Episode 573: Sophie Bukovec – Olympian, World Champion, The Northern Elite Volleyball Academy Founder (Beyond Running Episode 4)

In this exciting episode, we dive into the world of beach volleyball with Olympian and Team Canada athlete, Sophie Bukovec. Sophie represented Canada at the Paris Olympics this summer, and we get to hear all about her incredible journey to that stage. She’s been a very competitive athlete since the age of 14. Sophie has built a remarkable career in volleyball, playing for three different universities before ultimately finishing at the University of Southern California (USC). There, she became a three-time national champion and a three-time All-American. We also touch on her silver medal win at the 2022 World Championships in Rome.

In this episode, Sophie breaks down what it’s like to compete at the highest levels of beach volleyball, including the unique aspects of the sport, training regimens, and how athletes select their partners. She also shares what life looks like as a professional volleyball player, how she balances competition with her role as founder and executive director of a volleyball academy, and offers advice for young kids considering the sport. We also explore the mindset needed for success in volleyball, as well as Sophie’s unforgettable first Olympic experience in Paris.

You can connect with Sophie on Instagram @sophiebukovec and let her know what you thought of this episode. Enjoy my conversation with Sophie Bukovec!

What we talked about:

3:00- Catching up and getting to know Sophie

8:20- Advice to younger athletes in volleyball

12:45- Discussing her volleyball partners

17:00- The way she set up her training to best prepare herself to be selected for the Olympic team

18:20- Encouraging young girls to stay in sport

21:20- The strength training that she incorporates into her training

25:00- When should you specialize in sports?

27:30- Mental training in sports

28:30- Her Olympic experience

33:30- Sponsorships in the sport

34:55- What off-season is looking like for Sophie

40:30- Why we should be supporting and watching beach volleyball

41:50- Playing on the USC volleyball team and her career as a volleyball player

48:30- Honoring her dad while playing

49:45- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Sophie on Instagram

The Northern Elite (Sophie’s volleyball academy)

Book recommendations:

Dialed In

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

A History of Irish Fairies by Carolyn White

Artist:

Chris Stapleton

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Lindsey on Twitter

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