The True Athlete Project podcast Series: Embracing Identity and Purpose with Oz Marginean

We’re thrilled to share that our very own Oz Marginean, Head of Community at The True Athlete Project, recently joined Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, on The AthMindset® Podcast for a powerful and deeply personal conversation.

Oz, who brings a unique blend of experience as a former NCAA Division 1 athlete, professional basketball player, movement coach and now a community leader, is on a mission to transform the sport culture. Her work focuses on weaving mindfulness, movement, and creativity into the fabric of athletic development, creating a more compassionate and holistic approach to sport.

In this inspiring episode, Oz and Lisa explore themes that are often left unspoken in the world of sports:

• The complexities of athlete identity
• The emotional process of transitioning out of sport
• The power of mindfulness to anchor and heal
• The role of playful movement and creativity in development

Oz offers insights not just from her professional lens, but from her own journey, from overcoming performance anxiety, to rediscovering herself beyond basketball, and redefining success on her own terms.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

- Explore your identity beyond sport—even while still playing
Many athletes wait until they retire to explore who they are outside of their sport. Oz encourages starting that process early, which helps make the eventual transition less overwhelming and more fulfilling.
- Performance anxiety and burnout are more common than you think
Oz opens up about her own struggles with anxiety and the pressures of being “on” all the time. These are not weaknesses, but invitations to reflect and reset.
- Mindfulness and playful movement are powerful tools
Learning to connect to the body through awareness and curiosity enhances not just performance, but presence and joy—on and off the field.
- Creativity fuels holistic well-being
When athletes tap into creative practices, they gain new ways of expressing themselves and processing experiences. It’s about more than just sport—it’s about wholeness.
- Relationships beyond the athletic bubble are essential
Cultivating friendships and support systems outside of sport builds a stronger, more rounded sense of self.
- Start the transition while you're still playing
Oz encourages athletes to explore their values, passions, and relationships before they leave sport. Doing this helps create a more grounded and purpose-filled life after athletics.
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This episode is part of a special 3-part series. Stay tuned for upcoming conversations with Sam Parfitt and Reem Abdalazem Bossaty OLY as we continue to explore the inner life of athletes and the future of sport culture.

Check out Oz´s IG for movement ideas and tools:
​https://www.instagram.com/oz.marginean/