In this episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, co-hosts Lilly Wehman and Sarah Meister welcome back Ohio University soccer player and intern, Scout Murray. This time, Scout reflects on her freshman year and the often-overlooked challenges of transitioning from high school to collegiate athletics.

From the shock of leaving home and adapting to a new team culture, to navigating intense competition and building resilience, Scout offers a candid look at what it’s really like to go from being a standout in high school to fighting for a spot in college. She shares personal stories—from forgotten gear and on-field mistakes to learning to take feedback constructively—that illustrate the steep learning curve freshmen face.

Listeners will walk away with actionable advice for incoming college athletes, including the importance of being coachable, asking questions, embracing mistakes, and trusting the process. Whether you’re preparing for your own freshman season or mentoring a new athlete, this conversation provides valuable perspective on growth, adaptability, and self-compassion in sport.

• The emotional and logistical challenges of the freshman year transition

• Why being a “sponge” for feedback accelerates growth

• Reframing criticism as a sign of potential

• How to manage mistakes and embarrassing moments with perspective

• The value of trusting the process and focusing on long-term development

Related episodes: Balancing Joy, Pressure, and Identity with Scout Murray | Life After Sport Series: Identity Loss and Purpose Beyond Sports

Millennium Athlete Wellness provides a holistic approach to mental health and performance enhancement for athletes. Our team comprises sports psychology experts and clinical mental health professionals dedicated to helping athletes at all levels achieve peak performance and overall wellness. Each athlete we work with is connected to a licensed counselor, many of whom have personal experience as Division 1 athletes. This unique insight ensures a deep understanding of athletes’ challenges, both on and off the field. Our mission is to support athletes’ mental well-being and performance through expert guidance and empathetic care.

Millennium Athlete Wellness: Website
Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Sarah Meister: Millennium | LinkedIn

At Millennium Counseling Center, our mission is to provide compassionate and personalized support for individuals facing challenges related to mental health, addiction, relationships, and trauma. Our dedicated and diverse staff works to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for people from all walks of life. We are committed to fostering a program and treatment plan uniquely tailored to your needs and who you are, helping you find a path to healing and growth.

The post Athlete Wellness | Transitioning from High School to College Athletics with Scout Murray appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.