What The Hell Do I Do Now?

What The Hell Do I Do Now?

por Genevieve Henderson

51. Kooba | Trust the Process and Be Present Where You Are

Kooba Pardo, formerly known as Kooba Richard, is a former collegiate soccer player turned influencer and creative. She played soccer at Belmont Abbey College, where she made significant contributions to her team as a midfielder. She later pursued a master’s degree in Education at The Citadel, where she continued her soccer career. Kooba now channels her creativity through lifestyle and fashion content, documenting her daily life via social media platforms. Her content blends her passion for design, her love for travel, and her commitment to family. Additionally, she serves as the Director of Marketing and Development at Saint Michael Catholic School, where she uses her Catholic faith to inspire and connect with the community

50. Nancy | Continuing to Develop Your Passion

Nancy Creel is a dedicated dog trainer, outdoor enthusiast, and former collegiate athlete with a lifelong passion for animals and nature. A cross-country runner during her time at Bowling Green State University, Nancy's love for the outdoors has remained central to her life. As a mother of two, Nancy seamlessly blends her nurturing spirit with her expertise as a dog whisperer, specializing in herding and agility classes dogs (and their owners) . Her approach emphasizes trust, communication, and mutual respect, making her a sought-after trainer for both working and companion dogs. When she's not training dogs or spending time with her family, Nancy enjoys exploring the great outdoors, whether hiking, running, or observing the natural world alongside her loyal four-legged companions.

49. Hannah | Existing in Unknowns

Hannah Singer is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who supports individuals facing eating disorders, body image issues, and mental health challenges. A former collegiate diver at Northwestern University, Hannah combines her athletic background with her expertise in mental health to offer a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, mental wellness, and recovery. As an advocate with Morgan's Message, she helps amplify mental health resources for athletes, bringing awareness to the struggles many face. Working with E&S Therapy Group, she offers individualized care to empower clients on their journeys toward resilience and self-compassion.

48. Kelly | Not Taking Anything For Granted

Kelly Siewers Paone, studied and played soccer for Elon University. Her career is shaped by resilience, adaptability, and growth. Facing the challenges of injuries, Kelly developed a deep sense of perseverance that guided her both on and off the field. Following her choice to medically retire, Kelly transitioned from player to coach. She embraced new leadership responsibilities, fostering teamwork and mentorship skills that would become foundational in her life beyond athletics. Stepping back from her player identity after college, Kelly began to explore new passions and pursuits, creating a well-rounded life enriched by both her athletic background and her evolving personal interests.

47. Marie | Leaving Volleyball on My Terms

Marie Zimmerman is a former NCAA Division I volleyball player who began her athletic and academic journey at Sacred Heart University before transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder. Now a corporate attorney based in Denver, she brings the same dedication and competitive edge from her sports career to her legal practice. As an attorney at Buchalter, Marie focuses on corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and private equity. She advises clients across sectors like technology, data security, and financial services, helping them navigate complex growth and regulatory challenges. Recognized as a 2024 Rising Star by Super Lawyers, Marie shares her path from collegiate athletics to law, offering insights on building a rewarding career after sports.

46. P.J. | Reshaping your Perspective

P.J. Rosowski is a former University of Wisconsin football player, where he contributed as a punter. After his athletic career, PJ transitioned into engineering, earning professional certifications as a P.E. (Professional Engineer) and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management). He has since built a career in engineering and project management, bringing a disciplined, team-oriented mindset from the field into his work. P.J. shares his experiences navigating the shift from sports to a professional career and the feeling of isolation that came along with this shift.

45. Julia | Trusting Myself Without Anything Else Defining Me

Julia Dorsey began her athletic journey as a competitive volleyball player, playing at Sierra College and then Metropolitan State University of Denver. Now, she channels her passion for sports into coaching fitness classes where she inspires others on their fitness journeys. Outside the gym, Julia is an avid trail runner and outdoor enthusiast, finding joy in nature and the meaningful connections she builds along the way. Deeply committed to fostering community, meeting new people, and empowering others, Julia shares in this episode how her athletic experiences have shaped her path from player to coach and helped her build a fulfilling life beyond competitive sports.

44. Bailey | Everything Will Work Itself Out

Bailey Ness is a former collegiate athlete who competed in cross country and track and field at both the University of Minnesota and Colorado State University. Bailey stayed busy after college where she founded Nesscessity Creative, a company that specializes in creative marketing and branding services, helping businesses and individuals craft authentic and impactful brand stories. Her passion for running continued after college, and she co-founded Cool Down Running, a platform that connects and empowers people through community events and a distinctive clothing line designed for runners. Bailey shares her journey of transitioning from competitive athletics to entrepreneurship, where she discusses the challenges and opportunities of life after sports, offering inspiration to others going through similar transitions.

43. Alex | Everything Happens for a Reason

Alex Wilson, a former NCAA gymnast, spent years training with the singular goal of excelling in competitive sports. She made her way to Arizona State University. But when her gymnastics career came to an unexpected end, she found herself at a crossroads, questioning what to do next after dedicating her entire life to one path. In this episode, Alex shares her journey of navigating life beyond gymnastics and opening up about the challenges of redefining her identity and purpose when things didn’t go as planned. Now a successful fitness coach, she reflects on the mental hurdles she overcame, the resilience she built, and how she found a new sense of fulfillment outside of her original expectations. Her story highlights the universal struggle of adapting to life’s unexpected changes and finding your way when the future looks different from what you had planned.

42. Celeste | Figuring Out My Next Chapter

Celeste Utley grew up in California, where her passion for athletics and fitness took root. She went on to compete in shot put and discus for the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos' Track and Field team, gaining valuable experience and discipline. After college, Celeste transitioned into the fitness industry, where she now works at Traverse Fitness. Currently living in Denver, CO, she is also pursuing her MBA, blending her academic goals with her commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles. This week, Celeste joins the podcast to share her journey of balancing career transitions, athletic pursuits, and academic goals, offering insight into how she navigates these challenges.

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