From Athlete to Mentor: Navigating the Shift from Pro Volleyball to Coaching a Podcast

S1 E1- Guest starring Seray Altay

Seray Altay, Instagram @Altayseray

For 25 thrilling years, Seray Altay was a powerhouse on the volleyball courts of Turkey. She wasn’t just a player; she was a fierce competitor, stacking up multiple championship titles, and even achieved the rare of a champions league victory. Her journey was anything but smooth. She faced career threatening injuries, the that would knock out most athletes for good. But Seray didn’t back down and didn’t except the end. Each setback fuelled her determination, pushing her to come back stronger, more relentless, and more passionate than before.

When Seray decided to move to Canada, she wasn’t just seeking a new home, she was ready to embark on an entirely new chapter, one that would test her as a much as her days on the court. Life as a student-athlete in a foreign country brought a wave of new challenges. The grueling schedule was relentless, and for the first time, Seray found herself questioning her path. It wasn’t easy to leave behind the roar of the crowd and the thrill of championship games, but a new calling began to emerge. She realized her love for the sport could transcend playing and evolve into something bigger: mentorship and coaching.

In this episode of EmpowerHerSport, we dive into the story of an athlete who refused to be defined by limits. Seray shares her journey from the high-stakes courts of Turkey to the classrooms of Canada. The lessons learned from battling injuries, and the wisdom she’s eager to pass down to the next generation. With each story, and insight from past experiences, if you are an aspiring athlete, a lover of the game, or someone who believes in the power of never giving up, this episode is for you.

Get ready to be inspired by Seray’s journey from player to mentor and her mission to empower young female athletes to chase their dreams with the same unstoppable spirit.

Altay, S. (2024, October 31st) Journalism 2060 Podcast [Personal communication]