#41 Mastering Your Fate & Captaining Your Soul with Carly WOPAT

#41 Mastering Your Fate & Captaining Your Soul with Carly WOPAT

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March 24, 2016

Athlete Case Study: Professional volleyball player who graduated from Stanford University, plays for the USA National Team, and currently plays in Ankara, Turkey

BACKGROUND

In this athlete case study, we focus on what it takes to overcome the most difficult times in our lives. Having people around you to lean on, finding what outlets work best to express yourself, and focusing on doing what is best to accomplish your dreams are just a few of the topics we cover with our infinitely resilient guest: Carly Wopat.  

BIOGRAPHY

• Born, Carly Wopat in Santa Barbara, California on October 13, 1992.

• Parents: Ron and Kathy, younger brothers: Jackson and Eli. twin sister: Sam (passed away in 2012).

• Graduated in 2014 from Stanford University with a degree in Human Biology and a concentration in Human Performance and Behavior.

• Began gymnastics when she was 3 and was a tri-sport athlete in high school.

• Trains with the USA National Team.

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PERSONAL QUOTE

Invictus

“It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.” - William Ernest Henley

Most influential people in their life:

Liz Towne-Gilbert; Club coach, great person that has taught me a lot of life skills

Kerri Walsh; volleyball athlete, spreads light and happiness to everyone

Ron Wopat; father, humble and is a very caring person

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS

• What has been the biggest struggle in your life?

• What can we do to get through these hard times?

• Share a moment that you feel you accomplished something that you have been trying to accomplish for so long.

• What are some non-negotiables you must do to stay on your journey?

• What are the most important things to do to be ready for your next matches?

KEY LESSONS

• The world is a beautiful place but there is also tragedy and loss

• After losing someone very close to you, get to decide how it changes you.

Four years ago, “my family experienced an unexpected suicide. My twin sister Sam had been struggling with depression. She was a beautiful person through and through. We did everything together growing up...losing her was devastating. Everything I knew came crumbling down and a huge piece of me was lost forever. It is a void that can never be filled and she can never be replaced. Accepting this is the most difficult thing; that things will never be as they were. You get to decide whether (in times like these) you cower from life and fight everything uselessly, or embrace it…and attempt to find your footing in life again.” CW @ 14:20

• Finding outlets for our emotions and ways to express ourselves is a major means to get through difficult times in our lives.

“I had a sculpture class that I could go in and just spend hours working on projects and building things; an outlet of self expression through art. I also wrote poetry, taught myself how to play guitar, got into photography. I have just learned how to express myself and get emotions and feelings out through different types of media.” CW @21:00

• There is strength in the people around you and in new ways to find outlets.

• Different mentors bring different things to the table. It is important to go about these mentor-mentee relationships with an open mind and receive advice without judgement.

• Dreams may seem impossible at the early stages of the pursuit, but keeping up the grind is the only way to achieve them.  

“One of my biggest dreams was to play on the national team and play professional volleyball. I would look up to these girls playing the highest level and try to imagine myself in their position. It seems so impossible when being so young. Just kept climbing the ladder.” CW @ 27:00

• Cross training and diversifying activities is a great way to increase mental and physical health.

• Recovery is crucial in performing at your peak

• Search for resources and people that are subject matter experts to learn about staying healthy.

ATHLETE'S TIP JAR

What is one insight you would give to athletes in your position?

“Do not let your performance define you. Even if volleyball is life (or any other sport), it can overtake your mind and everything you do. When we lose or don’t perform as good as we want, we feel bad. Just know that playing bad doesn’t mean you are a bad person! If you make a mistake don’t check yourself out. It is only a mistake in that moment. Don’t let your performance define you.” CW @ 48:00

What advice would you give to your younger self?

“Follow your passions. Don’t worry about going on the route society has set up for youth today. Everyone has opinions on how kids should transition and what the career path should be. Just because yours is different doesn’t mean it is wrong, it’s just your path.” CW @ 51:05

INFORMATION

Resources Mentioned:

The 4 Hour Workweek - Tim Ferris

The 4 Hour Body - Tim Ferris

The Model Health Show - Sean Stevenson

Invictus - Poem

Past/Current Teams:

Stanford University

RC Cannes Volley-Ball

Halkbank Bayan Voleybol Takimi

FOLLOW CARLY HERE:

Instagram | Twitter | Blog

Snapchat: carwo | Email: carwopat@gmail.com

DEFINITION OF BEYOND ATHLETIC?

“It means not just being an amazing athlete but (also) having skills, passions, and hobbies outside of athletics. It is really starting to grow, being beyond athletic. It is amazing to balance and juggle so many things. Being an athlete at this level is a big feat, but having other skills as well is amazing.” - CW

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Natania LEVAK | My International Student-Athlete Experience

Natania LEVAK | My International Student-Athlete Experience

“Going to a foreign school is a big thing and a hard decision to make. You just have to have a strong mindset. Everything is in your head. If you’re determined to do something, if you set goals for yourself and do everything you can to accomplish them you’re on the right track. If you keep saying “I can’t”, “I’ll do it later”, “I’m not good enough” just remember: Yes you can! Do it now! You’re good enough! Bad thoughts won’t get you anywhere. Believe in yourself and everything else will come naturally. Give 100% each and every new day and never stop reaching for your dreams and goals.
”

— Natania "Nati" Levak

First, a little background on you and the school...

Your full name: Natania Levak
Your country of origin? Croatia
our last team in your home country before attending school internationally? OK Marina Kastela
Name of your college/university? West Virginia University
This school is in... USA
...your sport? Volleyball (Middle Blocker)  ..your jersey # ? 13
...received a scholarship? Yes, Full Athletic
...enter your major(s): Undecided
...select your status in school: Freshman

PERSONAL profile link from your school’s website:
http://www.wvusports.com/teams.cfm?sport=volleyball

Tell your experience BEFORE you got to your foreign school...

...what/who helped you in your process of deciding/getting to a foreign school:
Elite Sport Student's Mentors, Ryan Jay Owens, Coaches in my home country, Parents, Another Student-Athlete(s) , 

Rate your experience with RJO (Ryan Jay Owens) out of 10 (Fantastic): 10

Comments for RJO?
Ryan is the kindest. He always has the time to help others, he is super patient and answers whatever questions you have and always has the best advices. I know everyone wants to find a person that will never trick you, that will not let you down, just someone you can fully trust and Ryan is that person. Not only does he do all he can to help you, but you can also see him as a person to look up to - with the lifestyle he lives, the mindset he has and his intelligence. The more you get to know him, the more you'll be glad that you've contacted him in the first place. I personally couldn't choose a better person to help me get through all these preps to go study in the USA. RJO you rock! :) [Hvala Nati! Big hug!]

Rate your experience with Beyond Athletic’s Podcast out of 10 (Love it!): 10

Comments for Beyond Athletic Podcast:
I think the page is very helpful, it can answer a lot of your questions and you can learn so many new things through it's content. It has some great posts talking about preventing injuries, how nutriton and sleep is important for your progress, how to give 100% without fear and it has interviews with ex and current players in USA so you can get a better picture about what it's like to be here, how the days look like and all the things you would wanna know before you come here. All the posts are based on people talking about the things they've experienced themseves so you would definitely get a better understanding of being a high level athlete and you would get more prepared for all the things that you have to go through. I would recommend this page to anyone because it helped me a lot, helped me in the decision whether I should come to the States or not and I certainly do not regret my choice.

Rate your experience with Elite Sport Student’s Mentors out of 10 (Great): 10

Comments for Elite Squared AKA Elite Sport Students’ Mentors:
When I was preparing to go to the USA I had dozens of questions I wanted to ask and RJO connected me to a couple of girls (student mentors) that I can talk to because they've gone through the same thing as I did. I talked to Milica Kubura, Edina Selimovic, Edina Begic etc. I started to contact some other girls too by myself and it was nice to hear stories and experiences of the people just like you. It gives you additional courage, confidence and helps you make a decision of where you want to study and what your goals are.

Did you pay for their service? If so, how much?
No, I didn't. It is so amazing to know every help I got from Beyond Athletic and RJO was completely free and just selflessly and generously given to me. I'm grateful that I found this site!

...how difficult was it to decide to go to a foreign school out of 10 (Very difficult)? 8

... If you knew what you know NOW... how difficult would it have been to decide to go to a foreign school out of 10 (Very Difficult)?? 0, Easy

What were the main things that convinced you to choose to go to a foreign school? :)
I've heard so many different experiences and they were all positive. I knew volleyball and education were very important to me and there just wasn't a better place to combine those 2 in a very high level than the USA. My parents are the ones who gave me the biggest encouragement and just made me feel like I was making the right decision. Now that I'm here at WVU, with every new day I realize how grateful I am to be here and that this is the best possible option for me to grow not only as a player, but as a person in general.

...What, if any, were the difficulties in choosing to go to a foreign school?
Well personally I was being indecisive for a long time. I didn't know if I was ready to leave my family, friends and my country and literally start a new life all by myself. I got so many encouragement from a lot of people and as the time went on I realized that's the best thing for me to do. It took me about 6 months to finally say that I'm ready to go to the States. The preparations were crazy, there was just a lot of things to do and I wasn't sure if everything's gonna be done on time. But it all turned out perfectly and now I'm here, making a lot of new friends, learning so many new things and enjoying life!

... and how did you overcome these obstacles to get to a foreign school?
I just did a lot of reading, research, watched a lot of videos, talked to some people that have already studied in USA or are currently studying there and the more I did all these stuff the more I got confident about me going to a foreign school.

... how helpful were the staff at the school with getting you admitted out of 10 (Super Helpful)? 10

What things helped you get everything done to get to a foreign school?
I think my parents are the ones I have to thank the most about that. They're the best!

Why did you decide to go to a foreign school?
Because those kinds of things are opportunities that come once in a lifetime and that can help you build the person you wanna be and get more responsible and mature. Learning about a new culture, living in a different society, experiencing new lifestyles and mindsets can only help you grow as a person and become more independent.

Lastly, your experience at your foreign school...

...your happiness with international student-athletics out of 10 (LOVE IT!)? 10

...What, if any, were the difficulties to adjust to life in your school’s country?
American food, getting up really early for practices, getting used to difficult practices which drain a lot of energy from you in the start and you just wanna sleep but in the same time you have to study and go to classes...

... and how did you overcome these obstacles to adjust to school life?
Eventually you get used to all those things and they just become a part of your daily routine. You just have to stay strong and think about how all those things are only gonna help you improve yourself

...What were your best experiences in your foreign school?
Meeting all of my coaches and my new teammates which are better than I could imagine, meeting new people, making new friendships, perfecting my english speaking skills... What amazes me most is seeing all these people here just trying to improve themselves on a daily basis, not only athletes but all the other people. I think this change of environment can only do good things for me. I couldn't like the fact thay I'm here more than I do! I get positive experiences each and every day!

Anything else you’d like to mention?
Going to a foreign school is a big thing and a hard decision to make. You just have to have a strong mindset. Everything is in your head. If you're determined to do something, if you set goals for yourself and do everything you can to accomplish them you're on the right track. If you keep saying "I can't", "I'll do it later", "I'm not good enough" just remember: Yes you can! Do it now! You're good enough! Bad thoughts won't get you anywhere. Believe in yourself and everything else will come naturally. Give 100% each and every new day and never stop reaching for your dreams and goals. 

Did you enjoy talking about this?

Yes

Would you be interested in an international athlete network?

Yes

Do you plan to be a PRO in your sport after college?

Yes

Natasa SAVOVIC (SRB) | My International Student-Athlete Experience

Natasa SAVOVIC (SRB) | My International Student-Athlete Experience

“It is great to be able to learn about other parts of the world and to meet other cultures.”

— Natasa SAVOVIC

First, a little background on you and the school...

Your full name: Natasa Savovic Your country of origin? Serbia
Your last team in your home country before attending school internationally? OK Radnicki Beograd
Name of your college/university? Coastal Carolina University
...This school is in... USA
...your sport? Volleyball,  ..your jersey # ? 3
...received a scholarship? Yes, Full Athletic (means basically free school)
...enter your major(s): Applied Mathematics
...select your status in school: Junior

PERSONAL profile link from your school’s website:
http://www.goccusports.com/sports/w-volley/mtt/natasa_savovic_975702.html

Tell your experience BEFORE you got to your foreign school...

...what or who helped you in your process of deciding/getting to a foreign school:
Another Student-Athlete(s) 

...how difficult was it to decide to go to a foreign school out of 10 (Most happy)? 5

... If you knew what you know NOW... how difficult would it have been to decide to go to a foreign school out of 10 (Most difficult)?? 
6, because it was really difficult for me to leave all my family and friends and go to far country where I don't know anyone. American culture is a lot different then my own, so now when I know that nobody and nothing can replace presence of those people it is even harder than before I left Serbia.

What were the main things that convinced you to choose to go to a foreign school? :)
Being able to attend university and play sport in the same time.

...What, if any, were the difficulties in choosing to go to a foreign school?
Getting all paperwork done, paying for tests/flights/visa, studying for tests

... and how did you overcome these obstacles to get to a foreign school?
I just focus on great opportunities that studying abroad can offer 

... how helpful were the staff at the school with getting you admitted out of 10 (Most helpful)? 7

What things helped you get everything done to get to a foreign school?
Researching on internet, communication with people with experience of studying in foreign school 

Why did you decide to go to a foreign school?
Because it can offer much more opportunities than studying in my own country of Serbia.

Lastly, What was your experience at your foreign school...

...your happiness with international student-athletics out of 10 (Most happy)? 10

...What, if any, were the difficulties to adjust to life in your school’s country?
Being far away from my country, my friends and family.

... and how did you overcome these obstacles to adjust to school life?
I was focusing on the positive things of being part of this school.

...What were your best experiences in your foreign school?
Winning the Big South conference championship with my volleyball team.

Anything else you’d like to mention? 
It is great to be able to learn about other parts of the world and to meet other cultures.

Would you be interested in an international athlete network? No

Do you plan to be a PRO in your sport after college? Yes

Helena PERIC | My International Student-Athlete Experience

Helena PERIC | My International Student-Athlete Experience

First, a little background on you and the school...

• Your full name:
  Helena Peric 


• Your country of origin?
  Serbia


• Name of your college/university?
  Missouri State University West Plains & University of California Riverside 


• This school is in...
  USA


• ...your sport?
  Volleyball, 


• ..your jersey # ?
  24


• ...received a scholarship?
  Full Athletic


• ...enter your major(s):
  Media and Cultural Studies with Film Production


• ...select your status in school:
  Senior


• Lastly, please enter your profile link from your school’s team: http://gohighlanders.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3440&path=wvball

Tell your experience BEFORE you got to your foreign school...

• ...how difficult was it to decide to go to a foreign school?
  4


• ... If you knew what you know NOW... how difficult would it have been to decide to go to a foreign school??
  5


• What were the main things that convinced you to choose to go to a foreign school? :)
  The opportunity to play the sport I love and go to school at the same time


• ...What, if any, were the difficulties in choosing to go to a foreign school?
  Paperwork takes time and costs a lot of money but it is nothing compare what is waiting for you after...


• ... and how did you overcome these obstacles to get to a foreign school?
  My parents and coaches from the USA helped me a lot.


• ... how helpful were the staff at the school with getting you admitted?
  10


• What things  helped you get everything done to get to a foreign school?
  My coach from Junior college helped me get everything done.


•  

Lastly, your experience at your foreign school...

• ...your happiness with international student-athletics?
  9


• ...What, if any, were the difficulties to adjust to life in your school’s country?
  The language might be a little difficult at the beginning and getting use to completely different culture.


• ... and how did you overcome these obstacles to adjust to school life?
  My teammates were always there for me. I met a lot of amazing people who were there for me for anything I need.


• ...What were your best experiences in your foreign school?
  Meeting some of my best friends, getting educated, travel all around the country, playing D1 volleyball with people from all around the world... 


• Anything else you’d like to mention?
  This is a great opportunity for everyone who loves sports and school at the same time. It is great experience to help you succeed in life and grow as a person. I would highly recommend this to everyone who is not afraid to try something new.


• Did you enjoy talking about this?
  Yes


• Would you be interested in an international athlete network?
  Yes


• Do you plan to be a PRO in your sport after college?
  Yes