Mick Unplugged: Heather Mitts Feeley – Embracing the Gold Medal Mindset for Success in Life and Leadership

Episode Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: Mick Hunt

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Mick Unplugged," host Mick Hunt welcomes Heather Mitts Feeley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a trailblazer in women's soccer. Heather shares her journey from a tenacious athlete to a passionate advocate for equity in sports and leadership, illustrating how the "gold medal mindset" can transform personal and professional lives.

Early Passion for Soccer

Heather Mitts Feeley's love affair with soccer began in her childhood backyard, engaging in fierce one-on-one matches with her brother. Despite his superior technical skills, Heather's tenacity and determination fueled her passion for the sport.

Heather Mitts Feeley [05:04]:
"I basically owe my brother for the fact that not only my love of the game, but also my toughness. I was always tenacious."

This early experience shaped her defensive prowess, making her a formidable player on the field.

College Career and Decision to Attend the University of Florida

Contrary to popular belief, Heather did not attend the University of North Carolina (UNC) but chose the University of Florida. Initially considering several schools, Heather was drawn to Florida by Coach Becky Burleigh's enthusiasm and the program's balance of academics and athletics.

Heather Mitts Feeley [02:48]:
"I decided to go down there on my recruiting trip and really had no intentions of going there, but I was blown away by the balance, the academics and the athletics of the school."

Joining Florida during its nascent stages, Heather contributed to building a successful program, ultimately leading to national championships and lasting friendships.

Overcoming Challenges and Injuries

Heather's journey was not without its hurdles. Standing at five-foot-four and facing larger opponents, she sustained numerous injuries, including a significant ACL tear before her first Women's World Cup.

Heather Mitts Feeley [06:04]:
"I ended up going online mistakenly and reading some of the comments when the announcement came out that I would not be playing... I just kept grinding and grinding and grinding."

Her resilience was a testament to her "never give up" spirit, allowing her to return stronger and become a key player in the 2008 Olympics, where she played every minute and secured another gold medal.

Achieving Success: Three Olympic Gold Medals

Heather's achievement of three Olympic gold medals is a rare feat in soccer, reflecting consistent excellence and dedication across multiple Olympic Games.

Heather Mitts Feeley [08:38]:
"It's still surreal. It does seem like an entire lifetime ago."

Maintaining peak performance over the years, Heather's gold medal journey underscores her exceptional athletic prowess and mental strength.

Transition to Life After Soccer

Deciding to retire was a profound moment for Heather. Balancing her athletic ambitions with personal life, she chose to leave the sport on her own terms to start a family.

Heather Mitts Feeley [13:05]:
"I can start a family. I can do whatever's next. And I know how fortunate I am because I know a lot of athletes don't get to do that."

This transition highlighted her ability to recognize when to move forward, embracing new roles beyond the field.

The Gold Medal Mindset: Principles and Application to Leadership

Central to Heather's philosophy is the "gold medal mindset," a framework she developed to help others translate athletic success into business and leadership.

Heather Mitts Feeley [14:42]:
"It's really not any different. It comes down to mentality... giving yourself permission to imagine a positive outcome, to dream."

Key Pillars of the Gold Medal Mindset:

1. Positive Imagery and Dreaming Big: Envisioning and setting ambitious, sometimes seemingly unattainable, goals.
2. Focus on What You Can Control: Prioritizing efforts on controllable aspects amidst external uncertainties.
3. Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences: Building a supportive network that fosters growth and positivity.
4. Continuous Learning and Self-Improvement: Seeking mentorship and education to enhance personal and professional skills.
5. Unique Self-Expression: Identifying and honing unique strengths to stand out and excel.
6. Self-Discipline and Perseverance: Maintaining relentless effort until success is achieved.

These principles not only fueled Heather's athletic success but also serve as foundational strategies for effective leadership and personal development.

Personal Life and Family

Heather's life beyond soccer is deeply enriched by her role as a mother and spouse. Balancing family with her professional endeavors, she emphasizes presence and intentionality in parenting.

Heather Mitts Feeley [22:28]:
"It's like the greatest gift. I think about it all the time, how lucky I am."

Her experiences as a parent have softened her while maintaining her leadership qualities, striving to instill confidence and individuality in her children.

Advocacy for Equity in Sports and Leadership

A passionate advocate for equity, Heather underscores the ongoing challenges and the need for continued efforts to achieve true equality in sports and business.

Heather Mitts Feeley [27:35]:
"We've just still got a long way to go. It's night and day what I experienced when I was playing..."

Her advocacy is driven by personal experiences and a commitment to fostering inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

Personal Insights: Hot Five Questions

Towards the end of the episode, Mick engages Heather in a fun "Hot Five" segment, revealing personal preferences and anecdotes.

1. Cheat Meal:
   Heather enjoys raspberry ice cream with chocolate sprinkles.

   Heather Mitts Feeley [28:38]:
   "Handles ice cream... raspberry with chocolate sprinkles on a cone."

2. Go-To Cooked Meal:
   Cooking pine meatballs, a universal crowd-pleaser for her family.

   Heather Mitts Feeley [29:10]:
   "Everybody likes it. That's a crowd pleaser."

3. Toughest Player to Defend:
   Cindy Parlo, citing her physicality and skill.

   Heather Mitts Feeley [29:41]:
   "No one else I would rather not defend than Cindy."

4. Favorite Teammate:
   Sarah Yoi, highlighting deep friendships formed during her college years.

   Heather Mitts Feeley [30:31]:
   "What we built at the University of Florida... still one of my best friends."

5. Legacy – Last Chapter of Her Book:
   Wishes to be remembered as someone who lived authentically, passionately, and made a positive impact.

   Heather Mitts Feeley [31:20]:
   "Someone who lived vivaciously, who was authentic, passionate, loving, and made an impact on this planet."

Conclusion: Connecting with Heather Mitts Feeley

Heather encourages listeners to embrace their "because" – the deeper motivation that drives their actions and decisions.

Heather Mitts Feeley [25:40]:
"Because we get one chance on this earth to make an impact."

For those inspired by her story and insights, Heather is accessible through various platforms:

• Website: Players for Good
• Instagram: @hmits2
• Facebook: Heather Mitts Fan Page

Mick and Heather conclude the episode with mutual admiration and a reaffirmation of Heather's enduring impact both on and off the field.

Final Thoughts

Heather Mitts Feeley's episode on "Mick Unplugged" is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and purposeful living. Her "gold medal mindset" offers actionable strategies for anyone looking to achieve excellence and make a meaningful impact in their personal and professional lives. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, athlete, or someone striving for personal growth, Heather’s journey provides invaluable lessons on perseverance, adaptability, and the power of a positive mindset.

Subscribe to "Mick Unplugged" for more inspiring conversations and actionable insights to fuel your journey toward success and fulfillment. Remember, your "because" is your superpower—unleash it today!