An Introduction to Beyond the Heel

The Evolution of UNC Field Hockey with Dorrit Eisenbeis & Kiersten Thomassey - Dynamic Interests, Erin Matson's Leadership, and Building Community

UNC Field Hockey, Dorrit Eisenbeis and Kiersten Thomassey, join Beyond The Heel hosts Tyler Coffee and Avery Wilkerson to talk about what differentiates the UNC Field Hockey program (0:45) and their unique experience with Erin Matson's transition from a teammate to coach (4:15). Throughout the episode, both also discussed other interests and the impact they want to have on the sport. Later, the two shared gratitude to the continuous love of the Carolina Family (15:10).

Will Joseph - Fencing into a Dream

UNC Fencing’s Will Joseph, joins Beyond The Heel host Tyler Coffee to talk about how he got involved in fencing (1:52) and how it influenced his decision to come to Carolina (0:25). He also discusses his journey to secure a spot on the team once he arrived in Chapel Hill (5:50). Later, he shares his future goals (3:30), discusses how he plans to leave his impact (17:15), and gives one piece of advice to his younger self (18:35).

Student-Athlete Mental Health with UNC’s Campus Captains

UNC Rowing’s Lauren Walsh and Kate Burgess, along with UNC Volleyball’s Mabrey Shaffmaster, join Beyond The Heel hosts Anuj Watane and Avery Wilkerson to talk about their journeys to UNC athletics (1:14) and their involvement with The Hidden Opponent, a student-athlete mental health advocacy program. Later, the three discuss mental health stigmas that exist within the collegiate athletic community (14:41), and offer advice that they would give to younger student-athletes (24:30).

JoEllen Driscoll - Mental Illness Isn't a Choice, but Recovery Is

UNC Track & Field Thrower JoEllen Driscoll joins Beyond The Heel hosts Anuj Watane and Tyler Coffee to talk about how she got into throwing (2:06), how athletics has impacted her mental health journey at UNC (4:36), and how she hopes sharing her story will help others in similar situations. Later, the advice she would give her freshman self (13:20) and post-collegiate aspirations for her throwing career (12:20).

An Introduction to Beyond the Heel

Hosted by Tyler Coffee, Avery Wilkerson, and Anuj Watane, Beyond the Heel is an UNCUT Podcast which aims to create a safe platform for guests to authentically share their stories that showcase the more human side of athletics. As stressed by the name, we seek to go beyond the athlete and their sport by highlighting their passions, experiences, and narratives that traditional media often does not share. Join us this season in putting the human before the student-athlete.