203: Beyond the Athlete Identity: Wrestling, Coaching & Growth with Katherine Shai

In this episode, I sit down with Katherine Shai — a 7x Team USA National Team wrestler, former University World Champion, two-time Olympic alternate, and founder of the wrestling education platform LuchaFit. Katherine has transitioned from elite athlete to mindset and technical coach, and brings such a powerful perspective on how women in sport evolve over time.

 

We talk about what it truly means to balance athletic identity with motherhood, and how mental performance support is just as critical as physical training. Katherine shares her journey through high-level wrestling, coaching, and entrepreneurship, and we dive into how adaptability, joy, and mindset impact both sport and life. We also discuss changing the culture around weight in combat sports, building community for female athletes, and empowering the next generation to thrive beyond just performance. This is such a grounded and inspiring conversation about redefining what strength and success look like as women in athletics.

 

Connect with Katherine: IG: @katherineshai  Website: https://www.luchafit.com/ 

 

Learn more about the Practice Brave Fitness Program: https://briannabattles.com/practicebrave

 

Need workouts for your pregnancy or postpartum? Check out my programs (now with app access!):

 

The Pregnant Athlete Training Program: https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/pregnancy

 

The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program: https://go.briannabattles.com/8-week-postpartum-athlete-training-program   

 

 

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW:

The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood.

You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism.

Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing.

Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too!

Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!