Episode 124 Scott Roussell Former Univ of Virginia Soccer Player/ Founder of After We Play

🎙️ RU Strong Podcast Intro – Scott Roussell

Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast, where we bring you powerful stories of resilience, identity, and life after the game.

Today’s guest is Scott Roussell, a former Division I soccer player from one of the most dominant programs in college soccer history, the University of Virginia. During his time there, Virginia was a powerhouse, winning four NCAA national championships in five years, building what many would call a true dynasty in collegiate soccer.

Scott was surrounded by elite talent, teammates who went on to play in the World Cup, coached by legendary coach Bruce Arena, and competing at the highest level of college soccer. But like many athletes, Scott’s journey took an unexpected turn when injuries cut his playing career short just as he was coming into his prime.

That moment, when the game you love suddenly ends, can leave athletes asking one powerful question:

“Who am I without the game?”

Scott didn’t just ask that question; he built a mission around answering it.

Today, Scott is the founder of After We Play, an organization dedicated to helping athletes navigate the mental and emotional transition from sports to life beyond competition. His work focuses on what he calls “The Invisible Game” the mental and emotional challenges athletes face that no one sees but every competitor experiences.

Through his programs, Scott is helping athletes develop the tools to handle pressure, identity shifts, mental health challenges, and life after sport, before that transition ever arrives.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• The brotherhood and intensity of competing at the highest level of college athletics

• The emotional toll when injuries end a career prematurely

• Why so many athletes struggle when the locker room disappears

• The concept of “The Invisible Game” happening inside every athlete’s mind

• And how Scott is now helping athletes prepare for life after they play

If you’re a current or former athlete, coach, or someone who understands the identity that comes with competition, this episode is going to resonate deeply.

So, sit back and enjoy this powerful conversation with former Virginia Cavalier soccer player and founder of After We Play, Scott Roussell.