Episode 573: Sophie Bukovec – Olympian, World Champion, The Northern Elite Volleyball Academy Founder (Beyond Running Episode 4)

In this exciting episode, we dive into the world of beach volleyball with Olympian and Team Canada athlete, Sophie Bukovec. Sophie represented Canada at the Paris Olympics this summer, and we get to hear all about her incredible journey to that stage. She’s been a very competitive athlete since the age of 14. Sophie has built a remarkable career in volleyball, playing for three different universities before ultimately finishing at the University of Southern California (USC). There, she became a three-time national champion and a three-time All-American. We also touch on her silver medal win at the 2022 World Championships in Rome. In this episode, Sophie breaks down what it’s like to compete at the highest levels of beach volleyball, including the unique aspects of the sport, training regimens, and how athletes select their partners. She also shares what life looks like as a professional volleyball player, how she balances competition with her role as founder and executive director of a volleyball academy, and offers advice for young kids considering the sport. We also explore the mindset needed for success in volleyball, as well as Sophie’s unforgettable first Olympic experience in Paris. You can connect with Sophie on Instagram @sophiebukovec and let her know what you thought of this episode. Enjoy my conversation with Sophie Bukovec! What we talked about: 3:00- Catching up and getting to know Sophie 8:20- Advice to younger athletes in volleyball 12:45- Discussing her volleyball partners 17:00- The way she set up her training to best prepare herself to be selected for the Olympic team 18:20- Encouraging young girls to stay in sport 21:20- The strength training that she incorporates into her training 25:00- When should you specialize in sports? 27:30- Mental training in sports 28:30- Her Olympic experience 33:30- Sponsorships in the sport 34:55- What off-season is looking like for Sophie 40:30- Why we should be supporting and watching beach volleyball 41:50- Playing on the USC volleyball team and her career as a volleyball player 48:30- Honoring her dad while playing 49:45- End of podcast questions Show notes: Sophie on Instagram The Northern Elite (Sophie’s volleyball academy) Book recommendations: Dialed In Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert A History of Irish Fairies by Carolyn White Artist: Chris Stapleton Connect with Lindsey: Lindsey on Instagram Lindsey on Twitter Support our sponsors: Donna Marathon Join me the weekend of January 31st-February 2nd, 2025 for the Donna Marathon weekend! Use the code “Lindsey10” for 10% off your race registration Cornbread Use the code “Another” at checkout for 30% off your order