In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with former Arizona State beach volleyball teammates Ava Haughy and Ava Williamson to share an honest look into the reality of Division I athletics.

From navigating recruiting to entering college as freshmen on a historic NCAA tournament team to then transferring after their freshman year, both athletes open up about what it actually takes to compete at the next level.

They break down the transition into college athletics: early mornings, intense training schedules, and the mental pressure that comes with stepping into a completely new environment.

The conversation dives into comparison, feeling behind in recruiting, and why starting later can actually become an advantage.

Ava and Ava also share their experiences navigating the transfer portal, the emotional challenge of leaving teammates, and how to make decisions that prioritize long-term growth over comfort.

This episode is a real, unfiltered look at what it means to grow through change, trust your path, and build an identity beyond your sport.

Follow Ava Haughy:
Instagram: @avahaughy

Follow Ava Williamson:
Instagram: @avagwilliamson

• To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
• Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• YouTube: @kateafitzgerald

In the first episode ever recorded of Committed, Kate sits down with Indiana University volleyball player Ava Vickers to break down the real journey through recruiting, college athletics, leadership, and more!

From sending hundreds of emails and navigating rejection to ultimately choosing a school she never expected, Ava shares how her recruiting journey reshaped what she truly valued in a program.

She opens up about stepping into a leadership role early, navigating major team changes, and how small actions (like building connection and trust) can transform a team’s culture.

Ava also dives into balancing Division I athletics with NIL opportunities, launching her own clothing brand, and playing through injury while continuing to show up for her team.

This episode is a raw look at what it takes to grow as both an athlete and a person when everything around you is changing.

Follow Ava:
Instagram: @avavickers_

• To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
• Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• YouTube: @kateafitzgerald

In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with longtime friend and standout baseball player Kevin Karstetter to unpack the real journey through college athletics.

Kevin’s path wasn’t linear. After earning his first Division I scholarship offer at just 15 years old, his career took multiple unexpected turns, including losing his senior season to COVID, choosing the junior college route, transferring to Arizona State, navigating NCAA eligibility rules, and ultimately helping lead the University of Tampa to a national championship.

Kevin shares what JUCO baseball is really like, why it can be one of the best development paths for athletes, and the mindset required to keep going when your plan doesn’t work out.

From early recruiting pressure to mental resilience and learning to love the game again, this conversation is a raw look at the sacrifices, pivots, and perspective it takes to stay committed to the sport you love.

Social Media: @kevinkarstetter

• To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
• Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• YouTube: @kateafitzgerald

In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with Nebraska distance runner Cami Merickel to talk about the realities of Division I track and field and building a life beyond your sport.

From growing up in Arizona to competing at the D1 level, Cami shares how she navigated recruiting without a clear roadmap, adjusted to the demands of college training, and learned to trust her own path as an athlete.

She opens up about the transition from high school to D1, managing injuries and increased workload, and why track is far more mental and strategic than people think.

Cami also shares her experience studying abroad in Barcelona while continuing to train at a high level, a rare path for student-athletes, and how that experience ultimately reshaped her career goals and identity beyond running.

This episode is for athletes learning how to balance performance, personal growth, and life outside of sport.

Follow Cami:
Instagram: @camimerickel (confirm handle if needed)

• To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
• Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
• YouTube: @kateafitzgerald