
• What it takes to return from a career-threatening injury
• The mindset of an elite athlete when the world doubts them
• Why persistence might lead to your best performance yet Watch, share, and get inspired at e4a.org

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Especially for Athletes: • Website: https://e4a.org • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ • X: https://x.com/E4Afamily • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Shad Martin Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO

In this powerful episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, we sit down with NCAA National Champion Ashton Lunt (formerly Ashton Riner), whose journey from small-town athlete to BYU record-holder is as inspiring as it is instructive.

Ashton opens up about winning the 2022 national title in the javelin, the intense pressure she felt as a top-ranked athlete, and the deep personal battles she faced—especially her experience overcoming an eating disorder. She shares how routines like intentional journaling, focused time management, and affirmations helped her build confidence, recover from injury, and rediscover her fire after setbacks.

Ashton also reflects on identity, motherhood, and using her spotlight to bless others. Her message to young athletes is both honest and hopeful: your worth is not defined by your performance, and you are never alone in your struggles.

Highlight Moment:

“I went from not even making nationals to winning a national championship within a year. And I just put my head down and worked—journaled every day, focused on my cues, and reminded myself: I am Ashton freakin’ Riner.”

Listen if you want to learn:

• What it really feels like to win a national title
• How to “win the hour” and manage high-level performance with real life
• The warning signs and recovery steps for eating disorders in athletes
• Why being intentional with your spotlight can help others heal

Connect with Ashton’s journey and more E4A stories at e4a.org

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Especially for Athletes:
• Website: https://e4a.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Shad Martin
Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we’re joined by Ammon Montenegro and Aislee Meachum, two standout cheerleaders at Brigham Young University who are not only athletes at the top of their game, but also thoughtful leaders and examples of how to balance faith, resilience, and intentionality in a fast-paced world.

Whether you’re an aspiring college athlete, a current high school cheerleader, or someone simply trying to be more deliberate with your time and goals—this episode is packed with practical advice, vulnerability, and inspiration.

Highlight Moments

Winning the Hour
Ammon and Aislee share how they structure their jam-packed days and the tools they use—from color-coded planners to weekly resets—to stay focused and intentional.

Bouncing Back from Setbacks
Aislee opens up about tearing her ACL in high school and how that detour led to something better than she could have imagined. Ammon shares the powerful story of shifting from football to cheerleading and how going “all in” opened a door he didn’t even know was there.

Advice for High Schoolers
They reflect on what they would tell their 15-year-old selves—including the danger of closing doors out of fear, and why it’s worth being vulnerable and taking your shot.

Competing Without Contempt
From their roles at LaVell Edwards Stadium and the Marriott Center, they talk about creating loud, energized, and loving environments without falling into hate or mockery. It’s all about gratitude and respecting your opponents.

Using the Spotlight
Aislee shares what it’s like being in the spotlight and how she uses it to be a source of light for the little girls who look up to her. Ammon reflects on the power of clean, uplifting content on his social media platform (@unclebub) and why it matters to be intentional with your influence.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode if you want to:

• Build better time management habits
• Learn how to turn trials into triumph
• Understand how to thrive in your role—even if it’s not the one you imagined
• Compete with class and purpose
• Use your platform to lift and inspire others

📚 Learn more about the Especially for Athletes movement, order the book The Sportlight, or bring the program to your team or school at especiallyforathletes.org

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Especially for Athletes:• Website: https://e4a.org • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ • X: https://x.com/E4Afamily • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Shad Martin
Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO