The Launch Sequence

Lindsay Bowen: From Dreams to Championships in Basketball
Today, we dive into the inspiring journey of Lindsay Bowen, a standout athlete who rose from humble beginnings to become a Hall of Fame inductee at Michigan State University. Her story is not just about basketball; it's about dreams, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Early Passion for Basketball
Lindsay's love for basketball ignited at a young age, playing in her driveway with her father. "I just fell in love with the game at a very young age... it was just such a challenge and so much fun," she recalls. By age 12, she was already setting her sights on Michigan State. She wrote a mini contract declaring her goal: "I will go to Michigan State University to play basketball." This was not just a whimsical thought; it was a commitment that would guide her journey.
The Path to Greatness
Transitioning from a dreamer to a doer, Lindsay faced numerous challenges, including doubts about her abilities. "A lot of people counted me out," she says, referencing her stature and speed. But she didn't let that deter her. With hard work, she honed her skills, waking up at 6 a.m. to practice before school. Her dedication paid off, leading to a remarkable senior year where she averaged 32 points per game.
Achieving the Dream
Lindsay's college career at Michigan State was nothing short of extraordinary. Her team won the Big Ten regular season championship, and she played in the NCAA tournament. "When I was a young girl, that's what I dreamt of," she reflects on reaching the national championship game in 2005. Despite falling short, the experience was monumental, solidifying her legacy.
Life Beyond College
After college, Lindsay pursued her dream of playingprofessionally, ultimately joining the WNBA with the New York Liberty. She also played overseas, embracing the challenges and cultural experiences that came with it. "Traveling the world and seeing different cultures... has been so impactful for me in the sport of basketball," she shares.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Now, as a coach and mentor, Lindsay emphasizes the importance of discipline, hard work, and dreaming big. "If you have a dream and a goal, write it down and go for it. You can do anything that you put your mind to," she encourages young athletes. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of pursuing one's passions.
Reflecting on her Hall of Fame acceptance speech, Lindsay noted, "One day the ball will stop bouncing, but who you become in the process and the impact you make along the way will last a lifetime." As she continues to inspire others, her message remains clear: dreams are attainable with dedication and hard work.
For a deeper dive into Lindsay's journey and wisdom, listen to the full episode.

One of the most poignant aspects of an athlete's journey is the realization that their time in the spotlight is finite. Bill Priestley shares insights on this transition in a recent episode of The Launch Sequence, reflecting on the story of Luther Broughton, who faced the end of his NFL career at just twenty-seven.
As we point out, many young athletes dream of reaching the pinnacle of their sports, whether it's the NFL, NBA, or MLB. However, the stark reality is that upwards of 95% of these aspiring stars will never make it to the professional level, and even those who do often find their careers ending before they reach thirty-five. This raises the critical question: What happens when the final whistle blows?
We emphasize the importance of preparing for life beyond sports. The transition from athlete to a new vocation can be daunting, yet it is vital for long-term success and fulfillment. He encourages parents and young athletes alike to consider their futures and the various paths they can take once their sports careers conclude.
In this episode, we invite listeners to contemplate their next steps and the potential for new beginnings, much like Luther Broughton found his place in the mortgage industry after his athletic career ended.

We return from a long hiatus to talk to parents about asking the question "What do you want to do with your life?" or "What do you want to be when you grow up?" can be more detrimental to a teen than helpful. We jump into why that is and also what questions you can use that are better suited for your child in terms of starting conversations about career that can be more productive.

This conversation explores the differences in how high school students, particularly boys and girls, approach the transition to college and career. Bill Priestley hosts college counselors Janet Weller of Harpeth Hall School and Colin Dunnigan of Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, who share insights from their experiences as college counselors at all-girls and all-boys schools, respectively. They discuss the ideal college counseling process, the nonlinear reality of decision-making, the impact of parental involvement, and the pressures students face. The conversation also touches on the importance of mentorship and the evolving landscape of college admissions.

In this conversation, Bill Priestley discusses the role of the MTSU Career Development Center with Director Becca Moore and Assistant Director Holly Allen. They explore how students can effectively engage with career services from their first year, the challenges faced by MTSU students, the importance of assessments and AI in career guidance, and the significance of networking and work experience. They also address the necessity of graduate school and provide advice for parents on supporting their college-aged children in their career journeys.

In this conversation, Bill Priestley and Korrie Blanchard discuss the vital role of community colleges in shaping students' career paths. They explore the various services offered by career centers, the importance of exploration and independence, and the evolving job market. Korrie emphasizes the need for patience from parents and the value of trades as viable career options. The discussion also touches on the use of AI in career counseling and the significance of platforms like LinkedIn for students. Overall, the conversation highlights the diverse opportunities available through community colleges and the importance of informed decision-making in career development.

In this episode, Bill Priestley tackles some of the situations that you and your child might run into from having no idea what to do to having one idea and excluding all of the others.  We'll talk about what needs to happen if your son or daughter's dream life suddenly dies and what you can do to help.  And mentioned frequently in this episode, it might be better if you seek the advice of a psychologist or counselor as opposed to a career coach to help deal with some of these situations.  We'll also recommend some books at the end of the show that you can use if you start to find yourself in one of these situations as a parent.

In this episode, Bill Priestley examines how academics (not academic performance) and career choice are more connected than you think.  Using the analogy of a cave, Bill goes into the idea that exploration of the cave can be exciting.  However, once the light from the opening is gone, kids look for a way out - and they find it in the form of graduation.  But some students take a different path towards academics in how they use them to fuel their desire for a career - something they experience well past graduation day.  And it's by understanding this analogy that can give you, as parents a good idea about what your child is interested in by examining what "gems" they are going after.

In this conversation, Bill Priestley interviews Luke De La Verne, a career counselor, about the importance of career counseling for young people. Luke shares his personal journey into the field, highlighting the confusion many young individuals face when deciding on their career paths. The discussion emphasizes the role of parents in supporting their children’s decisions without imposing their own agendas. Luke also critiques the educational system's lack of consistent feedback for students and offers insights into effective career counseling strategies. The conversation concludes with practical scenarios where counseling can be beneficial for both students and parents. In this conversation, Luke discusses the importance of using aptitude assessments and career counseling to help young people identify their strengths and interests. He emphasizes the value of the Highlands Ability Battery and the need for objective feedback from a coach. The discussion also covers the timing for assessments, the impact of AI on career guidance, and the importance of parental support in the decision-making process. Luke provides insights on how to navigate career choices and the necessity of reevaluating career paths periodically.

Do you ever notice how some graduates seemingly don't know what to do after graduation (when their formal education is over) and other graduates have things in hand - or at least they think they do?  This podcast delves into the life of the graduate that goes to school simply to graduate - as if their education ended when they got the diploma.  This scheme won't apply to everyone, but it will apply to a decent percentage of every graduating class this spring - they fall off of the "Graduation Cliff".