176. Southern Utah University Gymnast Kendall McGuire

Southern Utah University gymnast Kendall McGuire joins Dustin Smith and guest host Justin Miller for a conversation about the mindset behind competing at the NCAA level. Kendall shares her journey from beginning gymnastics at two years old to competing for one of the nation's top gymnastics programs, along with her work as a sideline reporter for SUU football and her aspirations to someday work in the NFL or NHL. The conversation dives into the unique mental demands of gymnastics, overcoming fear after falls, Simone Biles and the "twisties," mental health in athletics, body image and developing a healthier relationship with food. Kendall also shares one of the most powerful ideas from the episode: athletes often spend too much time thinking about everything they have to sacrifice and not enough time recognizing everything they gain. Instead of thinking, "I have to go to practice," Kendall learned to think, "I get to go." She explains how that simple reframe helped her appreciate the friendships, strength, discipline, opportunities and experiences gymnastics gave her. Kendall also discusses being fully present in practice, SUU Gymnastics' motto to "underthink it," accepting accountability, learning from failure, becoming comfortable with discomfort and leaning on teammates who care enough to tell you the truth. A great conversation for athletes, parents and coaches about gratitude, resilience, mental health and learning to enjoy the process. Featured Moments: 00:32:17 - Welcome & Meet Kendall McGuire 00:33:48 - Life as an SUU Sideline Reporter 00:37:50 - Kendall's Dream of Working in Sports Media 00:39:11 - Fear, Falling & the Mental Side of Gymnastics 00:42:12 - Simone Biles, the Twisties & Athlete Mental Health 00:47:26 - Body Image, Nutrition & Eating Disorders in Gymnastics 00:55:36 - The Sacrifices Behind Becoming a College Gymnast 00:57:42 - "I Get To" Instead of "I Have To" 00:59:33 - Growing Up Without Being Attached to Social Media 01:00:22 - Staying Present in Practice 01:02:17 - SUU Gymnastics: "Underthink It" 01:03:48 - How Athletes Can Keep Sports Fun 01:05:23 - Reframing Sacrifice as Opportunity 01:07:09 - Stop Focusing on What You're Missing 01:08:36 - Resilience After Setbacks 01:13:18 - The Teammate Who Told Kendall the Truth 01:16:31 - Getting Out of Your Own Head 01:19:36 - "What If It All Goes Right?" 01:21:05 - Finding People Who Truly Support You 01:22:04 - Support Without Making Excuses 01:24:39 - Growth Requires Getting Uncomfortable 01:27:33 - Final Thoughts & Good Luck to Kendall 01:28:35 - Eyes Up. Do the Work. ⸻ Especially for Athletes: Website: https://e4a.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ X: https://x.com/E4Afamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Justin Miller Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO