In this episode of Catching You, host Lacie Ham sits down with McKenna Braegelmann, a former NCAA softball pitcher and nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year, to share her powerful story of resilience after a life-changing head injury.
McKenna opens up about her accident during a softball tournament, the immediate and long-term challenges of recovery, and the emotional toll of returning to the circle while battling PTSD and anxiety. Together, Lacie and McKenna reflect on their eerily similar injuries, the pressures of college athletics, and the hidden battles athletes face beyond the field.
🎙️ Topics covered in this episode:
McKenna’s softball journey from travel ball to NCAA Division I.
The terrifying moment that changed everything.
Coping with injury-related PTSD and panic attacks.
The importance of sports psychology and finding the right support.
Advocating for mental health in athletics and McKenna’s future goals.
This conversation is raw, inspiring, and deeply relatable for athletes, parents, and anyone navigating adversity.
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories that highlight the athlete journey—both on and off the field.
#Softball #AthleteMentalHealth #NCAA #Podcast #SportsPsychology
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00:00 Introduction to McKenna Bregelman
02:43 Journey Through Softball and College Life
05:27 Injury Stories: A Shared Experience
10:51 Mental Health After Injury
16:37 Finding Support and Understanding
18:47 Navigating Mental Health Challenges in College Athletics
22:59 The Impact of Trauma on Personal Relationships
27:36 Finding Freedom Through Therapy and Support
33:05 Advice for Young Athletes and Their Families
36:27 Future Aspirations and Advocacy for Mental Health