In the first episode ever recorded of Committed, Kate sits down with Indiana University volleyball player Ava Vickers to break down the real journey through recruiting, college athletics, leadership, and more!

From sending hundreds of emails and navigating rejection to ultimately choosing a school she never expected, Ava shares how her recruiting journey reshaped what she truly valued in a program.

She opens up about stepping into a leadership role early, navigating major team changes, and how small actions (like building connection and trust) can transform a team’s culture.

Ava also dives into balancing Division I athletics with NIL opportunities, launching her own clothing brand, and playing through injury while continuing to show up for her team.

This episode is a raw look at what it takes to grow as both an athlete and a person when everything around you is changing.

Follow Ava:
Instagram: @avavickers_

• To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
• Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• YouTube: @kateafitzgerald

In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with longtime friend and standout baseball player Kevin Karstetter to unpack the real journey through college athletics.

Kevin’s path wasn’t linear. After earning his first Division I scholarship offer at just 15 years old, his career took multiple unexpected turns, including losing his senior season to COVID, choosing the junior college route, transferring to Arizona State, navigating NCAA eligibility rules, and ultimately helping lead the University of Tampa to a national championship.

Kevin shares what JUCO baseball is really like, why it can be one of the best development paths for athletes, and the mindset required to keep going when your plan doesn’t work out.

From early recruiting pressure to mental resilience and learning to love the game again, this conversation is a raw look at the sacrifices, pivots, and perspective it takes to stay committed to the sport you love.

Social Media: @kevinkarstetter

• To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
• Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• YouTube: @kateafitzgerald

In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with Nebraska distance runner Cami Merickel to talk about the realities of Division I track and field and building a life beyond your sport.

From growing up in Arizona to competing at the D1 level, Cami shares how she navigated recruiting without a clear roadmap, adjusted to the demands of college training, and learned to trust her own path as an athlete.

She opens up about the transition from high school to D1, managing injuries and increased workload, and why track is far more mental and strategic than people think.

Cami also shares her experience studying abroad in Barcelona while continuing to train at a high level, a rare path for student-athletes, and how that experience ultimately reshaped her career goals and identity beyond running.

This episode is for athletes learning how to balance performance, personal growth, and life outside of sport.

Follow Cami:
Instagram: @camimerickel (confirm handle if needed)

• To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
• Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• YouTube: @kateafitzgerald