Lisa Garner Santa, flute, professor, Texas Tech

Show Notes

EP89: NO BAD DAYS with Mikayla Moore, Minor League Athletic Trainer, Milwaukee Brewers

About the Guest

Mikayla Moore is a dedicated and experienced athletic trainer with a rich background in sports medicine. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science and a master’s degree in Athletic Training. Her career has spanned high school, collegiate levels, and now, professional sports with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. A passionate advocate for athletes’ health and well-being, Mikayla’s journey reflects resilience and adaptability, as she navigated unexpected job changes and pursued her long-time dream of working in professional baseball.

Episode Summary

Welcome to Episode 89 of Becoming Undone titled “No Bad Days,” where host Toby Brooks talks with Mikayla Moore, an athletic trainer with the Milwaukee Brewers. This episode dives into Mikayla’s professional journey, dealing with an unexpected job loss, and finding her dream job against all odds. Hailing from Texas, Mikayla transitioned from aspiring lawyer to athletic trainer, finding her true calling in sports medicine. Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the importance of chasing one’s dreams, no matter the setbacks.

Mikayla recounts how she was blindsided by a sudden job termination at Oklahoma City University, where she had grown comfortable and fulfilled over five years. Transforming adversity into an opportunity, she landed a role with the Brewers minor league team in the Dominican Republic. The narrative emphasizes her quick adaptation, from processing the shock to securing a new position within 29 days. This episode offers insights into how crises can sometimes be blessings in disguise, encouraging listeners to persist and stay open to new paths.

Key Takeaways

  • Pursuing Dreams: Despite initial setbacks, Mikayla’s determination to work in professional baseball eventually paid off, underscoring the importance of chasing one’s aspirations.

  • Resilience in Adversity: Mikayla’s journey from unexpected job loss to landing a dream role highlights the power of resilience and adaptation.

  • Support Systems: The episode emphasizes the crucial role of personal and professional networks in navigating difficult times.

  • Growth Through Challenges: Mikayla’s experience in the Dominican Republic showcases that challenging environments often lead to immense personal and professional growth.

  • Career Transition: The shift from collegiate to professional sports was significant for Mikayla, providing new opportunities and experiences in her athletic training career.

Notable Quotes

  • “Neither one of us had any idea. I’m like, I’m fixing to have this meeting, and then I’m gonna go work out. No idea whatsoever.”
  • “I’ve always loved baseball. It’s an art form for me. Watch it. I watch my college, I watch Texas Tech, I watch professional.”

  • “And so I really let myself just wallow in self-pity for three days. And then I was like, okay, it’s time to start thinking about this stuff.”

  • “I think that the biggest lesson that I learned is that I had gotten complacent. And that’s not something I ever wanted to describe myself as.”

  • “The ultimate goal is major leagues. Absolutely. It’s major leagues. That’s the dream. It’s been the dream.”

Resources

    • Mikayla favorite track: “Till You Can’t” by Cody Johnson
    • Learn more about the Milwaukee Brewers organization here
      • Explore the detail and depth behind Mikayla Moore’s inspiring journey by listening to the full episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Becoming Undone as host Toby Brooks continues to bring to light the resilience and determination of high achievers!

    Timestamp Summary
    0:00 Mikayla’s Unexpected Job Loss
    1:22 Introduction to Becoming Undone
    2:44 Toby’s Busy Week and Reflections on Growth
    3:59 Mikayla Moore’s Early Career and Journey to Pro Sports
    6:28 Choosing Athletic Training Over Sports Journalism
    9:46 The Transition to Athletic Training and Early Experiences
    13:31 Moving to Oklahoma for a New Opportunity
    17:54 Growing Through Relationships at Oklahoma City University
    21:56 The Shocking Job Loss Moment
    26:02 Dealing with Immediate Aftermath and Financial Concerns
    30:05 Opportunity in Pro Baseball with the Milwaukee Brewers
    34:57 Moving to the Dominican Republic: Logistics and Emotions
    38:19 Life and Work in the Dominican Republic
    42:26 Reflecting on Dreams and Future Goals
    43:35 Lessons Learned from Adversity and Complacency
    44:20 Continuing Relationships and Future Aspirations
    47:04 Outro and Reflections on Mikayla’s Journey