2021 Run for the Soul

I competed in the 2004 Olympic Games and started my freshman year at Stanford University two weeks later. My intention was to compete for Stanford while training with the USA Synchro National Team to return to the Olympics in 2008. During my first summer back with the National Team in 2005, I experienced an injury which required surgery and therefore forced me to retire from competing at the International level. Fortunately, I was able to continue competing for Stanford at the Collegiate level until I graduated and retired from the sport as an athlete in 2008.

Many athletes work tirelessly for many years only to have their sporting career cut short. This could be a result of injury, financial burden, or their not being selected. These athletes face challenges such as loss of identity, loss of purpose, financial hardship, no career prospect, loss of social network, etc. Our goal with Athletes Soul is to support these athletes and make their transition to the next chapter easier.

Athletes Soul is a non-profit organization that supports athletes as they transition away from sport and raises awareness about the challenges of athletic retirement. Its services include educational resources and events, individual transition and career coaching, and networking opportunities to support athletes before, during, and after their sporting career. You can find more information about Athletes Soul at www.athletessoul.org

Run for the Soul is an annual virtual athletic fundraiser. For one week, Athletes Soul and its supporters raise funds to support retiring athletes. 100% of the funds raised help provide individual transition coaching to retiring athletes and recently retired athletes for up to six months. During this time, the athlete works one on one with a professional coach who is also a former athlete. The athlete receives twelve coaching sessions, weekly assignments, and communication from the coach. In addition, the athlete has access to all Athletes Soul resources and its community of former athletes.

My goal is to raise $500 for a partial scholarship. 100% of the proceeds go toward this program. Last year we raised enough money to support three athletes for six month and are hoping to do better this year!

For more information about this event, you can visit our website at www.athletessoul.org/run-for-the-soul