Mind Over Medal

Ava Cooper
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Self-Improvement

Podcast created by Miss South Carolina Volunteer 2026, Ava Cooper, in hopes of spreading awareness on mental health in athletics. avacooper255.substack.com

  1. Jun 9

    Episode 28- Olivia Bagg

    International student from England who double majored at wofford college in psychology and international affairs. Whilst at wofford, she competed on the track and field team earning 4 individual SOCON championship titles in the multi events and one relay title in a 4x100m as a sophomore. She just graduated in May and will be attending the university of bath in England to study a masters of clinical psychology with the intention of working closely with people experiencing mental health criseses This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avacooper255.substack.com

    Episode 28- Olivia Bagg

  2. Jun 1

    Episode 27- Taylor Jennings-Ward

    Taylor is a rising junior at Wofford College majoring in psychology with a minor in education. Her accomplishments include her southern conference awards from indoor and outdoor for the 400 meter with pr’s and winning gold. She has also broken several meet records for both indoor and outdoor throughout her time at wofford! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avacooper255.substack.com

    Episode 27- Taylor Jennings-Ward

  3. May 26

    Episode 26- Rachel Tolbert

    Rachel Tolbert is an honors student-athlete and Bioengineering major at North Carolina A&T where she competes in track and field while balancing her academic goals and passion for science and innovation. Outside of school and athletics, she enjoys watching movies and anime, spending time in nature, and staying active. She’s driven, hardworking, and always looking for opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avacooper255.substack.com

    Episode 26- Rachel Tolbert

  4. May 19

    Episode 25- Lily Pellegrino

    Today’s episode is with Lily Pellegrino, Miss Palmetto Teen All American! Lily is competing for the title of Miss Teen All American this July and in this episode she speaks about all things sports and pageantry! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avacooper255.substack.com

    Episode 25- Lily Pellegrino

  5. May 12

    Episode 24- Olivia Burroughs

    Olivia burroughs is a sophomore at Wofford College double majoring in government and environmental studies. Olivia is a member of Wofford’s Division 1 Track and Field team where she competes in the pole vault and discus. She holds both the Indoor and Outdoor Pole Vault School Records while also placing 2nd at the 2026 Indoor Southern Conference Championship and 3rd at the 2026 Outdoor Southern Conference Championship. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avacooper255.substack.com

    Episode 24- Olivia Burroughs

  6. May 5

    Episode 23- Mattie Porter

    Mattie Porter is the reigning Miss South Carolina Teen Volunteer 2026 and a rising sophomore at Clemson University, where she’s pursuing a degree in Women’s Leadership and Marketing. On campus, she’s a proud member of the Clemson University Tiger Dancers, and off campus, she works as an assistant at Brass Bee Salon in Greenville. Driven by her mother’s life-saving kidney transplant journey, Mattie leads her S.E.R.V.E. Initiative, Legacy Lives On, raising awareness for organ donation across South Carolina. She’s also a member of the St. Jude Leadership Society and serves as an ambassador for The Salvation Army. With a heart for service and a passion for making an impact, Mattie is using her platform to inspire others and create meaningful change. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avacooper255.substack.com

    Episode 23- Mattie Porter

  7. Apr 28

    Episode 22- Berkley Bryant

    Berkley Bryant of Anderson represented South Carolina on the national stage and was crowned Miss Volunteer America 2025 in Jackson, Tennessee. As the National Winner, she assumed the role as a National Ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and National Spokesperson for The Salvation Army where she traveled 70,000 miles during her year of service. She is a 25-year-old honor graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a minor in Biological Sciences where she was a Clemson University Tiger Dancer and awarded Clemson University Miss Homecoming 2022 which was voted on by the student body. She has worked as a model for Sherri Hill, Jonathan Kayne, and other companies across the country. She is currently a Specialty Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, and she resides in Franklin, Tennessee. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avacooper255.substack.com

    Episode 22- Berkley Bryant

  8. Apr 20

    Episode 21- Lily Roberts

    Lily Roberts, the 2026 Miss Texas Teen Volunteer, is a senior at The Hockaday School who is deeply passionate about service and community involvement. She is dedicated to spreading her love for volunteering and inspiring others to make a difference through even the smallest acts of kindness. As the founder of the nonprofit organization “Stronger Together,” Lily strives to encourage individuals to reach their fullest potential while giving back. Her leadership and service have earned her numerous honors, including the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the Gold Level, recognition from the Dallas Police Department for raising $20,000 through a lemonade stand, and multiple Girl Scout awards. In addition to her service work, she is an accomplished student leader, athlete, and podcast host, actively involved in organizations such as the National Charity League, student council, varsity track, and cheerleading. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avacooper255.substack.com

    Episode 21- Lily Roberts
See All (28)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Podcast created by Miss South Carolina Volunteer 2026, Ava Cooper, in hopes of spreading awareness on mental health in athletics. avacooper255.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Ava Cooper
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ava Cooper
  • Show Website
    Mind Over Medal