035 | Stacie Salazar: From Softball Dreams to Athletic Training Professional

About the Guest

Stacie Salazar is a former collegiate softball player and athletic trainer based in Austin, Texas. A graduate of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, she earned her Master’s in Athletic Training in 2012. Stacie’s journey began with an unexpected start in softball after her father was diagnosed with cancer. This propelled her to a successful career in athletic training following a career as a college softball player. Her professional path has included roles as a high school athletic trainer, her exploration into tech sales, and a developing passion for advocating athletic training within the medical community.

Episode Summary

In this insightful episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks features the inspirational journey of Stacie Salazar, a former college softball player and current athletic trainer. Originally from California, Stacie shares her remarkable transition from an aspiring athlete to a distinguished career in sports medicine, heavily influenced by her father’s cancer diagnosis. Her father’s encouragement spurred her initial engagement with softball, which eventually blossomed into a lifelong passion for athletic training. Throughout this episode, listeners discover Stacie’s self-reflective narrative encompassing themes of resilience, self-discovery, and professional growth.

Stacie’s open discussion about her mental health struggles and the impact of imposter syndrome provides an honest insight into the challenges faced by high achievers transitioning from the world of collegiate athletics into professional spheres. Despite setbacks and transitions from athletic training to a tech sales role, Stacie remains driven by a deep-rooted passion for athletic training. Her story is a testament to the complexities of personal identity shifts when sports are no longer center stage. Utterly compelling, this conversation highlights Stacie’s enduring commitment to giving back to the athletic community, advocating for mental health awareness, and embracing life’s uncertainty with an open heart.

Key Takeaways

• Transition from Athlete to Athletic Trainer: Stacie Salazar details her journey from a college softball career to earning a degree in athletic training, highlighting the importance of adaptability.
• Mental Health Awareness: She candidly shares her struggles with depression and anxiety, emphasizing the significance of mental health support in athletes’ transitions.
• Imposter Syndrome in High Achievers: Stacie discusses the persistent feelings of imposter syndrome despite her achievements and how she navigates these challenges.
• Career Evolution: Stacie’s foray into tech sales showcases her adaptability and a continuous search for the right professional fit, illustrating a non-linear career path.
• Advocacy for Athletic Training: Her experiences underscore a passion for advancing the field of athletic training, particularly focusing on awareness and support at various stages of life and career.

Notable Quotes

• “My story is a little bit different. I was never supposed to be an athlete. When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, softball kept us close.”
• “Who are you outside of [being] a softball pitcher? Who are you outside of being an athletic trainer?”
• “The big thing is… giving myself the grace that it’s okay that you’re going to make certain changes and you might make mistakes along the way.”
• “I have a very deep, embedded passion for athletic training and even though I kind of sat the year out, it’s something that I still have the opportunity to go back to.”
• “I’m definitely very resourceful. If I am passionate about something, I will do whatever it takes to make sure it happens.”

Resources

• Stacie Salazar on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
• Stacie Salazar on Instagram

Join us to hear more about Stacie Salazar’s compelling story of overcoming life’s curveballs with grit and grace. Tune into this episode for profound insights that resonate with anyone striving for growth and self-acceptance, and stay connected for more enriching narratives from incredible individuals.

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