In this installment of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with former Division I hockey champion Grace Shirley, who is twice a national title winner with the Wisconsin Badgers (2021 & 2023), to explore her journey beyond the rink. Grace shares how the thrill of victory and the pressures of elite sport shaped her path, how she discovered the importance of mental-wellness through her own experience, and why she’s now focused on becoming a counselor and advocate for student-athlete mental health.
They’ll talk about:
the moment she realized that being “just a hockey player” wasn’t enough;
the transformative role of sports psychology and seeking support early;
balancing academic, athletic, and personal identity;
and her vision for what the next chapter looks like: helping others ask for help, redefine success, and embrace the person behind the athlete.
Whether you’re a student-athlete, coach, parent or anyone trying to navigate high expectations and identity beyond a role, this episode offers candid insight, practical encouragement, and a reminder that your next step is as meaningful as your first win.
