The Female Athlete Mission: Recent Episodes

The FAM

We are female athletes who crave real talk about faith, life, our sport … and everything in between. Nothing is off the table (or off the field) as Natalie Lawrence connects with fellow athletes from around the world to encourage you in your faith, inspire you to grow, and bring you into a community of believers. You are NOT alone as a believing athlete; welcome to the FAMily!

It's an honor to welcome Aubree Munro Watson to the FAM podcast! Aubree is an Olympian and former professional softball player. Before Team USA, she competed at the University of Florida and was a part of the 2014 and 2015 National Championship teams. She spent a total of 6 years on Team USA and took silver at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Now recently retired, Aubree is heavily involved in ministry through Church on the Dirt and serving full-time at her local church. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about her experience at the Olympics and all the ways the Lord has used softball throughout her life, and I hope you will too!

In this episode you will hear:

Placing (and keeping) your identity in Jesus
Using contentment to combat performance culture
How God has used softball throughout Aubree’s life

For all things mentioned in this episode click HERE.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM). Check out all they offer by clicking here.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

We’ve all had to endure hardship at one point or another in our lives, especially over the last few years. That’s why I’m excited to have Samantha Dewey with us today to share her incredible story of persevering through setbacks. First she battled an injury and a red shirt year while playing college soccer at Xavier University, and then she moved to Spain to start her professional career – right before the pandemic hit. Samantha is so genuine and honest during today's conversation as she shares how the loneliest season of her life led to her most intimate times with God. Whatever you're going through, I hope you’ll take heart in Samantha's story that this could be that season for you. Adversity could lead you to go deeper with Jesus than you ever have, and that is more important than anything.

In this episode you will hear:

Samantha’s story of perseverance through adversity
Greater intimacy with God in lonely seasons
Leaning on community to get through tough times

For all things mentioned in this episode click HERE.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM). Check out all they offer by clicking here.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

FAM, please join me in welcoming Ashley Ljesevic to the podcast! Ashley is a former collegiate basketball player from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and host of The Endurance Diaries podcast. While she’s worked in multiple roles in the sports and fitness space over the years, she's currently in a career transition, so in our conversation today we talk quite a bit about what it's like to trust God with each season of our lives as we take different steps. We also talk a lot about placing our identity in performance. As athletes who have always strived, strived, strived, how can we be okay with ourselves when we can no longer strive? This conversation was such a blessing to me personally in my current stage of life, and I think it will be encouraging for you too, whether you're a current athlete or someone who's transitioning out and trying to figure out how to navigate post-athletics life.

In this episode you will hear:

Shifting focus from performance to the process
Surrendering our desired outcomes to God
Staying faithful to the people we’re called to

For all things mentioned in this episode click HERE.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM). Check out all they offer by clicking here.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

FAM, can you believe this is the last episode of 2022?! It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, and today I’m talking about the three main things I learned this year. I’m also sharing an update on the FAM podcast moving forward into 2023 (it’s a pretty big announcement, so you don’t want to miss it!) For me, 2022 was a big year filled with joys, victories, fear, unmet expectation, and so much more. You can probably relate to that in some way or another. With each passing year, there is so much value in looking back and reflecting on what God has taught us and how he has grown us. Because sanctification is a lifelong pursuit, we should always have a growth mindset – especially in our relationship with God.

In this episode you will hear:

The three biggest things I learned in 2022
An update on the FAM podcast moving forward
What has God taught you this year?

For all things mentioned in this episode click HERE.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM). Check out all they offer by clicking here.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

A month ago I started coaching a local junior varsity soccer team, and I quickly found that many of the girls struggle with motivation. So I’ve been on a mission lately to cultivate intrinsic motivation and grit throughout the whole season – even in those who may find themselves in a less-than-motivating position! I’ve learned that a key ingredient to lasting motivation is found in goals (and not just the scoring kind). Setting both individual and team goals is one of the best ways to get motivated. Consider this episode a crash course on setting SMART goals on your own or with your team. Whether you are a coach or an athlete, I hope you find this helpful as you work to set good goals, stay motivated, and finish this year strong!

In this episode you will hear:

The difference between intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation
What SMART goals are how to set them
Ideas for setting SMART goals as a team

For all things mentioned in this episode click HERE.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM). Check out all they offer by clicking here.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

You know that inspired feeling you get when talking to someone who’s passionate about the same exact things as you? Well, I definitely felt that during my conversation with Amber Johns! Amber is a former college athlete, coach, mom of two boys and now the Fellowship of Christian Athletes State Director of New York. She's also the founder of a girl's ministry called FCA Brave, whose mission is to reach the next generation of female athletes for Jesus (sound familiar?) Amber created FCA Brave as a tool for discipleship and a space for conversations that truly matter. Today we talk about her journey to FCA and starting FCA Brave, how only Jesus can break the chains young women carry in today's culture, and how having a gritty faith can influence young female leaders moving forward.

In this episode you will hear:

Why Amber started FCA Brave for female athletes
How Jesus can break the chains off of your life
Gritty faith through both good and difficult seasons

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM). Check out all they offer by clicking here.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Today I have the honor of welcoming Gem Fadling to the FAM! Gem is a certified life coach and trained spiritual director who coaches women at the intersection of spiritual leadership and soul care. (I've had the privilege of meeting with Gem monthly for a few years, and she has made a huge impact on my life!) Gem runs a non-profit with her husband called Unhurried Living where they train people to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better. She is a writer, speaker, and teacher with so much wisdom and passion, and today we are talking about her new book called Hold That Thought. In this interview, Gem shares a little of her own story and how we can better decipher the voices in our heads to move toward a better way of thinking as athletes, coaches, and followers of Jesus.

In this episode you will hear:

Why you are not your thoughts (and why it matters!)
The practice of Notice, Discern, Respond (NDR)
A preview of Gem’s new book Hold That Thought

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM). Check out all they offer by clicking here.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

FAM, I am so excited about today’s episode! MeiLin McDonald suffered three major concussions as a middle school basketball player and has really never been the same. She's had seasons where she was handicapped in a wheelchair and even had years where she was completely mute. But through CrossFit, rehab therapies, and – most importantly – the grace of God Himself, she has found recovery in many ways and also a hopeful, purposeful life. Through a terrible series of events, MeiLin has learned to suffer well, praise God and revel in His goodness, trust His plan and sovereignty over her life, and rely so heavily on His Word. I hope and pray you will be as inspired and challenged by this conversation as I was.

In this episode you will hear:

MeiLin’s inspiring story of suffering well
God’s grace and sovereignty through it all
His unchanging faithfulness in the good and the bad

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM). Check out all they offer by clicking here.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

I don’t know about you, but recently it seems like fear has been coming up everywhere around me – in conversations with others, but also in my own life. I have actually never felt fear the way I have felt it during this pregnancy (if you didn’t already know, surprise!) Today’s episode gets super honest and vulnerable as I share with you what has been going on in my life over the last few months. But more than just my personal experience with fear, I also share some tools and Scriptures that God has used to deliver me from my fear in hopes that they will help you overcome yours as well. Whatever it is that seems big and scary, I can assure you today: nothing is bigger than our God.

In this episode you will hear:

My personal battle with fear during pregnancy
How God has miraculously delivered me from fear
Four tools you can use to combat fear today

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM). Check out all they offer by clicking here.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Welcome back to the FAM podcast! Today's guest is Gabrielle Clark, a San Diego State University basketball alumni and former graduate assistant. After SDSU, Gabrielle joined the college sports ministry Athletes in Action where God grew her passion to help inner-city children and youth have the opportunity to attend college. In 2017, God gave her the vision to start what is now TRUCE Basketball Academy in Phoenix, Arizona. TRUCE is a combination of “truth” and “grace,” which is the essence of their mission to develop holistic leaders on and off the court without bringing financial stresses and worries to families. I hope Gabrielle's story and heart inspires you to listen and obey what God might be asking you to do.

In this episode you will hear:

How God placed a dream on Gabrielle’s heart
Her faithfulness to that dream through TRUCE
Being confident in your identity in Christ

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM). Check out all they offer by clicking here.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Today we get to hear an incredible testimony of how God uses broken people to bring about His glory. Bekah Kemper is a first-year Graduate Assistant strength coach at Liberty University with the goal of becoming a career strength and conditioning coach. Bekah is passionate about developing athletes into strong individuals who are equipped to compete well in life and in sports, ultimately bringing glory to God through their accomplishments. In this episode, Bekah shares about how she made it to nationals her senior year against all odds and how that miracle is one of many all across her life. Bekah’s story is living proof that even when we mess things up, God can and does still use us to bring about His glory. That’s the heart of the gospel, isn’t it?

In this episode you will hear:

Bekah’s testimony and journey to wrestling
How she wrestled with God and wrestled for God
Glorifying God whether you win or lose

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM). Check out all they offer by clicking here.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Who are you when no one is looking? The topic of integrity has been on my heart recently, so that’s what this episode is all about. Our culture is becoming less and less concerned with integrity. It’s more about performing and success than about how we go about doing what we do. This is not suitable for followers of Christ! As representatives of Jesus, we are called to a higher standard. Today I challenge you to examine your life and be honest with yourself about whether or not your character is consistent, regardless of who is (or isn’t) watching. I promise you, if you have integrity you will shine in all areas of your life – not just on the field!

In this episode you will hear:

The issue of integrity within our current culture
What the Scriptures say about having integrity
Why we should do everything as unto the Lord

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

If you’ve ever experienced spiraling thoughts, you probably know just how helpless it can leave you feeling. Sometimes it can be difficult to stay grounded in reality. This is what my dear friend and today’s guest Casey Cardinio calls a “tornado.” In this episode, Casey shares openly about her longtime battle with fear and anxiety, provides a practical framework for managing intrusive thoughts, and gives an encouragement to everyone listening to know the ultimate Truth – Jesus. This conversation is full of vulnerability and Scripture, and I hope it leaves you feeling better equipped to decipher true thoughts from untrue ones.

In this episode you will hear:

Determining whether thoughts are true or untrue
The Four “R’s” (Relabel, Reattribute, Refocus, Revalue)
How to practice the art of renewing your mind daily

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

If you’ve ever experienced spiraling thoughts, you probably know just how helpless it can leave you feeling. Sometimes it can be difficult to stay grounded in reality. This is what my dear friend and today’s guest Casey Cardinio calls a “tornado.” In this episode, Casey shares openly about her longtime battle with fear and anxiety, provides a practical framework for managing intrusive thoughts, and gives an encouragement to everyone listening to know the ultimate Truth – Jesus. This conversation is full of vulnerability and Scripture, and I hope it leaves you feeling better equipped to decipher true thoughts from untrue ones.

In this episode you will hear:

Determining whether thoughts are true or untrue
The Four “R’s” (Relabel, Reattribute, Refocus, Revalue)
How to practice the art of renewing your mind daily

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Today’s incredible conversation is with Leah Church, former UNC Women’s Basketball player and current three-point world-record holder. She’s a 2020 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and currently coaching, training, and sharing her testimony. Leah was miraculously offered a full-ride scholarship to her dream school only to have to choose her faith over basketball later. Many of us will have to make difficult decisions in our lives in order to wholeheartedly follow Jesus, and for Leah, that meant walking away from the sport she loved completely. This episode is about doing hard things for the sake of the gospel, and I hope it leaves you not only feeling inspired but challenged as well.

In this episode you will hear:

How the Lord orchestrated Leah’s UNC basketball career
What led Leah to walk away from her dream school & team
Standing firm on faith when making difficult decisions

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Today’s incredible conversation is with Leah Church, former UNC Women’s Basketball player and current three-point world-record holder. She’s a 2020 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and currently coaching, training, and sharing her testimony. Leah was miraculously offered a full-ride scholarship to her dream school only to have to choose her faith over basketball later. Many of us will have to make difficult decisions in our lives in order to wholeheartedly follow Jesus, and for Leah, that meant walking away from the sport she loved completely. This episode is about doing hard things for the sake of the gospel, and I hope it leaves you not only feeling inspired but challenged as well.

In this episode you will hear:

How the Lord orchestrated Leah’s UNC basketball career
What led Leah to walk away from her dream school & team
Standing firm on faith when making difficult decisions

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

When you hear the word “feedback,” what do you feel? Does it make you tense up, or do you crave it? How good are you at receiving feedback, and how comfortable are you with giving it? Today we have Jenna Failinger (née Lodewyk) back on the FAM podcast for a conversation all about feedback – why it’s important, how it can help us, and four pillars of both giving and receiving it well. I think this topic is so critical for athletes and coaches alike, as well as any Christian in pursuit of growth and holiness. I hope you’ll be encouraged by Jenna’s wisdom and walk away with some tools for getting better at feedback.

In this episode you will hear:

Why feedback matters as a Christian and an athlete
Four pillars of getting better at receiving feedback
Four signs you’re ready to give feedback to others

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

When you hear the word “feedback,” what do you feel? Does it make you tense up, or do you crave it? How good are you at receiving feedback, and how comfortable are you with giving it? Today we have Jenna Failinger (née Lodewyk) back on the FAM podcast for a conversation all about feedback – why it’s important, how it can help us, and four pillars of both giving and receiving it well. I think this topic is so critical for athletes and coaches alike, as well as any Christian in pursuit of growth and holiness. I hope you’ll be encouraged by Jenna’s wisdom and walk away with some tools for getting better at feedback.

In this episode you will hear:

Why feedback matters as a Christian and an athlete
Four pillars of getting better at receiving feedback
Four signs you’re ready to give feedback to others

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

So often as women we are expected to compartmentalize our lives. Culture tells us that we can be a coach or a mother, we can focus on ministry or our families… but Aleah Dillard’s story is proof that we can live a life of "and." Aleah is a wife, mother, full-time FCA staff and volunteer assistant soccer coach in Abilene, Texas. She serves female coaches and athletes on the three college campuses in Abilene: Abilene Christian University, Hardin Simmons University and McMurry University. Her passion for Jesus is so evident in our conversation today as she shares about her testimony, her ministry, and how the joy of motherhood has only enriched it all.

In this episode you will hear:

How Aleah came to know and follow Jesus
Why she and her husband are passionate about sports ministry
Finding balance with motherhood and coaching

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

So often as women we are expected to compartmentalize our lives. Culture tells us that we can be a coach or a mother, we can focus on ministry or our families… but Aleah Dillard’s story is proof that we can live a life of "and." Aleah is a wife, mother, full-time FCA staff and volunteer assistant soccer coach in Abilene, Texas. She serves female coaches and athletes on the three college campuses in Abilene: Abilene Christian University, Hardin Simmons University and McMurry University. Her passion for Jesus is so evident in our conversation today as she shares about her testimony, her ministry, and how the joy of motherhood has only enriched it all.

In this episode you will hear:

How Aleah came to know and follow Jesus
Why she and her husband are passionate about sports ministry
Finding balance with motherhood and coaching

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Today I am so excited to share my conversation with Natasha Van Der Merwe, an endurance coach, long time professional triathlete, and the founder and owner of NVDM Coaching based out of Austin, Texas. Despite her impressive accomplishments, Natasha is truly humble and has dedicated most of her career to helping others become their best – physically, mentally, and spiritually. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, including how Natasha began walking with Jesus, why she views coaching as ministry, practical ways to invite God into your every day, and so much more.

In this episode you will hear:

Ways to combat people-pleasing and perfectionism with God
Why Natasha sees coaching as ministry
How she intentionally builds community in her business

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Today I am so excited to share my conversation with Natasha Van Der Merwe, an endurance coach, long time professional triathlete, and the founder and owner of NVDM Coaching based out of Austin, Texas. Despite her impressive accomplishments, Natasha is truly humble and has dedicated most of her career to helping others become their best – physically, mentally, and spiritually. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, including how Natasha began walking with Jesus, why she views coaching as ministry, practical ways to invite God into your every day, and so much more.

In this episode you will hear:

Ways to combat people-pleasing and perfectionism with God
Why Natasha sees coaching as ministry
How she intentionally builds community in her business

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

In today’s world, social media is deeply embedded in our daily lives. But should it be? I am so excited to be joined by Sarah Zylstra for this illuminating conversation around social media usage, habits, and consequences, specifically for athletes. Sarah asks some challenging questions that I hope you’ll take some time to answer for yourself. Her new book, Social Sanity in an Insta World, is a guide to help you do just that. I have been personally impacted by Sarah’s insight on this topic, and I hope this episode encourages you to evaluate (and possibly eliminate) your relationship with social media.

In this episode you will hear:

Red flags of social media you should pay attention to
How social media is affecting athletes specifically
Ways to leave social media for good (yes, it is possible!)

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

In today’s world, social media is deeply embedded in our daily lives. But should it be? I am so excited to be joined by Sarah Zylstra for this illuminating conversation around social media usage, habits, and consequences, specifically for athletes. Sarah asks some challenging questions that I hope you’ll take some time to answer for yourself. Her new book, Social Sanity in an Insta World, is a guide to help you do just that. I have been personally impacted by Sarah’s insight on this topic, and I hope this episode encourages you to evaluate (and possibly eliminate) your relationship with social media.

In this episode you will hear:

Red flags of social media you should pay attention to
How social media is affecting athletes specifically
Ways to leave social media for good (yes, it is possible!)

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

FAM, welcome back to part two of our conversation on the reliability of the Bible. I’m joined by my husband, Trevor, who helps guide us through some incredibly important questions for any follower of Jesus: Is what we have in the Bible what was originally written? Is what was originally written what actually happened? And is God the ultimate author behind it all? While this episode is not exhaustive, it is rich with evidence and resources that I hope will inspire you to discover for yourself just how trustworthy the Bible really is.

In this episode you will hear:

The transmission, historicity, and inspiration of Scripture
Why the Bible is considered verified by historians
Helpful resources for diving deeper into this topic

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

FAM, welcome back to part two of our conversation on the reliability of the Bible. I’m joined by my husband, Trevor, who helps guide us through some incredibly important questions for any follower of Jesus: Is what we have in the Bible what was originally written? Is what was originally written what actually happened? And is God the ultimate author behind it all? While this episode is not exhaustive, it is rich with evidence and resources that I hope will inspire you to discover for yourself just how trustworthy the Bible really is.

In this episode you will hear:

The transmission, historicity, and inspiration of Scripture
Why the Bible is considered verified by historians
Helpful resources for diving deeper into this topic

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

What is the Bible? What is it not? Why does it matter? In this two-part episode with my husband, Trevor, we’re taking some time to answer those critical questions. I know many members of the FAM are in college right now, and you may be encountering skepticism from professors or peers about the reliability of Scripture. Trevor and I hope this conversation helps clarify and solidify your confidence in the Bible, not based on blind faith, but because of a revelation that all of Scripture truly is the inerrant Word of God.

In this episode you will hear:

An introduction into what the Bible is and is not
Examples of Biblical criticism from academia and culture
A preview of next week’s part 2 episode

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Amanda Dahlman is a former college volleyball player, graduate student, lover of Jesus, and recently, the FAM’s beloved intern! With a deep passion for the intersection of mental health, sports and faith, Amanda is pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and created Hope for Athletes, an Instagram account advocating for mental health among student-athletes. In this episode, Amanda dives into her personal experience with mental health, shares some of her wisdom, and encourages those who may be struggling as well as their teammates and coaches.

In this episode you will hear:

The power of honesty with yourself and others
Distinctions between anxiety and depression
Encouragement for those who might be struggling

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

On today’s episode we get to hear from Charity McDowell, a junior volleyball player at the University of Notre Dame. A woman of many passions, Charity is majoring in preprofessional science with a supplemental major in Spanish and a minor in Africana Studies. She is a strong leader on her campus through several organizations and initiatives, and you can feel her enthusiasm for Jesus and people throughout our conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Charity’s journey and insight and I hope it encourages you today.

In this episode you will hear:

Charity’s experience with fear and anxiety & how God set her free
The difference between pride and confidence
How Charity is impacting diversity and inclusion at Notre Dame and beyond

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Today I am excited to welcome Karen Hardwick, a psychotherapist turned leadership consultant with a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Her book, The Connected Leader, shows people how to use the Seven Strategies of Connection to become their best selves as parents, spouses, leaders… and athletes! In this episode, Karen shares firsthand from her personal journey about connection, authenticity, courage, and much more. There are so many nuggets of gold in our conversation that I hope will encourage and inspire you today

In this episode you will hear:

What inspired Karen to write her book, The Connected Leader
The importance of “chasing slow” in your morning routine
Karen’s 7 Strategies for Connection

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

In this episode we get to hear from Mallory Krueger, an All-American athlete and nursing student at Indiana Wesleyan University. Mallory is bold in her faith, but that hasn’t always been embraced by her teammates. She faced hostility toward Jesus while playing soccer at her public high school, which only grew her passion for making Christ known on the field and off. She’s now chasing after Jesus alongside her college teammates — before, during, and after each game. Mallory has developed a strength and wisdom beyond her years, and I felt emboldened and inspired after our conversation. I hope you will, too!

In this episode you will hear:

How to be bold for Christ in the face of opposition
The power of prayer on Mallory’s team and in her life
Glorifying God in every aspect of the game

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Today I’m so excited to welcome Christina Gein, a woman who’s passionate about rugby and wild about Jesus. I was truly blown away by how God directed our conversation – we covered everything from what it was like to be the only girl on her high school football team to what she’s learned about discerning the will of God since then. You really have to hear it all for yourself! I know you’ll walk away from today’s episode with some big thoughts to chew on and a handful of one-liners to carry you through the week.

In this episode you will hear:

Thoughts on femininity & reflecting the image of God
Trusting God rather than our feelings
How to discern the will of God for your life

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

It’s easy to say “get your head in the game,” but how is mental strength actually built? I absolutely loved this week’s interview with Nebraska-based mental performance coach Amanda Schaefer, a.k.a. Coach AB. We talked about vulnerability, courage, identity, joy, and how each of these things affect our mindsets as athletes whether we’re on the field or not. This discussion was so rich, and I’m excited to share some of Amanda’s wisdom with you.

In this episode you will hear:

The importance of trust and vulnerability
How to become more courageous
Finding identity in “being” rather than “doing”

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

What motivates you? How do you stay motivated throughout the highs and lows of life? Why are there days when you feel like you could take on the world, and other days you may feel like doing nothing at all? Today we’re talking all things motivation with insights straight from you, the FAM! You answered questions about what gets you motivated… and what doesn’t. I hope this episode inspires you to dig deeper into what motivates you most.

In this episode you will hear:

The FAM’s thoughts on motivation
How coaches and teams can motivate each other
What motivates you?

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Navigating college sports, academics, family life, and faith can be a huge challenge, and no one can speak to it better than Grace Ball. Grace is a Division I college athlete who just finished up her 5th year playing tennis at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the host of her own podcast, MORE THAN AN ATHLETE. Today’s conversation covers her testimony, discipleship, giving up control, suffering well, and more. Grace’s passion for the Gospel is evident in every area of her life, and I was so blessed by her story. I’m confident you will be, too.

In this episode you will hear:

Finding true fulfillment in the Lord
How to walk through suffering well
The importance of community and mentorship

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

All I can say is wow. In today’s episode, I have the true honor of being joined by Janel Johnson. Janel is an advocate for all things Gospel, diversity, and unity. Her passion is helping not only athletes, but all of God’s children find their true identity in Jesus. It was so refreshing to be able to talk so openly and honestly about what most people find as taboo subjects. Today, we face them head on. This is a conversation all about sports, life, Jesus, marriage, and so much more. You are not going to want to miss this.

In this episode you will hear:

Identity in Christ
The Kingdom of God is diverse
A healthy, Holy marriage

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

When I think of OCD, I usually think of things needing to be in a certain order. Nothing more, nothing less. Today I am joined by OCD warrior Jenna Cannon as she shares what life is really like with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She developed this disease at a young age and it carried on with her throughout her life. Luckily, her story is one of an overcomer. Jenna now advocates for those struggling with their mental health and wants them to know that it’s okay to struggle but there is always hope.

In this episode you will hear:

How an anxiety coach saved her life
How to overcome compulsions
Breaking through fear

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Who is Jesus in your life? That was a question that anchored today’s guest through her coaching journey, infertility journey, and life journey. Today I have the incredible opportunity of sitting down and talking with JP Dorn. She is a wife, a mother, and a coach of all coaches. Our conversation today about her coaching journey goes far beyond coaching. She shares sound wisdom on life in general whether you are an athlete, a coach, a parent, or just a fan of the podcast. No matter where you are or what you are walking through, this episode is for you.

In this episode you will hear:

How to have a purposeful job
Our calling in life
What are you putting your anchor in?

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it takes to be great, this is the episode for you. Today I am joined by Tish Hoch. She is considered to be one of the greatest in the history of women’s soccer. She has not only represented her country 132 times since making the U.S. National Team, but she has also participated in one Olympic Game and 2 World Cups. Her story is so impactful for even myself. Her encouragement to us today is to keep fighting to be great. Something she learned from being on one of the greatest teams in the world is that you have to have fun. You don’t have to be worried about messing up all of the time. I so enjoyed talking to Tish today as we shared with one another.

In this episode you will hear:

Tish Hoch’s story
A conversation around mental toughness
Tish’s guide to greatness

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

When you are in the middle of your season, it is so difficult to feel like you are anything more than just an athlete. Burnout is so real and we all deal with it. Today I want to offer 4 practical things to focus on during this off season time. These are not only things to help you this summer, but these are things that will carry you through your next season and on throughout your life. My challenge to you is that you would take one, two, three, or all four things and apply them to some area of your life. It doesn’t have to be difficult, but making these small adjustments to your schedule now will help you be able to implement and carry over healthy practices into your life when things get busy again.

In this episode you will hear:

Building mental toughness
Creating rhythms with God
Playing with different people
Pursuing other passions

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Have you ever heard the phrase “mind over matter?” I think about it a lot when referring to sports and getting out of your head. Well my guest today gives us a very real, raw look into how shifting her mindset saved her life. Author and activist Erin Soto was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer at the age of 37 with four kids and a husband to take care of on top of her own life to live. With the odds of her survival stacked against her, she knew that taking a deeper look inwardly and shifting her narrative was a matter of life and death. Join us in today’s episode to hear how Erin overcame the most difficult battle of her life. In this episode you will hear:

Erin Soto’s story
Pushing through pain is taking care of your body
Mindset is the greatest form of medicine

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Do you want more of God? A hunger for God is essential for anyone who desires to have a relationship with Him. Some of us long for a relationship with God because of traumatic experiences or because of trials that we face. Some people are apathetic about their life and don’t really care. Either way, cultivating a hunger for God is of the utmost importance. Today, I share 3 important ways to cultivate a relationship with God. These have helped me in so many ways and I hope that they help you as well, no matter what walk of life you are in.

In this episode you will hear:

How to recognize God moving
3 ways to cultivate a hunger for God
Balancing expectations in your prayer life

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Have you ever felt like you just needed some tools in your life tool belt? Today I had the great opportunity to sit down and talk with Mindset Mentor Paige Tonz. She shares with us some very practical ways to build our confidence on and off the field. As a former softball player and now a mentor to younger girls, her goal is to be the person that her younger self needed. She wants to empower, encourage, and educate women on how to build their confidence. I gained so many practical tools today that I know I will be able to put to use in my own life and use to inspire others.

In this episode you will hear:

Creating powerful self talk
Visualizing what you want
Breathing and slowing down

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Today I had the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with writer and photographer Cindy Lara. Cindy works for the SB Nation site for The Blue Testament covering the Kansas City Current. Sports have always been a part of Cindy’s life. Since her start covering women’s soccer in 2017, she has just continued to grow and develop her passion. I loved getting to hear her perspective on calling and how to find your passions.

In this episode you will hear:

Cindy Lara’s story
Full time job vs. passion projects
How to find your passions

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

If you have ever found yourself struggling with identity issues or trusting God or knowing your why, this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I am joined by Monique Felix and we dive into all things God, sport, life decisions, and so much more. Monique shares with us some very practical ways to trust God and make Him first in your life. As associate director of football operations at Baylor University, she is able to pour into the lives of athletes every single day. I’m so honored that she could pour into the FAM today. In this episode you will hear:

Monique Felix’s story
Understanding how God sees us
How to ask the Lord for what you need

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

This podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

In today’s episode, I am joined by my husband Trevor Lawrence and we are finishing out our 2 part series talking all about calling. I could not think of anyone better to talk about this with. We are diving back into purpose and what our purpose is in life as it relates to work. Trevor proposes the rest of the 7 questions to ask when considering your purpose and where the Lord may be calling you. We are so excited you are back for part 2. Enjoy!

In this episode you will hear:

Discerning your calling
How growing in maturity answers your questions
Seeking Jesus first

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

In today’s episode, I am joined by my husband Trevor Lawrence and we are talking all about calling. I could not think of anyone better to talk about this with. In this 2 part series, we dive into purpose and what our purpose is in life as it relates to work. Trevor proposes 7 questions to ask when considering your purpose and where the Lord may be calling you. Enjoy part 1 and you do not want to miss us next week for part 2! In this episode you will hear:

Calling versus vocation
How to live into your purpose
Finding meaning in what you do

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Mentality is such a huge hurdle to jump when it comes to sports. In today’s episode, I am joined by Mental Performance Consultant, Katie Lovallo as she shares some of her best tips for staying focused on and off the field. Katie has a passion for helping women and girls in sports and shares how we as coaches and as players can grow confidence in ourselves with a tiny switch.

In this episode you will hear:

How to be moment focused
Improvement using the growth mindset
Mantras to help shift your thoughts

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Most of us are not strangers to worry. Our college FAM may be worrying about grades or relationships. Our FAM coaches may be worrying about their team. We can be comforted to know that in the Bible, worry is something that Jesus speaks directly to. Specifically, Jesus speaks to those worrying about the future. In today’s episode, I dive deep into Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and pull 5 different points on why you should not worry and even ask some challenging questions for you to ask yourself. I pray that through everything, you would know how valuable you are in my eyes, but more importantly, in the eyes of Jesus.

In this episode you will hear:

Jesus’ thoughts on worry
Worry versus planning
How to find peace by seeking Jesus

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Worship is not just a genre of music. Worship is a way of life. Today as I sit down with former athlete, Sofia Franco, we dive deep into 5 purposes for worshiping God. Sofia reveals not only how worship helps you in life and how it has helped her along her journey, but she also opens up about how worshiping God in these 5 ways can help you in your sport. This conversation was so needed and I’m so thankful for her insight.

In this episode you will hear:

How a quad injury changed her trajectory
Glorifying God in everything that happens
5 purposes for worshiping God

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Krista Breilh is a passionate follower of Jesus and leader of women! In today’s interview she tells us the story of how she started the ministry called “Live Salted” when she was a senior in college at Champan University. Live Salted is a community of women hungry for more of Jesus. They create resources for women to grow in their relationships with God and be bold in their communities, and hosts conferences for women to gather and learn, grow, and connect.

In our conversation Krista and I talk about what it looks like to be salt and light, how to choose Jesus while in college (especially when the party scene can seem so fun and enticing), why it is so important and exciting to build history with God, and so much more. You are going to love Krista!

Attend a Salted conference!

Live Salted: livesalted.com

Legacy Conference: livesalted.com/legacy

Legacy Orange Ticket Link: https://livesalted.ticketspice.com/legacy-orange

Student Pricing for $68 ticket use “FAM!”

Conference is March 19th, 2022 9-5pm at Refuge OC in Orange, CA

@livesalted

Do you ever feel less respected as a female athlete compared to the male athletes? So many times in the past, male coaches have greeted me with a “hey sweetie” or “honey.” I’ll be completely honest with you, that has rubbed me the wrong way. Those dainty, feminine words trigger insecurity and smallness that roots from a fear of not being worthy of working a job in a male-dominated area.

In times like these, I look to the scripture and find where Paul encouraged Timothy to not let people look down on him because he was young, but instead, be a believer and represent with your life. What I realized was that I had to own up to my insecurities. Once I did that, I learned how to resolve these situations with maturity and now I’m paving the way for female coaches that will come after me.

In this episode you will hear:

Knowing who you are as a coach
Dealing with your insecurities
Walking in maturity
Leading by example

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Have you ever felt completely unseen? On the field, walking down the hallway, or sitting in a meeting? We live in such a fast paced world that if we don't stop and take a minute, it can get so overwhelming. Today I had the awesome opportunity to sit down and talk to Kelly Nunn.

Kelly is a leadership development expert. She has been an inspiration to me for years and I consider her a true friend. Her work has not only changed my life but has changed the lives of many people all over. She challenges us to live as our truest selves through authenticity and good, strong leadership

In this episode you will hear:

What it’s like to be in leadership development
Saying no to fear
Why you should be your most authentic self

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Imagine Jesus sitting next to you. Journal your thoughts. Meditate. What if I told you that these three actions are creative, yet powerful ways to pray? THEY ARE!!! In today’s episode, we dive into 22 ways to pray that you may have never thought of before. I offer some practical application of each way and share some stories of how these prayer paths have helped me as a mom, as an athlete, and as a fully-devoted child of God. I hope that you find something in this episode and it sticks with you.

In this episode you will hear:

22 different ways to pray
How to cultivate a thriving prayer life
Making every moment holy

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

If you’re looking for something to blow your mind, this episode is for you. Today, I am joined by physical therapist, Natasha Wilch and we are talking all about concussions and concussion recovery. Natasha inspires people to start — and stay! — moving in the direction of their goals and dreams in life, despite what they’ve been through. This episode is equally inspiring and educational. I hope you get as much out of it as I did! In this episode you will hear: * Busting myths about concussions * How concussions affect everyone differently * Working with your body to heal

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Have you ever felt alone, hurting in the dark? I know I have. It can be overwhelming to be lost in the feeling that what we are going through is for nothing and nothing good will come out of it. Well today, I challenge you to think again. Can our suffering be used for good?

In today’s episode, I share seven instances in scripture where God gives us insight on how He uses suffering for the good of His children. From an atheist's perspective, suffering is by mere chance or “bad luck.” I want to give another perspective. The perspective of a loving Father who is meeting us where we are and will never leave us despite the mess we may find ourselves in.

In this episode you will hear:

How Jesus’ suffering is an example
Having hope in spite of hurt
How community can be strengthened through struggle

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Wow. I really don’t have adequate words to describe this conversation I had today. Jenna Lodewyk joins me today and we are really talking all about boundaries. Jenna describes boundaries as anything that differentiates you between someone else… essentially helping you identify what is yours.

She breaks boundaries up and talks about three main categories: feelings, thoughts, and people. I had several realizations today about what boundaries are to me. It shifted the framework in my mind to not only how it can help me, but how I can better describe, encourage, and relate to others when the issue of boundaries is brought up in daily life. This is truly a life changing episode.

In this episode you will hear:

Taking ownership of feelings
Loving God with our minds
Saying yes and no to people

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing one of the most game-changing team bonding activities I’ve ever experienced: season dedications. When you’ve dedicated your season to another teammate, it no longer becomes about you. You’re doing it all for someone else, and that is a totally different perspective. I have had major success with this activity and I hope you do too!

In this episode you will hear:

Dedicating your season to another player
Creating an “others-focused” team
Embracing accountability through this activity

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

I love when I see young athletes or retired athletes using their story to encourage and support others going through the same thing. That is exactly what I experienced in today’s episode. I am joined by author Emily Coffman and we talk all about thriving after your sport.

Emily is the creator of the top health and fitness podcast entitled “Live Your Personal Best” which has over a quarter of a million downloads. She is also the author of Elite to Everyday Athlete. Our conversation was so beneficial and I know you’re going to love it just as much as I did.

In this episode you will hear:

Relearning your body
9 steps to getting off the SIDELINES of life
Mythbusting your “all or nothing” mindset

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Collecting more accolades than I can possibly write in these shownotes, Julie Evans Castillo is a Pepperdine Hall of Famer being inducted in 2018. She set volleyball school career records for kills (1,955), kills per set (4.60), service aces (147) and points (2,218.0), all of which stood for a decade and she now ranks second in each of these categories.

More importantly, Julie is a powerful woman in her faith. In today’s episode, we tackle hard hitting topics. Julie so openly talks about her struggles not only on and off the field as an athlete, but also things that she struggles with to this day. Her message of the power of community and walking in obedience is one that I admire so much, and I know you will too.

In this episode you will hear:

Finding Jesus in the unexpected
Why are sports such a powerful idol?
How to honor God in your sport

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

The podcast was produced by Pivot Media Co.

Today I had the great opportunity of sitting down and talking with Tasia Percevecz. She is a three-time CrossFit Games Athlete with CrossFit Mayhem Freedom. Her humble heart speaks so much louder than her accolades.

In this episode, Tasia shares about how gymnastics led her to CrossFit and how today, she uses the sport to share about Jesus. She is an advocate for empowering women, no matter the body size or shape. Her story is just as beautiful as she is and I am so excited for you guys to hear it!!

In this episode you will hear:

Your identity is not found in earthly things
How CrossFit at Mayhem impacted Tasia’s life for the better.
How to use your story empower others

After a series of concussions turns a D1 volleyball player at the University of Miami into a medically retired athlete, how do you go back to normal? How do you find purpose in a career ending injury?

Today I had the opportunity of sitting down with the ever-inspiring Cameron Dobbs. She is a journalist, former coach, retired athlete, and advocate for all things mental health. She talks with us today about playing where your feet are to the best of your ability, no matter what. Her story resonated deeply with me and I hope it does the same for you.

In this episode you will hear:

Finding purpose in a career ending injury
Playing where your feet are
Transitioning from being a student athlete to being a non-athlete

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

In today’s society, showing up is hard. It’s not easy waking up everyday and hustling, not knowing if what you are doing is making a difference one way or another. We may ask ourselves, “Is it even worth it?” I am here to tell you one thing: YES. IT. IS.

Today I sat down with former cheerleader, Brooke Schasteen-Smith. She is on a mission to make others better whether that be in their relationship with the Lord, in their sport, or in the business world. Her story is one of trust, bravery, and resilience. If you need a little motivation to keep going, then this is most definitely the episode for you!

In this episode you will hear:

You are more than your sport
Taking your passion everywhere you go
How challenging yourself makes you better

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

Rose Grant is the current and 5x marathon MTB national champion and 2x Leadville 100 MTB Champ. She has been a member of the US National Championship team 4 times, and has accumulated countless podium finishes and across the world over the course of her Mountain bike racing career. Balancing life as an athlete, wife, and mother is a difficult task, and Rose is no exception!

In today’s episode, I sit down with Rose and she tells us how God has brought her from a place of pain and shamefulness to a place of freedom. She shares how, although her journey was hard and full of injury and devastation, she can look back at how the Lord intervened on her behalf every time. I hope that our conversation will bring you hope that although there may be pain in the night, joy is coming in the morning.

In this episode you will hear:

Rose Grant’s mountain bike career
How the enemy uses isolation
How God restored her marriage

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

College can bring forth so many emotions, changes, and feelings. I’ve felt it… anyone who has been through it has felt it. For gymnast Megan Almon, her first years at the University of Georgia flipped her world upside down. Hearing her story today is such a reminder of how intricately and deeply Jesus loves and cares for us.

While working for a newspaper after college, a simple cover story for a pregnancy center set her on a new course that would change her life forever. Megan is now making a case for life. Through love and deep conversation, she explains why pro-life is true and why life matters. Megan even explains how fighting for life can open doors for other injustices to be brought into the light. I admire her for her efforts in this fight for life and justice and I know you will too.

In this episode you will hear:

Gymnast turned journalist turned advocate
The intrinsic value of a human life
Different kinds of truth

For all things mentioned in this episode visit click HERE.

Wow! As I sit and think back to my conversation with Annie Cooke, I am still blown away by her words and her wisdom. She shares with us her story of faith and how the Lord has carried her to where she is now at the University of Houston playing volleyball. She also gives us practical insight to knowing your worth and Godly leadership.

Today’s episode is one for everyone. Grab a cup of coffee and let her encouragement wash over you. Whether you are a high school student struggling to find direction, or someone trying to overcome rejection, my conversation with Annie is one that you do not want to miss!

In this episode you will hear:

How the Lord can speak through a “no”
Effective leadership
How to find your voice

For all things mentioned in this episode click HERE.

Kayley Evans walked-on to the basketball team at North Carolina State and has an amazing story. A "walk on" is someone who isn't formally recruited but through various different routes makes it into the team once attending the university. In this interview, Kaley shares how she walked on, great advice for anyone in a similar situation, and she shares how God used her on her college team. This interview will encourage anyone who wants to play college sports, is a walk-on themselves, or someone who may find themselves playing more of a bench role on their team.

Bob Goff's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dream-big-podcast-with-bob-goff-and-friends/id1458376688

Follow us on social media: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: thefamblog.com

Whitney is a Tennessee State University softball alumni and she now runs a training program called “Dreams in Action” where she coaches softball players on both the physical aspects of the game as well as the mental! Her mission statement is to elevate athletes one dream at a time and she has an incredible process to teaching athletes how to turn their dreams into goals and then into reality.

Today we talk about her story of softball, how she transferred universities, and later started her own coaching business. She also teaches us how to play with significance, how to create goals, build confidence, and finally how our faith ties it all together. After this episode I’m confident you will be pumped to set some goals!

The FAM is brought to you by Unite Health Share Ministries. UHSM is a Christ Based way to do health care! Find out more at UHSM.com

Her instagram: @thewhitness (https://www.instagram.com/thewhitness/)

Dreams in Action instagram: @dreamsinaction413 (https://www.instagram.com/dreamsinaction413/)

Maverick City Music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcQaSpIMPptu9RLgqIbviqw

Chase the Lion book (By Mark Batterson): https://www.amazon.com/Chase-Lion-Dream-Doesnt-Scare/dp/1601428871/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1614999771&sr=8-1

Chase the Lion: If Your Dream Doesn't Scare You, It's Too Small

Melanie Connell is a licensed Physical Therapist of 20 years with certifications in Manual Therapy and Nutritional Health Coaching.

Melanie started her own clinic called "Remedy Physical Therapy" in Orange County with a very clear mission: to provide a remedy for athletes sidelined by persistent pain and injuries. It was her own health journey of infertility, hormonal issues, hypothyroid, and migraines that led her to search for holistic practitioners that actually: spent time actually listening to my story, had the ability to problem solve the root cause of my issue, and educated me on the connection of my health to my body.

If there is one thing she preaches to all of her patients, it is that “Everything is Connected.”

Click here to learn more about her practice: https://remedypt.com

This is also where she started to get interested in breathing!

The benefits of working on breathing covers a vast array of circumstances whether it is on the field, off the field, in rehab, or just overall health. Melanie gives us four main categories when it comes to the benefits of breathing:

Pain
Posture
Pressure
Performance

Optimal breathing improves mobility in the spine and reduces body tension. Through breathing you can gain a stronger connection into the deep core stabilizing muscles (including the pelvic floor). You can also improve your athletic performance and mental focus and you can take control of your pain.

Breathing offers direct access to our nervous system, therefore connecting to your breath helps you connect to your body and yourself.

Breath work could unlock your potential in so many way!!! Whether it's to recover better on the field or to handle your anxiety.

Thank you to Unite Heath Share Ministries for making this interview possible! Check them out at: https://www.uhsm.com

Follow Melanie online: @remedyoc (https://www.instagram.com/remedyoc/)

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: https://www.thefamblog.com/home

Sean Manuel is a former NFL player who has been in ministry, coached NCAA football, and is now coaching in a private gym called “The Institute of Human Performance” in Nevada.

He is a coach, yes, but he is a pastor in many ways! He cares about his athletes both in a performance aspect, but also in health and longevity, and their spiritual life. In this interview we dive straight into his story and his coaching philosophy, we talk about injury prevention, injury resistance training, and how when we specialize in a sport early, we can be more vulnerable to specific injuries. I feel honored to be sharing this episode with you all! I think it will be encouraging to your faith and educational for the health of your body.

The FAM is brought to you by Unite Health Share Ministries. UHSM is a Christ Based way to do health care and if you’ve never heard of christian health sharing, you should look it up! Find out more at UHSM.com

Kat Harris is a Brooklyn based online educator, digital content creator, writer, speaker, and female empowerment advocate. I’m so excited for you to hear her perspective on singleness, sex, and dating in a way that is God honoring and based on scripture.

We talk about everything today from direct encouragement to single girls who don’t want to be single, how to date better, and why the word purity when talking about waiting to have sex until marriage is not helpful.

Kat has her own podcast called “The Refined Collective Podcast” but also an incredible social media presence and website. AND she wrote a book called “Sexless in the City” that will be coming out at in April. I CANNOT wait to read it!! To learn more, I’ve included all the ways you can connect with Kat’s content below.

The FAM is sponsored by Unite Health Share Ministries, a Christ based way to do health care! Check out their website at UHSM.com to learn more.

Follow Kat:

The Refined Woman site: https://therefinedwoman.com

Instagram: @therefinedwoman and @therefinedcollective

Cat Osterman is one of, if not THE BEST pitchers in softball history. She recently came out of retirement to play for team USA and is currently preparing for the 2021 olympics. Cat is a former three-time National Player of the Year, four-time All-American, and two-time Olympic medalist. She played college ball at the University of Texas and in 2004 was the youngest member of the Olympic team that earned a gold medal in Athens.

Cat is one of those heroes in women’s sports. When you think about how far female athletics have come in the last 20 years, Cat should be in those conversations. Today on the podcast we hear her softball story of how she went from a youth soccer goalie to an olympic softball player. Cat shares her faith journey and how later in life she came back to Jesus, starting at a life changing church service. We dive into how her faith changed her softball career, why she decided to return to the game after a three year retirement, and finally how to be confident and believe in yourself.

#GetCatonDancingWithTheStars

The FAM is sponsored by Unite Health Share Ministries, a Christ based way to do health care. Check them out at UHSM.com

Follow Cat on Instagram and Twitter: @catosterman

Follow her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/catosterman

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Cheri is the founder of the organization called cornbread hustle, which is a staffing agency for second chances, people who are in jail or overcoming addiction. Her story is an amazing journey marked by redemption. While in high school and really involved in sports, she stepped into a meth addiction that radically changed the course of her life and later alcohol addiction. Through God’s power and her willingness to be vulnerable and honest with herself, she is sober and making a huge difference in the world. Her story starts in a place that all of us can relate to. Cheri’s story will inspire you and remind you that in each of our messes and the parts of us that might seem the most broken, is also the place that God wants to use you the most.

Don’t struggle in silence.
You can’t fix your own brokenness no matter how hard you try. Only God can do that.
Nothing goes ahead of your own recovery. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Don’t take the advice of someone who’s shoes you do not want to be in.

The FAM podcast is brought to you by Unite Health Share Ministries. UHSM is the reason that Cheri and I are talking! They are a Christ based way to do health care and they really believe in the mission of holistic health, which is how they connected me with Cheri. Find out more about what they do by visiting their website: www.UHSM.com

“Come Alive Drive Bones” song by Lauren Daigle (https://open.spotify.com/track/725WUW2kYMV93UM3NVt8DI?si=nLuynHUhTR-WnrPDRclodw)

Podcasts: Sarah Jakes Roberts, Jennie Allen

Follow her on instagram: @luminous_Cheri (https://www.instagram.com/luminous_cheri/)

You can also learn more about her organization: https://cornbreadhustle.com

Follow the FAM! @Femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Kero Makramalla has his masters in Athletic Training and is a certified athletic trainer. He is a co-founder of Fast-Twitch Sports Med where he works with athletes of every age and level to get them healthy and recovered after an injury, as well as programs to not only rehab injuries but also to prevent them. Kero is all about the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health of his athletes, which is why I’m SO excited to have him on the podcast today!

Kero starts off by sharing his own testimony of coming to know Jesus in a deep way while on the track team at Vanguard University in California. His collegiate athletic story is riddled with injury and in many ways it was his injuries that led him to a relationship with Jesus. I think his story and processing will really encourage any of you who might be struggling with an injury currently!

Then we go into the different dynamics of female athlete health. Kero breaks down the female athlete triad and why women may have unique challenges in avoiding injury. Kero also breaks down the anatomy of a female athlete and what we can do to prevent injury.

This episode is both encouraging and educational. We hope you find helpful!!

Check out Kero’s program:

https://www.fasttwitchsportsmed.com

Follow Kero: @kero.makramalla (https://instagram.com/kero.makramalla?igshid=t33ohbxzkbrl)

Kero wrote a book!!: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Faith-Life-anthology/dp/B089CSW4KH/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=a+little+faith+and+a+little+life&qid=1591331562&sr=8-4

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

A Little Faith and A Little Life: an anthology

Hayley Gonzales is a professional soccer player, youth soccer trainer and athletic brand model! In today’s episode Hayley shares her story of transferring three times while playing college soccer, eventually ending at the school that she started at. So much had changed in her own heart and soul over those years in between that even though she returned to her first university, she was a different person in many ways. We talk about confidence and how much that can affect a person, on and off the field. We talk about mindset, now that she is a soccer trainer and working with many young athletes on their mindset, like how to set goals. And we talk about how God doesn’t just want to help you through things, but he also wants to redeem things.

In a snap shot, here are a few of the topics listed:

Her path was not linear
Transferred 3 times to play college soccer at different places
God is a redeemer!!!
Goal setting
How to get back on track? Goal set!
She continuously put her mind to certain things and went after it
How confidence can really mess with you as a player

Follow Hayley!

Twitter: @haysgonza

Instagram: @haysgonza (https://www.instagram.com/haysgonza/)

Website: www.haysgonza.com

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission // www.thefamblog.com

The FAM is brought to you by Unite Health Share Ministries. UHSM is Christ-based way to do health care! Check them out at: www.UHSM.com

Kendall Hudson is a team USA weight lifter. She started off as a cheerleader at North Carolina State University, then she transitioned into Crossfit. While competing in Crossfit, she entered into a weight lifting competition to try it out, and the rest is history. Today we talk about the sport of weightlifting and how it has shown the world that femininity can look a lot of different ways. Kendall shares her journey with her own body through the process. We also talk about how her faith has made her to be a really calm athlete.

Thank you Unite Health Share Ministries for sponsoring the FAM and making all of this possible. UHSM is a Christ-based way to do health care. Check them out at UHSM.com

Kendall is loving:

This bible reading plan on the Bible App: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/17553

Kendall is listening to: Christ Tomlin and Friends: https://open.spotify.com/album/1tk6wHfQdW92NyYa9YKnfP?si=DPkWdk7oRmSAGsnicqHFlg

Follow Kendall on IG: @Kenfit247

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: thefamblog.com/subscribe

Today on the Podcast we have Ashtin Larkin. Ashtin is a West Virginia University soccer alumni and now she works as a forensic specialist in the long beach area in California. We talk about what it was like to go far away for college and why she decided to do that! Then we dive into what it was like being a woman of color in a predominately white sport in a white area. We talk about what that was like growing up and then how she experienced race and diversity as a college soccer player as well. Later we contemplate what the word “Justice” even means. This whole conversation is seasoned with faith in Christ and his grace. We hope you find this enlightening and encouraging. At the end of our conversation we dive into the idea of calling, that I think many of us struggle with.

The FAM is sponsored by Unite Health Share Ministries. UHSM is a Christ based way to do health care. Learn more about who they are and what they do by going to their website at UHSM.com.

“Let Your Life Speak” by Parker Palmer: https://www.amazon.com/Let-Your-Life-Speak-Listening/dp/0787947350

Hillsong Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/artist/hillsong-worship/ARxncj3dm9xbvJc

Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation

Today we get to a hear an incredible testimony of a redeemed life! Not just 25% of a life… but an ENTIRE life. While Juju Braniecki was playing lacrosse at Hofstra University in New York, her life was completely changed by Jesus. It started with an injury that led to a mental health crisis. It was here where God first met her. Her story will give you goosebumps. It is one of those testimonies that will give you FAITH and remind you that God works in mighty ways! And that God is our REDEEMER.

A few things we talk about:

Lacrosse was Juju’s entire identity and purpose going into college. When she got there as a freshman and right away dealt with injury she had the thought/fear, “I’m adding no value to this team.” Listen to how Jesus redeemed this.
At a breaking point Juju found herself in a complete pit of despair. She felt emotionally numb yet her mind was racing. She wanted to end her life. Listen to how Jesus redeemed this.
Juju stepped into a leadership role way before she was “ready”. Listen to how Jesus redeemed this!!
And so much more…!

“True freedom is found in giving others permission to misunderstand you” - Lauren Daigle

What Juju is listening to:

Jenni Allen’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/made-for-this-with-jennie-allen/id1466667116

Sadie Robertson’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whoa-thats-good-podcast/id1433974017

“You get the glory by Jonathon Traylor: https://open.spotify.com/album/6qEMnc34Oex5sTNY4vqI9V?highlight=spotify:track:0i3Lk4RsNjmY1fQDc4w6Rt

Juju on Fox News: https://www.foxnews.com/faith-values/students-football-fields-christian-athletes

Thank you to our sponsor: Unite Health Share Ministries! UHSM.com

Follow Juju: @jujubraniecki

Follow The FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: Thefamblog.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is Jennifer Lynn Strobl, alumni of Upper Iowa University where she played college basketball and found her faith in Jesus. We talk about how much growth can happen in our faith in college if we lean into our questions and wrestle with hard things. Jenn and I talk a lot about identity, transitioning from being an athlete and what comes next, and how to hold our plans loosely.

The FAM podcast is brought to you by Unite Health Share Ministries - a Christ based way to do health care! Check them out at UHSM.com to learn more about what they are all about!

Alpha videos:

https://alphausa.org/resources

Find Jenn:

Website: https://jennstrobl.com/blog/

Podcast “The Adventure Before Us”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adventure-before-us/id1534663093

Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifeofjenniferlynn?igshid=1o54h8b41yiab (@lifeofjenniferlynn)

Find the FAM:

@femaleathletemission

www.thefamblog.com

Today we're talking 3 practical ways to hear God's voice today!

Read the Bible
Get Quiet
Take Notes

Sounds simple, right? So why is it still so hard? Listen in to hear more encouragement and how-to's when it comes to these three things. Try them and see!

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEC-v1YLxbQ

Thank you Unite Health Share Ministries for sponsoring this podcast! Check them out at: www.UHSM.com

Follow us: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Email us: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Bailey Landry Domangue was an All-American softball player at Lousiana State University where her team went to the World Series three times. She then played professionally for 3 years and is now a wife, mother and owns a business called Graced Competitor where she sells Christ based athletic apparel.

Throughout her softball career, being a student athlete and everything that comes with that, Bailey has learned a thing or two about creating life balance!! Her secret ingredient: discipline. Today on the podcast Bailey tells us about her faith, her softball career, and how she was able to balance it all. I was so inspired by Bailey during this interview and her ability to choose her priorities and filter her life through that. If you are someone feeling overwhelmed with all of your roles, desires, and schedule demands, this is a great episode for you - I think you will be inspired too!

Follow Bailey: @Baileylandrydom

Find her website: www.baileylandry.com

Check out her clothing line: https://gracedcompetitor.com

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Kamila Tan is a professional beach volleyball player and the founder of Embracing Strength where she aims to 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙤𝙢 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮-𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙚. While playing beach volleyball at UCLA, Kamila developed an eating disorder that almost took her life after graduating. She is on a journey of healing and through her recovery she is empowered to help others!

On the podcast Kamila shares her story! We talk about things in our culture we hope to change and practical advice for those who may be struggling or know someone else who might be struggling.

Reach out and Follow Kamila!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamillionairee/

Website: https://www.kamilatan.com

Kamila’s Business “Embracing Strength”: https://www.instagram.com/embracing_strength/

Follow the FAM:

https://www.instagram.com/femaleathletemission/

www.thefamblog.com

Other accounts to follow on social media to encourage body positivity:

@kamiliionairee

@fueling.former.athletes

@immaeatthat

@Emilyfonnesbeck_rd

@aerie

Do you want more direct help? Reach out to Spada Strong Nutrition! 1:1 coaching or group coaching programs - whatever is best for you. Spada Strong is personalized nutrition coaching focused on helping former female athletes find food freedom and body confidence in life after sport.

www.spadastrongnutrition.com

Spada.Strong.Nutrition@gmail.com

@Fueling.Former.Athletes

Huge thanks for United Health Share Ministry for making the FAM Podcast possible!!

www.UHSM.com

Today's guest is Ashleigh Gnat, an alumni of Lousiana State University where she was a very successful gymnast. While at LSU she was an All-American, won several awards, won the NCAA floor exercise championship in 2017 and has become one of the most decorated gymnasts in LSU school history!!! After graduating she stayed at LSU as a graduate assistant to the gymnastics program, then she spent a year as an assistant to the gymnast team at Penn State University! Between the time of recording the podcast and now posting it, she has decided to return to LSU to be an assistant there.

In today’s conversation, we talk about her gymnastics career, becoming a GA (particularly when you’re young). We talked about some amazing miracles God has done in her family over the last few years regarding addiction and family dynamics, and we finish our conversation talking about how amazing strong women are. Ashleigh gets very honest and real about the strongholds that God has broken in her family (hallelujah!). Her vulnerability is truly such a gift to us all and I know that there are a few out there that are really in need of her story and encouragement. For that reason, I am so excited for you all to listen!

Find Ashleigh on social: https://www.instagram.com/ash_gnat13/ (@ash_gnat13)

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Today on the podcast we have head Biola University softball coach, Nikki Udria.

Nikki played softball at University of Oregon where she was a two time all American. She has also played on the USA softball team! And now she is about to start her third year as the head coach at Biola.

Nikki shares her testimony with us: How she really came to know and follow Jesus, how it impacted her in her relationship with her (now fiance), her career as a player, and now the way that she coaches. We talk really specifically about purity her boyfriend and why it’s important. It’s rare to be able to have a candid conversation with a head NCAA coach so this is truly a gift. She has a unique story of becoming a college coach very quickly after graduating herself. And how coaching has grown her faith more than anything.

“With your power, for your glory.”

Social media is not neutral. It IS shaping you one way or another. It IS making an impact on your soul whether you know it or not. The things that we consume are the things that shape us. With that said, if you have intentions and purpose behind your social media, then you can be more in control of the ways that it is shaping you! We can be aware of social media's role in our lives, rather than becoming blind consumers!

So today, we are talking about creating a sort of mission statement for social media. What are the reasons that you have it?

Follow us: @femaleathletemission

Email us: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

In this episode we had the opportunity to chat with Jaelene Daniels of the North Carolina Courage while she is in Utah playing in the NWSL Challenge Cup. In this conversation we dive into the reason that Jaelene, along with the rest of her team, had decided to kneel for the National Anthem before her games.

The intent behind our conversation is to bring unity in Christ and awareness of the situation. We talk race, soccer, using your athletic platform for social change, and the Image of God. May God be glorified through our conversation!

The FAM does not support or condone either decision to stand or kneel. But the FAM does support conversation, unity, and empathy. The FAM does not support the organization of Black Lives Matter. But the FAM does support the sentiment of the statement, because we believe black lives matter!!!!

Email us: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Find us online: thefamblog.com

Find us on social: @femaleathletemission

Today's guest is pro beach volleyball player, Jessica McGuire. Jessica knows what it's like to learn something new. She went from playing competitive soccer, to becoming a college rower at UCLA, and is now pursuing her beach volleyball career! She is constantly learning, growing, and evolving as an athlete as she begins a brand new sport. Jessica also had a journey with her health that at one point could have killed her, but has made her a hard working and resilient person.

Follow/Reach out to Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/relentlessjess/

Follow the FAM: https://www.instagram.com/femaleathletemission/

Email us: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Find us online: www.Thefamblog.com

Today's guest is Arizona State University gymnastics alumni, Justine Callis. Justine shares her journey of gymnastics starting when she was just 1 year old!! How did she continue to find joy in her sport after years on that grind? JESUS.

We talk about courage, perseverance, praying for wisdom, and fighting Satan off to stay full!

Francis Chan’s videos about the gospel of Mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJV3t7j2u00

Shout out Justine's Church: https://dreamcitychurch.us/

Follow/Reach out to Justine: https://www.instagram.com/justinecallis/

Follow the FAM: https://www.instagram.com/femaleathletemission/

Email us: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Katie is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN/RD) and founder of Spada Strong Nutrition where she helps former athletes ditch dieting and find total CONFIDENCE in life after sport! She is a retired synchronized swimmer where she competed at Ohio State University and dealt with her own journey with eating and food.

In today's podcast episode, we talk about nutrition for current athletes, and retired athletes, we talk about body image in a sport like synchronized swimming where it’s a central focus, and we talk about how the role that faith has played in her story!

"Do it Again" Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B_lnQIITxU

Follow Katie: https://www.instagram.com/fueling.former.athletes/

Spada Strong Nutrition: https://spadastrongnutrition.typeform.com/to/QNzV8F

Follow the FAM:

https://www.instagram.com/femaleathletemission/

www.thefamblog.com

Get an autographed copy of Tera’s book! Go to: https://www.terabradham.com and type code: FAM20 at checkout for $3.99 discount!

Tera was a swimming prodigy. By age 12, she was destined for the olympics, had an insane work ethic and determination, and looked like everything was lining up. It all came to a halt with a bizarre shoulder injury that led her down a long journey of medical questions, surgeries, prayer, and shifting dreams. In this podcast, Tera tells the story of her unconventional comeback.

You will be inspired by Tera, but you will relate so much to the pain she has endured. Tera’s story did not end with the fairytale ending we all would have hoped, and yet she lives with so much victory and purpose. She now has a passion for helping those in physical pain live in miraculous victory over adversity. It has become her ministry! Check out her podcast called “Vying for Victory” - a podcast to help Christians in chronic pain fight for their freedom and discover how they can glorify God because of their pain or limitation, not in spite of it!

Vying for Victory Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vying-for-victory-podcast/id1503052916

That Sounds Fun Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-sounds-fun-with-annie-f-downs/id944925529

Follow Tera: @terabradham

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

UCLA soccer alumni, Anika Rodriguez, walks us through her whole soccer story. After tearing her first ACL right before she started her freshman year of college, she entered into the toughest season of her life. After overcoming this, dealing with other highs and lows of being a college athlete and understanding mental health, she tore the same ACL again right before the end of her career! Find out how she overcame yet another injury, and how God is now leading her to continue her career to play professionally.

Follow Anika: @anikarodriguezz

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

www.thefamblog.com

Megan Lindsay is a pro soccer player turned sports chaplain.

Hear about her journey as a player and into sports ministry. We talk about how she was able to hear God's voice to discern what was next. We talk about transitioning from being a player to being a coach/leader. And we talk about the challenge of sports ministry. Be encouraged and inspired by Megan today!

Follow/Contact Megan: @nutmeg0909

meganlindsaysoccer.weebly.com

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

www.thefamblog.com

Today we get coached up in our mindset by Jessica Perez!

Jessica is a inspirational speaker, coach, consultant, and what she calls a solopreneur! She works for Positive Coaching Alliance and is a life coach of sorts to students, athletes, coaches, parents, and everyone else!

Mel Robins "5 Second Rule": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI2VQ-ZsNr0

Follow Jessica: @jessica_jlo_perez

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

www.thefamblog.com

Today's guest is Christina Chenault, UCLA Track and Field heptathlete! We get to hear her whole story, how she came to faith in college, how she experiences God on the track, and we even talk about life purpose.

Christina is a redshirt senior and captain on the UCLA Track and Field team. Academically, she majored in Psychology and minored in African-American studies. She officially completed her degree in Winter term 2020, with honor roll standing all four years. Athletically, she is on the Top 10 All-Time list at UCLA in the Heptathlon and Pentathlon. She placed 3rd at the 2019 Pac-12 Championships meet in the Heptathlon, earning a spot to represent the Bruins at the 2019 National Championship Meet.

In addition to her athletic accolades, she serves as a student-athlete leader and activist on campus. For example, her sophomore year she co-founded a sports media platform: Top Five Media, to share the uncovered stories of athletes and create a supportive athletic community. This pushed her to value being “more than an athlete” as she then interned with Under Armor and Nike’s marketing teams in the subsequent summers after her sophomore and junior years. To further help student-athletes prepare for their life after sports, Christina also created and became the President of UCLA’s Bruin Sports Business Association. All of her efforts were aimed at creating unity, social change, and equity through the world of sport. She hopes to leave a legacy that teaches others how they can have an impact much larger than themselves.

Follow Christina: @Christina_Chenault

Follow Top Five Media: @topfivemedia // www.topfivemedia.net

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission // www.thefamblog.com

Email us: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Today we talk with Caroline Means, formerly known as Caroline Stanley!

Caroline is a USC graduate, former professional soccer player, wife to an MLB player, and has spent time coaching at the University of Tulsa. She is currently a Pure Barre instructor and often writes and speaks!

We hear her retirement story after playing for multiple professional teams in the NWSL. We talk about identity, social media, and having confidence and peace with life decisions. Her honestly is refreshing and we pray it encourages you.

Follow Caroline: @caro.means

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Email us: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Today I talk to 5x world champion track and field athlete Jessica Beard. We talk about what it's like to be an olympic hopeful who now has to postpone her dreams to 2021. We talk about her journey through the highs and lows of her sport, injury, and even how she calms her nerves before the beginning of a race!

Follow Jessica: @reign2

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Pray with us today!

Listen for a guided prayer. To get a copy of it for your own devotional time: https://www.thefamblog.com/prayer-of-recollection

Follow us: @femaleathletemission

Annie Militzer shares her story of how God changed her plans in big ways! Whether it was about her competing in track in college, moving across the country, or getting pregnant... God has had her on an incredible journey.

Today we have an honest conversation about her journey! We talk about the good things, the hard things, and all of the emotions in between.

Email us: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Follow The FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Today we talk to Bridget Case all about her journey being a dancer/cheerleader, her battle with mental health (specifically depression), and about sports broadcasting. This episode is packed with real life stories about being an elite performance athlete and the struggles that come with it.

Suicide hotline: Call 1-800-273-8255

Bridget Case is the Creator, Producer, and Host of the "After Orange Slices" podcast and Co-Host and Executive Producer of "Turbo Talk" with Super Bowl Champion Robert Turbin. She always knew her future was in sports while growing up in a game-crazed household. Her passion for college football lives through storytelling and beyond.

Bridget got her on-air start as a sports reporter with KMIR News in Palm Springs, covering everything from high school football to the PGA Tour and BNP Paribas Open. Following a stop in the desert, Bridget implemented the new position of multimedia host and producer for Mylan World Team Tennis in San Diego. She then made the move to Sports Anchor and Multimedia Journalist in Tri-Cities, Wa at KEPR News, shooting, editing, producing, and anchoring her own sportscasts.

A graduate from the University of Oregon, Bridget excelled as a Scholar Athlete with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts and Multimedia. She then earned her Master's Degree in Communications from the Annenberg School of Journalism at the University of Southern California.

Bridget was an Oregon Cheerleader for four seasons during the Oregon football reign and Game Captain her senior year. She cheered in three BCS Bowl Games, including the Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and the BCS National Championship Game. Bridget later pursued her dream of dancing at the professional level and was an NFL Cheerleader with the San Diego Chargers.

Bridget is a passionate advocate for mental health and spreads awareness through social media. In her spare time, Bridget takes her dog Stella Luna out for trail runs and hikes. She loves being one with nature.

Follow Bridget: @afterorangeslices

Follow The FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Natalie talks about narratives, or stories, that we all believe about ourselves that could really beholding us back on and off the court/field.

You will have space to figure out a narrative you are believing about yourself, do some work on whether or not it's actually true, and finally think through how to break through the limits that narrative has put on you!

Liberty University soccer alumni and current Charlotte Eagles goal keeper coach, Tori Collar, shares her story full of adversity, pain, and God's redemption!

Between her brother's suicide and a career ending car crash, Tori has been through several seasons of seeking God, asking questions, and needing miracles. Her story is marked by pain and yet God's tremendous power and goodness.

Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Find Tori Collar on Instagram: @tcollar5

Email us: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Social Media: @femaleathletemission

Online: www.thefamblog.com

Taneka Rubin, Florida A&M alumni and professional basketball player shares her story of what God has done in her life. We talk about the waiting periods, when it feels like God is saying, "Not yet" to our hopes and dreams. We also talk about the miracles God performed in her life to get her where she is today! Be encouraged and inspired today by her story!

Taneka's prayer of favor: "Father, I thank you that the favor is on my life producing supernatural increase, promotion, restoration, honor, increased assets, greater victories, recognition, prominence, preferential treatment, petitions granted, policies and rules changed, and battles won which I do not have to fight! Favor surrounds me like a shield, in Jesus' Name!!"

Follow Taneka on social: @tanekarubin

Follow us on social: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: thefamblog.com

Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and 7 others were killed in a tragic helicopter crash on January 26th, 2020. Today on the podcast we mourn their deaths and remember Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant had a profound impact on host Natalie's life as well as female athletics as a whole. Natalie shares her three key Mamba Mentality concepts that have changed her life and we hope they encourage you too!

FAM, you are not alone. May you remember this today.

#Mambamentality

#RIPKobe #RipeGigi

Follow us on social media: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Pepperdine basketball alum, Megan House shares her story with us!

We talk about everything from coming to Christ through Catholic school, how to choose which college to go to, injury, playing basketball at Pepperdine, and finally about finding what you’re passionate about outside of your sport!

Fredrick Beuchner: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

Here is a link to the two songs we talked about in the interview:

"I Don't Wanna Go" by Chris Renzema

"All The Pour and Powerless" by All Son and Daughters

Find us online: Thefamblog.com

Follow us on social media: @femaleathletemission

Advent is the season leading up to Christmas - it's a time for preparation and arrival! Is your heart ready to receive Jesus this Christmas? For many of us, Christmas is a time for gifts, parties, lights, and CRAZY schedules. But have you taken the time to reflect on the ultimate gift of JESUS this Christmas?

Today on the podcast Natalie sits down with Annie Militzer to contemplate some of the amazing truths about what Christmas means! Join in on the conversation and get excited that the Messiah was born!

Want to read more?:

https://www.thefamblog.com/blog/2019/12/16/oh-come-let-us-adore-him-a-journey-through-advent

Is it just me... or does it seem like EVERYONE is burnt out?!

Let's TALK about it. Today I give three kinds of "Burnouts" I'm seeing and encouragements for each.

And let me just say this, as I was recording this, I realized how much more there is to say! Look out for more on the topic. And remember, I am in this with you. I have struggled with many seasons of burnout and I want us to help each other through!

MUST READ/LISTEN RESOURCES:

Read THIS BOOK: "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry"

Listen to THIS PODCAST! Bridgetown Church

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World

Do you want a healthy culture on your team? One that is built on safety. The kind of culture that says: "I have your back and you have mine." Here's our secret for you: Embrace Conflict!

Today's podcast guest, Meghan Locklair, is a leadership and culture consultant and has become a sort of conflict coach in the local sports community! She has been training local college teams how to embrace conflict and have hard conversations! In this episode, we talk all about her insight into healthy team cultures and Meghan gives us practical tools in order to step into conflict.

This is a great episode for all leaders in sport! Whether you are an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode will inspire you and equip you to take a courageous step inside of conflict.

Conflict breeds intimacy... We need to fight for connection... We must speak in such a way that honors others...

Follow Meghan: @meghanlocklair

Find Meghan's new company: @Moveinsand

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Are you living in the darkness?

Are you hiding?

Are there things in your life that you are keeping in the dark?

Today we break down WHY you should bring your stuff into the light TODAY! We give you 4 reasons that everything is better when coming out of hiding. Are you someone that already lives in the light? We also will give you 3 ways to bring others into the light!

Ephesians 5:8-14

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Follow us on social! @femaleathletemission

Visit our website: www.thefamblog.com

Tiffeny Parker is a woman of so many things!! USA Heptathlete, USA Bobseld, Lululemon ambassador, speed coach for Crossfit athletes, virtual health and corporate performance leadership consultant... (just to name a few!!)

She has a story to tell and wisdom to drop - whether it has to do with finding your WHY or how to view your body image. You will leave this episode with nuggets of truth and a desire to laugh more!

Follow Tiffeny:

Instagram: @tiffiep

https://www.tiffenyparker.net/

Email: thinkuplife@gmail.com

Follow the FAM:

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Today I sit down with one my best friends and old teammates, Jessie Thompson, to talk through the season we shared together on the bench.

How should we approach a season when we won't be getting time on the field?

Do you desire to start a bible study or small group with your team but not sure how or if it's possible?

In this episode, Natalie shares encouragements for how you can start today!

1KingRevival

Today's guest is Tessa Daniels, Florida State University softball alumni, shares her testimony from high school through college softball. We talk about how she came to know the Lord through different stages and struggles.

Then we talk about how God used her in mighty ways on her softball team, even though she wasn't the star on the field.

Did this interview bring anything up for you? Do you want to talk further? Contact Tess: trd15@my.fsu.edu

Contact the FAM: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Follow and post: #1KingRevival

Twitter: @1kingrevival

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Online: www.thefamblog.com

Sophomore at Boise State University, Kate Weis, shares her testimony of coming to Christ at 11 years old, a traumatic car accident that changed her life, and lastly about her journey with mental health.

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Coaches - this episode is for you! Christine Dickerson is a teacher, coach, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes staff member. She has coached at at the junior high, high school, and junior college levels!

After coaching and teaching at a public school for almost 10 years, Christine Dickerson reached a crossroads when her faith clashed with what her school was asking her to do. Can you relate? Listen to her story and how God has been shaping her through her coaching journey. Be encouraged!

Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Contact Christine: cdickerson@fca.org

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Today Natalie takes us into the Bible, reading the first chapter of Galatians.

Do you want to be more bold on your team? Here is one simple question to check what might be holding you back...

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Today we ask Megan two questions from listeners.

#1: How do you follow the Word of God without worrying about being perfect?

#2: To spread love, do you have to have it first?

To hear more of Megan’s story, check out Episode #45!

Follow Megan: @meganmaymiller

Follow the FAM: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Find Megan's prayer structure HERE: http://bit.ly/prayerstructure

Do you want to do the Burning Hearts Challenge?

Sign up HERE: https://burningheartsinc.com/user/sign-up/

Sierra Crook Shenkin of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volleyball alum of Adelphi University shares her story with us!

Our conversation begins with Sierra's testimony - and how she learned that she could be with God everywhere... even the volleyball court!

Then we go into a Q&A time to answer listener questions! These are the two questions we cover:

Have you ever dealt with loneliness? And struggle to feel God's presence? How did you deal with that?
How do you embrace the present?

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Our website: thefamblog.com

Maybe you are someone who has crazy lofty goals of all the things you want to accomplish this summer. Or maybe you are someone who is so exhausted from the year, all you want to do is relax and do absolutely nothing.

Today Natalie shares 5 encouragements for you as you enter into your summer season. These encouragements will help you put some intention into summer but also to help you find joy and fulfillment the next few months.

What would YOU add to this list?? DM us on instagram or email us at: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

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Our website: thefamblog.com

We're back with Erin Kunkle to talk deeper into the topics of gender and sports! Make sure to listen to PART 1 first, episode #41!

Recommended reading:

https://www.letsrun.com/news/2019/05/what-no-one-is-telling-you-about-caster-semenya-she-has-xy-chromosomes/

Want to talk more? Email: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Follow Erin on Twitter: @ErinKunkle

Follow Erin's husband: @BrettKunkle

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Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Today we sit down with Erin Kunkle of Maven ministries to talk through what it looks like to have a biblical world view on being a female.

We have had several conversations on the FAM about femininity and what that means but today we wanted to be more explicit about this question!

MAVEN exists to help the next generation know truth, pursue goodness and create beauty, and to equip those who teach and train them—parents, youth workers, pastors and educators—to do the same.

During this ten minute Tuesday episode, Natalie talks through the internal dialogue you might be having while you are working out ON YOUR OWN! What keeps you motivated? Are you intrinsically or extrinsically motivated?

This is a great episode for you NARPs out there trying to keep working hard! But it can also be helpful for anyone wanted to push themselves to the next level.

Watch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsYwE9zm10A

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Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Today we're talking about the MENTAL side of our sport! We interview Roger Kirtz (M.A. Sport Psychology) about why the mental skills are so important in being our best. This episode will inspire you to dive deeper into sport psychology and will give you practical steps to grow in this area. Roger is convinced that the biggest issue we all have is: FOCUS. How can we get better at this? Listen to find out!

We are offering a BIG GIVEAWAY at the end of this episode!! Don't miss it!

Learn more about Roger here: http://www.rogerkirtz.com

Check out his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Perform-Shine-When-Lights-Brightest/dp/069217673X/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=Roger+Kirtz&qid=1555569856&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

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Perform!: How To Shine When The Lights Are Brightest

"Be authentic. Find that time with Jesus to let him know you... and at the same time, ask him how he sees you." - Brittany Barkley

Brittany went through tearing her ACL and getting cut from her club soccer team in high school. It felt like a major setback that could've derailed her, but instead God showed her to embrace her own story. Instead of being bitter, comparing, or quitting, she decided to embrace where God had her. She then played soccer at Seattle Pacific University and as soon as she graduated college, she married her high school sweetheart, Matt Barkley!

On this episode, we talk through each phase of Brittany's life and what God taught her through it all. We talk about what it's like now to be a wife in the NFL and in the spotlight. We talk about identity. And we talk about knowing Jesus!

Find Brittany: @barkleybritt

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We talk about "identity" a lot in Christian circles. But if we know the truth about ourselves, then why are we still so insecure and fearful??? We need TOOLS to recenter ourself on our true identity... because something is clearly still going wrong!

In this Ten-Minute-Tuesday episode, Natalie gives you three steps to RECLAIMING your true identity. This episode should give you a practical exercise to do the moment you finish listening!

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@femaleathletemission

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Vanguard University soccer alumni and coach, Nikki Dunn, shares with us her journey with college soccer. She learned how much she needed to surrender control to God and TRUST His plan for her. She learned how to give her stress over to God and decided she no longer wanted to be complacent in her faith. And also... that college soccer can be HARD!

She has some awesome encouragements for you today.

Psalm 53:2 "God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God."

Follow us on social: @femaleathletemission

Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Do you ever get so nervous and anxious that it affects your performance?

Yeah, ME TOO!!!

Today we talk about THREE practical tools to combat performance anxiety.

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Website: www.thefamblog.com

Do you go to church on Sunday and then forget all about God by Monday morning?

Has your devotional time with God been distracted and... a little dead? Where it really isn't influencing your life at all?

In this 10 minute episode we break down a passage in the Bible! This is an episode about checking in with yourself and taking inventory of how you have been receiving God lately!

Follow us on social media: @femaleathletemission

Find our website: www.thefamblog.com

Podcast host Natalie Lawrence interviews her husband Trevor! We talk about our love story and how EVERYTHING changed when we individually started to follow Jesus. From high school sweet hearts, long distance dating, and now marriage!

NOTE: This is note a "success" story. Instead, we hope that you will be encouraged to hear a story of God's faithfulness! We want to share our story to shed light on how important it is to have Jesus the main thing.

Episode 10 with Bryn Chesser: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-10-can-i-date-someone-who-doesnt-follow-jesus-bryn/id1378718011?i=1000416157429&mt=2

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"It's not about what you are doing it, but about how you are doing it" - Brittany Reinbolt in reference to Colossians 3:23 Team USA Bobsledder, Brittany Reinbolt, has always been a self-starter. She decides what she wants to do and she goes after it! After moving from the East Coast to California to play women's pro football, she eventually found herself intrigued with the sport of bobsledding and began to pursue the US team! AND SHE DID IT. During this interview we talk about what it's like to bobsled and what it's like to keep Jesus at the center of her sport. This is an episode for you if you are intrigued by the sport of bobsledding and you are wanting to be more intentional about living your faith day to day. Follow Brittany's journey here: @reinbolt_USA Find us on social media: @femaleathletemission Visit our website: www.thefamblog.com "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" - Colossians 3:23

Lauren Petrilli is a retired professional dancer - ATTENTION: She was on tour with Justin Bieber!!! Lauren grew up in a conservative church that didn't understand dancing as a sport. She often felt judged, accused, and misunderstood. During this interview, Lauren walks us through her experience in the church as a dancer, how she was able to be strong in her faith amidst it all, and the ultimate decision to walk away from dance. (And what it was like to work with Justin Bieber OBVI!) This is an episode for anyone pursuing a sport in dance/cheer/song/etc, for any parent with a daughter pursuing those sports, or anyone who is struggling with feeling misunderstood by the church. Be encouraged by Lauren's journey! Follow us on social media: @femaleathletemission Check out our blog: www.thefamblog.com

Redshirt: (Noun) a college athlete who is withdrawn from college sporting events during one year in order to develop skills or heal an injury, and extend the period of playing eligibility by a further year at this level of competition. Many college athletes redshirt. And it is not an easy process. University of the Pacific soccer player, Melissa Ma, has a crazy redshirt story. Listen to her whole story and be encouraged and inspired! Follow us on social media: @femaleathletemission Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

In high school and college it's easy to feel lost... "Who am I? Who am I supposed to be?" Today's guest, Kristin Stockfisch, is passionate about helping young women find who they are. She is an Arizona State volleyball alum and used to be on staff with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Whether it is from her own journey of self awareness, or working with other female athletes, she has so much wisdom. Listen for practical tools to find out who you are and who God has created you to be. The Enneagram: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ A great social media account: @enneagramandcoffee A great enneagram podcast: Typology (with Ian Cron) Follow us on social! @femaleathletemission Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

This season can be a great time for goal setting! It's a great time to look forward and dream about what the future can look like. However, it can also be a time of disappointment. It can be a season where you look back and see how many goals you set LAST year and never completed, or things you have longed for and prayed for last year but haven't come to fruition. I am someone who has prayed for the same things for years. God, WHY HAVEN'T YOU ANSWERED? If this resonates with you about anything, I have THREE encouragements for you. Listen to hear 3 encouragements when you feel like your prayers are not being answered. Follow us on social media! @femaleathletemission Find us online: www.thefamblog.com

Maybe you are thinking "I hate my body" and you want to change. We have a solution for you!! Don't change your body, change your mind. Today's guest, Julia Patton has been through the cycle many times but eventually realized that it wasn't her body that was "wrong," but rather the way she was thinking. We hope this conversation sparks something in you. And remember, if you want to get your body bikini ready, all you have to do is go buy a bikini and out your body in it. Connect with Julia: @juliaapatton Or Julia's podcast: @actually_listen Here is a list of some resources to help you in your body image journey: 1. This website/blogger has changed my life! : http://immaeatthat.com/ Find her on social media too @immeatthat 2. Food Psych podcast with Christy Harrison: http://foodpsych.libsyn.com/rss 3. Follow THESE people on instagram: @aerie @Jennakutcher @darling @outdoorvoices Because if you are human, you have cellulite and stretch marks. Follow US on social: @femaleathletemission or our website: www.thefamblog.com/subscribe

NARP = Non athlete regular person. Amy Lawrence is a Master rower. When her youngest son was 10 years old she decided to get back into the sport she loved in college: she joined a competitive women's rowing team! You are going to be so inspired by Amy and the group of women she rows with. It's never too late to pursue your sport. We joke about becoming a NARP here on the FAM and it feels like a death sentence! But Amy proves us all wrong and shows how you can be an athlete for the rest of your life. ALSO, Amy is my mother-in-law!! I remember being inspired by her when I was in high school, dating her son, and now I get to call this amazing woman my mom. I can't wait for you to meet her on this episode. Follow the FAM on social: @femaleathletemission Or on our website: www.thefamblog.com/subscribe

Natalie played soccer at Libscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Today on the podcast she shares why she chose a Christian college and how much God taught her through her college career. What Enneagram number are you?: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions/ Find us on Instagram and Facebook: @femaleathletemission Check out more content on our website: www.thefamblog.com

This is a story about college soccer, the need to be the best, and concussions. But ultimately, this is a story about how nothing can satisfy our hearts the way that Jesus can!! KJ played college soccer at Houghton College and then transferred to play at Westmont College where she finished her career. Now she works for Circuit Riders (@crmovement) and is on a mission to reach this upcoming generation for Jesus Christ! Follow KJ: @kaaaaaaaaaage

Southern California native, Sierra Christopher, went across the country to Illinois to play soccer at Trinity Christian College. After recently graduating, she is reflecting on how hard it was too go so far from home for school, and then to transition back when your sport ends! We talk about all details and practical encouragements for anyone going through that same transition. You are not alone! Read Sierra's article about leadership here: https://www.thefamblog.com/blog/2018/7/30/learning-to-lead-with-love Read Sierra's article about moving home after college here: https://somewordsaboutlife.wordpress.com/normal/?fbclid=IwAR2vrsiEq1HLu33qJKQ_7FhRvkCYtAqeYoj73M3daUC9EroCh3HI1VGC5tM Follow us on instagram and facebook! @femaleathletemission Read more articles here: www.thefamblog.com/blog

Point Loma alum, Michelle Eastman, has spent the last few years as a missionary bible teacher. She is wise, passionate, and hilarious. Whether you regularly read the Bible or you have never even opened one, this episode will inspire you and enlighten you. What is the bible all about? How should we read it? Why should we read it? Let's answer these questions today! We also get to hear Michelle's inspiring story of how she ended up at Point Loma. Wanna talk more? Have questions? Email us: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com Or email Michelle directly at: michelle.eastman22@gmail.com The Bible Project – Check out these videos to get great commentary of each book of the bible before you begin to read! There are also several other topical videos to watch that are AWESOME. Link to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jointhebibleproject Link to the Bible Project APP: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-scripture/id1067865974?mt=8 Bible reading plan to get a New and Old Testament reading each day as well as Psalm and Proverb: http://static.esvmedia.org/assets/pdfs/rp.every.day.in.the.word.pdf Here’s a great starter for a study bible: https://www.amazon.com/NIV-Study-Bible-Hardcover-Letter/dp/0310438926/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1541696393&sr=1-5&keywords=niv+study+bible Read the book: Redeeming Love - by Francine Rivers! A historical fiction take on the Old Testament book of Hosea. Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Love-Francine-Rivers/dp/1590525132/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541716989&sr=8-1&keywords=redeeming+love Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! @femaleathletemission Check out our website: www.thefamblog.com

NIV Study Bible, Hardcover, Red Letter Edition

Redeeming Love: A Novel

University of North Carolina at Greensboro alumni, Kayla Perry, was faced with the really hard reality of too many concussions. Listen to her whole story and how God ultimately found her through all of it.

UNC Greensboro soccer alum - Kayla Perry, reflects on her high school days when she suffered from performance anxiety. Her dad was that intense soccer dad who wanted the BEST for her, and yet as pressure got too big to impress him, she began to crumble. Can you relate? Maybe it's a parent, a coach, or even yourself, but when you get so anxious to perform well, it can often cripple your game. Here Kayla will tell us her story and encourage us in specific ways. Tune in NEXT episode to hear the rest of Kayla's story!! About her testimony finding Jesus and concussions on concussions...

Becky Tirabassi - Pastor/speaker/writer - shares her testimony and challenges us all to live a life of PRAYER, PURITY, and PURPOSE. Do you want to do the Burning Hearts Challenge??? Fill out your info HERE and you will get the PDF of the book AND a few helpful guides: https://www.thefamblog.com/the-burning-hearts-challenge Find out MORE here: https://burningheartsinc.com Or email Natalie: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Here are three actions to take when you find out that you are not starting or not getting the playing time you think you deserve. Follow us! www.thefamblog.com/subscribe IG: @femaleathletemission Facebook: @femaleathletemission Email us: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

The FAM host Natalie Lawrence talks with college friend mcKensey Wise about being college athletes! Leadership, authenticity, body image, and faith amidst it all. Follow us! www.thefamblog.com @femaleathletemission

UCSB Track and Field Alumni, Mariah Frerichs shares with us 8 encouragements for YOU, after she endured family deaths, big transition, and a career ending injury. Here's a list of resources that Mariah is sharing with you: https://www.thefamblog.com/mariahs-resource-list Follow us at: www.thefamblog.com Instagram: @femaleathletemission Facebook: @femaleathletemission

What is femininity? Can you be feminine and still be a strong athlete? Does being competitive or sporty make you less feminine? Then why is, "you throw like a girl" used as an insult? University of Pacific soccer alumni, Hannah Terry and host Natalie Lawrence discuss these questions! Listen in as Hannah and Natalie talk through their own experiences and thoughts as female athletes. Acknowledging that men and women are different, how do we navigate these challenges? We're trying something new... This episode is a discussion format. We hope that this will spark conversations in your individual communities. Let us know your thoughts! Follow Hannah! IG: @hannahlterry Follow the FAM: IG: @femaleathletemission www.thefamblog.com

Here are Natalie's 6 non-negotiable qualities that a captain of a team MUST have! Follow us at: www.thefamblog.com Instagram: @femaleathletemission Facebook: @thefamblog

Hope Bender is a senior on the track team at UC Santa Barbara. She competes in the heptathlon, which is a combination of seven events over two days! In this episode, Hope shares with us the mental and emotional strength it takes to compete in such an intense sport. We also talk about her sophomore slump and how it almost destroyed her and her faith. But instead, she was able to grow stronger through it. Follow Hope! IG: @hopebender Follow the FAM! www.thefamblog.com IG: @femaleathletemission FB: @thefamblog

Current clinical psychology doctorate student, Kaitlin Patton, unpacks the mental health of an athlete. This episode is focusing on the "depressed athlete", which is part TWO of this two week series. Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Suicide Text: Crisistextline.org Parent Resource: sptsusa.org "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" - Revelation 21:4 Contact Kaitlin via Instagram!: @katpatt Follow the FAM: www.thefamblog.com IG: @femaleathletemission Email: Thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Current clinical psychology doctorate student, Kaitlin Patton, unpacks the mental health of an athlete. This episode is focusing on the "anxious athlete", which is part ONE of a two week series. Contact Kaitlin via Instagram!: @katpatt Follow the FAM: www.thefamblog.com IG: @femaleathletemission Here are links to the tools we discuss in the interview: Melting: https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/progressive-muscle-relaxation-pmr/ Apps to help: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/top-meditation-iphone-android-apps Breathing Exercise: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uz2255 Tools for falling asleep: http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations

Vanguard University soccer player, Bryn Chesser shares her journey of growing up a Christian, going to a Christian college, and then dating a non-Christian dude. How did it work in her life? Did it influence her faith? How did she feel about it then and how does she feel about it now? Bryn also talks briefly about forgiveness. No matter what your story is and where you are coming from, there is forgiveness. God is a forgiving God - that is why he died on the cross! And he can give you the strength, courage, and compassion to forgive yourself. 2 Corinthians 6:14 "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" **We also mention drugs and self-harming. So be aware of some graphic content. Follow us on instagram: @femaleathletemission Online: www.thefamblog.com Email us at: thefemaleathletemission@gmail.com

Ep. 9 - Finding My Faith Playing Tennis at UCLA - w/ Keri Phebus Olson by The FAM

Be anxious for nothing, be thankful for everything. Compete for an audience of one. Follow JaNay here: Instagram: @janayhonest Twitter: @janayhonest Youtube: JaNAy Honest - youtu.be/5kGfoWfiTL8 Follow the FAM: instagram: @femaleathletemission www.thefamblog.com

Natalie Lawrence talks about three ways God is challenging her to step up as a leader. This episode will inspire you to do the same! Books referenced (links to buy at bottom) 1. "Girl, Wash Your Face" by Rachel Hollis 2. "Spiritual Leadership" by Oswald Sanders Don't forget to follow us: Instagram: @femaleathletemission Website: www.thefamblog.com "Spiritual Leadership": https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Leadership-Principles-Excellence-Believer/dp/0802416705/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528954299&sr=8-1&keywords=spiritual+leadership+by+j.+oswald+sanders "Girl Wash Your Face": https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Wash-Your-Face-Believing/dp/1400201659/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1528954417&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=girl+wash+your+face

Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be

Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence For Every Believer (Sanders Spiritual Growth Series)