How Did Karsta Lowe Go from Being a Walk-On Athlete to an Olympic Medalist?
Samantha Peszek is on a mission to discover the secret of some of the best athlete’s in the world — what makes them tick, their commitment to success, and how they build confidence in their sport and in life. Utilizing Samantha’s Olympic network (she really does have cool friends), guests will divulge what it’s really like to compete at the highest level — the struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. You will have an opportunity to learn from some of the best athletes in the world and be able to apply relevant tips to your everyday life!
Sam welcomes to the podcast decorated professional volleyball player, Karsta Lowe. Karsta won bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games, playing a key reserve role. Coming off the bench, she provided 41 points, highlighted by a 13-point performance versus Serbia in semifinal and 12 points against Italy in pool play. Outside of her Olympic experience, Karsta was a member of the team that took gold at the FIVB World Grand Prix where she was awarded MVP. She currently plays for a professional team in Busto, Italy.
In this episode, Sam and Karsta talk about Karsta’s journey as an athlete, from walk-on at UCLA to qualifying and medaling at the Olympics. They discuss her time playing abroad in Italy and overcoming challenges like the language barrier. Karsta shares some of her fondest memories from the Olympic village the emotional experience of representing her country in 2016. Finally, Karsta speaks to her confidence level and the importance she places on aligning her thoughts and her actions to ensure success.
Key Takeaways
- Introducing today’s guest, Karsta Lowe
- Sam takes a moment to thank her sponsor, Tumbl Trak and Right Rice
- Sam and Karsta share their first memories of each other
- Karsta’s journey as a young volleyball player
- Choosing between tennis and volleyball
- The recruitment process
- Obstacles and challenges Karsta had to overcome to prove herself at the collegiate level
- Karsta opens up about how her height was once an insecurity
- Karsta breaks down how collegiate volleyball works
- The transition from walk-on to starter
- The importance of having team chemistry
- Dismissing the myth that height is everything in volleyball
- Recalling her volleyball years at UCLA
- How Karsta went from walk-on to a scholarship athlete
- The moment Karsta realized she was incredibly talented at volleyball
- How Karsta became a professional volleyball player
- Sam takes a moment to thank her sponsors Tumbl Trak and Right Rice
- Playing abroad in Italy
- The language barrier
- Qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro
- Memories from the Olympic village
- The emotional experience of winning the bronze medal
- Karsta’s role on the 2016 Olympic USA Volleyball team
- Life post-Olympics
- The decision to retire and go back to school for architecture
- Future career plans
- Karsta’s goals for 2020
- What is Karsta’s daily motivation?
- How athletics and volleyball has boosted Karsta’s confidence
- When Karsta is her most confident self
- The number one life lesson that volleyball taught Karsta
- Karsta reveals one thing people can do to get 1% better each day
Episode Quotes
“I don’t know if it was a fixation at the time like, ‘How am I gonna start?’ I think I was quite stimulated by a lot of things in college. And, it was definitely a focus for me, but I think it was more, ‘Ok, that’s gonna come with time. I need to stay the course.’”
“I really look up to some of the coaches I had at UCLA. And, I would say just having that was really grounding and really enriched my experience.”
“The Olympic Games were amazing really, truly. It was just as magical as you’d expect it to be.”
“We were all just happy to be on the podium. I think in the end, of course we wanted gold, but it still felt so sweet.”
“I have a growth mindset. I’m always thinking how can I be the best version of myself and how can I present myself in the best way to a friend, a family member, or a teammate?”
