“When I work with the athletes and talk about toolboxes, I think helping them build tool belts that give them the arsenal. So when? Not if but when the headwind blows. Oh, I got this! I have agency over my destiny. I get to decide what’s next for me. Yes, I’m gonna need help along the way and support, of course, but I’m not gonna let any setback, not making the team or that coach not liking me, determine my future.” – Kirsten Jones

Kirsten Jones is a mother of three and a former Hall of Fame division one volleyball player. She is a motivational speaker, writer, and peak performance coach for teen athletes and their parents. She also hosts the podcast “Raising Athletes,” where she interviews various sports figures. Kirsten is a guest expert on websites like Grown and Flown and ILoveToWatchYouPlay.com, where she writes about the challenges of raising both strong athletes and exceptional individuals. With over 14 years of experience at Nike, she worked as a footwear executive in Europe and at Nike’s World Headquarters in Oregon. Kirsten holds a BA from the College of William and Mary, and her newly released book, “Raising Empowered Athletes,” is the topic of our conversation today.