As the sun set over the cityscape of Los Angeles, Jenne Blackburn, a former collegiate volleyball player turned advocate for athlete well-being , sat down at Angel City's community Player22 panel event. With a warm smile and a light hearted demeanor, Jenne began to share her story—two torn ACL's and mental health struggles....a tale of resilience, growth, and the importance having a plan before you transitioni  out of sport.

This was a evening where Jenne was joined by:

Ronnie Sullins: Former USWNT Soccer Player, Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery, UCLA

Monica Gerado: Former Professional Soccer Player, Mexican Soccer Team, Principal St Marks Lutheran School

Shannon Boxx: Former Professional Soccer Player, Founder Ethos Mentality Group

"One of these things is not like the other" Jenne joked...knowing she was surrounded by soccer greats.

Jenne is an example of how a season-ending knee injury can force athletes to confront the inevitable truth: all days on the court are numbered. While the physical pain was temporary, the emotional toll of losing the camaraderie of team spirit lingered many years after the final whistle blew.

Jenne will tell you– its all about friends and community. And she was lacking severely in these two areas after she retired years after sport. 

While building her life after sports in the technology and entertainment industries, beneath the surface, she grappled with the looming uncertainty and loneliness that can come after sports—a reality that many athletes face in life but few openly discuss. 

After a life changing bike ride at the espnW summit where Jenne realized she no longer felt like an "athlete" anymore, she knew things had to change. With the support of this new group of women and mentors from the espnW summit, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. She immersed herself in the study of sports psychology and athlete transition, determined to help others navigate the challenging terrain of life beyond sport.

As Jenne addressed the retiring athletes at Angel City, she spoke from the heart, sharing the lessons she had learned along the way. She emphasized the importance of holistic well-being, urging athletes to prioritize their mental, emotional, and physical health both during their playing careers and in the transition to life afterward.

"Being an athlete is not just about what you do on the field," Jenne remarked. "It's about who you are as a person—the resilience, the determination, the passion that burns within you. All the intangibles that you learn while playing sport. And while the competitive game may end, the athlete spirit lives on in the game of life."

Through her work with organizations like Angel City FC, Jenne continues to advocate for athlete empowerment and holistic support systems that enable athletes to thrive in all aspects of their lives. She believes that by sharing her story and shining a light on the challenges of transition, she can inspire others to embrace their own journeys with courage and resilience. For Jenne Blackburn, the journey from athlete to athlete advocate is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the enduring legacy of the athlete spirit.

Pictures of Blackburn at Angel City. Special thanks to Shannon Boxx and Julie Foudy for the opportunity.