#RaisingAthletes Kirsten Jones

Kirsten sits down with Nancy and Elizabeth Jorgensen, learning an inspiring story about how an athlete and her family grow together, from average to Olympian. This is the ultimate story of pivoting and persevering as Gwen went from recruited athlete to walk-on Swimmer, to walk-on Runner to recruited Triathlete to Olympic Gold Medalist and all the way back again to now Olympic hopeful. Phew!


This story is a love letter to family support, showing up to celebrate the wins and losses. They talk of how Gwen made competitors into friends, and learned how success leads clues.  Nancy spoke of how her parenting style for both her daughters included music, sports and athletics (all equally esteemed in their household!) They also give us a thrilling play by play of the Gold Medal Race….the stress (and JOY!) of watching your loved one compete.


Nancy and Elizabeth have written two books together:

1. Go, Gwen, Go: A Family's Journey to Olympic Gold 



2. Their most recent book speaking directly to the student-athlete (and parents)

Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete

Here is a link to purchased signed copies: https://www.booksco.com/signed-copy-gwen-jorgensen

Free educator guide: https://download.m-m-sports.com/extras/GwenJorgensen/Teacher_Guide.pdf 


We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!

In this sneak peak of Thursday's new podcast, Kirsten asks Nancy about her parenting philosophy of an Olympian.


This is an inspiring story about how an athlete and her family grow together, from average to Olympian. This is the ultimate story of pivoting and persevering as Gwen went from recruited athlete to walk-on Swimmer, to walk-on Runner to recruited Triathlete to Olympic Gold Medalist and all the way back again to now Olympic hopeful. Phew!

This story is a love letter to family support, showing up to celebrate the wins and losses. They talk of how Gwen made competitors into friends, and learned how success leads clues.  Nancy spoke of how her parenting style for both her daughters included music, sports and athletics (all equally esteemed in their household!) They also give us a thrilling play by play of the Gold Medal Race….the stress (and JOY!) of watching your loved one compete.

Nancy and Elizabeth have written two books together:

1. Go, Gwen, Go: A Family's Journey to Olympic Gold  

2. And, their most recent book speaking directly to the student-athlete (and parents)

Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete

Here is a link to purchased signed copies: https://www.booksco.com/signed-copy-gwen-jorgensen

Free educator guide: https://download.m-m-sports.com/extras/GwenJorgensen/Teacher_Guide.pdf 

Kirsten, once again does something a little different this week, as she speaks directly to the Student Athlete. Ava Lentz, Freshman Goalkeeper for William & Mary Soccer, shares her unlikely path to DI College Sports as a non-recruited athlete and walk on. Kirsten and Ava speak about ID Camps and seeking out your college experience, how outlets outside of sports help you find yourself and how every player has a vital role in team culture. After 60+ episodes of talking to coaches and parents #RaisingAthletes, it's fun to hear the student athletes perspective of culture, time management, grit and perseverance.

In this sneak preview of tomorrow's new episode, Kirsten talks to Ava Lentz, Freshman Goalkeeper from William and Mary, about her non-traditional path to DI College Sports. Full episode drops tomorrow.

The science surrounding repeated head impacts in sports can be confusing and is often misinterpreted. The headlines don't tell the whole story, and more information is often needed to understand what the science really means. It can be challenging for the parent to make sense of all the conflicting information out there and make the best decision for their child. It can be equally as challenging for health care providers to know how to answer the question these parents have. Dr. Julie Stamm came on the podcast to share her research which she included in her book, The Brain on Youth Sports, the science, the myths and the future.

This week, Kirsten sits down with Dianne DeNecochea, College Volleyball Recruiting Advisor and founder of ProActive Volley.  Dianne educates volleyball players and their parents as they navigate the college volleyball recruiting process. Diane gives advice about finding a fit, casting a wide net and how communication and preparation are keys to success.

Dianne came from a small town in Michigan, to play college volleyball at Tennessee, then pro indoor overseas for 5 seasons.  She moved to San Diego and trained with the USA national team, played pro beach 4s, and AVP/FIVB pro beach doubles for 11 years.  She has coached club and has 2 daughters who have or will play in college. After being involved in the volleyball world in so many capacities (college player, pro player, high school and club coach, high school and club parent, college parent), Diane speaks about how she feels so fortunate and honored to help high school players and their families navigate the college volleyball recruiting process.