Q&A with Kailyn Greene-Gordon: Balancing Sports, Academics, and Self-Care

Kaylin Greene-Gordon, a current volleyball player at the University of Notre Dame, took the time to sit down with us and share her journey—from her athletic beginnings to the mindset that helped her navigate the challenges of high school and college recruiting. Here’s an in-depth conversation with Kaylin about her experiences, the balance of school and sports, and how mindfulness and self-awareness shaped her path to success.

Q: Kailyn, thank you for joining us! Let’s start with your background. Growing up, what other sports did you play, and what extracurricular activities helped shape who you are today?

Kailyn: Thank you for having me! When I was younger, I played a lot of different sports. I started with soccer, then moved into gymnastics. I also swam a bit and tried basketball. It wasn’t until around eighth grade that I started playing volleyball, which became my main focus.

As for extracurriculars outside of sports, I didn’t do a ton, but I was pretty into academics. I was part of the National Honor Society and did some musical theater back in middle school. I’d say reading was also a big part of my childhood. A lot of my time was spent on sports, but those academic and creative activities definitely shaped me as a person.

Q: Notre Dame is a prestigious school, and getting in is no easy feat. How did you balance school, sports, and the recruitment process during high school?

Kailyn: It definitely wasn’t easy, but a lot of it comes down to organization and mindfulness. You have to stay on top of everything, so I relied on planners, reminders, and alarms on my phone to make sure I didn’t fall behind. Traveling with club sports and trying to stay on top of schoolwork was a challenge, but I always kept my priorities straight.

When it came to the recruiting process, I made sure to reach out to my club and high school coaches for help. They guided me in putting together highlight videos and narrowing down schools I was interested in. I reached out to those schools, even though I knew not everyone would respond. It's important to do your research and be prepared when talking to coaches so that you're knowledgeable about their programs.

Q: During such a demanding time, did you ever feel overwhelmed or stressed? Was there anyone you could turn to for support?

Kailyn: Definitely, there were times I felt overwhelmed—juggling school, sports, and the pressure of the recruiting process can get intense. My family was my biggest support system, especially my mom. She helped keep me on track and made sure I wasn’t letting anything slip through the cracks.

It’s easy to feel burnt out in that environment, but I also had teammates and friends who understood what I was going through. Being open with them about how I was feeling made a huge difference. Sometimes, just talking things out helps you feel lighter and more grounded.

Q: Being vulnerable with others can be difficult. Did you ever feel hesitant about sharing your struggles, or did you always lean on your family and teammates for support?

Kailyn: I wasn’t always open about how I was feeling—I used to keep things bottled up. But over time, I learned that being closed off doesn’t help. In fact, it only builds up more stress. Once I started being more vulnerable, I found that life became a lot more manageable and enjoyable. It’s important to talk through your feelings with the people around you. It helps relieve stress and makes you feel less alone in what you’re experiencing.

Q: You mentioned social media earlier. As a student-athlete, did you ever find yourself comparing your journey to others, especially when seeing peers commit to colleges? How did you handle that pressure?

Kailyn: Yes, I definitely compared myself to others, especially because I committed later than many of my peers. It was easy to feel like I was falling behind, especially when I saw others committing to big schools. It made me question if I was doing enough or if I was somehow less capable.

To cope, I stepped back from social media. I realized that everyone’s journey is different, and comparing myself to others wasn’t helpful. I had to accept that my path would be unique, and the timeline doesn’t define my potential. Putting in extra hard work might mean I’m a “late bloomer,” but that doesn’t make me any less capable of achieving my goals.

Q: That’s such a great mindset to have. Was this something you developed over time, or did you have someone who helped you with that perspective?

Kailyn: It was something I developed over time. It became really clear to me this year, but it’s been an ongoing process since high school. You can get stuck in a mindset where you feel like you’re not enough or that everyone else is ahead of you. Eventually, I had to step back and ask myself why I was feeling that way. My journey doesn’t have to mirror anyone else’s—it’s mine. And I realized that a lot of that pressure was self-imposed.

My mom and coaches always encouraged me to stay focused on my goals, but ultimately, it was a realization I came to on my own after reflecting and really questioning why I felt this way.

Q: You’ve mentioned mindfulness a few times. How do you practice mindfulness in your day-to-day life? What does it mean to you?

Kailyn: Mindfulness, for me, is about being in the present moment and appreciating everything around me. It’s about not worrying about the past or future but focusing on the here and now. I practice mindfulness by taking time for myself—whether it’s going for a nature walk, reading a book, or just sitting in silence. I try to avoid any distractions, like media, during that time and just appreciate the quiet.

It’s about being aware of how I’m feeling and what’s happening around me, and also being grateful for the little things. It really helps me reset and stay grounded when things get overwhelming.

Q: If you could go back and talk to your younger self, especially during the more stressful times in high school, what advice would you give her?

Kailyn: I would tell my younger self that it’s okay if your journey doesn’t look like everyone else’s. It doesn’t mean you’re any less capable; it just means you may have to put in a little extra work. But remember, that doesn’t mean you need to overwork yourself or burn out. Having a system, being disciplined, and staying focused is key, but also don’t forget to give yourself grace. If you have a bad practice or a rough day, it’s okay. Just show up the next day and give it your best shot. That’s all you can do.

Q: Thank you for your time, Kaylin. Your perspective is inspiring, and I’m sure it will help others who are navigating similar paths. Any final thoughts or advice you’d like to share?

Kailyn: Thank you! My biggest piece of advice would be to stay true to yourself and trust your own journey. The pressure we sometimes feel is often self-imposed, so learning to let go of unrealistic expectations is crucial. It’s not always easy, but with a little mindfulness and a strong support system, you can handle anything that comes your way.

Kaylin’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the importance of maintaining balance. Her message about embracing your own path, staying mindful, and opening up when needed is a powerful reminder for anyone juggling the pressures of life, sports, and academics.