What happens when your biggest passion leads you to unexpected places and the search for what’s next?Dr. Kishi Smith-Rey’s journey started on the soccer fields of Southern California, where her love for the game carried her to Division I at Cal State Fullerton. Along the way, she faced injuries, setbacks, and the challenge of balancing athletics with academics as a first-generation college student.After retiring from competitive soccer, she explored new paths — from professional wedding photography to earning her Ph.D. and joining Clemson University as an Assistant Professor.Today, she’s the founder of SportPhD, an organization helping young athletes — especially girls — develop the mental, physical, and emotional skills to thrive both on the field and in life. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose — proof that the end of one chapter can be the start of something even bigger.Highlights:Growing up in California and discovering soccerPlaying D1 soccer and overcoming injuriesTransitioning out of competitive sportsBuilding a career in photographyPursuing a Ph.D. and becoming a professorLaunching SportPhD and The Athlete Mindset workshopsSupporting athletes in life, leadership, and mindsetIf you’ve ever faced a turning point and wondered what comes next, this conversation is for you. Kishi’s journey reminds us that setbacks don’t define us — they prepare us for the next chapter.Find Kishi online: Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/rikishiteren/Instagram: @sportphd  @kishiteren Website: Send us a text. 💬 This episode includes a special message about Sandy’s LinkedIn Makeover service—designed to help professionals show up online with confidence. Want your profile to reflect your expertise and stand out? Book your makeover at sandy-adams.com/linkedin. Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbookSupport the showFollow The 5th Quarter Podcast:Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.📺 Watch on our Youtube channel Connect with us: Website | EmailFollow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

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