What happens when the structure that once decided your every move goes away?

On this episode of Moving Without the Ball, host Dania Haughton sits down with former Villanova University and Boston College guard Emily Esposito. After having a panic attack and realizing that she did not like who she’d become she chose to walk away from the game she loved.

The two discuss identity, autopilot consistency, and building a life where you decide what happens next.

Because sometimes leaving the game you love allows you to discover who you are without a playbook.

Follow Dania on Instagram @daniahaughton

Follow Moving Without the Ball on Instagram @MovingWithoutTheBall

Subscribe to Moving Without the Ball on Substack: https://daniahaughton.substack.com/

Successfully moving without the ball requires purposeful motion. Navigating transition is the same.

On this week’s episode, Dania Haughton talks with former Villanova defensive back, Nowoola Awepetu, about the emotional realities of transitioning out of sport, using your “why” to move through uncertainty, and trusting the timing of it all.

The two explore mental health, the wider college athletics landscape, and understanding your identity outside of the game.

Because transitioning doesn’t mean leaving the game behind, but instead understanding the transferable skills that continue to serve you long after the final down.

Follow Dania on Instagram @daniahaughton

Follow Moving Without the Ball on Instagram @MovingWithoutTheBall

Subscribe to Moving Without the Ball on Substack: https://daniahaughton.substack.com/

Though often clichéd, “it’s not what you know but who you know” reveals the reality of the power of relationships. Meaningful connections can lead to opportunities to create lasting impact.

On this episode of Moving Without the Ball, Dania Haughton discusses the importance of relationships when navigating transition and new opportunities, building connection beyond transaction, and the foundational lessons he’s pulled from his time on the court that still play a role in his life today.

The two get candid about how genuine investment in people produces the strongest relationships.

Because your network does more than influence your path. It shapes the perspective you carry along the way.

Follow Dania on Instagram @daniahaughton

Follow Moving Without the Ball on Instagram @MovingWithoutTheBall

Subscribe to Moving Without the Ball on Substack: https://daniahaughton.substack.com/

Making an impact isn’t always done in the spotlight. Instead it exists in the space in between.

On this episode of Moving Without the Ball, Dania Haughton sits down with the former President of the Los Angeles Sparks and impact-driven businesswoman to discuss how she counsels athletes through transition, gives voice to the voiceless, and leads with purpose.

Together they discuss navigating uncertainty, having confidence in your ability to figure things out, and that grace and ambition are not mutually exclusive. Instead, it’s the combination of the two that can create meaningful impact before anyone is watching.

Because moving without the ball requires courage to move forward even when the path is uncertain.

Follow Dania on Instagram @daniahaughton

Follow Moving Without the Ball on Instagram @MovingWithoutTheBall

Subscribe to Moving Without the Ball on Substack: https://daniahaughton.substack.com/

If you look at Kaz Brown’s resume it’s filled with championships, All-Star appearances, and successes. What it doesn’t tell you is what it takes to build a career on and off the court.

In the first episode of Moving Without the Ball, Dania Haughton sits down with the Dallas Pulse middle blocker to discuss her journey in professional volleyball–the challenges, opportunities, and uncertainty that helped shape her path.

The two explore how pressure affects athletes at every level, the importance of self reflection and embracing new roles, and the conversations and actions that shape life after competition.

Because careers are built solely on highlights, they’re defined by the moments in between.

Follow Dania on Instagram @daniahaughton

Follow Moving Without the Ball on Instagram @MovingWithoutTheBall

Subscribe to Moving Without the Ball on Substack: https://daniahaughton.substack.com/