This week, host Jailyn Green sits down with former Piedmont University competition cheerleaders, Gracie and Hannah Johnson, to talk about the pressure of performing under the spotlight, where every move is judged and every mistake feels magnified. They open up about what competition cheer is really like behind the scenes, the intensity, the mental preparation, and the weight of knowing you only get one shot.
The conversation goes deeper as they reflect on setbacks beyond the mat. Gracie shares her experience tearing her ACL during her senior year and the emotional challenge of being sidelined, while Hannah opens up about her decision to step away from the team, and what ultimately led her back. Together, they unpack the difference between physical and mental setbacks, and how both can reshape your identity as an athlete.
This episode is about more than losing, it’s about resilience, redefining yourself beyond your sport, and learning how to move forward when things don’t go as planned.
What is After the Game?
After the Game is a podcast hosted by Jailyn Green that explores life beyond sports. Through honest conversations with former athletes, the show dives into the emotional and mental journey of transitioning away from competition, when routines end, identities shift, and a new chapter begins. After the Game highlights growth, mental health, and purpose, reminding listeners that while the game may end, the journey continues on.