The Next Playbook

Derika Legg

The Next Playbook podcast delves into the post-athletic careers of top-tier athletes, hosted by Derika. Each episode features candid conversations with former Olympians, professional athletes, and collegiate stars who have tackled the challenge of redefining themselves after their sporting careers. Through personal narratives of triumphs and trials, these guests offer insights into their journeys beyond the final whistle. Join us as we explore how these elite athletes forge new paths and continue to make significant impacts beyond their athletic achievements.

  1. 12/09/2025

    Welcome to the Party: Trisonya Abraham on the Explosion of Women's Sports

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary Pioneering sports agent Trisonya Abraham joins us to discuss her groundbreaking career. Trisonya recounts her journey from growing up in Compton and discovering volleyball to becoming a National Champion with the legendary Long Beach State "Soul Patrol." She provides candid insights into the demanding transition from collegiate success to playing professionally overseas, highlighting the importance of discipline, networking, and the sheer mental toughness required. As one of the first female agents to exclusively represent women, Trisonya shares how she built her agency from the ground up, the critical role an agent plays beyond contract negotiation, and her exciting plans to launch an academy to train the next generation of women sports agents. The conversation closes with her perspective on the current "groundswell" of women's sports and her powerful message on how athletes can strategically plan for a successful post-playing career. Chapters (Time-Stamped) [00:00] Intro: The current groundswell in women's sports. [02:43] From Compton to College: Trisonya's start in volleyball. [04:00] Winning a National Championship with the "Soul Patrol." [06:33] The Difficult Transition to Professional Player Overseas. [08:23] The Serendipitous Path to Becoming a Sports Agent. [12:47] Intangibles: Translating Athlete Skills to Business Success. [19:04] What an Agent Actually Does: Contract Negotiation and Client Wellness. [22:00] Building an Agency: Trust, Credibility, and Female Focus. [26:18] Future Focus: Launching an Academy for Women Sports Agents. [30:03] The Need for More Women in Coaching and Front Offices. [34:40] The Specialization Debate: Why Trisonya Believes in Cross-Training. [38:38] Advice: How Athletes Can Make Themselves Attractive to an Agent. [40:35] Crystal Ball: Where Trisonya Hopes the Industry Goes Next. [45:47] Trisonya's Superpower: Reading the Room and Networking. [49:19] Final Thoughts and Planning for Post-Playing Life. Relevant Links & Contact Website: www.trisonya.comEmail: trisonya@trisonyaabraham.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trisonya-abrahamInstagram: @trisonya Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    53 min
  2. 11/25/2025

    Play Free: Chris Katrenick on the Power of Development Coaching

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Chris Katrenick shares his journey from being a young football fan to becoming a quarterback at Duke University. He discusses the early influences that shaped his love for football, the transition from high school to college football, and the challenges he faced along the way. Chris emphasizes the importance of preparation, setting goals, and finding balance in life as a collegiate athlete. He reflects on the unique experiences of game day and the significance of community and mentorship in his journey. He emphasizes the need for personal growth and the role of coaching in achieving alignment with one's values. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Metaphors for Life 02:15 The Journey to Football: Early Influences 04:39 Choosing the Quarterback Position 07:31 High School Football Experience 12:19 Transitioning to College Football 19:41 Finding Purpose and Setting Goals 21:49 Game Day Experience at Duke 23:51 Balancing Life as a Collegiate Athlete 26:37 Reflecting on the Last Game 28:22 Navigating Education and Career Uncertainty 30:25 The Journey to Professional Development Coaching 38:34 Helping Athletes Overcome Internal Noise 42:47 Goals and Growth in Coaching Business 45:08 Identifying Readiness for Coaching 48:44 Evolving Relationship with Football 51:46 Final Thoughts and Community Importance Relevant Links & Contact Instagram: @ckatcoaching Website: ckatcoaching.com Newsletter: https://ckat-coaching.kit.com/d50b24feca  Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    51 min
  3. 11/11/2025

    Programmed Different: Andrew Petcash on an Athlete Superpowers in Business

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Andrew Petcash discusses the unique advantages that athletes bring to the  business world, emphasizing their resilience and ability to adapt. He shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey with ProFluence, a company aimed at revolutionizing the sports industry through media, networking, and investment. Andrew reflects on the challenges of starting a business, the importance of human connection in sports, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He also highlights his foresight as a key strength in identifying opportunities and shaping the future of sports. Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: From Athlete to Entrepreneur 08:15 Navigating the Transition: Finding Fun in Sports Again 10:32 First Steps into Entrepreneurship: Lessons from Early Ventures 18:00 The Athlete's Mindset: Why Hiring Managers Should Value Athletes 23:23 The Athlete's Edge in Business 26:19 Building ProFluence: A New Era in Sports 28:29 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Lessons Learned 31:11 The Unreplaceable Human Element in Sports 32:23 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 37:40 Foresight as a Superpower 39:35 Goals and Vision for ProFluence Relevant Links & Contact https://profluence.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    47 min
  4. 10/28/2025

    Enforced Limbo: Yona Knight-Wisdom's Advice on Retirement

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Yona shares his journey from a multicultural upbringing to becoming Jamaica's first male Olympic diver. He discusses the influence of his Caribbean heritage, the pivotal moments that led him to diving, and the sacrifices he made in pursuit of his Olympic dreams. Yona emphasizes the importance of parental support, the unique experiences gained through sports, and offers advice for aspiring athletes. He reflects on the significance of representing Jamaica and the personal growth that came with understanding his heritage. In this conversation, He discusses the importance of maintaining perspective during tough times and the decision to retire from competitive diving. Yona also explores life after diving, embracing new opportunities, and his commitment to building a legacy through sports development in Jamaica. Chapters 00:00 Cultural Heritage and Identity 02:57 The Journey into Diving 05:55 Early Competitions and Recognition 09:07 Parental Support and Sacrifices 12:06 The Road to the Olympics 15:02 Sacrifices and Gains in Pursuit of Dreams 18:10 Advice for Aspiring Olympians 20:46 Choosing to Represent Jamaica 24:08 Understanding Heritage and Personal Growth 27:02 Reflections on Olympic Experiences 32:59 The Highs of Olympic Dreams 39:51 Navigating the Lows: Overcoming Setbacks 42:35 Finding Perspective in Adversity 46:57 The Decision to Retire: A Personal Journey 52:17 Life After Diving: Embracing New Opportunities 01:00:27 Building a Legacy: Diving in Jamaica Relevant Links & Contact Website: yonakw.me Instagram: @yonakw Facebook: Yona Knight-Wisdom LinkedIn: Yona Knight-Wisdom TikTok: @yonakw YouTube: @YonaKW Podcast (Apple): Dive Beyond Sport Instagram: @divebeyondsportpod TikTok: @divebeyondsportpod YouTube: Dive Beyond Sport Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    1h 5m
  5. 10/14/2025

    Take More Water: Jess Thoennes Isn’t Ready to Be Done

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Jess shares her journey from being a walk-on athlete to becoming a two-time Olympian in rowing. She discusses the challenges she faced in transitioning from volleyball and basketball to rowing, the supportive community she found, and the defining moments in her college career that led to her success. Jess also reflects on her experiences at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, highlighting the contrasts between the two events and the emotional journey of becoming an Olympian. She reflects on her coping strategies, the transition from athlete to career, and the skills gained through sports that apply to everyday work. Jess also opens up about her struggles with depression and the significance of being open about mental health issues. As she looks to the future, she emphasizes the importance of living fully and embracing new opportunities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 02:03 Transitioning to Rowing: A New Journey 10:02 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Community 18:05 Defining Moments in College Rowing 22:02 Becoming an Olympian: The Journey to Tokyo 25:09 Contrasting Olympic Experiences: Tokyo vs. Paris 28:01 The Energy of Competition 29:12 Post-Olympic Emotions and Mental Health 33:08 Coping Strategies After the Games 35:20 Living Life in Quads: The Athlete's Journey 39:00 Transitioning Skills from Sports to Career 42:11 Understanding Depression and Its Impact 45:21 Being Open About Mental Health 47:46 Future Aspirations and Life Beyond Sports Relevant Links & Contact @jthoennes on instagram, Jessica Thoennes OLY on LinkedIn Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    54 min
  6. 09/30/2025

    Figuring It Out: How Stephanie Roble is Staying in the Now

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Stephanie Roble shares her journey as an Olympic sailor, discussing the challenges of transitioning from a full-time athlete to life beyond sports. She reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of competing at the Olympics, the intense focus required to succeed, and the importance of building a supportive network. Stephanie also delves into the aftermath of competition, revealing how the search for purpose can be a difficult journey for many athletes. She shares insights on the importance of support systems, the unique structure of Olympic training cycles, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of excellence. Stephanie also explores her transition post-Olympics, the resources she utilized for personal growth, and her aspirations in performance coaching. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of staying present and the value of community during times of change. Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Transition from Athlete to Life Beyond Sports 02:55 The Emotional Journey of Competing at the Olympics 05:56 The Path to Olympic Sailing: A Lifelong Journey 09:09 The Commitment and Focus Required for Olympic Success 11:56 Experiencing the Olympics: The Highs and Lows 14:49 The Aftermath of Competing: Finding Purpose Post-Olympics 28:46 Reflecting on Olympic Experiences 30:12 Support Systems and Resources 32:04 Understanding the Quad Cycle 34:17 Trade-offs of Elite Competition 36:38 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Competition 38:20 Navigating Post-Olympic Conversations 40:05 Proud Moments in Sailing Career 41:53 Preparing for Emotional Transitions 43:13 Exploring New Avenues After Competition 46:52 Future Aspirations in Coaching 48:06 Translating Athletic Skills to New Ventures 49:52 Staying Present and Mindful 51:21 Finding New Highs Beyond Competition 53:31 Advice for Athletes in Transition Relevant Links & Contact @stephanieroble Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    57 min
  7. 09/16/2025

    So Much More: Freddie Woodward's Identity Beyond Sport

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Derika and Freddie Woodward explore the emotional highs and lows of competition, the challenges of self-doubt, and the importance of motivation. Freddie shares his experiences from his early days in diving to the pressures of the Olympic Games, and the reflections that followed his performance. The discussion also delves into the technical aspects of diving, the dynamics of synchro diving, and the unique challenges athletes face after the spotlight fades. Freddie emphasizes the need for athletes to recognize their worth beyond their sport and to embrace new adventures and growth in life after competition. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:24 The Journey into Diving 06:45 The Emotional Highs and Lows of Competition 10:53 Navigating Self-Doubt and Motivation 13:54 Understanding Diving Techniques and Events 19:55 The Olympic Experience 26:50 Post-Olympic Reflections and Challenges 30:20 The Struggles of Athlete Identity 35:18 Transitioning Beyond Competition 42:12 The Value of Olympic Experience 47:48 Life After Diving: New Adventures 51:11 Embracing Content Creation and Personal Growth 57:09 Finding New Sources of Fulfillment Relevant Links & Contact Instagram: freddie_woodward Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-woodward-oly/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67pX07qo2f6AZTxOERShpn?si=d2c989c6abb14cf0 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DIVEBeyondSportPod Chop Wood Carry Water Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    1h 4m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Next Playbook podcast delves into the post-athletic careers of top-tier athletes, hosted by Derika. Each episode features candid conversations with former Olympians, professional athletes, and collegiate stars who have tackled the challenge of redefining themselves after their sporting careers. Through personal narratives of triumphs and trials, these guests offer insights into their journeys beyond the final whistle. Join us as we explore how these elite athletes forge new paths and continue to make significant impacts beyond their athletic achievements.