“If I’m Not Doing It, Someone Else Is” | Vikings Rookie Donovan Jackson | Ep.26

Dear Mom, You Should Take the Job | Concordia AD Rachel Bergeson | Ep. 30

When Rachel Bergeson was offered her dream job as Athletic Director at Concordia College, she said no. Not because she didn't want it. Because she didn't think she was ready. A year later, she changed her mind. And the reason she changed her mind is the reason you're going to remember this episode forever. In Episode 30 of the Athletes IN Sports Podcast, Rachel sits down with Andrew Deters to share the full story — including the moment her 9-year-old son Tyden left a note on the floor that changed everything. The note said: "Dear Mom, you should take the AD job." This episode is about: * Why she turned down the AD job the first time (and what she was really afraid of) * The conversation with her husband that made her say yes (he gave up three coaching seasons so she could take the job) * The Division III philosophy that nobody talks about — and why it's producing the most well-rounded athletes in the country * The four football players who left the sideline to sing the national anthem with the choir * Bucky Burgau, her dad, who is still throwing batting practice at age 76 * The parenting philosophy that destroyed her backyard: "You're not raising grass, you're raising boys" * Why everything can get figured out on a wiffle ball field Rachel also shares the origin story of the InSports Foundation, which started in a Concordia dorm room in 2016 when Max Smith and his classmates turned a class project into a nonprofit that has now impacted over 60,000 kids. If you're a mom who's ever turned down an opportunity because you didn't feel ready — or a parent who's trying to figure out what really matters in youth sports — this episode is for you. About Rachel Bergeson: Rachel Bergeson is the Athletic Director at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. A Cobber lifer — she grew up on campus (her grandpa coached there, her mom worked in the registrar's office for 44 years, and her dad Bucky Burgau was the head baseball coach and equipment manager). She played at Concordia, then returned as an assistant women's basketball coach before moving into athletics administration. She took the AD job after initially turning it down, and now leads one of the most distinctive D3 athletic programs in the country. Rachel lives in Moorhead with her husband and their two sons, Tyden and Tate. Links: * InSports Foundation: insportsfoundation.org [www.insportsfoundation.org] * Concordia College Athletics: gocobbers.com [https://www.gocobbers.com/] * Athletes IN Sports Podcast: athletesinsportspodcast.com [https://www.athletesinsportspodcast.com/] * Follow InSports Foundation on Instagram: @insportsfoundation [https://www.instagram.com/insportsfnd/?hl=en] * Follow the podcast on Instagram: @athletesinsportspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/athletesinsports/?hl=en] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Athletes IN Sports Podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share this episode with a mom who's ever doubted herself, a parent who's trying to figure out youth sports, or anyone who loves a good story about courage, family, and chasing your dreams.

Korey Dropkin: Missing the Olympics Twice Made Me an Olympic Medalist | Ep. 29

What does it take to keep chasing a dream after coming up just short—not once, but twice? In this episode of the Athletes IN Sports Podcast, Olympic Silver Medalist Korey Dropkin shares his incredible journey from missing the Olympic team in both 2018 and 2022 to standing on the podium at the 2026 Winter Olympics as part of the first U.S. mixed doubles curling team to win an Olympic medal. Korey opens up about the heartbreak of falling just short, the mental battles that followed, the role sports psychology played in his development, and how learning to separate his identity from his sport ultimately helped him reach the highest level of competition. He also shares valuable lessons for athletes, parents, and coaches about resilience, perseverance, pressure, and finding purpose beyond the scoreboard. Whether you're chasing a big goal, navigating setbacks, or helping a young athlete pursue their dreams, this conversation is packed with insights that extend far beyond the curling rink. In this episode, you'll learn: * How Korey overcame the disappointment of missing the Olympics twice * Why the mental side of performance became his biggest breakthrough * The importance of finding your identity outside of sports * What Olympic pressure really feels like * Advice for parents raising young athletes * Why perseverance often matters more than talent 🎙️ Athletes IN Sports Podcast Inspiring conversations with athletes, coaches, and leaders who share the lessons sports teach us about life. This episode is brought to you by: 🏅 InSports Foundation Providing scholarships, free camps, and opportunities to help more kids experience the life-changing impact of sports. Learn more: https://insportsfoundation.org [https://insportsfoundation.org] 💼 Innovative Helping organizations create better workplaces through furniture, architectural products, and workplace solutions. Learn more: https://innovativeos.com [https://innovativeos.com] Follow Athletes IN Sports: Instagram: @athletesinsports TikTok: @athletesinsports LinkedIn: Athletes IN Sports

The Truth About Youth Sports Parents — From NFL QB Brooks Bollinger | Ep. 28

In this episode of the Athletes IN Sports Podcast, we sit down with former NFL quarterback Brooks Bollinger to talk about the reality of youth sports — from the perspective of a player, coach, and parent of five kids. Brooks shares his journey from growing up in Grand Forks, to leading Wisconsin to a Rose Bowl, to playing in the NFL, and ultimately transitioning into life after football. But more importantly, he gets honest about what he’s learned along the way — especially when it comes to parenting kids through sports today. We dive into: * The biggest mistakes youth sports parents are making * How to handle wins, losses, and tough car ride conversations * Why sports shouldn’t define your child * What playing quarterback taught him about leadership, failure, and life after the game * The challenges athletes face when transitioning into the “real world” * And how he now applies those lessons in business and at home This episode was recorded live at the Minnesota Golf Show, where Brooks also shares how the mental game from football carries over to golf — and life. 👉 If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a parent, coach, or athlete who needs to hear it. 🤝 This Episode is Brought to You By The InSports Foundation The InSports Foundation is dedicated to helping kids and families access sports opportunities regardless of financial barriers. Through free camps, scholarships, and team sponsorships, InSports is working to reduce the cost of youth sports and create more opportunities for kids to learn, grow, and compete. To learn more or support the mission, visit: www.insportsfoundation.org [http://www.insportsfoundation.org]

I Had to Cut Off My Foot… The Hardest Decision of My Life | The Nelson Thomas Story Ep.27

In this episode of the Athletes in Sports Podcast, we sit down with MTV’s The Challenge star Nelson Thomas to talk about the hardest decision of his life—choosing to amputate his foot after a devastating car accident. Nelson shares his journey from growing up without a father, to finding identity through sports, to building a name on reality TV… and ultimately facing a moment that forced him to redefine who he is. We talk about: * Losing his identity as an athlete * The mental health battles that followed trauma * Why you can’t bury pain and expect it to disappear * How faith, community, and resilience helped him rebuild * And what it truly means to Be the Best You Now, as an amputee and aspiring Paralympian, Nelson is using his story to inspire others and prove that there are no limits to what you can overcome. This is a raw, honest conversation about adversity, perspective, and choosing to move forward when life doesn’t go as planned. This episode is powered by the InSports Foundation.InSports is on a mission to get more kids in the game by reducing the cost of sports through camps, scholarships, and team sponsorships—helping young athletes build confidence, character, and mental well-being through sports. Learn more at insportsfoundation.org [www.insportsfoundation.org]

“If I’m Not Doing It, Someone Else Is” | Vikings Rookie Donovan Jackson | Ep.26

We’re live at Viking Lakes for the Joy of the Pond Mite Jamboree with Minnesota Vikings rookie offensive lineman Donovan Jackson. Donovan shares his journey from playing multiple sports as a kid in Texas to becoming a first-round NFL draft pick, along with the mindset, discipline, and work ethic that helped him get there. He talks about the importance of having fun in youth sports, building confidence, and why the small habits you build early can make all the difference. From “erasing the whiteboard” after a bad play to embracing the competitive drive of “if I’m not doing it, someone else is,” this episode is packed with lessons for young athletes, parents, and coaches alike. We also hear Donovan’s advice for kids, what he learned from his parents and coaches growing up, and what it really takes to succeed at the highest level. — This episode is brought to you by the InSports Foundation [https://insportsfoundation.org/], helping kids get in the game through scholarships, camps, and team support. Special thanks to Vibe Hockey [https://vibe-hockey.com/], title sponsor of the Joy of the Pond event.