What happens after the crowd roars, the lights fade, and the jersey is hung up? In this riveting episode of Collecting Insight, hosts Sara and Lori sit down with longtime friend and special guest Jeff Schulman—a former NHL draftee and current Athletic Director at the University of Vermont—for a raw, real, and timely conversation about the emotional journey of today’s college athletes.

Jeff brings decades of insight from both sides of the game: as a Division I hockey player and as the leader reshaping the student-athlete experience in an era defined by pressure, social media, NIL, and skyrocketing mental health concerns. He opens up about what’s changed since his own college days, the toll expectations are taking on athletes now, and how UVM’s trailblazing Catamount Sport Psychology and Counseling Program is helping students reclaim their well-being—and their identities—off the field.

Expect unfiltered stories, surprising reflections, and even a few laughs (yes, including a legendary ECAC goal scored against Harvard… while one teammate watched from the penalty box). You’ll hear about two athletes' brave decisions to speak publicly about depression—and why that courage is quietly rewriting the future of college sports.

Whether you’re a parent navigating your child’s athletic journey, a coach searching for better ways to lead, or simply someone who cares about mental health, this conversation will stick with you.

🎧 Tune in for the episode every athlete—and every adult who supports one—needs to hear.
Because sometimes, the most important game is the one happening inside.

Also, remember to submit your questions or topic suggestions anonymously for a future Insight Exchange.

https://collectinginsight.com/insight-exchange

All episodes edited and mixed by Jake Musiker.