How do the opinions of others—coaches, teammates, fans, and parents—shape who we think we are? In this episode, Sam and Julianna explore the dangerous temptation to define one’s self-worth based on external feedback rather than a God-given identity. They discuss the "fine line" between constructive athletic feedback and personal opinions that can destroy an athlete's confidence or worth.

Drawing from personal experiences in college athletics, they talk about the pressure to fit in, the pain of being ignored by coaches, and the realization that "proximity does not equal permission" when it comes to letting others influence your heart. The episode also touches on the unique feminine desire to be "seen, known, and loved," and how to distinguish between God’s gentle voice and the negative "accusations" of the devil.

End of Episode Takeaway:

• Listen to the Freedom prayer at the end of the podcast again. Timestamp 30:27.
• Make a new list of the lies you believe about yourself and people’s opinions that you need to be rid of and pray this prayer…
• “In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce, I rebuke, and I reject the (spirit, lie, fear, opinion, or comment of others) and I send it to the foot of the Cross.” (Repeat through your whole list) Thank you Lord for setting me free. Bless me Father.”

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Episode Summary: Identity | Beyond Performance

This is where we must begin. Who am I beyond my athleticism? In the season premiere of the revamped FIERCE Athlete Podcast 2.0, hosts Sam Kelley and Julianna Dalton dive deep into the concept of identity beyond the scoreboard.

Many athletes fall into the trap of defining their entire worth by performance, stats, or starting positions. But what happens when you get injured, lose your spot, or eventually retire? If your identity is tied only to what you do, you are left feeling like nothing when those things go away.

This episode explores how to stop the revolving door of labels and fill the "God-sized hole" in your heart with your true, unchanging identity as a daughter of God. Learn how surrendering your athletic gifts to the Lord doesn't make you less competitive—it actually gives you the ultimate freedom to perform at your best.

Takeaway Exercise: The Identity Audit

To begin detaching your worth from your performance, Sam and Julianna recommend the following practical exercise:

• Header: At the very top of a piece of paper, write: "I am a daughter of God."
• List Your Labels: Below that, write down every label you currently use to identify yourself (e.g., "All-American," "injured kid," "starter," "point guard").
• Audit Your List: Look at each label and ask, "Does this serve me, or is it a lie?"
• The "Voice Check": Determine if the label is good and beautiful (the voice of God) or if it reduces your worth and causes discouragement (the voice of lies).
• Cross Them Out: Be competitive about getting rid of the lies. Draw a line through any label that makes you feel like a failure or reduces your inherent value.

Daily Re-Read: Keep the labels that are God-given talents (like "athletic" or "talented") and daily remind yourself that the top line—being His daughter—is your only permanent identity.

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The FIERCE Athlete Podcast is back - BETTER THAN EVER! With a FIERCE new studio, high quality video, new hosts, dynamic guests, wider content, and episodes dropping every week, FIERCE is here to walk alongside you in your athletic journey. If you are a female athlete, coach, parent, or fan- this podcast is for you- to help you THRIVE in your God-given Identity and Femininity. Meet your hosts Sam and Julianna this week, and hear about the exciting things ahead!

Don't forget to join our new Patreon community to get exclusive content, join discussions, ask questions, and support this podcast!

https://www.patreon.com/cw/FIERCEAthlete1

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“Sport is a means to develop the whole person”, and when coaches abuse this it can lead to long term trauma and effects. This is the story of Jennifer Sey, former national champion gymnast, who was the first to expose the wide spread abuse in women’s gymnastics. She joins Sam to discuss the lasting effects of abuse in sport, and also how we can fight against the current abuses in sport. You won’t want to miss this riveting conversation where Sam and Jen shed light on these issues and rally to fight against these things. You will be inspired- listen, share it, and join the fight! As Jen says, “I believe in the truth and I think it’s really pernicious to further a lie and I won’t let it pass through me.”

Support and wear proudly XX-XY Athletics: https://www.xx-xyathletics.com/

Follow Jen:
https://www.instagram.com/xx_xyathletics/
https://twitter.com/xx_xyathletics
#thetruthfits

Read more about FIERCE on our website - Fierce.org

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Last episode of the FIERCE Athlete Toolbox, and all other episodes and growth lead to this one- Leadership. Sam, Danae, and Angel challenge you to take what you've learned and positively impact those around you. They discuss different leadership styles, what not to do, and make the point that living a Christian life allows you to embody all the characteristics needed to lead. After all, Jesus Christ was the greatest leader in human history. Join us for our last episode of season 4, and then go shine bright and bring the light out in those around you!

Bible Verse: Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”

Takeaway: Do a leadership inventory- things you want to or don’t want to do as a leader. Consider those leaders you admire and what you have learned from them!

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“How we receive feedback can be empowering.” This week Sam, Danae, and Angel talk about a tool that can not only set you apart as an athlete, but lead to growth in all areas of your life- “being coachable”. We discuss, learning how to properly ask for feedback, how to graciously ignore bad feedback, and how to give feedback ourselves. Ultimately, this prepares our hearts to receive true coaching from our Heavenly Father! We promise, growth in this skill can only help you become more confident!

Bible Verse: James 1:19 "Understand this my dear brothers and sisters, you must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”

Take away: Meet with a coach, mentor, spiritual director, or boss and ask for some constructive feedback.

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Communication îs an art. Whether with a coach, teammate, parent, friend, or in the media, the way we communicate through our tone, body language, and words, reveals a lot. As athletes, we need to hone this skill. Sam, Danae, and Angel discuss how our communication has the power to heal and make others feel like they belong and are worth listening to, but also how it has the power to be toxic when used for gossip or when we ignore others. Ultimately, communication with God is our goal. Journey with us as we challenge and grow our ability to be a better teammate, leader, and Christian.

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

Takeaway: Set up a time to have an in person conversation with someone you haven't talked to in a while, or who needs a friend.

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Ownership is essential not only to personal success, but also team success. This week we begin talking about elements of our toolbox that affect and involve others. Sam, Angel, and Danae discuss the importance of ownership to create a culture of trust, to navigate unforeseen circumstances, to discover your role, and to accept your reality. They get deep, warning us not to allow our ownership to impact our identity, and to not own things that are not ours to own. All of these principles apply to ownership in our spiritual life and our eternal destiny. You don't want to miss this episode! Get ready to be challenged and get ready to grow!

Bible Verse: Luke 15:11-32

Takeaway: Do an Examination of Conscience and go to Confession. Consider starting a Daily Examen.

Daily Examen: https://www.jesuits.org/spirituality/the-ignatian-examen/
Examination of Conscience: https://www.beginningcatholic.com/catholic-examination-of-conscience

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