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. Competitive Snowboarder Kelsey Boyer on Surviving & Thriving in Life After a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)

    17h ago

    Competitive Snowboarder Kelsey Boyer on Surviving & Thriving in Life After a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)

    In 2016, competitive snowboarder Kelsey Boyer was on a mission in to qualify for the Olympic, competing as often as she could. She started the season with a knockout but kept at it. Eventually, she was rushed to the hospital by her friends and admitted for emergency brain surgery.  This set her on a path of re-learning, recovery and self-discovery. Four years into her recovery, she founded Save A Brain, a non-profit with the mission to provide education, encourage prevention, and spread awareness about the long-term medical and physical effects of TBIs and concussions. She has created a large community of survivors and friends eager for information, resources and support.  In June, she will run her first marathon, proving that there is life after TBIs. Today we dive in to:  Training her for her first marathon -- what has surprised her about herself & how her body is responding after a TBI  How she fell in love with snowboarding and what led her to move West and "put all her eggs in the basket"  The symptoms she experienced in 2016 to convinced her friends she needed to go to the hospital  Why the first four years of recovery were so challenging - mentally, physically, and emotionally - for her  The evolution of Save A Brain & how it is helping thousands of people across the country  Happy Helmets -- getting kids access to more helmets  How she was able to fall in love with snowboarding after surgery To follow Kelsey on socials: @kelseyboyer Learn more about Save A Brain & support Kelsey's marathon: saveabraininc.com 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.

    29 min
  2. From Standout at the US Coast Guard Academy to WER: Kate Boggs on How She Found Rugby & Incredible Comeback(s)!

    Jun 9

    From Standout at the US Coast Guard Academy to WER: Kate Boggs on How She Found Rugby & Incredible Comeback(s)!

    If there’s anyone who embodies the saying, “a minor setback for a major comeback,” it’s Kate Boggs. The recent US Coast Guard Academy graduate first found the sport in college after never playing a ball sport before. It also happened to be the "thing" that kept her at USCGA after a rocky first year. She bounced back to find her footing in the classroom and on the field. Then, in the final 20 seconds of the 2025 Collegiate Rugby Championship, she broke her leg. After a tough recovery, she was back for her final season.  In 2026 she earned 'Division II National Collegiate Rugby Player of the Year', won the championship, and was named championship MVP. Then, she was drafted to the WER by the Boston Banshees. The whirlwind culminated with USCGA graduation and a move to Boston. Today we dive in to:  The whirlwind of graduation, moving to Boston, her new role with the USCG & playing in the WER  Her remarkable comeback from a broken leg in 2025 Collegiate Rugby Championship  How she first found rugby and how it kept her at the USCGA  Significance of being the first person to be named 'Division II National Collegiate Rugby Player of the Year' How she built a strong work ethic balancing two jobs in HS (without sports!)  The biggest adjustments to the professional level of women's rugby  Boston Banshee's traditions & pre-game rituals  The moment she is most proud of from her collegiate rugby career  To follow Kate: @k8_boggs  For more on the Boston Banshees: bostonbanshees.us     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. Sports Dietician Dishes on Proper Fueling, REDs & Women's Sports Research

    Jun 2

    Sports Dietician Dishes on Proper Fueling, REDs & Women's Sports Research

    We talk a lot about sport-specific training, recovery, and mindset work, but not often about proper fueling. It’s a HUGE part of performance. And Laura Reece knows this from personal experience as an athlete and as a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. Laura is now the Director of Sports Nutrition at Women’s Health, Sports & Performance (WHSP) in Boston. She focuses on performance-based nutrition and the treatment of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), disordered eating, and eating disorders in athletes. Today we dive in to: How WHSP's interdisciplinary approach is revolutionizing women's sports What led her to move from finance to fueling, specifically for athletes and athletes with disordered eating and eating disorders Power of language when it comes to coaching proper nutrition  Why it's important to turn to experts & not social media; "nutrition is a science, not an opinion" as Laura says  Importance of quality research for female athletes (and how WHSP is leading the charge with studies on women throughout the lifespan)  What Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is and how it can impact day-t-day tasks and sport  How hormones impact performance and nutrition needs  To learn more about Women’s Health, Sports & Performance: whspmedical.com To follow Laura Reece on social: @laurareece.rd 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
  4. 2x Paralympic Medalist & Shark Attack Survivor Ali Truwit is on a Mission to Turn Trauma Into Triumph & Have Fun Doing It!

    May 26

    2x Paralympic Medalist & Shark Attack Survivor Ali Truwit is on a Mission to Turn Trauma Into Triumph & Have Fun Doing It!

    Ali Truwit ran her first marathon in 2023, graduated from Yale University, and went on a celebratory trip with friends — that’s when her life came crashing down. While snorkeling in Turks and Caicos, she was attacked by a shark and ultimately suffered and suffered the loss of her foot and lower leg. Since then, Ali has been on a mission to turn her trauma into triumph. A year after the attack, Ali raced in the Paris Paralympics where she earned TWO silver medal. She also ran the 2025 NYC Marathon, modeled in the Sports Illustrated Swim issue, launched the 'Stronger Than You Think' non-profit, and released a documentary! As booked and busy as she is, she sat down with Hannah to dive in to:  Why being featured in the Sports Illustrated Swim issue was so special and important for representation  How her celebratory trip with friends changed her life in ways she never saw coming  Power of the Paralympic movement  Why fighting for life joys -- walking, running, swimming -- are worth fighting for  How mindset shifts helped her to see former challenges as privileges  The way the people around her saved her life, supported her recovery, and continue to be by her side  Why she wanted to launch the Stronger Than You Think non-profit & how they've helped more than 20 women and girls  What people can expect at the 2nd Annual Stronger Than You Think Swim-a-thon at Chelsea Piers (Stamford, CT)  Follow Ali on social: @alitruwit   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.

    25 min
  5. How Sport Can Change the World: CEO Mary Connor on Common Goal's Mission

    May 5

    How Sport Can Change the World: CEO Mary Connor on Common Goal's Mission

    Sports can change lives; they teach resilience, grow leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and challenge us in all the right ways. It is these gifts and power that drive the work at Common Goal every day. Common Goal uses soccer to bring people together and drive society-wide change across the globe. This is something their new CEO Mary Connor believes to her core. She calls the sport her the "best friend" that's been through many chapters with her -- starting as a kid, playing professionally, and now in the non-profit world. When her playing career was done, Mary stayed connected to the sport and founded "Soccer Without Borders," (SWB) a program offering underserved youth with a toolkit to overcome obstacles to growth, inclusion, and personal success. Not long ago she transitioned to Common Goal, where SWB is just one of the hundreds of non-profits Mary gets to work with. Today we dive in to:  Mary's role with Common Goal and what drew her to the organization How soccer became her "best friend" and stayed with her through various chapters of life How a trip to Nicaragua shifted Mary's perspective on the sport & intention in programming Why we need to break glass ceilings and raise the floor simultaneously (thanks Becky Sauerbrunn!!) How sport can help fight for gender equity Lessons from soccer that have helped Mary in leadership positions The ways soccer can tear down walls and reveal a willingness to see commonalities across cultures The importance of World Football Giving Day (May 26) How purpose-centered investment and giving can make a huge impact Learn more about Common Goal's mission: common-goal.org  Follow along on social: @commongoalorg Get involved with World Football Giving Day: worldfootballgivingday.org  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.

    41 min
  6. Building a New NWSL Legacy in Boston: Bianca St-Georges Talks Growth, Identity, Culture & More!

    Apr 28

    Building a New NWSL Legacy in Boston: Bianca St-Georges Talks Growth, Identity, Culture & More!

    7-year NWSL veteran Bianca St-Georges was excited to come to Boston to help build a new era of professional women's soccer with the Boston Legacy FC. Not only has she brought her strength, skill, and ambition to the team, but her leadership. She is helping younger teammates build their confidence while also learning from them. When she is not training or traveling, you can find her giving powerful mindset pep talks on YouTube. Today we dive in to:  Why both the Boston Legacy FC culture and the city's personality excited her to the opportunity with the team How her experience in the NWSL has allowed her to step into a leadership role on the team What the team chemistry is like off the pitch (spoiler: the international flare has made it fun for everyone!)  How an injury in 2019 helped her detach from the singular identity of an athlete and launched her into a self-growth journey  Her love for Boston Legacy FC's fans and why they are so important to the team and the culture they are building Tips for getting away from the "lizard brain" and into a growth mindset Follow along with Bianca St-Georges on social: @biancastgeorges Get a motivational pep talk from Bianca on YouTube: @BiancaSt-Georges Follow along with the team: @bostonlegacyfc To learn more about Boston Legacy FC: bostonlegacyfc.com 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
  7. Broken Records, Broken Bones & a Full Heart: 80-Year-Old Patty Hung Prepares for Her 40th Boston Marathon

    Apr 19

    Broken Records, Broken Bones & a Full Heart: 80-Year-Old Patty Hung Prepares for Her 40th Boston Marathon

    When Patty Hung first ran the Boston Marathon 40 years ago, she didn't set out to break any records or run the iconic course at 80 years young. But, in 2023, when Patty crossed her 37th Boston Marathon finish line, she broke the record for longest female streak...and she hasn't stopped. Whenever someone hears Patty's story they are shocked and inspired. Then, they meet her and it all makes sense. She has the energy of a golden retriever puppy, a heart of gold and gratitude, a genuine passion for life, and unrelenting love and commitment to her family. And this weekend is when all of that comes together: her family gathers from across the country in her hometown city and she gets to celebrate life through movement. How do I know this, she's my crazy auntie (officially my dad's cousin!) Today we talk about:  Why she started running  What training has looked like over her 40 years  How she overcame injuries this training cycle  Who inspires her to show up every day for training   The role family has played in her life and running career  Her careers as a teacher and nurse (inspired by family!)  What she is most proud of as she prepares to set another Boston marathon record for female streak (40 consecutive)   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.

    29 min
  8. Volleyball Powerhouse Juliann Faucette on LOVB, Perspective Shifts, Motherhood & More

    Apr 7

    Volleyball Powerhouse Juliann Faucette on LOVB, Perspective Shifts, Motherhood & More

    When Juliann Faucette isn't blocking and hitting on the volleyball court, she is in full-on mom mode to her three little ones at home. After a standout career at Texas, Juliann pursued a professional career overseas. She stepped away in 2018 to start a family and was pulled back in for a season in 2020. Then, she thought her playing career was wrapped up and she was committed to coaching and staying around the sport to help guide younger generations. She added twins to her family and her hands were full. But LOVB came calling....and Juliann answered. She helped LOVB Austin earn the first LOVB championship in 2025 and has her eyes set on another this weekend. Today we dive in to:  Tips on how LOVB Atlanta is staying mentally locked in to their game at this point in the season  Why season 2 has been more gritty and competitive on the court  Growing gratitude and love for LOVB and the sport  How having kids has shifted her perspective on the game and allowed her to recognize her ability to do both as a "superpower"  Why building the right village is so important to allow room for success to grow  How the positive championship culture at Texas shaped her career and identity (on and off the court!)  How coaching at a high level influenced her return to play and ability to support teammates  Passion for music (she has her own EP!)  How she achieves her goal intensity level on game days  Follow along with Juliann on social: @juliannfaucette  When & where to watch 2026 LOVB Playoffs 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
4.8
out of 5
18 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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