In this AthMindset episode, former Cal Berkeley Bears softball player gives her perspectives on black representation and visibility in softball. Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW, shares space with this incredible young woman, Zoe Conley. Zoe is a former softball player (Pitcher) for the University of California, Berkeley. As Zoe describes her time in softball, “I was one of the only black girls in the circle.”
It would be impossible to comprehend how a young black woman deals with this. We’re thankful Zoe spent time giving us insight into what it was like to not be recruited when it was clear she was deserving of collegiate offers and to not make certain softball teams because of the color of her skin. But Zoe isn’t bitter. She is using her experiences to help others. And conversations like this do just that. Zoe had the support of many people including her family. Her father was with her for many important conversations. And through all of her experiences, Zoe is now giving back — to anyone that will listen and especially young black girls.
Zoe Conley spends time with Lisa talking about playing an underrepresented sport, encouraging other kids, and the role of mental health in her life.
We’re privileged to feature Zoe on the SportsEpreneur platform–as she shows strength, courage, and a willingness to give back.
This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. And it’s all about mental health in sports.
From Lisa:
I’m Lisa Bonta Sumii and this is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur.
This podcast series is a space for conversations with athletes, coaches, practitioners, and stakeholders in sports. And it’s where those individuals share their perspectives, experiences, and thoughts on mental health in sports.
Eric Kasimov of SportsEpreneur is generously hosting the AthMindset Podcast Series on his platform as he deeply believes that these conversations are essential and deserve to be prioritized.
This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. SportsEpreneur — the content platform where sports, entrepreneurship, and mental health collide!
If you are looking to start a podcast or create original content, you have to talk with the team at SportsEpreneur. I work with them and I vouch for them. It’s that simple. Go to SportsE.io to learn more.
Headlines | Black Representation and Visibility in Softball with Zoe Conley
Underrepresented Sports
The College Softball Recruiting Process
The Only Black Girl in the Circle
Speaking Up About Racism and Mental Health
Cal Berkeley
Working for the Next Door to Open
Black Representation and Visibility in Softball
Surrounding Yourself for Mental Health
Racism in Women’s Softball
Family and Community
“Can I Get a Ride?”
Go Outside and Experience Nature
You Never Know Who is Watching
Are you an athlete or entrepreneur looking to create content? Learn More.
Thank you for listening to this AthMindset Podcast Series episode on SportsEpreneur titled, “Black Representation and Visibility in Softball with Zoe Conley”.
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SportsE Media is a digital sports media brand & production co for executives & entrepreneurs engaged in sports.
What is Athlete Mindset?
This is the Athlete Mindset podcast. Presented and produced by SportsEpreneur. Part of the QuietLoud Studios Podcast Network.
And this podcast is all about mental health in sports.
This podcast series is a space for conversations with athletes, coaches, practitioners, and stakeholders in sports. And it’s where those individuals share their perspectives, experiences, and thoughts on mental health in sports.
Hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC - Mental Performance Coach at Bay FC and CEO & Founder of AthMindset®
Eric Kasimov, Founder of KazSource and the creator of SportsEpreneur, is generously hosting the Athlete Mindset podcast on his platform as he deeply believes these conversations are essential and deserve to be prioritized.
If you are looking to start a podcast or create original content, you have to talk with the team at SportsEpreneur. I work with them and I vouch for them. It’s that simple.
About Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC
Lisa is a mental health therapist with over 21 years of clinical experience, licensed in both CA and NV. She is Mental Performance Coach at Bay FC and CEO & Founder of AthMindset®
Lisa supports the elite athlete to achieve optimal mental health and peak mental sport performance. She works with adolescent sport teams, collegiate student-athletes, Olympians/Olympic hopefuls, as well as professional athletes and teams.
Lisa is the first-ever Mental Health & Sport Performance Specialist for the Oakland Roots Sports Club. The Roots are a men’s professional soccer team and purpose-driven club. Seeing the elite athlete as a multidimensional human, navigating various roles and identities, is integral to Lisa’s approach. Focusing on the role that interpersonal trauma, culture, race, gender, and sexual orientation play as the athlete navigates life on and off the field, is at the center of her work.
Lisa is listed in the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Mental Health Registry and the National Football League Player Association’s Clinician Directory.
Lisa is often an invited podcast guest and conference speaker. Besides hosting the Athlete Mindset podcast on the SportsE+ podcast platform. She spoke at TEDxWilmington on the intersection of race, mental health, and sport.
She has been featured in Time Magazine, Teen Vogue, BBC World News, and Women’s Health Magazine.
AthMindset, LLC, supports the mental health of the elite athlete and their ecosystem. This includes serving the spouses/partners, family members, coaches, teams, referees/umpires, agents, and athletic trainers, with clinical services and sport performance consultation.
