Athletes spend countless hours training their physical skills, but understanding who you are as a person can be just as important to performance.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Gessica Garber (formerly Gessica Hufnagle), a former standout player for Notre Dame Softball, to discuss the connection between self-awareness, emotional health, and athletic performance.
Drawing from her own experiences as an athlete and artist, Gessica shares how creativity can help athletes process emotions, work through challenges, and better understand themselves both on and off the field.
Why Knowing Yourself Matters in Competition
Many athletes try to push through emotional struggles without addressing them.
Gessica explains why ignoring or suppressing emotions often leads to greater frustration and burnout. Instead, she encourages athletes to take time to understand their feelings and learn how to process them in healthy ways.
When athletes develop self-awareness, they are better equipped to compete with clarity and confidence.
Using Art as a Tool for Expression
One of the unique ways Gessica helps athletes explore their emotions is through art.
She shares how creative expression can provide an outlet for processing difficult experiences, managing stress, and reflecting on personal growth. Through drawing, painting, and other creative practices, athletes can better understand what they are feeling and why.
This process can help athletes gain perspective and move forward with greater resilience.
Why Pushing Through Pain Isn’t Always the Answer
Athletes are often taught to “push through” challenges, but Gessica believes there are times when slowing down and reflecting is more beneficial.
She discusses how acknowledging emotional struggles can actually lead to stronger performance and healthier athletes. When athletes give themselves permission to process what they’re experiencing, they often return to competition with renewed focus and energy.
Creative Ways to Work Through Difficult Moments
Throughout the conversation, Gessica shares simple creative practices that athletes can use to work through difficult situations.
These tools help athletes step away from pressure, reconnect with themselves, and approach challenges with a clearer mindset. By integrating creativity into their routines, athletes can develop healthier ways to navigate both success and adversity.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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Why self-awareness improves athletic performance
Understanding your emotions and identity as an athlete. -
How creative expression can help athletes process challenges
Using art as a tool for reflection and growth. -
Why pushing through emotional pain isn’t always effective
Learning healthier ways to navigate adversity. -
Simple creative practices athletes can try
Tools for working through difficult moments. -
How athletes can reconnect with themselves beyond the game
Building balance and perspective.
About
Gessica Garber
Gessica Garber (formerly Gessica Hufnagle) is a former Notre Dame softball player who now uses art and creativity as a tool for emotional expression and personal growth. Drawing from her experiences as an athlete, she helps others explore how creativity and self-awareness can support both mental health and performance.
Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding yourself beyond athletics while developing healthy ways to navigate life’s challenges.
Connect with Gessica:
Instagram: @ghuffy
