On Her Mark

NBC Sports Boston

Host Hannah Donnelly sits down with athletes, fitness professionals, and women in and around sports blazing new trails in their fields for the next generation. You will learn what drives them on and off the field, key moments in their lives that changed their direction, their outside passions and more. Prepare to be inspired.

  1. Shifting Obstacles Into Opportunities: Paralympian Amy Purdy Dishes on Her New Book "Bounce Forward"

    4D AGO

    Shifting Obstacles Into Opportunities: Paralympian Amy Purdy Dishes on Her New Book "Bounce Forward"

    Amy Purdy simply doesn't quit. She has taken every obstacle life has thrown her way and turned it into an opportunity. At just 19 a sudden case of bacterial meningitis resulted in the loss of both legs below the knee, her kidney function, and spleen. After fighting for her life, she became a trailblazer in snowboarding, even making history as a 3-time Paralympic medalist. After, she continued to inspire millions by competing on "Dancing With the Stars," touring with Oprah, and authoring a New York Times best-selling memoir. Then, in 20198, life threw another obstacle her way causing her to rebuild. It's this rebuild that inspired her latest book "Bounce Forward." Today we dive in to:  How she chose to find opportunity in continued health obstacles  Why "Bounce Forward" is formatted like a toolkit for readers (with a playlist and workbook attached!)  The 2019 injury that had her questioning "why me?" for the first time in her life  What bouncing forward means to her & how it helped her write this book  The power vulnerability has to bring people together and create strength  How problem-solving has brought her happiness  What drives her to keep sharing her story and making change  Get a copy of "Bounce Forward" here.  Follow along with Amy on social: @amypurdygurl Follow along with Hannah on social: @_hannah.donnelly To watch the episodes: NBC Sports Boston YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    32 min
  2. Morgan's Message: Opening Conversations Around Mental Health for Student Athletes

    MAR 17

    Morgan's Message: Opening Conversations Around Mental Health for Student Athletes

    A year after Morgan Roger's took her own life in 2022, her friends and family got together to turn their pain into purpose. Morgan's Message was born as a way to grieve the full of life, fun-loving sister, friend and teammate, but what it turned into is so much more. The non-profit works with schools across the globe to open conversations around mental health and provide resources. Today,  Co-founder Meaghan Birnie and Ambassador Michaela O'Connor (Boston College Women's Lacrosse Senior Captain) join me to dive in to:  How Morgan's friends and family turned their pain into purpose to honor her life and legacy What being an ambassador means & looks like on campus Morgan's legacy How the Boston College Women's Lacrosse team's 'Sunshine Committee' supports the team throughout the season What motivates the team to keep growing & starting these conversations Dedication Games The significance of the butterfly logo **Content Warning: This conversation does include conversations around mental health. If you, or someone you know, is struggling there are resources available at 988lifeline.org  Learn more about Morgan's Message: @morgansmessage Follow along with BC Women's Lacrosse: @bcwlax   Follow along with Hannah on social: @_hannah.donnelly To watch the episodes: NBC Sports Boston YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 min
  3. Para Alpine Skier Kelsey O'Driscoll on First Paralympics, Overcoming Obstacles & Gratitude

    MAR 10

    Para Alpine Skier Kelsey O'Driscoll on First Paralympics, Overcoming Obstacles & Gratitude

    Not many people get to live one dream in their 20s, but Kelsey O'Driscoll is living two: working as a nurse to help people and representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. After a spinal injury in 2021, Kelsey was determined to not let those dreams pass her by. She still works as a nurse (at the same hospital that inspired her to pursue the career) and became Gore Mountain's first adaptive ski patroller. Additionally, Kelsey now races as a four-track skier, a form of para alpine skiing where an athlete uses two skis and two hand-held outriggers (metal crutches with ski tips). It wasn't long before Kelsey's talent was recognized and just a few short years later she is competing in Milan with USA across her chest. She is blazing trails for young athletes facing any kind of obstacle, creating visibility in the hospital and on the mountain, and doing it all with a bright and optimistic attitude. Today we dive in to:  Excitement and gratitude heading into her first Winter Paralympic Games in Italy  How her family instilled a passion for skiing and community at a young age  Her early passion for nursing  Goals for recovery after her spinal injury in 2021  Why it was important for her to get back to Gore Mountain and become the mountain's first adaptive ski patroller (and how it actually gives her an edge!)  What training & traveling the world has looked like as a para alpine skier  The best advice her veteran teammates have offered her  Where her strong resilient mindset was born  The impact her family has had on her life, career & success Follow along with Kelsey on social: @kelski_odriscoll   Follow along with the U.S. Para Alpine Ski & Snowboard Team: @usparaskisnowboard         Follow along with Hannah on social: @_hannah.donnelly To watch the episodes: NBC Sports Boston YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min
  4. Olympic Medalists Aerin Frankel & Alina Müller Talk Milan Victories, Women's Hockey Camaraderie & Caesar Salad

    MAR 4

    Olympic Medalists Aerin Frankel & Alina Müller Talk Milan Victories, Women's Hockey Camaraderie & Caesar Salad

    The Boston Fleet brought home a lot of hardware from the Olympic Games. Goaltender Aerin Frankel recorded a .980 save percentage and became the first Olympic women's hockey player to record three shut-outs on this stage. She helped Team USA to a perfect 7-0 record and GOLD medal! Meanwhile, her teammate Alina Müller scored the game-winning goal with just one minute left in overtime to secure the BRONZE medal for her home country of Switzerland. She also earned the honor of Closing Ceremony flagbearer. Just back from Italy, they dish on:  Historic Olympic hockey runs for both Team USA and the Swiss Women's Hockey team  What actually happened in their respective locker rooms between regulation and OT play  Caesar salad & rise of @painbyromaine (IYKYK)  Best moments of Olympic experience outside of play on the ice  Women's hockey culture and camaraderie  Significance of having a professional league (PWHL) to come back to  Longevity and significance of Alina's career (in 2014 she became the youngest hockey player in Olympic history to earn a medal - she was 15)  Follow along with Aerin Frankel on social: @aerin.frankel Follow along with Alina Müller on social: @alinamueller_ Follow along with the Boston Fleet on social: @pwhl_fleet Become a caesar salad fan: @painbyromaine  Follow along with Hannah on social: @_hannah.donnelly To watch the episodes: NBC Sports Boston YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 min
4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Host Hannah Donnelly sits down with athletes, fitness professionals, and women in and around sports blazing new trails in their fields for the next generation. You will learn what drives them on and off the field, key moments in their lives that changed their direction, their outside passions and more. Prepare to be inspired.

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