From Burnout To Balance

Being a collegiate athlete I’ve learned about athletic training and performance at a level I couldn't have imagined when I was applying to schools. 

As far back as I can remember, I played soccer. My dad did, my sister did—so I did. I played for different clubs, in different leagues, in Olympic training programs, and in college showcases. I’ve always known what it’s like to have a packed schedule, organizing everything in my life around soccer. I’d focus on eating enough protein to be fueled for games, sleeping well so I could mentally perform, and even running cross country or track in the off-seasons just to stay ready when it was time to play again.

When college came around, things shifted. Playing Division I soccer for University at Albany was more than just my whole life—it consumed me. Everything I did was still for soccer, just like it had always been, but now there was no room for decompression. Taking a moment to relax or recharge wasn’t part of the hourly schedule that was created for the players’ fall season.

Safe to say, it was a difficult adjustment. I was constantly moving—from lifting heavy in the weight room and intense training sessions to classes and team meetings. I had to learn to take care of myself, carve out time for the things that mattered to me, and set boundaries with those around me—and with myself. Otherwise, I would not have been able to stay physically healthy. 

That’s when stretching became a real turning point for me. And it wasn’t just stretching, per se. It was learning how to do it properly that made all the difference. When I discovered Lastics, after just one class, I started to approach flexibility training differently. It became not only the gateway to improved mobility and range of motion, which translated immediately to better performance on the field, but also, it was one time in my day where I could slow down, breathe deeply, and listen to what my body was telling me. It was a way to check in with myself—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. Some days, it was the only quiet moment I had.

At first, stretching was something we were expected to do before workouts, though it wasn't integrated into the training, nor did we receive coaching or guidance. I found that odd. Stretching as part of my routine gave me more than flexibility, it gave me space. Space to let go of stress, to reflect, to center myself before diving into the next round of responsibilities. That 10 or 15 minutes on the mat became a form of active meditation, a way to feel grounded and whole. It helped me recover better, prevent injuries, and handle the physical intensity of the sport. But more importantly, it helped me reclaim a sense of peace in a life that often felt nonstop.

The last four years of playing soccer at the highest level—something I had always dreamed of—sometimes felt more like a job than a passion. That was upsetting. But I slowly realized that small, consistent steps each day could make a huge difference. When I made time to cook clean meals, take naps, go to bed early, and stretch before the day began, I felt whole. I felt like I could handle the demands of my schedule.

Now, stretching goes beyond just physical prep—it has turned  into a mental sanctuary. A space where I can feel productive without pressure, while letting my thoughts settle. It gives me clarity, calm, and control and reminds me that in a life so centered around performance, there’s strength in stillness, too.

Learning what I needed both physically and mentally to succeed at this level became essential to my overall well-being. And now, thanks to something as simple and consistent as stretching the right way, I know how to show up for myself—on and off the field.

To get you started, try out our gym stretches that you can fit in between sets! There are five videos total, sent weekly to your inbox for FREE. Click the image below to learn more.👇