Take Action: Help Accelerate Progress in Cancer Science and Medicine

• Donate to the AACR: Fuel lifesaving innovation by supporting cutting-edge cancer research at https://AACR.org/Give
• Share this episode: Inspire others by amplifying Karlie’s story of resilience and recovery in the face of cancer
• Listen and subscribe: Find Believe in Progress on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and follow so you never miss an episode

What does it take to survive cancer and still make it to the Olympics in a single year?

In this inspiring episode of Believe in Progress, we sit down with Karlie Kisha: Olympian, papillary thyroid cancer survivor, and an assistant coach for the Villanova University field hockey team. Karlie takes us inside her incredible journey, from her cancer diagnosis just months before the Paris Olympic Games to representing the U.S. on the world stage.

Her story is a masterclass in the power of determination, mindset, and belief in cancer research. Whether you're an athlete, a survivor, or someone in the midst of your own personal challenge, Karlie’s voice will remind you of what’s possible when you face adversity with courage and grace.

Episode Highlights:

Segment 1: Falling in Love with the Game

• Karlie shares her early passion for field hockey, her collegiate journey at the University of Connecticut, and how she set her sights on the Olympics.

Segment 2: Diagnosis, Disruption, and Determination

• Just months before the Olympics, Karlie was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. She discusses the whirlwind of emotions and the grit it took to keep her Olympic dreams alive.

Segment 3: Recovery and Resilience

• From surgery to healing to elite-level competition, Karlie reflects on the physical and mental strength required to bounce back and perform on the sport’s biggest stage.

Segment 4: Coaching, Mentorship, and the Next Chapter

• Now an assistant coach at Villanova, Karlie speaks about finding purpose beyond competition and why giving back means everything.

Segment 5: Purpose, Gratitude, and Mental Toughness

• Karlie closes with reflections on gratitude, mental health, and how surviving cancer reframed her entire view on life and purpose.

Take Action: Support Cancer Research & Survivors

• Donate to the AACR: Help advance the research that saves lives at https://AACR.org/Give
• Share this episode: Someone in your network needs to hear Karlie’s story, so help us tell it by sharing it with them
• Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Never miss a story that could inspire hope and action, you can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen

Production Credits:

Host: Mitch Stoller

Guest: Karlie Kisha

Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes

Executive Producer: Michael Leary

Director: Anthony Lopes

Creative Director/Director of Photography: Michael Leary

Writer: Anthony Lopes

Editor: Michael Leary

Associate Producer: Heather Holland

Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.