Full Transcript for Wesleyan Rower and Volleyball Player Coley Cassidy S4 - Episode 9

Are you familiar with rowing and the Oh my gosh, I am because I've had several rowers on this podcast, and there's like a piece of me that's like, oh hell no, like I would never do it. 00:05:01.279 --> 00:05:02.319 It sounds awful. 00:05:02.560 --> 00:05:04.639 And then I talk to rowers who love it. 00:05:05.199 --> 00:05:07.600 It's like you love the grind because it's hard. 00:05:07.680 --> 00:05:08.079 Yes. 00:05:08.240 --> 00:05:08.480 Okay. 00:05:08.800 --> 00:05:15.360 Because you know that whoever is on your team is working the way you're working. 00:05:15.600 --> 00:05:19.839 Like your the amount of effort you put in is shown on your ERC screen. 00:05:20.079 --> 00:05:24.959 So it's really about being selfless and pushing when you don't want to push. 00:05:25.279 --> 00:05:38.560 And given that it's a sport of so much intensity and so much work ethic, that's how I found some of my best friends because it really brought the people together who wanted to work and who wanted to grind for something greater than ourselves. 00:05:38.879 --> 00:05:39.040 Yeah. 00:05:39.279 --> 00:05:40.000 So I've heard that. 00:05:40.319 --> 00:05:41.120 So that was interesting. 00:05:41.600 --> 00:05:42.720 That was attractive to you. 00:05:42.879 --> 00:05:43.120 Okay. 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:43.600 Yeah. 00:05:43.839 --> 00:05:44.079 Okay. 00:05:44.160 --> 00:05:46.879 And your parents were Nescaq athletes. 00:05:46.959 --> 00:05:48.879 Did were they on the East Coast then? 00:05:49.199 --> 00:05:52.319 My parents both grew up in Colorado, where I grew up. 00:05:52.480 --> 00:05:52.800 Okay. 00:05:53.120 --> 00:06:03.360 And they found the NESCAC conference athletically to be very perfect for their athletic pursuits and their academic interests. 00:06:03.519 --> 00:06:14.800 So they And I would say for people who are listening who don't know, the Nescaq is a very high academic Division III conference that is very difficult to get into. 00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:15.839 They have their own roles. 00:06:16.079 --> 00:06:20.399 Like it is very academic and very high-level sports as well. 00:06:20.480 --> 00:06:22.399 So I agree that it's very unique. 00:06:22.639 --> 00:06:25.920 It's a certain kind of person who wants to play a sport in the Nescaq. 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:29.040 Like you have to be serious about more than just your sport. 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:30.160 Is that fair to say? 00:06:30.480 --> 00:06:30.800 Right. 00:06:30.879 --> 00:06:38.240 It still takes a lot of, it's a lot about being, I think, a well-rounded and a well-balanced individual. 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:42.000 And my two older sisters went to NESCAC schools as well. 00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:43.199 So it was on my radar. 00:06:43.600 --> 00:06:43.759 Okay. 00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:47.519 My oldest sister played hockey at Bowdoin in Maine. 00:06:47.680 --> 00:06:53.040 And my sister, Lillian, she played ice hockey at Trinity College. 00:06:53.199 --> 00:06:55.439 So not too far from Wesleyan, where I am. 00:06:55.600 --> 00:06:55.839 Yeah. 00:06:56.160 --> 00:07:05.120 And then I have a little sister who kind of went off on her different path, a non-Mascat girl, but she's division one growing at Colgate this year. 00:07:05.360 --> 00:07:05.680 Wow. 00:07:05.759 --> 00:07:06.000 Okay. 00:07:06.079 --> 00:07:07.680 So you have an intense family. 00:07:07.839 --> 00:07:10.319 This is like, this is uh legit. 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:12.959 Four girls, dad's like, get on the rank. 00:07:13.120 --> 00:07:14.639 Um, you guys all play hockey. 00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:16.800 So you love volleyball too. 00:07:17.040 --> 00:07:20.480 You know, when you were kind of growing up, were you pushed into these things? 00:07:20.639 --> 00:07:21.600 Were you encouraged? 00:07:21.839 --> 00:07:23.040 What did that look like? 00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:24.959 Honestly, not at all. 00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:31.600 I feel like the only kind of requirement I had in my family was that I played sport. 00:07:32.240 --> 00:07:39.120 And I was able to, of course, have so many interests outside of sports, but I played sports and then would have to come home for family dinner every night. 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:41.920 And that was like our time together, family dinner. 00:07:42.079 --> 00:07:43.199 And what did that look like? 00:07:43.360 --> 00:07:45.040 What was the family dinner like? 00:07:45.360 --> 00:07:54.959 I think this was just a rule that my parents set in place because they wanted us to have time to convene and connect daily. 00:07:55.439 --> 00:08:00.000 And this is the reason I think I'm best friends with my sisters and so close with my parents. 00:08:00.240 --> 00:08:12.319 And the reason I think I'm able to thrive academically and athletically is because of this time that we spend together really to connect and share values and just talk about our days. 00:08:12.560 --> 00:08:14.800 And that's something I try to bring to college too. 00:08:15.040 --> 00:08:15.360 Okay. 00:08:15.519 --> 00:08:28.959 I would say like there's there is something unique in this for parents who are listening because I talk to so many exceptional athletes, and so many of them say that there were some rules in their family about being balanced. 00:08:29.279 --> 00:08:37.600 And, you know, as intense it is as it is to be a collegiate athlete, and both of your parents were, they knew there had to be something else along with it. 00:08:37.840 --> 00:08:39.279 Is that kind of what you're saying? 00:08:39.600 --> 00:08:40.399 Yeah, of course. 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:49.360 And my parents were like, oh my gosh, just so much, I have so much gratitude and appreciation for them because they were so supportive growing up. 00:08:49.519 --> 00:08:54.720 Like, of course, I was initially fearful of quitting hockey, but it's not like I was quitting hockey for nothing. 00:08:54.799 --> 00:09:01.919 Like I was quitting hockey to pursue other athletic endeavors that would make me feel more whole and

more like myself. 00:09:02.159 --> 00:09:05.679 So honestly, so much, yeah, so much love to them. 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:07.120 Okay, I love it. 00:09:07.279 --> 00:09:08.720 All right, so here you are. 00:09:08.960 --> 00:09:10.000 Is it fair to say? 00:09:10.080 --> 00:09:12.240 I mean, you go to a pretty intense prep school too. 00:09:12.320 --> 00:09:18.399 Like these prep school situations are you're away from home, you know, you're expected to handle yourself, really. 00:09:18.480 --> 00:09:21.039 And I have, you know, a son who also did that. 00:09:21.360 --> 00:09:24.799 Was that a hard transition for you going to a school on your own? 00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:26.240 What did that look like? 00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:31.679 Initially, it was a bit hard, but I think 14 was when I went away. 00:09:31.759 --> 00:09:35.679 And I think that's when I realized, like, wow, I'm a person. 00:09:35.840 --> 00:09:45.840 And I have so much, I felt like I had so much confidence for that time and so much enthusiasm and good energy to bring. 00:09:46.080 --> 00:09:52.879 And I was really able to hone in on what I enjoyed because of these new relationships I was having. 00:09:53.039 --> 00:10:02.639 In my hometown, unfortunately, I didn't feel like I was surrounded by people who were academically invested and athletically invested, like I was. 00:10:02.799 --> 00:10:05.120 So when I went to prep school, I was like, these are my people. 00:10:05.279 --> 00:10:07.200 These are the people I can like thrive with. 00:10:07.360 --> 00:10:10.000 Like it was such a good community for me to be in. 00:10:10.159 --> 00:10:11.600 I'm so much. 00:10:12.080 --> 00:10:15.919 Only person who's ever said at 14 you had all this confidence about who you were gonna be. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:20.799 I feel like at 14, most girls are like, I just want to hide under a rock and like get through this. 00:10:21.360 --> 00:10:22.240 So look at you. 00:10:22.399 --> 00:10:23.679 Okay, so here you are. 00:10:23.919 --> 00:10:27.679 Your parents obviously knew that this is workable for you. 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:33.600 When did your athletic endeavors come to a place where you thought, I want to play at the next level? 00:10:33.840 --> 00:10:37.200 So I'd say my sophomore year of high school. 00:10:37.360 --> 00:10:42.399 This is when I was really locking in on my training schedule. 00:10:42.559 --> 00:10:45.200 And at this time, rowing wasn't as much in the picture. 00:10:45.279 --> 00:10:47.360 I really wanted to get recruited for volleyball. 00:10:47.919 --> 00:10:58.559 And this was hard because volleyball on the East Coast is not very existent and the same level that volleyball in California or volleyball in Florida is. 00:10:58.799 --> 00:11:00.559 So even in the Midwest. 00:11:00.720 --> 00:11:06.080 So I was really having to push myself to get better. 00:11:06.320 --> 00:11:15.519 And when I was sending those emails to college coaches, I really tried to profile myself as someone who's not just an athlete, but very much a student. 00:11:15.679 --> 00:11:17.279 Like I, this is what I score. 00:11:17.440 --> 00:11:21.440 This is what I'm interested in academically, and I have a lot to offer. 00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:27.759 Like I'm a personality higher, if you will, because I knew that my athletic skill was very separate. 00:11:27.840 --> 00:11:30.399 I wasn't easily gonna get recruited. 00:11:30.639 --> 00:11:38.559 And I mean, you know how this ended up, but I decided that I wanted to apply to Wesleyan University for the school that it was. 00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:43.679 So I applied early decision and then had the opportunity to walk on to the volleyball and rowing teams. 00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:50.320 So you chose Wesleyan with the idea that you would try to walk on and make it work, kind of thing. 00:11:50.559 --> 00:11:50.799 Right. 00:11:50.960 --> 00:11:51.200 Right. 00:11:51.360 --> 00:11:52.320 And I did have hope. 00:11:52.480 --> 00:11:54.720 I did not lose hope in this process. 00:11:54.960 --> 00:11:57.600 I was like, I know that I will work my butt off. 00:11:57.679 --> 00:12:02.559 And I know that a coach and my teammates will be lucky to have someone like me. 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:07.519 I really did have that confidence going into where does this kind of come from? 00:12:07.679 --> 00:12:13.200 Is it like growing up with all these sisters that like keep you in your place and it helps you build family more? 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:14.399 That's a part of it. 00:12:14.559 --> 00:12:16.000 That's definitely a part of it. 00:12:16.159 --> 00:12:23.039 I mean, being a middle youngest sister too, I was not the highlight reel. 00:12:23.360 --> 00:12:35.759 I was a girl who just kind of flew under the radar and always trusted my instincts and relied on my work ethic and positive energy. 00:12:36.480 --> 00:12:41.039 But I feel like a lot of this confidence comes from self-care. 00:12:41.200 --> 00:12:47.919 I think at the end of the day, I have so much faith in myself and I know that I'm not only an athlete. 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:51.120 And I try to use that to my advantage, even in college daily. 00:12:51.200 --> 00:12:58.799 Like I really try to take advantage of all extracurriculars and all things that make me me outside of sports. 00:12:59.039 --> 00:13:08.320 Okay, we're just gonna have to unpack this because really truly, I feel like if you could bottle some of that, you know, you could sell it for billions. 00:13:08.480 --> 00:13:10.799 Like so many people wanna understand. 00:13:11.039 --> 00:13:14.960 Let's break down the first part of what you said, and that is self-care. 00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:20.320 I'm assuming that ties into self-talk, which is something that I work really hard with athletes on. 00:13:20.799 --> 00:13:21.039 Sure. 00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:25.919 Describe like good self-care, describe the choices, like, and I know that's a choice. 00:13:26.080 --> 00:13:34.320 So describe the choices that

you make consciously to continue to, you know, boost your own self-worth. 00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:35.200 Right. 00:13:35.519 --> 00:13:39.360 I think something I've learned over the years is discipline. 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:47.120 And I think that this comes into self-care so much because there are times when you don't want to go to bed early. 00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:48.879 There are times when you're wound up. 00:13:49.200 --> 00:14:00.559 But I think that that is crucial to succeed in athletics is knowing that you're doing all you can, whether it's fueling your body with nutrition or fueling your body with rest. 00:14:00.720 --> 00:14:04.960 Like these are big self-care things that I partake in. 00:14:05.279 --> 00:14:08.480 And also I, I mean, I study art as well. 00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:10.480 I double major in government and art. 00:14:10.559 --> 00:14:17.679 So I'm very like, I know that drawing or like knitting, like doing things with my hands is very soothing to me. 00:14:17.919 --> 00:14:20.960 It might not be for everyone, but for me, it's very soothing. 00:14:21.360 --> 00:14:28.480 So I make sure to get a dose of that in every day to keep myself calm. 00:14:28.639 --> 00:14:35.440 And also I think there's a misconception of, oh, you're a student athlete, like you must be so busy. 00:14:35.759 --> 00:14:47.919 And I think, yes, I mean, in the grand scheme of things, like I am, I guess, busy, but I don't feel busy because I feel so balanced because of my self-care. 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:52.240 And when you talk about self-care, I mean, obviously you're talking about eating food that makes you feel good. 00:14:52.320 --> 00:14:54.320 You're talking about getting sleep, of course. 00:14:54.480 --> 00:14:54.960 Yes. 00:14:55.279 --> 00:14:59.600 You also add in some of your art stuff and your knitting and things that soothe you. 00:14:59.679 --> 00:15:03.200 And like, I love that you can find something that relaxes you. 00:15:03.519 --> 00:15:09.679 Do you make a conscious decision to not have your phone involved in in things that you're trying to find joy in? 00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:10.639 Tell me about that. 00:15:10.879 --> 00:15:12.080 Oh, a hundred percent. 00:15:12.399 --> 00:15:24.879 I feel like I like even when I wake up in the morning, I I have a little meditation book and I literally like, oh, I love this meditation book so much because I read it first thing when I get up and then right before I go to bed. 00:15:25.039 --> 00:15:28.559 So there's no need for the stimulation of my phone at all. 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:37.279 And maybe I'll check my phone like two hours after I'd been up to see if I, if there's anything I missed out on, like commitment scheduling-wise. 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:43.120 But I feel like my daily meditation really keeps me off the phone. 00:15:43.279 --> 00:15:49.440 And there will be some mornings where I'll wake up and feel a little anxious. 00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:55.039 Like, you know, when you're sleeping and at like before your alarm goes off, like you just have a little pit in your stomach. 00:15:55.279 --> 00:15:56.639 Sometimes I have that. 00:15:56.879 --> 00:16:09.440 And then once I open my eyes, make my bed, I'm able to honestly take a good deep breath and be like, wow, like kind of like the look at how far I've come, look at what I get the to do today. 00:16:09.600 --> 00:16:12.080 Like, I feel I'm just like grounded in gratitude. 00:16:12.320 --> 00:16:14.559 Like I wake up and no clue what the difference is. 00:16:14.720 --> 00:16:17.840 For my listeners who are just hanging this up and they're like, I can't even listen to this. 00:16:17.919 --> 00:16:20.159 This is just doesn't resonate with me at all. 00:16:20.399 --> 00:16:22.559 This is something you have to practice. 00:16:22.799 --> 00:16:31.519 And I implore people who feel unbalanced and I implore people who are not finding joy in gratitude to break it down into small pieces and practice it. 00:16:31.679 --> 00:16:36.000 Tell me, Coley, you make this choice and you practice it. 00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:43.200 And even when you're having a bad day, you push yourself to continue because we go back to that first word, which is discipline. 00:16:43.440 --> 00:16:43.759 Right. 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:45.679 Where do you get the discipline? 00:16:45.840 --> 00:16:51.200 Do you get the discipline because you understand the rewards, or is it something that's inbred in you? 00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:53.279 That's such a good question. 00:16:53.600 --> 00:16:54.960 There's a mix of it. 00:16:55.200 --> 00:17:05.920 I think I really respond to the gratification of doing what's good for me, even though I might not want to do my meditation or I might want to go directly on my phone. 00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:12.240 I don't go on my phone when I wake up because I know that the payoff is so good. 00:17:12.640 --> 00:17:14.559 Therefore, I think that keeps me coming back. 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:25.759 And I know as an athlete, like you will, like for I don't know, like a volleyball example, like you will hit the same shot if it's working. 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:29.759 Like you will, because it'll get you a point, it'll get your team a kill. 00:17:29.920 --> 00:17:38.720 Like there are things that sports have taught me too that, you know, play into my daily habits that make me that give me gratitude. 00:17:38.960 --> 00:17:39.279 Okay. 00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:41.920 So, and I hear you, and I believe you. 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:47.759 And I also, you know, love that you make these choices for yourself and you have such beautiful energy. 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:50.160 Tell me about some hard things. 00:17:50.319 --> 00:17:52.640 Like, tell me what it looks like for you when it's hard. 00:17:52.880 --> 00:17:58.799 So, so many people, you know, have come on our podcast and talked about really, really hard things and how they got through. 00:17:59.039 --> 00:18:02.960 What does a really low time or

hard time look like for you? 00:18:03.039 --> 00:18:05.279 And how do you sort of climb out of it? 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:19.039 Yeah, I think, well, right now, one big thing that I'm grappling with, I'd say I'm in a hard time right now because I'm trying to figure out how to find my purpose after college. 00:18:19.359 --> 00:18:20.960 And that's something like what year are you? 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:21.599 Are you a junior? 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:22.400 I'm a junior. 00:18:22.559 --> 00:18:22.880 Okay. 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:23.599 Yes. 00:18:23.839 --> 00:18:30.960 So I know it's like fewer my feet are like I'm only halfway through college and I have more time to think about career. 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:37.519 But I also am super ambitious and I want to have a purpose and I want to have an impact. 00:18:38.160 --> 00:18:54.960 So going through this hard time, I kind of give myself that it's gonna be okay because I have learned also through travel and study abroad, like I had learned that I am my best friend at the end of the day. 00:18:55.279 --> 00:19:05.920 And I have a great support system, but I need to be very aligned with my heart and my values in order to like work through things that can be challenging. 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:07.440 Hallelujah, sister. 00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:08.000 Okay. 00:19:08.240 --> 00:19:11.519 Let's talk about values because you are very wise. 00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:15.440 And the truth is, is like for some of us, we don't even know what we value. 00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:19.519 And for me, Coley, I mean, I have four children. 00:19:19.680 --> 00:19:22.319 I've had, you know, jobs that have taken me all over the world. 00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:24.319 I didn't even know what I valued. 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:25.839 It took time for me to get it. 00:19:26.640 --> 00:19:35.839 How, and there's so many amazing tools out there, by the way, if anyone's looking to figure out their values, like reach out to me and I will set you in the right direction. 00:19:36.079 --> 00:19:40.880 How did you sort of decide what your values were or how you came to them? 00:19:41.039 --> 00:19:43.039 And then how do you sit in them? 00:19:43.359 --> 00:19:44.000 Yes. 00:19:44.319 --> 00:19:54.640 So this is so funny that you bring this up now because I'm a student athlete orientation leader at Wesley and it's called Take Flight Leader because our mascot is a cardinal. 00:19:54.799 --> 00:19:56.960 So like teaching people how to fly. 00:19:57.279 --> 00:20:05.440 Um, and one of our activities last week was a big sheet of maybe 50 terms, 50 values. 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:11.440 And within that group, you pick your top 10 and then you narrow it down to top three. 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:20.079 And it really gets you thinking with your body and your heart, it really puts a lot of thought into what you value. 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:21.119 What do we value? 00:20:21.359 --> 00:20:26.480 And I think certain things that I value are authenticity. 00:20:27.039 --> 00:20:32.640 I think this is something that I value because I observe myself being like in daily interactions with people. 00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:36.000 Oh, I really appreciated this person because they were authentic. 00:20:36.079 --> 00:20:43.359 And then I was able to realize that's why I value them, not because of like what they did or what they looked like. 00:20:43.519 --> 00:20:45.599 I valued them because they were themselves. 00:20:45.680 --> 00:20:46.960 And that was so inspiring. 00:20:47.200 --> 00:20:49.359 Another big value of mine is my family. 00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:53.599 I feel like they are my support system, my true and true. 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:56.400 And another one of my values is service. 00:20:56.559 --> 00:21:01.599 I know I get such, such love out of service, whatever that means to me. 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:06.960 For me, it's volunteer work and lending hand whenever. 00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:11.839 And then I think I'm backed on, I'm backed with love. 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:13.920 That is one of my big values as well. 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:14.559 Okay. 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:15.359 I hear you. 00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:21.039 And for those of you listening, like it really does make sense to figure those out because it does lead you. 00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:24.640 It also helps you with discipline when you know what you value. 00:21:24.799 --> 00:21:31.440 And this idea that I know if I do this, something good will happen for me is a beautiful way to think. 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:35.359 So let's go back to sports specifically. 00:21:35.839 --> 00:21:44.319 Um, you have so many things about you that have nothing to do with sports, but I want to talk about how hard is it to be a student athlete on two different teams. 00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:45.359 You're in college. 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:47.920 Does one pull you one way and one pull you the other way? 00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:53.119 Do you feel like a volleyball player who rows, or do you feel like a rower who plays volleyball? 00:21:53.759 --> 00:21:55.119 Oh my gosh. 00:21:55.440 --> 00:21:55.920 Wow. 00:21:56.400 --> 00:21:59.519 I feel it's so dependent on the season. 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:07.279 So right now I'm in volleyball season and I got here early in August for preseason. 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:22.480 So that this is a time where I kind of forget about rowing, but I know in a month I'm gonna have to start sitting my butt on the erg and start building up my endurance so that I can get into training come November, December, whenever volleyball's done. 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:26.000 But I think socially, oh my gosh, I've won the lottery. 00:22:26.079 --> 00:22:29.440 Like I have two teams of best friends. 00:22:29.759 --> 00:22:33.279 And I also think my role on each team is very different. 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.559 Tell me about that. 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:35.200 Yeah. 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:40.880 So because I mean our volleyball team last

year, we had huge success. 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:44.240 We're currently 10 and 0, undefeated, doing very well. 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:44.799 Wow. 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:48.720 We just have a great, we have a great program and a great coach. 00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:54.880 And I know and understand my role on the volleyball team is I won't be, I'm not a starter. 00:22:55.119 --> 00:22:58.880 Like I am a cheerleader on Friday and Saturday games. 00:22:59.039 --> 00:22:59.680 I really am. 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:02.480 And I've took that and I've leaned into it. 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:08.720 And I know that Monday through Thursday, when we have practice, like I will get better. 00:23:08.880 --> 00:23:12.240 And I totally will, yeah, put in the work. 00:23:12.319 --> 00:23:16.480 But on the weekends, if I'm not put in the game, I will cheer. 00:23:16.640 --> 00:23:20.240 And I know that's my 100% of what my team needs from me. 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:30.079 And for rowing, so my freshman year, we went to NCAA's and I was at, yeah, at nationals. 00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:40.319 And that was incredible because I was amongst the top or 14 girls on my team, and we were going and competing, and we ended up winning. 00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:46.559 So are you a bigger contributor in rowing than you are in volleyball in terms of actual play or no? 00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:47.279 Yes. 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:47.759 Okay. 00:23:48.160 --> 00:23:53.680 So you're more you I mean, listen, I even hate I cringe to use this word with you, by the way. 00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:56.720 You have more success in rowing because you don't see it that way. 00:23:56.960 --> 00:23:59.759 But like on a on a stats page. 00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:00.400 Yes. 00:24:00.640 --> 00:24:00.960 Okay. 00:24:01.359 --> 00:24:04.319 And does that help you to take on this role in volleyball? 00:24:04.559 --> 00:24:10.240 Do you think if you didn't have rowing, it would be more frustrating in volleyball to not have a bigger role, or do you not see that? 00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:13.119 I hadn't thought about that before, but yes. 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:21.440 I mean, I think also my role in volleyball, the way I'm able to like justify, if you will, is like I am a person. 00:24:21.599 --> 00:24:26.079 Like I have so much going for me, and volleyball is just a little part of my day. 00:24:26.319 --> 00:24:37.599 But yes, I do get a lot of, I guess, validation and support because I am contributing, physically contributing a lot during the racism growing. 00:24:37.839 --> 00:24:38.160 Okay. 00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:40.559 And are you a captain on either team? 00:24:40.880 --> 00:24:41.200 No. 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:41.839 Okay. 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:45.279 Do you have captains on your team that you really look to? 00:24:45.359 --> 00:24:47.759 And what does leadership look like for you? 00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:48.640 Yes. 00:24:48.880 --> 00:24:51.200 Oh my gosh, most definitely. 00:24:51.599 --> 00:24:55.759 I have

such good role models on both teams. 00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:58.960 And this is actually why I'm so interested in leadership. 00:24:59.279 --> 00:25:06.240 And I feel like it makes your whole experience having leaders you can look up to. 00:25:06.720 --> 00:25:07.599 I totally agree. 00:25:07.680 --> 00:25:16.400 And by the way, like I I'd love to hear your perspective because I, you know, coach leaders and peer leadership is powerful. 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:18.960 It is powerful, very powerful. 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:23.519 So I'm thinking of an example for volleyball. 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:26.160 We lift two times a week. 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:29.200 We get to the gym at 7:45 a.m. 00:25:29.680 --> 00:25:33.680 And then this is all before we have a long two-hour practice. 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:42.720 And I think leadership in that regard looks like showing up ready and bringing the energy. 00:25:42.799 --> 00:25:43.839 Like we're ready to work. 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:44.880 This is what we do. 00:25:45.039 --> 00:25:52.960 And I think what my volleyball and rowing teammates do such a good job of at the college level is no complaining. 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:56.480 Like there really is no complaining. 00:25:56.720 --> 00:25:58.720 And I feel like that's so inspiring. 00:25:58.799 --> 00:26:07.039 And that's the like a role model quality that I think is just untouched is like the ability to work, to work. 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:15.680 Like you are not expecting anything out of your hard work other than the trust of your teammates and the respect of your teammates to show up day in, day out. 00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:16.240 That's it. 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:17.119 I mean, that's it. 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:18.640 Like that's powerful. 00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:21.440 And and by the way, it's bringing positive energy. 00:26:21.599 --> 00:26:25.519 It's it's about leading others when you know it's hard. 00:26:25.680 --> 00:26:29.680 And let's not like, let's not discount the fact that this is really hard, Coley. 00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:32.799 You have a beautiful mindset and a great energy about you. 00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:34.400 Let's not BS anybody. 00:26:35.119 --> 00:26:36.079 This is really hard. 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:38.880 Like, tell me, please, this is not easy. 00:26:39.039 --> 00:26:43.119 You do not get up in the morning and be like, wow, I'm going to the park for a slow walk. 00:26:43.279 --> 00:26:45.279 Like you're busting your butt. 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:46.000 Right. 00:26:46.319 --> 00:26:46.559 Right. 00:26:46.720 --> 00:26:47.680 And it's, yeah. 00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:50.559 And you do like, especially for the early morning lifts. 00:26:50.640 --> 00:26:52.240 Like yesterday I forgot my umbrella. 00:26:52.319 --> 00:26:59.359 It was like walking in the rain at 6 30, like not even walking, but like shuffling, because I knew I was running a few minutes behind. 00:26:59.759 --> 00:27:05.920 And I was like, wow, this is my, like, this is my light, but it's everything I worked towards, like growing up. 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:07.759 Like this is my dream. 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:16.880 Have you ever heard of the, or I don't know, maybe it's a trend I've seen on social media, but like the little me would be so proud right now. 00:27:17.119 --> 00:27:26.559 Like I often feel that where I'm like, wow, I'm really put into the perspective of my younger self and be like, this is really everything that I wanted. 00:27:26.720 --> 00:27:26.880 Okay. 00:27:27.119 --> 00:27:29.279 And I think that's what keeps me motivated and grounded. 00:27:29.440 --> 00:27:29.920 A hundred percent. 00:27:31.599 --> 00:27:33.440 We call that, you know, your why, right? 00:27:33.599 --> 00:27:34.559 So, like, what's your why? 00:27:34.640 --> 00:27:35.279 What's your why? 00:27:35.359 --> 00:27:36.960 And you're hitting on a bunch of things. 00:27:37.039 --> 00:27:42.720 And and for my normal listeners, like I did not, I did not prep her for this interview. 00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:44.000 We were like, what? 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:47.359 She's touching on every single mental fitness like pillar. 00:27:47.599 --> 00:27:51.599 But the truth is, this is stuff that you have chosen to do. 00:27:51.680 --> 00:28:00.240 And one of them is you're very clear on your values, you live your days with gratitude, and you recognize your why is your younger self. 00:28:00.400 --> 00:28:06.480 And when things get really hard and it's pouring rain and you have no umbrella and you're working yourself to a 6:30 a.m. 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:08.640 lift, you have a couple choices. 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:12.079 You can drag yourself back to bed and say, forget it. 00:28:12.160 --> 00:28:14.319 So you could quit, which would never do. 00:28:14.640 --> 00:28:22.079 Or you can be miserable and complain and moan about it and talk about how unfortunate your circumstances are that morning. 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:28.240 Or you can choose to look at your little self and be like, man, my little self would dig where I am right now. 00:28:28.480 --> 00:28:28.880 Right. 00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:29.359 Right. 00:28:29.599 --> 00:28:30.000 100%. 00:28:30.400 --> 00:28:31.440 Oh my gosh, I love it. 00:28:31.599 --> 00:28:31.920 Okay. 00:28:32.400 --> 00:28:33.680 So here you are now. 00:28:33.759 --> 00:28:35.039 You're a junior. 00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:36.640 Have you had any injuries? 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:38.079 Have you had any setbacks? 00:28:38.160 --> 00:28:40.000 And what did those look like for you? 00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:45.279 Honestly, I've been very, my body has been very healthy, knock on wood. 00:28:45.440 --> 00:28:49.759 And I credit that to the athletics. 00:28:50.079 --> 00:28:51.839 What do you call the athletic trainers? 00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:53.599 The athletic trainers in college. 00:28:53.759 --> 00:28:56.960 Like I go to the ice bath when I know my body needs it. 00:28:57.119 --> 00:29:01.200 And I always try to prioritize

stretching too after practice. 00:29:01.519 --> 00:29:04.400 So no, I have not had any physical setbacks. 00:29:04.960 --> 00:29:12.960 But I think honestly, no, I feel like I've been so, so blessed. 00:29:13.359 --> 00:29:13.680 Okay. 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:14.400 All right. 00:29:14.640 --> 00:29:17.279 Tell me about the difference between your two coaches. 00:29:17.680 --> 00:29:22.640 Is there is there one coach you connect with in a different way than the other, or what are they all about? 00:29:23.359 --> 00:29:24.319 Oh my gosh. 00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:27.359 So I have two coaches. 00:29:27.599 --> 00:29:31.359 Both are men in similar ages and stages. 00:29:31.599 --> 00:29:36.079 Don't know their ages exactly, but somewhere between 50 and 60, both of them. 00:29:36.400 --> 00:29:37.920 So they've been around for a little while. 00:29:38.160 --> 00:29:41.680 Yeah, and they've been at Wesleyan for a little while as well. 00:29:41.920 --> 00:29:49.759 And I feel like they both have had such big success in terms of creating programs that people want to be at. 00:29:49.920 --> 00:30:01.119 And I think that at Wesleyan on the Rowing and Volleyball T, we have, I don't know what it's called athletic-wise, but a big yield where it's like if you get in, you are often gonna go. 00:30:01.359 --> 00:30:08.799 I think a lot of people who come to visit a lot of recruits want to come here because of the way that people speak about the program. 00:30:09.440 --> 00:30:16.960 And my coaches have been super honest, super vulnerable with me. 00:30:17.279 --> 00:30:27.119 And I feel like that's been a great thing as a student athlete because you want to know that your work is seen and that your work is appreciated. 00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:40.160 So you've been seen by these men, and let's be honest, like it might not be easy for you, let's call them 50, a 50-year-old man to connect with a young female student athlete, Wesley. 00:30:40.400 --> 00:30:40.640 Right. 00:30:40.799 --> 00:30:42.640 And how do how do you think they do it? 00:30:42.720 --> 00:30:44.400 I love how you said they're vulnerable. 00:30:44.480 --> 00:30:45.599 What does that mean? 00:30:45.920 --> 00:30:53.200 I think it means, well, okay, so for instance, my volleyball coach, he is he's tough love. 00:30:53.599 --> 00:31:04.880 Like you, I think a lot of girls also, because I've talked with some girls who don't play, that they've said it's hard because he doesn't give you very much validation. 00:31:05.200 --> 00:31:17.200 And you don't get validation by bringing your best self every day, but you might get validation by him putting you in a drill or putting you in a situation where you can succeed. 00:31:17.359 --> 00:31:20.799 It's like you have to build his trust how you are as a teammate. 00:31:20.960 --> 00:31:24.799 And it's not even just like how your skill set is volleyball-wise. 00:31:24.880 --> 00:31:34.720 It's like you have to build the trust of your teammates by showing up to lift, working hard, and bringing good energy onto the core into drills when you're put on. 00:31:34.960 --> 00:31:42.799 So I feel like that's a lot of it is like just being consistent with the way you show up and then you will get rewarded. 00:31:43.039 --> 00:31:45.599 And I feel like consistent with how you show up. 00:31:45.759 --> 00:31:45.920 Yeah. 00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:47.119 You will get rewarded. 00:31:47.279 --> 00:31:56.240 Now that is your perspective because you've you sense that from him, you just know that from him, or is he really clear on that? 00:31:56.559 --> 00:32:06.559 Honestly, my first year as a freshman, it was hard because I was showing up and I knew my role on the team was not gonna be on the court. 00:32:06.880 --> 00:32:11.759 And I really just tried to show it, show up day in, day out. 00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:25.599 And I didn't get any really lead or any validation from him, but I got it from my teammates, where my teammates were like, we appreciate you, we see you like shagging balls and getting water, like all of that. 00:32:25.839 --> 00:32:38.720 And then it wasn't till my end of the year meeting with my that coach where he really was, and I mentioned this word again, vulnerable with me by telling me how much he sees me as shining in a supporting role. 00:32:38.880 --> 00:32:42.240 Like, and that meant the most to me because that was all I was able to give. 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:46.720 And I felt like I was able to give a hundred per was given to me. 00:32:47.039 --> 00:32:50.400 So he was able to recognize that and see you for who you were. 00:32:50.640 --> 00:32:51.039 Yes. 00:32:51.359 --> 00:32:52.880 And that, I mean, that meant the most. 00:32:53.039 --> 00:33:00.720 Like if someone recognizes you as a good teammate, like that literally makes me want to cry because that's like that's my daily goal. 00:33:00.960 --> 00:33:01.279 Okay. 00:33:01.440 --> 00:33:02.400 I mean, that's amazing. 00:33:02.480 --> 00:33:04.880 And would you say, does he believe in you then? 00:33:05.119 --> 00:33:06.640 Yes, I think so. 00:33:06.880 --> 00:33:09.920 I think he very much believes in me. 00:33:10.319 --> 00:33:15.279 And it makes me like I've had to believe in myself before he's believed in me, too. 00:33:15.519 --> 00:33:15.839 Okay. 00:33:16.079 --> 00:33:18.319 And you said something that was really interesting to me. 00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:21.359 You said, I'm my own best friend, which I love. 00:33:21.680 --> 00:33:24.319 I also believe that you are your best coach. 00:33:24.480 --> 00:33:26.160 And so you are your inner coach. 00:33:26.400 --> 00:33:31.519 And, you know, one of the things that I do for a living is I help others build their inner coach. 00:33:31.839 --> 00:33:36.640 Tell me how you coach yourself and what does it sound like, even when you need a kick in the butt. 00:33:36.720 --> 00:33:39.759 Like there's days when it's like, you know what, girl, that's not enough. 00:33:39.839 --> 00:33:40.640

You got to be better. 00:33:40.799 --> 00:33:42.240 What does your inner coach tell you? 00:33:42.319 --> 00:33:46.319 What does that sound like for you in rowing and in volleyball? 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:57.119 So for rowing, my inner coach sounds harsher than in volleyball, because I know that there's no sugar coating. 00:33:57.279 --> 00:34:01.759 There's no sugar coating what you do when you are in a boat or on an erg. 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:02.480 And volleyball. 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:04.000 Like your results are your results. 00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:04.720 Your time is your time. 00:34:04.880 --> 00:34:07.119 Like you can't even, it's like it's not subjective. 00:34:07.359 --> 00:34:09.119 It's a demonstration of your effort. 00:34:09.280 --> 00:34:09.519 Yeah. 00:34:09.760 --> 00:34:18.079 And I feel like in volleyball, sometimes like my coach says the ball is round, your arms are rounds, like things are gonna happen. 00:34:18.239 --> 00:34:22.000 Like you might be in the perfect position and you will shank a ball. 00:34:22.079 --> 00:34:23.039 Like that'll happen. 00:34:23.199 --> 00:34:26.079 So they're very different sports in that aspect. 00:34:26.480 --> 00:34:31.039 But I am very much an enforcer of effort and attitude. 00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:33.039 Like I know those are the controllables. 00:34:33.360 --> 00:34:37.599 And I think that was something a coach taught me, I want to say in my middle school. 00:34:37.679 --> 00:34:43.679 I don't know through what sport, but I just that's something that's really stuck with me because there are things you can't control. 00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:47.199 And effort and attitude are two of the things you can. 00:34:47.599 --> 00:34:50.800 Yes, girl, you are speaking my language. 00:34:51.199 --> 00:34:52.800 Okay, I love what you're saying. 00:34:52.880 --> 00:34:58.320 I am going to stop you right now for a second, and we're gonna play a game that I play with all of my guests. 00:34:58.800 --> 00:35:02.079 I name two things, and you tell me which you would prefer. 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:02.800 Okay. 00:35:03.119 --> 00:35:03.440 Okay. 00:35:04.159 --> 00:35:06.559 It's time to play Would You Rather? 00:35:07.199 --> 00:35:09.039 We'll start easy, hamburger, hot dog. 00:35:09.840 --> 00:35:10.719 Are you vegetarian? 00:35:10.960 --> 00:35:11.599 Oh, easy. 00:35:11.679 --> 00:35:12.239 Oh my gosh. 00:35:12.320 --> 00:35:13.599 No, I'm not vegetarian. 00:35:14.480 --> 00:35:15.199 Hot dog. 00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:15.920 Okay. 00:35:16.159 --> 00:35:19.440 That is not usually the pick, but ice cream or cake? 00:35:20.559 --> 00:35:21.280 Ice cream. 00:35:21.760 --> 00:35:25.199 Would you rather have a contract with Lululemon or with Nike? 00:35:25.840 --> 00:35:26.639 Lululemon. 00:35:27.039 --> 00:35:29.679 Would you rather vacation in the mountains or at the beach? 00:35:30.400 --> 00:35:31.039 Mountains. 00:35:31.519 --> 00:35:36.320 Would you rather win a national championship in volleyball or a rowing championship? 00:35:37.119 --> 00:35:38.480 Oh my gosh. 00:35:39.039 --> 00:35:40.000 Volleyball. 00:35:40.400 --> 00:35:40.719 Okay. 00:35:41.039 --> 00:35:49.599 Would you rather do a hundred burpees at volleyball practice or a 2K erg test every Monday morning for an entire semester? 00:35:49.920 --> 00:35:51.840 Oh, this is the hard one. 00:35:52.800 --> 00:35:56.239 I think burpees you'd rather do burp. 00:35:56.559 --> 00:35:59.199 Okay, that is another reason why I will never row. 00:35:59.360 --> 00:36:01.679 Like, I hear I hear rowers say stuff like that. 00:36:01.760 --> 00:36:05.360 I'm like, I don't know how many burpees I would have to do, but like, holy cow. 00:36:05.440 --> 00:36:06.800 Okay, you pick burpees. 00:36:07.199 --> 00:36:16.239 Would you rather have your volleyball coach join the crew team for a semester or your crew coach practice with a with the volleyball team? 00:36:16.480 --> 00:36:19.760 I'd rather have my volleyball coach join the crew team for a semester. 00:36:20.320 --> 00:36:26.800 Would you rather never do conditioning again or never have a really early morning class? 00:36:27.360 --> 00:36:29.039 I am okay with morning class. 00:36:29.199 --> 00:36:30.159 I guess conditioning. 00:36:31.360 --> 00:36:38.239 Would you rather know exactly what your coaches are thinking about you or exactly what your teammates are thinking about you? 00:36:39.039 --> 00:36:39.599 Ooh. 00:36:43.679 --> 00:36:44.000 Okay. 00:36:44.239 --> 00:36:48.159 Would you rather be the MVP on your team or the most improved? 00:36:48.719 --> 00:36:49.440 Most improved. 00:36:50.000 --> 00:36:53.360 Would you rather have your story told in a movie or in a book? 00:36:54.480 --> 00:36:55.039 A book. 00:36:55.440 --> 00:36:57.679 Would you rather eat pizza or chicken wings? 00:36:58.400 --> 00:36:58.880 Pizza. 00:36:59.360 --> 00:37:04.800 Would you rather be a Division I college assistant coach or Division III head coach? 00:37:05.280 --> 00:37:06.880 Division III head coach. 00:37:07.199 --> 00:37:11.679 Would you rather go back to college and play soccer or play basketball? 00:37:12.079 --> 00:37:13.039 Basketball. 00:37:13.360 --> 00:37:13.679 Okay. 00:37:14.480 --> 00:37:18.239 So some of your answers are unique, of course, like I would expect. 00:37:18.559 --> 00:37:23.199 What is and I can we talk a little bit about you traveling to Nepal and India? 00:37:23.360 --> 00:37:24.800 Tell me a little bit about that. 00:37:25.119 --> 00:37:37.440 I had the most incredible podcast guest of all time who grew up in Nepal and ended up going to the British Army, where both of his legs were blown off. 00:37:37.679 --> 00:37:43.440 And then he climbed every high peak in the world with no legs. 00:37:43.679 --> 00:37:44.159 Yeah. 00:37:44.480 --> 00:37:45.519 Oh my gosh. 00:37:45.679 --> 00:37:46.000 Yeah. 00:37:46.159 --> 00:37:49.519 His name is Hari Magar Buddha. 00:37:49.599 --> 00:37:51.119 And he, you have to listen to him. 00:37:51.199

--> 00:37:52.239 He is so incredible. 00:37:52.719 --> 00:37:58.079 He's the most grateful, beautiful, amazing human being I've ever spoken to in my life. 00:37:58.400 --> 00:38:03.280 He's really the only person I've ever really had an in-depth conversation from Nepal. 00:38:03.920 --> 00:38:09.599 His level of gratitude and joy for life is unmatched. 00:38:09.840 --> 00:38:12.480 Tell me about the people that I know. 00:38:12.639 --> 00:38:12.960 Me too. 00:38:13.440 --> 00:38:21.440 And by the way, after I was done with my podcast, I just sat in my office for like an hour and said, do not forget what this man has told you because he is so wise. 00:38:21.599 --> 00:38:23.280 Tell me about your experience. 00:38:23.599 --> 00:38:25.119 Oh my gosh. 00:38:25.440 --> 00:38:39.920 Well, I think it stems from being a student athlete and knowing that I had eight semesters of college and I wanted to travel and I wanted an experience of studying abroad. 00:38:40.159 --> 00:38:49.679 So I made the decision to take one season off of rowing in order to go to Nepal in India for a semester. 00:38:50.000 --> 00:38:55.199 And I think this was a life-changing experience in so many ways. 00:38:55.280 --> 00:39:01.280 And I'm still processing it since I went, I guess, from January till May, I was in Nepal in India. 00:39:01.519 --> 00:39:07.039 And I feel like I learned so much about myself through learning about another culture. 00:39:07.199 --> 00:39:14.960 Because there are things in that third world country where you just don't like you have to seek drinking water. 00:39:15.119 --> 00:39:19.760 You have to buy drinking water and you have to take a cold shower for five months. 00:39:19.840 --> 00:39:22.800 And that's something that you really take for granted living in the US. 00:39:22.880 --> 00:39:28.000 Like there's no one of the biggest things I noticed is there was no like regulation traffic-wise. 00:39:28.239 --> 00:39:31.679 Like there aren't stop signs, there aren't stop lights. 00:39:31.840 --> 00:39:37.920 Like you kind of are just walking on the side of the road and hoping no one hits you and hoping that everything's okay. 00:39:38.159 --> 00:39:44.239 And I feel like to have that experience as a 20-year-old woman was remarkable. 00:39:44.480 --> 00:39:44.800 Yeah. 00:39:44.960 --> 00:39:46.639 I mean, were you scared? 00:39:47.039 --> 00:39:48.800 I was not scared at all. 00:39:48.960 --> 00:39:50.559 I don't know why. 00:39:50.719 --> 00:39:55.360 I think I was just so excited for like for a change, for a mix-up. 00:39:55.760 --> 00:40:00.800 Okay, how looking back, I'm like, how was I not scared traveling across the world? 00:40:01.119 --> 00:40:04.000 Yeah, and also just not knowing what you're doing and everything. 00:40:04.079 --> 00:40:04.880 You're just winging it. 00:40:04.960 --> 00:40:06.239 But how was the food? 00:40:06.480 --> 00:40:07.599 I really liked it. 00:40:07.760 --> 00:40:08.400 I really did. 00:40:08.559 --> 00:40:11.519 It was like, well, Indian food I love. 00:40:11.920 --> 00:40:15.519 It was very much like rice and curry, soup. 00:40:15.679 --> 00:40:20.960 And then in Nepal, the one thing I struggled with food-wise is there's this dish. 00:40:21.119 --> 00:40:22.960 I bet Hari knows this. 00:40:23.280 --> 00:40:25.519 There's this dish called Dalbot. 00:40:25.840 --> 00:40:31.119 And it's something you have for dinner and lunch every day. 00:40:31.360 --> 00:40:32.480 And sometimes breakfast. 00:40:32.559 --> 00:40:42.400 So make maybe three meals every day of this doll bot, which is like lentil soup and rice and pickled vegetables. 00:40:42.800 --> 00:40:48.480 So after a while, I was a little I was a little done with the doll bot, but I enjoyed the food. 00:40:48.800 --> 00:40:49.119 Okay. 00:40:49.840 --> 00:40:52.480 And you connected with people, obviously. 00:40:52.639 --> 00:40:55.360 What did you find about the Nepalese people? 00:40:55.679 --> 00:41:03.280 So I was living with a Tibetan homestead family, and that was crazy because they did not speak any English. 00:41:03.440 --> 00:41:11.280 So I learned a bit of Tibetan before going and then was taking intensive classes there so that I could actually communicate with them. 00:41:11.519 --> 00:41:13.519 And that was a very humbling experience. 00:41:13.599 --> 00:41:16.800 But I think the people are so, so welcoming. 00:41:17.280 --> 00:41:26.320 And on the weekends, I was volunteering with a nonprofit organization that supports girls' education in Nepal. 00:41:26.719 --> 00:41:40.719 And that was also like such a feeling of, I mean, growing up with sisters, like such a feeling of girlhood and just like girl supporting girls and trying to literally better the world and they're trying to better their education system. 00:41:40.960 --> 00:41:45.840 But I think Nepali people are so welcoming and so loving. 00:41:46.000 --> 00:41:49.039 Everyone was so like I stick out like a sore thumb as a blonde white girl. 00:41:49.119 --> 00:41:51.280 Like everyone was like, what are you doing here? 00:41:51.440 --> 00:41:57.280 And that was amazing because since I am extrovert, I was able to connect with so many people. 00:41:57.599 --> 00:42:01.599 So and I'm guessing that so many of your luxuries were taken away. 00:42:01.760 --> 00:42:04.159 Things like drinking water and warm showers. 00:42:04.239 --> 00:42:05.840 And how did you deal with that? 00:42:06.000 --> 00:42:09.039 How did you deal with the discomfort of so many things? 00:42:09.360 --> 00:42:11.679 There were definitely times where I wanted a hot shower. 00:42:12.320 --> 00:42:16.880 But I was kind of like, like, I really leaned into it. 00:42:16.960 --> 00:42:23.840 I was like, okay, if I don't wash my hair for 12 days while I'm going to Ever Space Camp, like this is okay because my hair will grow. 00:42:24.000 --> 00:42:28.559 Like I literally just tried to find the silver lining and any kind of inconvenience. 00:42:29.039 --> 00:42:31.599 Is anyone

listening to this surprise to hear that? 00:42:31.760 --> 00:42:32.639 No, we are not. 00:42:33.199 --> 00:42:37.679 Finding the silver lining has to be the name of your book someday. 00:42:37.920 --> 00:42:39.199 Oh my gosh. 00:42:39.519 --> 00:42:39.840 Okay. 00:42:40.000 --> 00:42:41.760 What is the dream for you now? 00:42:42.079 --> 00:42:43.679 What is the dream for me now? 00:42:44.000 --> 00:42:50.320 I want to, after college, move to Norway. 00:42:50.880 --> 00:42:56.559 And I want to find and build community and purpose there. 00:42:56.800 --> 00:43:00.880 I feel so grateful for being an American-Norwegian dual citizen. 00:43:01.119 --> 00:43:03.360 So I want to start a life there. 00:43:04.000 --> 00:43:08.960 I mean, obviously you're a dual citizen, but what makes you want to leave here and go there? 00:43:09.360 --> 00:43:12.320 I think a lot of it is just curiosity. 00:43:12.480 --> 00:43:22.400 Like I want to see if I would be able to build a community and build friendships in a very introverted country. 00:43:22.559 --> 00:43:25.519 Norway is like people are just culturally introverted. 00:43:25.840 --> 00:43:32.800 And I want to see if I can form those bonds and connections despite not being from Norway. 00:43:33.280 --> 00:43:34.800 And also just beautiful. 00:43:34.880 --> 00:43:42.400 Like that's really I and also I have such an appreciation for the language, even though I'm a dual citizen. 00:43:42.480 --> 00:43:46.480 Like I had never really spoken the language growing up, unfortunately. 00:43:46.800 --> 00:43:49.679 But I had internships there the past two summers. 00:43:49.760 --> 00:43:53.119 So I had been really working to try to learn the language. 00:43:53.440 --> 00:43:56.719 So you were literally lived there over you lived there for a whole summer. 00:43:56.960 --> 00:43:57.280 Yes. 00:43:57.440 --> 00:43:59.840 I was doing internship and an art gallery. 00:44:00.559 --> 00:44:02.159 But it was very English speaking. 00:44:02.320 --> 00:44:04.960 And I really I want to push myself to become fluent. 00:44:05.039 --> 00:44:07.920 And every day I like this is another part of my self-care. 00:44:08.000 --> 00:44:11.360 Like every day I write in my notebook. 00:44:11.440 --> 00:44:17.360 I'm writing all the words from the dictionary that I don't know and just writing them down in one little Coley dictionary. 00:44:19.679 --> 00:44:20.159 All right. 00:44:21.119 --> 00:44:25.920 So what are the goals for you for the remainder of your athletic career? 00:44:26.079 --> 00:44:30.320 And will it be hard to say goodbye to college sports for you? 00:44:30.639 --> 00:44:31.440 Of course. 00:44:31.679 --> 00:44:32.960 Of course it'll be hard. 00:44:33.199 --> 00:44:36.079 Really, I genuinely feel it'll be hard. 00:44:36.719 --> 00:44:43.119 In terms of goals, I think I feel fulfilled if I give everything I have. 00:44:43.360 --> 00:44:49.199 And by everything I mean showing up physically and showing up mentally ready every day. 00:44:49.360 --> 00:44:59.119 So there's no like accolade that I feel like would make me feel satisfied, but I feel like putting in the work and knowing that I put in the work would make me feel satisfied. 00:44:59.280 --> 00:45:09.039 Like, of course, we're having a great season so far, and it'd be wonderful to go to the Elite Eight Final Four championship game for volleyball this fall. 00:45:09.280 --> 00:45:15.519 But I mean, as long as we do everything we can to get there, I feel like that's the goal. 00:45:15.840 --> 00:45:16.159 Okay. 00:45:16.400 --> 00:45:17.199 I believe you. 00:45:17.440 --> 00:45:27.760 And I'm amazed by you, as I'm sure my listeners know, like you are preaching the words of, you know, really, really strong mental fitness. 00:45:28.239 --> 00:45:32.079 You are curious and you're adventurous and you're positive. 00:45:32.239 --> 00:45:36.000 And I can't imagine that the world is not your oyster. 00:45:36.159 --> 00:45:36.719 Believe me. 00:45:36.880 --> 00:45:38.559 I mean upward and onward. 00:45:38.800 --> 00:45:42.480 So how can my listeners find you if they want to follow you? 00:45:42.639 --> 00:45:46.480 And what's the best way to follow you in your adventures? 00:45:46.800 --> 00:45:47.760 Oh, of course. 00:45:48.079 --> 00:45:55.599 So on Instagram and on TikTok, my username is Coley C O L E Y, C C A S S I D Y. 00:45:56.000 --> 00:45:57.679 And actually C Cassidy. 00:45:57.840 --> 00:45:58.000 Okay. 00:45:58.159 --> 00:45:58.800 Yes, yes. 00:45:59.039 --> 00:46:01.760 And on TikTok, I'm talking about student athlete. 00:46:01.920 --> 00:46:05.440 I'm trying to leverage my NIL abilities. 00:46:05.599 --> 00:46:10.159 So I'm trying to partner with and become brand ambassadors. 00:46:10.400 --> 00:46:13.199 Because it's amazing how many companies want to help student app. 00:46:13.440 --> 00:46:15.119 So that's something that I'm working towards. 00:46:15.360 --> 00:46:22.480 Because last year, one of my sister's friends who graduated from Trinity said that that was her biggest regret not utilizing NIL. 00:46:22.800 --> 00:46:26.320 So going into my junior year, I was like, okay, I need to get on this. 00:46:26.639 --> 00:46:28.639 And that's how you connected with LASES? 00:46:29.039 --> 00:46:30.960 That's how I connected with LACE. 00:46:31.199 --> 00:46:34.079 And I think that their initiative is fabulous. 00:46:34.239 --> 00:46:41.440 They're really trying to work for student athletes, people in my position, but they also do such a good job of building community. 00:46:41.599 --> 00:46:46.000 Like I've met people through the LACES platform, which I feel like is so beautiful. 00:46:46.239 --> 00:46:49.519 And how would somebody check out LACE too? 00:46:49.760 --> 00:46:50.559 How did you do it? 00:46:50.800 --> 00:46:56.480 So I found LACE through TikTok and Instagram. 00:46:56.719 --> 00:47:02.400 And then they have a great app platform with a bunch of helpful resources for student athletes. 00:47:02.559 --> 00:47:03.519 They walk you through it all. 00:47:03.599 --> 00:47:04.800 Literally, they walk you through it all. 00:47:04.880 --> 00:47:10.320 And you have to get on this if you're a student athlete because it's if you're listening, get on this because it is amazing what they're doing. 00:47:10.400 --> 00:47:10.800 So yeah. 00:47:11.199 --> 00:47:11.679 Amazing. 00:47:11.920 --> 00:47:13.199 How do you find laces? 00:47:13.599 --> 00:47:16.800 I found it came across like through social media or something. 00:47:16.880 --> 00:47:18.639 And I started to investigate it. 00:47:18.880 --> 00:47:23.039 And then I met Jeff and he told me about what he was doing for student athletes. 00:47:23.119 --> 00:47:30.800 So if you are a student athlete listening to this, go to, I think it it I'll put it on the description of this podcast. 00:47:30.880 --> 00:47:34.320 And I'll also put it on when I you know promote it through Instagram. 00:47:34.400 --> 00:47:36.639 I'll put on where they can find laces. 00:47:36.719 --> 00:47:40.719 I think it's get laces, but you can you can type that in and find it. 00:47:40.960 --> 00:47:42.480 So thank you again, Coley. 00:47:42.559 --> 00:47:43.599 It's so nice to meet you. 00:47:43.679 --> 00:47:46.719 I appreciate your insights and all of your beautiful energy. 00:47:46.800 --> 00:47:47.280 I really do. 00:47:47.519 --> 00:47:49.679 Oh my gosh, Linda, such a privilege to meet. 00:47:49.920 --> 00:47:51.920 Thank you so much for taking the time. 00:47:52.239 --> 00:47:53.599 Of course. 00:48:04.400 --> 00:48:07.519 Thanks again for listening to the Game Changers Podcast. 00:48:07.679 --> 00:48:14.400 You can stay updated by visiting martindalecoaching.com, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 00:48:14.559 --> 00:48:17.119 Please rate, review, and follow this podcast. 00:48:17.280 --> 00:48:21.840 And remember, adversity reveals character, but resilience defines champions. 00:48:22.239 --> 00:48:24.079 The Game Changers Podcast. 00:48:24.400 --> 00:48:30.480 Game Changers is recorded in Boston, Massachusetts, and produced in Los Angeles, California. 00:48:34.800 --> 00:48:37.119 It's all about resilience. 00:48:37.280 --> 00:48:41.199 The Game Changers Podcast with Linda Martindale. 00:48:41.760 --> 00:48:45.840 This podcast was produced by the team at Sports E Media. 00:48:46.000 --> 00:48:49.039 Learn more at sportsepreneur.com.