Power Forward Mindset

Jackie Reyneke

0.0 (0)
Mental Health
Biweekly

Power Forward Mindset with Jackie Reyneke brings short, actionable conversations for student-athletes, parents, and coaches. Learn practical tools to build confidence, manage pressure, grow resilience, and develop the mindset skills that help student-athletes thrive in sports and life.

Oct 16

Beyond the Game: Finding Your Passions Through Curiosity with Issa Mudashiru | Episode 15

What happens when the path you planned for yourself starts to change? In Episode 15, Power Forward Founder and Mindset Coach Jackie Reyneke chats with Issa Mudashiru, former Princeton University soccer co-captain and Schwarzman Scholar, to discuss finding your passion, navigating setbacks, and discovering who you are beyond sports.Issa shares his journey from aspiring professional soccer player to exploring new passions in global health, China, and Africa. Through injuries, uncertainty, and mentorship, he learned the importance of staying curious, trusting the process, and embracing the unexpected.In this episode: Finding your passion through curiosityNavigating injuries and changing expectationsManaging pressure as a student-athleteBuilding an identity beyond sportsThe importance of mentors and communityAdvice for student-athletes navigating recruiting and their futureAbout Power Forward Mindset: Hosted by Jackie Reyneke, Princeton alum, former Ivy League basketball champion, and mindset coach, the Power Forward Podcast helps student-athletes, parents, and coaches build confidence, manage pressure, and focus on progress over perfection.🌐 Learn more: https://powerforward.coachMental Health & Well-Being Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, mental health treatment, or counseling. Episodes may explore sensitive topics, including pressure, grief, mental health, and suicide. Take what resonates, move at your own pace, and seek support from a qualified professional or someone you trust when needed.Need support? 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for mental health and substance use support and referrals.You don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.#StudentAthlete #Mindset #PersonalGrowth
Sep 30

You Don’t Have to Pick One: How Sarah Lessig Built an Identity Beyond Sports | Episode 14

What if you don’t have to choose between all the things you love? In this episode of the Power Forward Podcast, Jackie Reyneke talks with Sarah Lessig, a Princeton student-athlete whose journey has taken her from playing baseball on boys’ teams to Division I basketball and softball, competitive skateboarding, and Team USA Women’s Baseball. Sarah shares what it has meant to build an identity that goes beyond being an athlete, including the challenges of transitioning to college, navigating a difficult freshman year, managing the demands of being a two-sport college athlete, and finding confidence through curiosity and self-expression. They also talk about the value of playing multiple sports, avoiding burnout, finding hobbies outside of athletics, building a strong support system, and staying true to yourself when there isn’t a clear blueprint for your path. Sarah’s advice to her younger self? Find what you love, stick to it, and don’t let anyone discourage you from pursuing all the things you love. There may be a path that includes all of them. A conversation about confidence, identity, pressure, resilience, and what it means to become more than the role you play. In this episode: Building an identity beyond your sportSarah’s unconventional path to PrincetonPlaying baseball on boys’ teamsBecoming a Division I basketball and softball athleteRepresenting Team USA in Women’s BaseballThe transition from high school to college athleticsGetting through a difficult freshman yearConfidence, self-discovery, and curiosityWhy multiple sports can help prevent burnoutFinding grounding through music, skateboarding, and other interestsThe importance of friends, family, teammates, and communityAdvice for young athletes who feel pressure to choose one path
Jul 1

Jesse Ogren | Leading by Example | Episode 13

Jesse (McDonough) Ogren is the oldest of five girls, and that role has shaped so much of who she is: the way she shows up, the way she leads, and how people naturally turn to her for guidance. She grew up on the Jersey Shore and went on to play soccer at Princeton University, where she became a two-time captain and Ivy League champion. She played professionally in France and earned a master's in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, with a concentration in sport psychology and rehabilitation science. After playing professionally for four years, an ACL injury forced her to step away from the game and move back to the States.Now, she's a Director of Mentoring at Command Education, where she helps guide students through one of the most high-pressure times in their lives - supporting them in building confidence and clarity as they apply to colleges.Chapters00:00 - Welcome and episode overview00:22 - Introduction to Jesse Ogren's background and achievements01:22 - Jesse’s early journey in soccer and the evolutionary path through Princeton and France02:56 - Reflecting on the unplanned nature of Jesse’s career and open doors04:08 - The significance of unexpected opportunities and seizing them05:09 - Jesse’s experience with her sister Sam’s Princeton soccer journey06:18 - How small moments can lead to big opportunities in sports07:40 - The mindset of recognizing opportunities and remaining adaptable08:25 - Growing up as the oldest of five and family influences on leadership09:22 - Shifting leadership roles as Jesse’s family grew older10:22 - Supporting and cheering for her siblings and parents' approach to parenting11:26 - Transitioning leadership style as Jesse’s role within her family evolved12:16 - How Jesse’s leadership on her soccer team mirrored her family role13:11 - The challenges and growth in her role as team captain at Princeton14:20 - Playing supportive roles versus outspoken leadership in sports15:43 - The experience of playing multiple positions and learning to lead by example16:39 - Recognizing different leadership styles within team dynamics17:21 - Transition from collegiate sport to professional soccer abroad17:51 - The cultural and emotional adjustments of moving to France19:17 - Building camaraderie in a foreign country and the lifelong lessons learned21:01 - Chasing a high-level goal and the profound impact of tearing her ACL21:54 - The emotional and physical toll of injury and recovery process24:00 - The mindset and resilience needed after injury setbacks25:43 - Finding peace and meaning in setbacks, trusting life’s timing27:14 - The value of leaning on support and rethinking identity beyond sport28:49 - Mentorship for student-athletes navigating pressure and self-discovery29:20 - Practical advice for relieving college recruitment pressure30:35 - Importance of loving the school as much as the sport when choosing colleges31:50 - The significance of long-term happiness over short-term achievements32:22 - One piece of advice Jesse wishes she had at 17 about self-confidence33:13 - Overcoming social pressures and focusing inward during formative years34:46 - Supporting young athletes’ emotional and mental health through coaching35:04 - Building self-belief and internal validation in young people36:14 - Trusting life’s journey and embracing change in career and personal growth37:02 - Reflecting on life lessons and advice for future generations38:08 - The importance of opening up and leaning on others for support39:17 - Connecting with Jesse: social media and professional outreach39:39 - Final reflections and gratitude for sharing this journeyResources & Links:Connect with Jesse:InstagramLinkedIn
Jun 16

Tom George | Two-Time Olympic Medalist Mindset | Episode 12

Tom George is a two-time Olympic medalist and the Great Britain record holder for the fastest-ever two kilometer erg time of 5:39. He won bronze at Tokyo and silver at Paris in the men's pair alongside Ollie Wynne-Griffith, studied politics at Princeton, completed a master's at Cambridge, and is now navigating life after elite sport. Tom shares insights on mindset, teamwork, and resilience from his athletic career, offering valuable lessons for personal growth and high performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tom George and His Journey 02:25 Childhood Sports Experience in Great Britain 05:05 Transitioning to Rowing and Specialization Decisions 07:37 The Pressure of Specialization in Youth Sports 10:10 Parental Influence and Support in Sports 12:59 Building Trust with a Rowing Partner 16:01 Mental Strategies and Sports Psychology 18:24 Reflections on the Paris Race and Moving Forward 21:28 Dealing with Hard Days in Training 23:46 Life After Elite Sports and Future Plans
May 28

Cara Stawicki | Walk-On to World Champion | Episode 11

Cara Stawicki is a World Champion rower, High-Performance and Leadership Coach, and visionary dedicated to helping unlock the freedom to dream big and perform.She started later than most as a Lehigh University walk-on and battled self-doubt, injuries, and disappointments. Some might have given up, but Cara made a plan that led her to the podium. She now coaches that mentality through her practice Be Brave High Performance. Her calm, thoughtful approach helps athletes and leaders break through mental barriers and build resilience and confidence.Key Topics: Cara's journey from college walk-on to world championThe importance of team and mental resilienceOvercoming injuries and setbacks in sportsTransition from athlete to coach and mentorChapters00:00 Introduction to Cara Stawicki and her journey 01:05 Cara's decision to try rowing and her early experiences 01:31 The appeal of team sports and her love for rowing 05:59 College experience and walking on at Lehigh 07:57 Applying to college and choosing Lehigh 09:32 Freshman year at Lehigh and team dynamics 10:55 Recruiting process for Princeton and college transition 12:17 Challenges of transitioning to college athletics 13:57 Dreams of the Olympics and post-collegiate rowing 14:51 Injuries and setbacks in her rowing career 16:43 Reflections on her long athletic career and evolving values 26:52 Transition to coaching and her focus on mental performance 30:45 Advice to her younger self and closing thoughtsFollow Cara:Website Instagram LinkedIn Book a Discovery Call
May 12

Olivia Papakyrikos | Chronic Injury to Clinical Care | Episode 10

Olivia Papakyrikos is a licensed therapist and sport psychology consultant based in Boston. Through her practice Papakyrikos Therapy and Performance, Olivia works with competitive athletes, college students, and high-performing individuals navigating pressure, expectations, and the mental load that comes with showing up at a high level every single day. She has collaborated with athletic teams and departments at schools like Northeastern, UMass Amherst, Tufts, Middlebury, and Harvard, providing integrated psychotherapy and performance psychology services to student-athletes. Olivia believes performance and mental health are not competing priorities; they're deeply connected.Olivia shares her journey through sports, mental health, and coaching, highlighting the importance of mental skills, managing pressure, and redefining achievement.Chapters00:00 The Pressure to Perform05:00 Navigating Competition and Comparison09:38 Mental Skills and Performance Anxiety17:24 The Journey Through Injury and Recovery20:55 Coaching Dynamics and Mental Health28:52 The Role of Parents in Sports32:01 Seeking Support and ResourcesFollow Olivia:IG: / oliviapapakyrikos This podcast is designed to support growth, build confidence, and spark honest conversations, but it is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. We discuss topics like pressure, performance, grief, mental health, and suicide, which may feel personal or sensitive at times. Please take what resonates, move at your own pace, and seek support from a qualified professional or someone you trust if you need it. Immediate mental health support is available 24/7, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call/text 988) and SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP).
Apr 28

Jess Deutsch | Navigating Grief and Vulnerability | Episode 09

Jess Deutsch is a Licensed Social Worker who advises and mentors high school and college students, athletes, and young professionals. She also consults with nonprofits in higher education, social impact, high performance athletics and well-being. She's passionate about helping others attain big goals with health and perspective—and has done so both at her alma mater, Princeton University, and in private practice. With elite athletes, pre-med students, or high achievers in general, she helps young people discover their own motivations and define success on their own terms. Jess recently lost her father, two years after losing her younger brother, and rather than shy away from these huge losses, she wanted to show up and talk about them. We'll also talk about the grief that often goes unspoken—a career-ending injury, stepping away from a sport, or closing a chapter you didn't choose to close.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Grief and Loss02:10 Personal Stories of Grief05:23 The Impact of Loss on Identity07:57 Navigating Grief and Vulnerability12:08 Understanding Grief in Sports17:00 The Unspoken Grief of Athletes20:40 Finding Support and Connection23:11 Looking Forward and Moving On Follow Jess IG LinkedIn Substack References: All There Is with Anderson Cooper The Daily Buddhist This podcast is designed to support growth, build confidence, and spark honest conversations, but it is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. We discuss topics like pressure, performance, grief, mental health, and suicide, which may feel personal or sensitive at times. Please take what resonates, move at your own pace, and seek support from a qualified professional or someone you trust if you need it. Immediate mental health support is available 24/7, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call/text 988) and SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP).
Apr 14

Bella Alarie | Standing Tall | Episode 08

Bella Alarie is the 2017 Ivy League Rookie of the Year, a three-time Player of the Year, an All-American, and the fifth overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft. Bella competed at the highest levels of the game - at Princeton, with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA, in the EuroLeague, and for Team USA. After her playing career, she coached at Georgetown while earning a master's degree in sports industry management. Now she's using her experience to help build The IX Sports, a women's sports media platform. Follow Bella! @bella_alarie Follow The IX Sports: @theixsports This podcast is designed to support growth, build confidence, and spark honest conversations, but it is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. We discuss topics like pressure, performance, and mental health, which may feel personal or sensitive at times. Please take what resonates, move at your own pace, and seek support from a qualified professional or someone you trust if you need it.

Power Forward Mindset with Jackie Reyneke brings short, actionable conversations for student-athletes, parents, and coaches. Learn practical tools to build confidence, manage pressure, grow resilience, and develop the mindset skills that help student-athletes thrive in sports and life.

Creator

Jackie Reyneke
Years Active

2026
Episodes

14
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Jackie Reyneke
Show Website

Power Forward Mindset