"Who Am I Outside of My Sport?", The Role of Identity, Faith & Family in Shaping Athletic Success with Talia Edmonds

Pressing Forward Podcast

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Have you ever wondered how the children of athletes carve their own paths in the world of sports? Talia Edmonds, a volleyball star with roots at Michigan State and a flourishing journey at the University of Hawaii, joins us to unveil the pivotal role her parents, both former college athletes, played in her athletic and personal development. Our conversation traverses her competitive upbringing, the intense discipline and sacrifices demanded by her Division I endeavors, and the transformative power of parental support, which she only fully recognized in retrospect.
Athletics at the collegiate level come with a unique set of hurdles, and Talia's narrative exemplifies the quintessence of resilience. From navigating the initial shock of college competition to the struggle of reclaiming her identity post-injury, Talia's candid testimony serves as a beacon of inspiration. Her evolution from a self-doubting freshman to a commanding team captain underscores the essentiality of a nurturing support system and a shift in perspective for those grappling with the intersection of sports, self-worth, and recovery.
In a profound reflection on identity and faith, Talia opens up about the soul-searching prompted by her injury-induced hiatus. This episode extends beyond the court, delving into how athletes confront the daunting questions of life beyond their sport, the role of faith in their journey, and the importance of cultivating a support network inclusive of coaches and mental health professionals. With aspirations to champion mental health in sports through a PhD in clinical psychology, Talia's ambition signals a commitment to empowering the athlete in us all, regardless of where we find ourselves on the path to self-discovery. Join us for an episode that transcends the typical sports story, tackling the multifaceted challenges athletes face and the remarkable personal growth that can emerge from adversity.
Follow Talia on all socials:
INSTAGRAM: | @wiztalifa
YouTube: | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClTmHpFcGPJ2jHVnxDNlZzA
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SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/5hVjowetLrUJSiTsTb1hwR
APPLE PODCASTS | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pressing-forward-podcast/id1632445416

Chapters

1. "Who Am I Outside of My Sport?", The Role of Identity, Faith & Family in Shaping Athletic Success with Talia Edmonds (00:00:00)

2. Athlete's Journey and Family Influence (00:00:22)

3. How She Got Division 1 Looks and Walking on to Michigan State (00:06:33)

4. Overcoming Self- Doubt & Injuries (00:13:24)

5. Navigating Identity and Purpose in Sport (00:17:39)

6. Journey of Faith and Growth (00:24:22)

7. Her Goals and Plans Beyond Sports (00:28:07)

8. Keep Up with Talia on Socials (00:31:34)