COMMITTED Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:07:02 -0700 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2522796 en-us © 2026 COMMITTED yes ab9fb270-d065-5338-bc4f-221eaa7375cb kate@fitz.net Kate Fitzgerald episodic false All of my guests are more than just athletes; they’re competitors, leaders, and game-changers who’ve forged their own path in sports. Whether they went D1, pro, or pivoted completely, they’ve chased their goals with grit and passion. I dive into the mindset, moments, and motivations that shaped their journey. The real story behind the stat line.


My goal with Athletes Off Duty is to bring the stories and steps straight from the athletes and sport industry leaders who’ve made it, so families can take what they need to get there. Without the smoke and mirrors! I lived through it, and now I’m building the educational platform I wish I had. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Kate Fitzgerald kate@fitz.net https://storage.buzzsprout.com/kw9vrxxsi0ft7wu2hyx5cwgskv81?.jpg COMMITTED Committed by Ava Haughy and Ava Williamson: Beach Volleyball, Transfer Portal, NCAA Championship, Recruitment, Committed by Ava Haughy and Ava Williamson: Beach Volleyball, Transfer Portal, NCAA Championship, Recruitment, In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with former Arizona State beach volleyball teammates Ava Haughy and Ava Williamson to share an honest look into the reality of Division I athletics.

From navigating recruiting to entering college as freshmen on a historic NCAA tournament team to then transferring after their freshman year, both athletes open up about what it actually takes to compete at the next level.

They break down the transition into college athletics: early mornings, intense training schedules, and the mental pressure that comes with stepping into a completely new environment.

The conversation dives into comparison, feeling behind in recruiting, and why starting later can actually become an advantage.

Ava and Ava also share their experiences navigating the transfer portal, the emotional challenge of leaving teammates, and how to make decisions that prioritize long-term growth over comfort.

This episode is a real, unfiltered look at what it means to grow through change, trust your path, and build an identity beyond your sport. 

Follow Ava Haughy:
Instagram: @avahaughy

Follow Ava Williamson:
Instagram: @avagwilliamson

  • To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
  • Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • YouTube: @kateafitzgerald
]]> In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with former Arizona State beach volleyball teammates Ava Haughy and Ava Williamson to share an honest look into the reality of Division I athletics.

From navigating recruiting to entering college as freshmen on a historic NCAA tournament team to then transferring after their freshman year, both athletes open up about what it actually takes to compete at the next level.

They break down the transition into college athletics: early mornings, intense training schedules, and the mental pressure that comes with stepping into a completely new environment.

The conversation dives into comparison, feeling behind in recruiting, and why starting later can actually become an advantage.

Ava and Ava also share their experiences navigating the transfer portal, the emotional challenge of leaving teammates, and how to make decisions that prioritize long-term growth over comfort.

This episode is a real, unfiltered look at what it means to grow through change, trust your path, and build an identity beyond your sport. 

Follow Ava Haughy:
Instagram: @avahaughy

Follow Ava Williamson:
Instagram: @avagwilliamson

  • To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
  • Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • YouTube: @kateafitzgerald
]]> Kate Fitzgerald Buzzsprout-18988705 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0700 3890 4 full false Committed by Ava Vickers: Volleyball, Team Changes, Brand Building/NIL, & Becoming a Leader in College Athletics Committed by Ava Vickers: Volleyball, Team Changes, Brand Building/NIL, & Becoming a Leader in College Athletics In the first episode ever recorded of Committed, Kate sits down with Indiana University volleyball player Ava Vickers to break down the real journey through recruiting, college athletics, leadership, and more!

From sending hundreds of emails and navigating rejection to ultimately choosing a school she never expected, Ava shares how her recruiting journey reshaped what she truly valued in a program.

She opens up about stepping into a leadership role early, navigating major team changes, and how small actions (like building connection and trust) can transform a team’s culture.

Ava also dives into balancing Division I athletics with NIL opportunities, launching her own clothing brand, and playing through injury while continuing to show up for her team.

This episode is a raw look at what it takes to grow as both an athlete and a person when everything around you is changing. 

Follow Ava:
Instagram: @avavickers_

  • To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
  • Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • YouTube: @kateafitzgerald
]]> In the first episode ever recorded of Committed, Kate sits down with Indiana University volleyball player Ava Vickers to break down the real journey through recruiting, college athletics, leadership, and more!

From sending hundreds of emails and navigating rejection to ultimately choosing a school she never expected, Ava shares how her recruiting journey reshaped what she truly valued in a program.

She opens up about stepping into a leadership role early, navigating major team changes, and how small actions (like building connection and trust) can transform a team’s culture.

Ava also dives into balancing Division I athletics with NIL opportunities, launching her own clothing brand, and playing through injury while continuing to show up for her team.

This episode is a raw look at what it takes to grow as both an athlete and a person when everything around you is changing. 

Follow Ava:
Instagram: @avavickers_

  • To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
  • Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • YouTube: @kateafitzgerald
]]> Kate Fitzgerald Buzzsprout-18951470 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0700 3074 3 full false Committed by Kevin Karstetter: Baseball recruiting from Juco to D1 to National Champion Committed by Kevin Karstetter: Baseball recruiting from Juco to D1 to National Champion In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with longtime friend and standout baseball player Kevin Karstetter to unpack the real journey through college athletics.

Kevin’s path wasn’t linear. After earning his first Division I scholarship offer at just 15 years old, his career took multiple unexpected turns, including losing his senior season to COVID, choosing the junior college route, transferring to Arizona State, navigating NCAA eligibility rules, and ultimately helping lead the University of Tampa to a national championship.

Kevin shares what JUCO baseball is really like, why it can be one of the best development paths for athletes, and the mindset required to keep going when your plan doesn’t work out.

From early recruiting pressure to mental resilience and learning to love the game again, this conversation is a raw look at the sacrifices, pivots, and perspective it takes to stay committed to the sport you love.

Social Media: @kevinkarstetter 

  • To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
  • Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • YouTube: @kateafitzgerald
]]> In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with longtime friend and standout baseball player Kevin Karstetter to unpack the real journey through college athletics.

Kevin’s path wasn’t linear. After earning his first Division I scholarship offer at just 15 years old, his career took multiple unexpected turns, including losing his senior season to COVID, choosing the junior college route, transferring to Arizona State, navigating NCAA eligibility rules, and ultimately helping lead the University of Tampa to a national championship.

Kevin shares what JUCO baseball is really like, why it can be one of the best development paths for athletes, and the mindset required to keep going when your plan doesn’t work out.

From early recruiting pressure to mental resilience and learning to love the game again, this conversation is a raw look at the sacrifices, pivots, and perspective it takes to stay committed to the sport you love.

Social Media: @kevinkarstetter 

  • To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
  • Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • YouTube: @kateafitzgerald
]]> Kate Fitzgerald Buzzsprout-18827572 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0700 3112 2 full false Committed by Cami Merickel: Track & Field, Nebraska D1 Athletics, Traveling Abroad, & more! Committed by Cami Merickel: Track & Field, Nebraska D1 Athletics, Traveling Abroad, & more! In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with Nebraska distance runner Cami Merickel to talk about the realities of Division I track and field and building a life beyond your sport. 

From growing up in Arizona to competing at the D1 level, Cami shares how she navigated recruiting without a clear roadmap, adjusted to the demands of college training, and learned to trust her own path as an athlete. 

She opens up about the transition from high school to D1, managing injuries and increased workload, and why track is far more mental and strategic than people think. 

Cami also shares her experience studying abroad in Barcelona while continuing to train at a high level, a rare path for student-athletes, and how that experience ultimately reshaped her career goals and identity beyond running. 

This episode is for athletes learning how to balance performance, personal growth, and life outside of sport. 

Follow Cami:
Instagram: @camimerickel (confirm handle if needed) 

  • To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
  • Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • YouTube: @kateafitzgerald
]]> In this episode of Committed, Kate sits down with Nebraska distance runner Cami Merickel to talk about the realities of Division I track and field and building a life beyond your sport. 

From growing up in Arizona to competing at the D1 level, Cami shares how she navigated recruiting without a clear roadmap, adjusted to the demands of college training, and learned to trust her own path as an athlete. 

She opens up about the transition from high school to D1, managing injuries and increased workload, and why track is far more mental and strategic than people think. 

Cami also shares her experience studying abroad in Barcelona while continuing to train at a high level, a rare path for student-athletes, and how that experience ultimately reshaped her career goals and identity beyond running. 

This episode is for athletes learning how to balance performance, personal growth, and life outside of sport. 

Follow Cami:
Instagram: @camimerickel (confirm handle if needed) 

  • To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
  • Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • YouTube: @kateafitzgerald
]]> Kate Fitzgerald Buzzsprout-18862187 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0700 2957 Sports, College Athletics, Track and Field, 2 full false Introducing "Committed by Kate Fitzgerald" Introducing "Committed by Kate Fitzgerald" Committed is a podcast about the real journey through sports and the life that follows. Hosted by former Division I beach volleyball player and entrepreneur Kate Fitzgerald, the show is rooted in her unique path through college athletics. Kate walked on to Arizona State’s beach volleyball team, earned a scholarship, became one of the top NIL-earning Olympic sport athletes, and helped lead ASU to its first NCAA Championship appearance. Along the way, she launched two businesses through NIL, including VBAmerica and the SPORTx Student-Athlete Venture Studio, a $1.5M+ partnership with GoDaddy focused on helping athletes develop skills beyond being influencers. Now, she talks with athletes, coaches, and innovators to share real stories about recruiting, college sports, NIL, and life after the game. New episodes every week. 

  • To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
  • Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • YouTube: @kateafitzgerald
]]> Committed is a podcast about the real journey through sports and the life that follows. Hosted by former Division I beach volleyball player and entrepreneur Kate Fitzgerald, the show is rooted in her unique path through college athletics. Kate walked on to Arizona State’s beach volleyball team, earned a scholarship, became one of the top NIL-earning Olympic sport athletes, and helped lead ASU to its first NCAA Championship appearance. Along the way, she launched two businesses through NIL, including VBAmerica and the SPORTx Student-Athlete Venture Studio, a $1.5M+ partnership with GoDaddy focused on helping athletes develop skills beyond being influencers. Now, she talks with athletes, coaches, and innovators to share real stories about recruiting, college sports, NIL, and life after the game. New episodes every week. 

  • To reach out or learn more please visit: https://byndsport.com/
  • Social Media: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • Substack: @committedbykatefitzgerald
  • YouTube: @kateafitzgerald
]]> Kate Fitzgerald Buzzsprout-18827467 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0700 105 trailer false