More Than Lacrosse - Kelsey Walker - Episode 169

Today’s guest is Kelsey Walker, a former Rutgers University Division I lacrosse player whose story is about much more than what happened on the field.Growing up in Rumson, New Jersey, Kelsey was a standout two-sport athlete at Rumson-Fair Haven. She was a four-year varsity lacrosse player, team captain, All-Shore selection and two-time Shore Conference Champion before earning the opportunity to continue her lacrosse career at Rutgers University.But when Kelsey arrived at Rutgers, her journey didn't unfold the way she imagined.She went from being one of the best players on the field in high school to struggling for playing time at the Division I level. That experience forced her to confront a question that so many athletes eventually face:If I'm not playing, who am I and what is my purpose?Kelsey opens up about the pressure she experienced as a college athlete, her struggles with anxiety, disordered eating and trying to control parts of her life when so much around her felt out of her control. She also shares why she made the decision to seek therapy and how getting help eventually changed the way she looked at herself, success and her identity as an athlete.Just when she rediscovered her love for lacrosse and was preparing for what she hoped would be a breakthrough senior season, Kelsey tore her ACL bringing her Rutgers playing career to an unexpected end.But that ending became the beginning of something much bigger.Kelsey went on to build a career around the sport she loves. She played box lacrosse, helped build opportunities for women in the game, became a top ticket sales performer in the National Lacrosse League with the San Diego Seals, and built a career in sports marketing, partnerships and athlete development.Today, she is also a Peer Support Specialist with Onrise, using her own experiences to help athletes navigate the mental and emotional challenges that come with competing at a high level.Throughout our conversation, Kelsey shares a philosophy she learned at Rutgers that has stayed with her:“Control the controllables and then relax and enjoy the waves of life.”This is a conversation about mental health, identity, resilience, asking for help, redefining success, and discovering that sometimes the experience you didn't want becomes the experience that prepares you for the rest of your life.Please welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, Kelsey Walker!