A look at what motivates one of the top midfielders in the game—and how she finds joy, balance, and drive through connection.
In this episode, we sit down with Dempsey Arsenault—professional lacrosse player, Boston College standout, and now a coach and mentor—to talk about what really fuels long-term performance, wellness, and joy.
Dempsey's story is a powerful reminder that success isn't just about pushing harder—it's about self-reflection, connection, and choosing joy.
For young athletes—and the parents who support them—this episode is packed with perspective, encouragement, and real talk.
You’ll hear:
How Dempsey maintains what we’re calling “The Dempsey Positivity”—her signature mix of joy, humility, and hunger to grow
What actually took her game to the next level—and how she took control of her mindset after an ACL injury in high school
What she wishes she knew as a young athlete, now that she’s coaching the next generation
Why playing multiple sports is essential—not just for performance, but for long-term health and happiness
Her honest take on burnout: “Anyone is going to get exhausted playing year-round.”
“Now that I’m coaching, I see myself in the girls I train—especially when they spiral after a mistake. I’m like, who cares? Just go again. Don’t say sorry. Just grab another ball.”
We also cover:
How Dempsey learned to self-reflect and take action when something didn’t feel aligned
Listening to her intuition—and what gave her the confidence to make big decisions (like stepping away from Team USA lacrosse)
A day in the life of Dempsey: movement, mentorship, and Hydra Pops (she now runs affiliate partnerships for the brand!)
Wellness rituals and mindset books Dempsey swears by
She also shares her advice for parents—rooted in her own experience growing up with incredibly supportive ones:
“One thing I really cherish about my parents is they never pushed too hard. My dad would ask, ‘Want to play pass?’ My mom would ride her bike behind me while I ran. They let me lead.”
And her reminder for every family:
“All parents need to trust the process. Your kids will be great.”
This conversation is equal parts inspiring and grounding. Whether you’re chasing big goals or learning how to enjoy the ride, Dempsey’s approach is a breath of fresh air.
Resources mentioned: The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, Hydra Pops
Next up: Dempsey nominates Morgan Tedeschi, her former BC teammate and now a California-based breathwork coach and wellness entrepreneur.
🔗 Access full episode here.
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