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 soccer
- Playing D1 soccer and overcoming injuries
- Transitioning out of competitive sports
- Building a career in photography
- Pursuing a Ph.D. and becoming a professor
- Launching SportPhD and The Athlete Mindset workshops
- Supporting athletes in life, leadership, and mindset
If 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
💬 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/playbook
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