In this episode our guest is Jenna McCarlie – a student-athlete at Queen's University in Belfast, studying Dentistry while excelling in field hockey. As the team captain and a representative of the U23 Irish National Team, Jenna shares her journey balancing intense academics with high-level athletics, offering insights into the mindset and discipline required to study and compete at the highest levels.

Jenna discusses her path to becoming an athlete, her choice to study at Queen’s University, and the unique challenges of pursuing a career in dentistry while competing at Ireland's highest levels of field Hockey. The conversation explores her strategies for injury prevention, experiences with indoor hockey, and her aspirations of joining the Olympic team. Jenna also opens up about her role as a leader and mentor, shedding light on the mental health aspects of competitive sports and her goals for a future where she can continue to excel in both her academic and athletic pursuits.

03:09 Journey into Field Hockey 10:17 Choosing Queen's University 13:23 Dentistry as a Career 17:38 Academic Journey and Challenges 22:22 Injury Prevention Routine 28:57 Opportunities in America 30:22 Indoor Hockey 37:27 Making the Olympic Team 45:51 Leadership and Mentorship 48:22 Mental Health in Sports 54:56 Aspiration for Dual Careers

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