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Life After Sports with Marti Reed

One of my favorite parts of creating this blog is the fantastic people I engage with and the opportunity to tell their stories. In this Life After Sports edition, I get to introduce a phenomenal woman, Marti Reed. Marti and I know a few of the same people and have run into each other on occasion or two. I have always admired her confidence and positivity. So, I was ecstatic when she agreed to be apart of my blog.

Marti is from Long Beach, CA. She grew up in an academic and athletic focused family. During her childhood you could probably find her and her siblings on the softball field, so it’s no surprise she went on to play softball for the UCLA women’s softball team from 2008-2012. Marti comes from a family of athletes. Her father is a former professional baseball player and her brother being a former collegiate baseball player. In addition to graduating from UCLA with a degree in Sociology and a minor in global studies, she made significant contributions to the athletic program as well.

Marti scored the tying run in the 2012 championship game against the Arizona Wild Cats, assisting her teammates in capturing the 2012 NCAA National Team title. In 2012 she was also honored with the BruinLife Senior of the Year award. She was a leader in various clubs and activities on campus including; the Bruin Athletic Council, Athletes in Action Christian Club, Afrikan Student Union and student-athlete mentoring. However, like most of us, she’s no stranger to obstacles and adversity. I had to get the scoop on her journey, how she’s thriving after her student-athletic career, and how she makes it all look so easy!

Dr. Lina: When did you start playing softball and what other sports did you play?

Marti Reed: I started playing softball at nine years old (1999), and it was my least talented sport out of all the sports that I played. My first sport was track, and then basketball, and volleyball. I stopped playing basketball after middle school; I stopped running track in high school, and I played volleyball and softball all throughout high school and only softball in college.

Dr. Lina: Gosh you’re so talented! For those that don’t know, what position did you play in softball? What was your recruiting process like and when did you start the recruiting process?

Marti Reed: I played middle infield--mostly shortstop. I received my first letter from UCLA when I was a freshman in high school. I received letters and offers from other schools both in California and out of state, but I knew I wanted to stay in the PAC 10 (now known as the PAC 12), so I took visits to UCLA, Cal Berkeley, Stanford, and University of Washington. I didn't make my decision until my junior year of high school, so it was very stressful trying to make the right decision when I had great options on the table. My mom finally asked me "Marti, if you couldn't play another game of softball in your life, which school would you want to be at?" Answering that question open and honestly helped me realize that UCLA was my number one decision; it was the school I felt most at home regardless of the amazing softball program. I wanted to have the best opportunity to be successful both academically and athletically.

Dr. Lina: Some of the hardest decisions are when we have so many great offers in front of us! If any, what injuries, fears or struggles did you have through your athletic career?

Marti Reed: I broke my arm (ulna bone). I had to have surgery where they inserted a plate and seven screws in my arm and had me in a full arm cast for a couple months. It was the summer going into my freshman year at UCLA. I wasn't able to throw or swing until January, and the season started in February, so starting off my collegiate career with an injury and set back was very difficult. My second biggest struggle was how I was used to being the top dog or "big fish in a small pond" before I got to UCLA, and when I got to UCLA, I was among other big fish in a massive ocean. I had never sat the bench before, and being around a culture of excellence and the best talent was something I wasn't used to and had to adapt to. The last setback I remember was when I got a concussion my senior year during the season and the doctor's held me back from competing in our big Florida tournament. I was monitored and forced not to do much physical activity or look at my computer screen. I was very disappointed because I was doing well and in the lineup. I wanted to continue playing every opportunity I could, knowing it was my senior year and last go-around.

Dr. Lina: How do you feel you persevered through or overcame these injuries and difficulties? What helped you?

Marti Reed: For my first injury, I think focusing on the things I could control helped me get through it. I focused on going to rehab and worked on getting back stronger. I focused on being a great teammate since I couldn't be out there on the field. I saw another way I could make an impact with my team by cheering and lifting others spirits when I wasn't out on the field. Once I was able to compete again, I always had to stay prepared and ready for when the coach needed me. I came off of the bench often and didn't crack the starting lineup until my junior and senior year. Basically, I was always fluctuating in and out of the lineup so focusing on the things I could control (my effort, preparation, and attitude) was how I was able to get through it. I also had a great support system with my family and friends who were constantly encouraging me in moments of weakness at times when I was ready to give up. It's important to surround yourself with people who lift you up and see things in you that can sometimes be hard for you to see in yourself.

Dr. Lina: How do you think sports and your personal obstacles made you a better softball player, person, and professional?

Marti Reed: In those moments of difficulty and adversity is where true character is practiced and displayed. Having to go through hard situations prepared me for life beyond the playing field because nothing worth having is easy to attain. If I never had to go through the challenging times or if things were handed to me and it was easy, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Sports helped me learn to manage failure and bounce back after mistakes. Competing in sports helped develop my work ethic and being on a team helps me work well with others as I build relationships with a positive attitude and team spirit.

Dr. Lina: What is Marti up to now?

Marti Reed: I am currently the Development Manager of Positive Coaching Alliance. We are a national non-profit that develops "Better Athletes, Better People" through our leadership training and character-building workshops for coaches, athletes and parents in youth sports. Outside of PCA, I have developed my personal brand of the utility player, helping athletes prepare for the real world using the transferable skills they learned in sports. I speak at schools and conferences across the nation motivating and inspiring young people to live their potential and approach life from a competitive mindset.

Dr. Lina: Tell us more about the Utility Player brand and training with Marti. I think it’s such a cool concept!

Marti Reed: A utility player is someone capable of playing multiple positions well, and in life, we are called to play numerous positions: a family member, friend, student, athlete, professional (career focused), and community member. When you are prepared for all of them, you are ready for bigger, better successes than you can even imagine. I show people how to become a utility player in their own life and leverage their experience as an athlete to help them grow in their career! I teach people how to create opportunities regardless of where they are and what life throws at them. You can visit my website www.theMartiReed.com to train with me or book me to speak at your next event.

Dr. Lina: What advice do you have for young high school girls who want to pursue college softball?

Marti Reed: The opportunity to play sports in college is a tremendous gift that shouldn't be taken for granted. It's not easy; it's going to be tough and challenge you to your core, but it's very worth it when you know yourself and your why (which is deeper than your talent and success in athletics). It goes by so fast; there are people that played before you and people that will play after you. Sports can prepare you for life, and life will go on after sports. Your identity, self-worth, and value must go beyond the playing field. Don't forget to have fun, love yourself and your teammates!

Dr. Lina: Very well put. I agree. Lastly, what advice do you have for college or former athletes that are struggling with their identity and career choices after college athletic career?

Marti Reed: For those that are struggling, I would first want them to know that it is OKAY not to know exactly what you want to be and where you are going. It's completely normal to feel that way; especially during a transition. Finding yourself and who you are is an ongoing process, but I recommend starting with your core values. Understanding what you value at your core and your guiding principles will help you create a solid foundation on who you want to be and who you're becoming. Having strong core values will also guide your decision-making process when things get tough. Secondly, get to know your strengths and abilities and what you can offer others that brings value--focus on what you can give. Lastly, build your roster! Connect with others. Similar to having a tutor in school, or a coach on the playing field, you can have a mentor in life. Someone that you look up to, trust, and admire. Seek people that know the things that you don’t and are willing to help you learn. Ask for help, ask for advice, ask for the experiences of others and take notes so you can learn from them!

Marti currently travels all over the nation speaking at high schools, universities, sporting engagements, conferences, and on several panels educating our youth on setting goals, attaining their goals and reaching their full potential. She is passionate about motivating others, helping them recognize their individual strengths and creating opportunities for themselves. Her personal brand offers coaching, guidance and action plans to help assist in preparing athletes for life after sports. Basically, Marti is a go-getter, resilient, enthusiastic and focused! Her leadership skills, history of success and encouraging personality make her the perfect coach on and off the field. Did I mention she also coaches at softball camps and clinics as well? She’s pretty awesome! How she’s helping the community (not just athletes) and how she leads by example is commendable. Make sure you visit her website HERE. You won’t regret it! This may be exactly what you are in need of and you definitely want to be on a winning team! Thanks Marti, for inspiring everyone you interact with and being a part of Dr. Lina Colleagues and Friends!