Be Ready When Your Moment Comes - Jason Kaul - Episode 170

What happens when you do everything you can to reach a goal and the outcome still doesn’t come?Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast! Today’s guest is Jason Kaul, a former Stanford University football player whose journey offers powerful lessons in preparation, perseverance, and finding purpose beyond the game.Originally from Ham Lake, Minnesota, Jason was a three-sport athlete and team captain before joining Stanford as a preferred walk-on. He arrived determined to earn an athletic scholarship. Although that scholarship never came, he became a contributor on special teams and defense while graduating with a degree in psychology and a 3.95 GPA.A three-time Pac-12 All-Academic Honor Roll honoree and recipient of the Chris Draft Commitment to Community Outreach Award, Jason learned that the value of his journey extended far beyond his position on the depth chart.In this episode, Jason opens up about questioning whether he belonged, earning the respect of his teammates, and staying ready for an opportunity that could arrive at any moment. He shares the unforgettable play against Washington State when years of preparation met a sudden call to step into a bigger role.We also explore the mental side of performance: responding to pressure, managing your inner critic, focusing on what you can control, and taking action even when you feel scared.Jason’s experience at Stanford helped shape his passion for sports psychology. After earning his master’s in kinesiology at the University of Minnesota, he brought those lessons into his work with athletes through Premier Sports Psychology. In our conversation, he also shares his plans to pursue doctoral training in clinical psychology at James Madison University.Through it all, his personal mission remains simple:“Faith first, fire always, love deeply.”Join us for a conversation about building confidence, embracing who you are beyond your athletic identity, and preparing for the next chapter of life.Listen to the just-dropped episode, subscribe, and share it with an athlete, coach, or anyone working through their next challenge.When life tests you, stay strong!