Athletes Rising
Athletes Rising
Kelly Gray
Athletes Rising is a podcast that pulls back the veil on what it takes to become an elite athlete. Each episode consists of an interview with an athlete that grew up playing youth sports and was able to make it to the collegiate level or beyond. The purpose of this show is to show the good, the bad, and the ugly of what youth athletes go through in order to achieve their dreams. We want to expose the multiple failures that each athlete encounters and highlight the lesson that they learned from it and the affect that it had on them in helping or hindering them in their athletic career.
Episode 21: Jon Busch - Former MLS Goalkeeper of the Year
In this episode Jon and I discuss his path from a multi-sport athlete in New York to becoming one of the greatest goalkeepers in MLS history.  Having taken a path that saw him in various levels of the professional game, his story is one that all aspiring professional athletes should hear.  Enjoy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athletesrising/message
Oct 19, 2020
1 hr 23 min
Episode 20: Matt Fondy - Professional Soccer Play & Executive Director at Oakland Genesis
In this episode with current Oakland Roots player, Matt Fondy, we talk about his unorthodox path into the professional game.  A true story of self belief and perseverance, Matt's story is proof that there is no exact path to the top.  Tune in and listen to this story of the truth of what professional soccer in America is.  Enjoy... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athletesrising/message
Jul 31, 2020
1 hr 12 min
Episode 19: Tracy Hamm - Former Professional Soccer Player & Current Division 1 Head Coach
In this episode we discuss Tracy's story of how she fell in love with the game of soccer, her path to the professional game, and the realization that she wanted to stay in the game past her playing career.  A highly decorated player and coach, Tracy provides an in-depth look at what it takes to be successful at the highest levels of the game.  Tune in for an entertaining episode... Show sponsor: www.cinchhq.com CINCH. HQ - FOR ORGANIZATIONS Cinch. HQ allows organizations to manage their entire business from the convenience of a tablet.  Organizers can create a program with just a few taps and publish it to the public allowing players to register simply and easily from their mobile phone. CINCH. - FOR PARENTS Parents and players can discover sports programs right from their mobile phone.  Create your account, add your players, and get started finding activities for them.  Search for camps of all sorts and register your players with a few simple taps. Manage your entire sporting life from your phone. Schedule your free demo here: https://www.cinchhq.com/schedule-a-demo Get episode show notes here: www.athletesrising.org Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive new episodes Connect with us on Instagram to stay up to date on all our episodes: https://www.instagram.com/athletes.rising     https://www.instagram.com/iamkellygray/   Message us on Instagram and use the hashtag #AthletesRising so we know you’re a listener. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athletesrising/message
Jul 10, 2020
1 hr 2 min
Episode 18: Jim Hoey - Former MLB Pitcher
In our first episode with a baseball player we explore the mental side of the game.  Through this wide ranging conversation listeners get a glimpse into the mindset of an elite pitcher, and the ups and downs of a professional career.  For the young aspiring athlete this is a must listen.  Tune in now... Show sponsor: www.cinchhq.com CINCH. HQ - FOR ORGANIZATIONS Cinch. HQ allows organizations to manage their entire business from the convenience of a tablet.  Organizers can create a program with just a few taps and publish it to the public allowing players to register simply and easily from their mobile phone. CINCH. - FOR PARENTS Parents and players can discover sports programs right from their mobile phone.  Create your account, add your players, and get started finding activities for them.  Search for camps of all sorts and register your players with a few simple taps. Manage your entire sporting life from your phone. Schedule your free demo here: https://www.cinchhq.com/schedule-a-demo Get episode show notes here: www.athletesrising.org Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive new episodes Connect with us on Instagram to stay up to date on all our episodes: https://www.instagram.com/athletes.rising   https://www.instagram.com/iamkellygray/   Message us on Instagram and use the hashtag #AthletesRising so we know you’re a listener. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athletesrising/message
Jun 19, 2020
41 min
Episode 17: Chris Wingert - Former Professional Soccer Player & MLS Cup Champion
In one of our most colorful episodes, we talk to former professional soccer player Chris Wingert.  Chris played for Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and New York City FC.  He also played extensively with the US Olympic Team and even the Men’s National Team.  We talk all about his career starting in Babylon, Long Island and the various decisions that he had to make as he progressed through the game of soccer.  Touching on the heartbreak of getting cut, of losing starting spots, of not knowing what to do at times and much more, this episode gives a great glimpse into the truth of professional soccer in MLS. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athletesrising/message
May 8, 2020
1 hr 23 min
Episode 16: Michelle Clementson - Former Division 1 Soccer player & Coach
In this episode we dive into the effect injuries can play in a player’s career and why approaching them with the right mentality is crucially important to persevering through them.  This is such an interesting conversation with Michelle because she brings the point of view of both a player and as a coach.  Tune and and have a listen and as always please visit our website at www.athletesrising.org.  Make a donation to allow us to continue telling the story of athletes from all different sports and perspectives.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athletesrising/message
May 5, 2020
42 min
Episode 15: Chris Aloisi - Former Professional Soccer Player
In this episode Chris and I discuss the difficult decisions that all players go through throughout their career as a youth, college and professional player.  We get into many of the larger lessons that are vitally important to learn through the participation in youth sports.  Enjoy this fun conversation with Chris Aloisi. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athletesrising/message
Apr 24, 2020
1 hr 10 min
Episode 14: Kevin Goldthwaite - Former Professional Soccer Player in MLS
In this episode we talk to Kevin Goldthwaite.  Kevin was a professional soccer player in Major League Soccer for San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC, and Portland Timbers.  We talk about all of the various transitions in a career from youth player to high school, college to pros, and finally into the post athletic career.  It is a thrilling conversation so please enjoy... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athletesrising/message
Apr 17, 2020
53 min
Episode 13: Courtney Carroll Levinsohn - Coach & Founder at Growth Through Sport
Courtney Carroll Levinsohn Founder, Growth Through Sport A former captain and MVP of the women’s soccer team at UC Berkeley, Courtney created Growth Through Sport (GTS) to help athletes of all ages develop the competitive and emotional skills to both excel in sports and have fun doing so. Based in New York City, the organization also partners with local clubs to support sport as a vehicle for positive social change. Within the soccer community, GTS focuses on increasing access to the game by helping coaches, educating parents, and empowering players. Courtney coached the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) amateur women's team to a National Cup championship in 2010 and currently sits on the board of Brooklyn City Football Club. Links from today’s show Website: www.growththroughsport.net www.Coachthemovie.com Instagram: @growththrsport @coachthemovie Show sponsor: www.cinchhq.com CINCH. HQ - FOR ORGANIZATIONS Cinch. HQ allows organizations to manage their entire business from the convenience of a tablet.  Organizers can create a program with just a few taps and publish it to the public allowing players to register simply and easily from their mobile phone. CINCH. - FOR PARENTS Parents and players can discover sports programs right from their mobile phone.  Create your account, add your players, and get started finding activities for them.  Search for camps of all sorts and register your players with a few simple taps. Manage your entire sporting life from your phone. Schedule your free demo here: https://www.cinchhq.com/schedule-a-demo Get episode show notes here: www.athletesrising.org Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive new episodes Connect with us on Instagram to stay up to date on all our episodes: https://www.instagram.com/athletes.rising https://www.instagram.com/iamkellygray/ https://www.instagram.com/dustygringo/ Send us an email at and tell us what you think about the show. Or message us on Instagram and use the hashtag #AthletesRising so we know you’re a listener. If you or someone you know would like to be featured on Athletes Rising, please contact [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athletesrising/message
Apr 10, 2020
1 hr 5 min
Episode 12: John Stevenson - Sports Psychologist & Mental Performance Coach
In this episode we take a look at things through the eyes of a performance and mental coach in John Stevenson.  We talk a lot about motivation, what it takes to reach the next level of performance, and how to constantly be pushing to be the best we can be.  Have a listen and let us know what you think... Episode #12 John Stevenson Links from today’s show Website: https://zoneperformance.ca Show sponsor: www.cinchhq.com CINCH. HQ - FOR ORGANIZATIONS Cinch. HQ allows organizations to manage their entire business from the convenience of a tablet.  Organizers can create a program with just a few taps and publish it to the public allowing players to register simply and easily from their mobile phone. CINCH. - FOR PARENTS Parents and players can discover sports programs right from their mobile phone.  Create your account, add your players, and get started finding activities for them.  Search for camps of all sorts and register your players with a few simple taps. Manage your entire sporting life from your phone. Schedule your free demo here: https://www.cinchhq.com/schedule-a-demo Get episode show notes here: www.athletesrising.org Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive new episodes Connect with us on Instagram to stay up to date on all our episodes: https://www.instagram.com/athletes.rising https://www.instagram.com/iamkellygray/ https://www.instagram.com/dustygringo/ Send us an email at and tell us what you think about the show. Or message us on Instagram and use the hashtag #AthletesRising so we know you’re a listener. If you or someone you know would like to be featured on Athletes Rising, please contact [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athletesrising/message
Mar 30, 2020
51 min
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