" Now I have to take this as a challenge: How do I have this elite-level B game that is almost indestructible, where I know I can get the job done in a maybe a different way, but just as efficient … and that's where athletes get the most gain in their mental capacity and their ability to win and their consistency is understanding that they can have that elite-level B game. They can beat anyone without having to feel 100%. And so that's kind of where I would go." Casey Patterson's journey through professional beach volleyball was marked by persistent injuries, most notably a left ankle that he estimates he sprained more than 50 times. Early in his career, while transferring to play at BYU, a meniscus tear threatened to derail his dreams—but contrasting experiences with different doctors taught him valuable lessons about the power of positive communication and hope in recovery. Throughout his nearly 20-year career, including competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Casey developed a unique approach to managing injuries. Rather than letting them defeat him, he reframed them as challenges, pushing himself to excel even when things weren’t perfect. With support from his family, including his wife and children who helped keep victories and defeats in perspective, he learned to adapt and find different paths to success. Now retired from professional beach volleyball and serving as an AVP commentator, Casey shares his hard-earned wisdom about injury management and mental toughness with others, particularly his own children. As an ambassador for BetterGuards, he advocates for injury prevention while helping athletes understand that success isn't just about being at peak physical condition—it's about building a strong foundation and finding ways to maximize whatever percentage you have to give. Resources/links: Casey’s Instagram and Twitter/X BetterGuards website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/XWatch Casey play! A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase. You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show. To access more resources for injured athletes: Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cardsAccess webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our workJoin The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updatesJoin The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderieLike The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodesEmail us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
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