Definitely. I rave about it. Everyone should take. Melinda is amazing. So kind, empathetic, knowledgeable. Everything you are struggling with by not being in sport - great to be with others who are in similar situation

I'm glad, but I'm in a different position as I'm not retired yet. Cool to see the vulnerability and sharing. I'm close to the end of my sporting career so it was good to think about. Recently I've been more open to trying things that Game Plan offers and being prepared.

Yes, transition can be overwhelming. There is value even if you aren't in a "bad" way. This course helped "calm" the noise for me

yes. Initially wasn't sure but in the end, it worked out really well. At times the Sun calls felt long - kind of end of week and down time normally. Other athletes pov was super helpful. Important program. Not many resources otherwise.

I noticed right away I had false assumptions about the work. It was really indepth. I learned it was a lot of work but necessary. Workload could feel overwhelming. Topics felt like being in therapy and at times I felt I wasn't ready but group discussion went a long way to helping me.

Yes, having the athlete group - support group was great. Similar struggles. Feelings of shame and having others validate that was useful. Melinda herself is fantastic and I look forward to continuing that. She can talk to me as an athlete. Modules are good but I didn't dig into the material to get the most out of it. My fault no one elses. Still having the workbook helps.

Yes, 100%. I was torn as someone who hasn't completely retired but I'm super grateful. Doing the exercises while still in sport will really help when I do get there.

Yes. I had done some work around athlete mindset and this program supported this. Being on group calls made me feel less alone.

Yes, for multiple reasons. Athlete hat was great application. Life is full of transitions so it helps regardless

Yes, even 5 years later, felt grateful to be part of this. It was great to support one another and the tools apply to many transitions I will experience.

Yes, super happy to experience it.

yes, I feel like it was life changing in a positive way - sounds dramatic but the timing was perfect for me! Felt like really good therapy

Teammate was taking it and Advisor suggested it

Trying to say yes more. I enjoyed discussion and in person meetings more than exercises in the workbook. It's a pretty intense course - takes a fair amount of time if you are going to do it properly.

Dom suggested I try this program and I'm in a mode where I'm trying to say "yes" to things. Historically, I've been pretty closed and I find that hasn't helped me

Dom initiated the convo. She felt super interesting and she was lost and feeling different - new job, needing activity, a bit lost so this seemed like an investment in myself.

It coincided with a conversation I was having with my Advisor. She recommended it to me and I thought it sounded good. I also didn't realize how much work I was taking on! That was good though

Because you guys asked:). I wasn't expecting much for myself but wanted to do it to maybe help others. I didn't realize how much it would help me

Some teammates took YouToi2.0 and I wasn't able to at that time. This seemed similar and I had the time. General transitions are covered too not just sport. The opportunity to connect with other athletes was appealing too.

It was an easy sell. Talking with other athletes going through transition and connecting with a community was a strong selling point

I wanted to evaluate it and compare it to YouToi2.0. Curiosity too. 3rd program like this I've piloted

Timing was perfect for me.

I was nervous about being done with sport and wasn't sure how to handle them. I also knew I had the time now so I figured why not

I work full time so this format is the only way I could have done this. Liked the self pace and short video clips. Video length was GREAT! I got a lot out of assignments. LOVED the workbook

Weekly meetings were great. Videos less helpful, I felt that information was in the book. Probably could have made it through without watching videos.

The format was great. If you slacked off in one area (workbook), videos and conversations made up for it. I thought the workbook was a fantastic tool. I loved the calls and the videos were helpful.

I felt it all worked well. I appreciate the workbook and writing down answers important. Debriefs were important in a different way. Videos were good. Simple. Nice to have a workbook

Really good set up for people who learn differently. Short videos were great. Self paced per week was helpful. Tied nicely together with the group conversation. Workbook was helpful but lots of writing which isn't my nature and content is personal. Pro's & con's to writing portion. I did learn things by writing although I enjoyed it the least

More one on one could be great. Weekly training is important. Trying to convince people that is important. Sharing openly and publicly is an affirmation and different perspectives that surprise and benefit you. Reality though, if you aren't comfortable in the class setting, you won't like this. One on one time with Melinda is extremely valuable. Videos were nice but I was a bit indifferent to them. At the end of every week we got summary notes. That was good too. Videos are good for many, it just wasn't my jam.

I liked the format - a bit of everything. Good mix. It would be nice to know prior to signing up when the weekly meetings would be. Didn't love Sun evening.

The videos were well done and the flexibility of them was perfect. The workbook is a good support tool and writing by hand it also important. The in person helped keep us accountable and was easily the most enjoyable piece. Zoom call with a group I'd never met wasn't always easy. Some breakout rooms might have been nice to ease into it and get to know people more. Hard to speak up in group calls for me - vulnerable

Liked all of it. Weekly mtgs are imperative to tie it all together. Drives points deeper. Ability to have one on one really makes a difference too. Some people really don't like to talk in a group. Lots of content and lots of work. Not sure how quickly videos are released

Good balance. I liked the videos. If we were behind, it was easy to come back to. In discussions, even if you hadn't worked on activity, you could participate. Never felt like there was a hammer to get things done. Melinda did a good job of giving comfort that if you didn't complete a module it was ok

Loved that it was virtual. Created a nice dynamic with a wide variety of athletes and also made it logistically possible to attend. I really liked the video and workbook - you got out what you put in. Most beneficial piece was the zoom sessions with all of us together. I didn't know anyone (knew of them) but there was huge value to hear what people had to say. Huge motivation to do the work for myself but I also felt committed to the group which made me accountable too. Once a week was perfect.

Didn't impact her either way

Rest week - could have used at a different point, rest week is a good idea for catch up. Facilitator asks good question so you need to be prepared. Last section required more work so a break towards the end is better

The break was awesome. I needed it. At times I was feeling rushed and skimming things. This gave me time to catch up.

Rest week was great. I have a lot going on so I appreciated the extra week to get caught up. Timing of it was good.

All for the rest week. It I wasn't offered it, I may have burned out of the course. Content was heavy. I was falling behind.

I'm not sure. It kind of makes sense as people are busy and it is a good opportunity to catch up.

Loved the rest week! I needed it

I liked it. Material was dense but I didn't need more breaks.

Rest week was well received. Timing is fine too

Good idea. It's a lot of work so nice to have a week to pause, reflect and catch up.

It was perfect! I needed it. Mostly due to my own scheduling. 6-7 sessions is always the sweet spot

Timing was perfect for me. If I had to change anything I might have done it earlier (week 5)

Yes, of course - I already have:)

Very therapeutic. I may not have taken a lot from it but I could see how others could. Great resource and outlet for those who are right in it. Great to see the growth of everyone. Session did a lot for everyone

Depending on the athlete of course, but yes, I think so many athletes could benefit from this. Again, even athletes who are in a good space could learn quite a bit.

Yes - I thought it was interesting the way it was broken down and helps bring understanding to why you think the way you do - ie athlete DNA, feedback. Helps make sense of why you are feeling the way you do.

Personally it helped to be retired. If people are thinking of retiring, it is good to consider starting. The workbook is something I can refer back to. I would mention it to teammates considering their options.

I'd recommend it to anyone considering retiring so they can start to wrap their head around it. All who have retired should do it. A co-hort for retirees only and another for those considering it. Could have an abbreviated one for those thinking of retiring....it's only as good as the work you put into it

Yes, we underprepare forhe transition within sport but you also just learn a lot about yourself

Yes, retiring from sport is unique but super nice to have a community of people who understand what you are going through and to have a structured conversation that allows you to talk about your vulnerabilities and feelings. I had a lot of AHA moments - blindspots, culture of sport vs corporate culture, patience, gratitude exercise was helpful

Yes, to someone who has the time and willingness. It's great self reflection and the material guides you to have a positive relationship with sport. Helps prepare you for what you want your future to look like. Helps people realize they have choice and autonomy. Very entrenched assumptions about athlete DNA but also challenges those assumptions.

Yes, because it gives you a solid toolbox to move forward and a safe space to chat. Peer to peer connection is important. Putting words to feelings you are experiencing is invaluable.

Loved the balance between sessions, workbook and one on ones. Melinda was so flexible and the one on ones with her were so helpful

Yes as long as they are prepared to work and be available - in particular for the group sessions. You need time to reflect. You won't get enough out of it if you aren't. I'd absolutely recommend it if you are ready to do the work

I knew a lot of the info but the course holds you accountable and helps you prioritize this topic, reassures you you are on the right path, normalizes it, keeps the perspective. One of the first sessions really had a big impact on me and I was very much at peace after that.

Made me reflect on relationships and things sport has influenced in my self talk or priorities. Made me thing about what I want to change and mindset shifts. Definitely prepared me for things to come. No one will look at workbook so no reason to be anything but honest

I'm way more comfortable in what I'm pursuing or even not pursuing. I have a lot more comfort with my decisions and I can focus. Things don't seem as bleak to me. In the past I felt a lot of shame, now I feel like I can move on from this.

It's opened my eyes to a lot. I'm still in the messy middle. I know there will be wins in the future. Eventually I'll be able to apply some simple pieces - win as an athlete, win now…Great self awareness

I think I learned stuff that I wouldn't have thought about without taking this program. I might not have gotten there on my own. I didn't have an avenue to work through some of the "stuff" - this forced me to reflect. I'm grateful for the structure of the modules. Really good material

Not really but it showed me there is a lot of work to do on me. Knowing there are other tools helps. Useful in the moments. Longterm change is a daily thing

Yes, I can navigate different changes going on in my life. I built a community of other athletes who I would be comfortable going to in the future for support that I didn't have before.

I was struggling to let go and this program helped me get a little more excited about my future career. My emotional state is better - less sad and more excitement and things to look to.

Personal growth - I often doubt myself - this bugs me as I like to ask questions for understanding. I don't feel I need outside validation as much now. Nice to picture my future self of how I want to grow.

Course is very deliberate. 2 things stood out for me. How you ask questions and how you give and receive advice! Important to stop and pause - not always be on the treadmill of life. What scares you or from moving forward.

Gave me permission to see my career differently. Great timely reflection for me. Gave me permission to be more open minded toward my future aspirations. Inner critique and limiting beliefs were great for me.

Yes! So much that I was stressed out about, I feel more on track and peaceful. I feel a lot more confident heading into this next phase of life. Confidence moving forward has increased, who I want to be as a person etc…I am a lot clearer on and I have the skills for that. Course created an opportunity to reflect Big Picture

It's important to be with athletes at the same level - I wouldn't have wanted Varsity athletes for example

Comforting and safe to be with people of a shared experience - not necessarily the OLY/PARA but a devotion to something that was your primary focus for so long. Varsity athlete would not be as all consuming. Pro athlete, sure. Lifespan of career is short so there is a marked transition

It is important to be around your peers. It would need to be those who competed at a high level in their sport.

This group all had similar thought process and questions. As long as the athlete is high performance - not a weekend warrior type athlete but Pro and likely Varsity would be ok

Depends on what you are trying to get out of it. I think everyone could benefit. Varsity, Pro, Weekend warrior could all get something from this but nice to be in a group of likeminded individuals.

Personally it is hard to hear someone's struggle who hasn't gone the distance. Not that you need to be an Olympian/paralympian but you've gone the distance - done the same grind…

It is important to keep the group "exclusive". I hate to say this but the Oly,Ply experience is unique. Journey is not the same for other (ie Pro).Convo and group dynamic would be different. peoples support and vulnerability made it super effective

Likely could be ok if other athletes were involved - still leaving a career behind. Varsity might be different but I think it could still work.

Interesting, I'm not sure how far down you might go. Prof and Varsity I wouldn't be opposed to but there was value in not having to explain your reality.

The convo is rich because of similarities. I'd keep it somewhat closed. It helped with cohesion in discussions

There is room for different groups of athletes but the fact that we didn't need to downplay our success and we all played at the same level really helped. A high level of sport involvement is super important. We know we are all lucky but we needed to feel safe in our complaints/concerns and not feel like they were trivialized.

Yes, once

Did not. Not enough time and no need at this moment

I did. That too was a great experience. We dug deep. Melinda asked such good questions. She affirmed that it's ok not to be feeling ok at all times. Validated where I was at.

Yes, I had a couple sessions with her. Mainly to catch up or go into more detail.

I had to catch up on week one so I set up a call with her but otherwise I only connected via email.

Yes, very much so. It was great.

Yes, I really appreciate that she's kept an open door policy.

Yes, it was probably my favorite part. Melinda was awesome

Yes, 2 sessions. Very good. Didn't want to monopolize her time.

Yes, she connected with me when I couldn't make group session so that I was caught up. One on one was also super interesting and nice to do a bit deeper dive. I also emailed and she was great about responding.

Yes! That was the best part.

Yes. Really helpful.

Day and time worked out good for sessions. I've been invited to YouToi2.0 in the past and it never fit my schedule

Only 1 guy and 13 girls - too bad. As time went on, 2 hours were filled up no problem. In the beginning, it felt too long, sessions could have been shorter

Thank you. This was important and super useful. I'm grateful that I was asked.

Great resource. I hope more can take advantage of this. Great pieces. Group size was good.

I think it is incredible how vulnerable Melinda can be and feels our pain. This helped us to open up and be honest. Melinda helped us dig in more and quicker

The break was great, Melinda is a great facilitator who guided conversation and let us make each meeting what we thought we needed. If there was an option to close caption the videos - I prefer having subtitles and would be a nice option for para athletes, weekly checklist was satisfying to go through, if there was a way to flag those week where activities/exercises needed to be done throughout it would be good to know - sometimes I was only getting to the assignment the day before our meeting. Very satisfied with this course.

Kind of sad it's over. I would love to keep building off of this.

Was really a great combination of learning - video, workbook and timing. However, it was also a lot of work. How many really dug in? What are they doing in between to embed learning? The workbook is something you can always revisit and come back to. This workbook is much more structured and by having weekly calls for 9 weeks keeps the focus. Nice option to have individual support to enhance. All sides are covered

Brought both YouToi2.0 and this workbook to try compare. Some exercises were really similar. This workbook flowed a bit better. Group size was big or big enough - make them potentially smaller….

Some storytelling around some of the programs we've offered - do a Ted Talk style chat and each session leader can talk about what they offer

Gender diversity in the group would have been nice. Great to have Emilie and Dom in the group sharing their lived experiences with transition. I noticed that Dom would offer to speak first when no one else would and that helped get the conversations going.