Power Forward Mindset

Jesse (McDonough) Ogren is the oldest of five girls, and that role has shaped so much of who she is: the way she shows up, the way she leads, and how people naturally turn to her for guidance. She grew up on the Jersey Shore and went on to play soccer at Princeton University, where she became a two-time captain and Ivy League champion. She played professionally in France and earned a master's...

Tom George is a two-time Olympic medalist and the Great Britain record holder for the fastest-ever two kilometer erg time of 5:39. He won bronze at Tokyo and silver at Paris in the men's pair alongside Ollie Wynne-Griffith, studied politics at Princeton, completed a master's at Cambridge, and is now navigating life after elite sport. Tom shares insights on mindset, teamwork, and resilience...

Cara Stawicki is a World Champion rower, High-Performance and Leadership Coach, and visionary dedicated to helping unlock the freedom to dream big and perform. She started later than most as a Lehigh University walk-on and battled self-doubt, injuries, and disappointments. Some might have given up, but Cara made a plan that led her to the podium. She now coaches that mentality through her practice...

Olivia Papakyrikos is a licensed therapist and sport psychology consultant based in Boston. Through her practice Papakyrikos Therapy and Performance, Olivia works with competitive athletes, college students, and high-performing individuals navigating pressure, expectations, and the mental load that comes with showing up at a high level every single day. She has collaborated with athletic teams and...

Jess Deutsch is a Licensed Social Worker who advises and mentors high school and college students, athletes, and young professionals. She also consults with nonprofits in higher education, social impact, high performance athletics and well-being. She's passionate about helping others attain big goals with health and perspective—and has done so both at her alma mater, Princeton University, and...

Bella Alarie is the 2017 Ivy League Rookie of the Year, a three-time Player of the Year, an All-American, and the fifth overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft. Bella competed at the highest levels of the game - at Princeton, with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA, in the EuroLeague, and for Team USA. After her playing career, she coached at Georgetown while earning a master's degree in sports industry...

Cat Caro George grew up in New Jersey excelling in the classroom while starring on the USA Field Hockey Junior National Team. She went on to play (and win a lot) at Princeton University where she studied Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Cat is no stranger to adversity as she suffered multiple knee injuries while playing for Team USA after graduation. Her passion for understanding nutrition's...

Tara Madigan recently retired as the Northern Highlands Regional High School girls soccer coach with a record of 384-55-12, including three straight undefeated seasons. She grew up in North Jersey setting records at her high school, then played Division I soccer at Monmouth University and the University of Delaware. She earned her Master of Education and spent her career as a Health and Physical E...

Kelly Holtz, a registered dietitian with a focus in sports nutrition and women's health, shares insights on fueling for optimal athletic performance, recognizing signs of under-fueling, and breaking food rules to support health and performance. Kelly shares practical tips for athletes, parents, and coaches to enhance nutrition strategies and promote a healthy relationship with food. Follow Kel...

Leslie Robinson, a former D1 and professional basketball player, shares her upbringing in a sports-oriented family, her journey at Princeton University, and her transitions into the professional basketball and corporate worlds. Leslie shares valuable insights on teamwork, the importance of self-assurance, as well as advice for aspiring athletes and their parents. Follow Leslie: @les_ismore45 This...

Kellie Cope joins us in celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day! Kellie is the founder of Her First Athletics and Her Huddle and a female athlete health and nutrition educator. We discuss challenges female athletes face regarding body image, nutrition, and mental health. Kellie shares her personal journey with eating disorders and the importance of fostering a supportive environment...

Damon McLean, a former track and field athlete and current tech professional, shares his journey from rural Jamaica to Princeton University and beyond. We discuss the importance of education, mentorship, and the pressures faced by young athletes. Damon shares insights on managing performance pressure, the significance of identity beyond sports, and the need for fun in athletic pursuits. He also hi...

In our first episode of the Power Forward Mindset podcast, we welcome Blake Dietrick Seifert, a former professional basketball player and current MBA student. Blake shares her journey from a competitive upbringing in Wellesley, Massachusetts, to her record-breaking career at Princeton University and her experiences in the WNBA and 3X3 basketball. We dive into the importance of mindset, the role of...