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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Shifting Obstacles Into Opportunities: Paralympian Amy Purdy Dishes on Her New Book "Bounce Forward"

    MAR 31

    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
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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