Today on After the Athlete, we’re joined by Kristen Hamilton, a Colorado native and one of the most decorated players in NWSL history.

From becoming the all-time leader in goals, assists, and points at the University of Denver to being the first DU women’s soccer player drafted to the NWSL, Kristen’s journey is anything but ordinary. After overcoming an early ACL injury, she went on to win three NWSL Championships, four Shields, earn a USWNT cap, and make history with the Kansas City Current.

We talk about her path through college and the pros, navigating retirement after a decade in the league, and what the transition out of sport has really looked like.

Now stepping into entrepreneurship, Kristen shares more about launching her real estate business and co-owning a coffee shop with former teammates, plus what she’s building next. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram: ⁠@k_ham17

Follow Kristen's Real Estate Account: @ke.realestate

Learn more about Pitchside Coffee ⁠here⁠.

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On this episode of After the Athlete, we’re joined by Emily Huston, former Baylor University volleyball setter, USA Select Team athlete, and professional volleyball player, who knows firsthand how challenging it can be to step away from sport and question your identity beyond it.

Emily turned her experience with retirement into action. She is the founder of HomeTeam, the first centralized hub for athlete-centered care and community, designed to support retired and injured athletes by connecting them with clinicians, providers, and each other.

We dive into Emily’s transition out of sport and the emotional reality of that chapter. She shares what that period truly looked like, the gaps she encountered in support, and how those challenges ultimately led her to build something that didn’t exist but should have.

We also break down what HomeTeam is, who it’s for, and how it’s helping reshape the way athletes navigate life after sports.

Learn more about HomeTeam to get involved as an athlete, clinician, or organization at https://www.hometeamgo.com/

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn: @emilymhuston

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In this solo episode, it’s just us, Lexi and Danika, talking through how much athletics have changed since we stepped away from competition.

We break it down across every level, from youth sports to college, diving into early specialization, increased pressure from parents and social media, and how kids are developing at a faster rate than ever before.

We also get into the biggest shifts at the high school and college levels, including recruiting, NIL, and the reality of the updated conferences.

Beyond structure, we talk about the cultural changes too, including body image, the shift from aesthetics to performance, growing attention on mental health, and the evolving landscape of women’s sports.

As always, thank you for listening! Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!

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