#14 Be The Trigger-Point Behind Your Goals with Mari A. Hole

Dec 16, 2014

Mari A. Hole, a Norwegian national-team volleyball player and NCAA All-American, shares her inspiring journey from injury setbacks to resilience. She discusses her transition from Norway to the U.S. for college volleyball, emphasizing the importance of hard work and being a ‘trigger-point’ in pursuing goals. Mari opens up about coping mechanisms for fear and negativity, along with the role her family has played in her success. With practical insights on personal growth and daily routines, she offers listeners valuable lessons for balancing sport with life.

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ANECDOTE

Injury Redirected Her Path

Mari stopped soccer after suffering jumper's knee and realized she missed volleyball more.
That injury pushed her to focus on volleyball and led to national team opportunities.

INSIGHT

A Compact Resilience Mantra

Mari adopted a Norwegian motto meaning "even in the hills the flowers are growing" to endure homesickness.
The saying reminded her that good things still happen during hard times if you keep going.

ANECDOTE

Playing Through Pain Backfired

Mari described getting jumper's knee during a jump test and then worsening both knees by playing through pain at a championship.
She missed months of competition, rehabbed, played libero-only, and later re-injured herself when returning prematurely.

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#14 Be The Trigger-Point Behind Your Goals with Mari A. Hole
Athlete Case Study: Norwegian Pro & National Team Volleyball Player

Dec 16, 2014

Getting to know Mari a bit over the last couple weeks has been nothing short of inspiring & educational. When we chatted about the need to get our stories out to athletes trying to do what we do or just to add value in some way she was on board immediately. There's something that always sticks out about selfless people (AKA unselfish).. With Mari before we'd agreed on a time to do the podcast she'd done her research & found out I help kids get to school in the USA & Canada... She asked about it and we started working on it even before the podcast... now her brother is getting some more interest from schools which is exciting. Mari did a lot of hours of work to track down school's info for her brother who is busy with school and volley. SELFLESS I tell you... amazing of her.

Imagine you write 20 people and tell them you've got a project to help others & you'd like their help (Read: TIME & EFFORT)... Welp, usually about half the people write back and only half of those might actually do something about it. This time it was even less...Well, Mari was one of those I wrote during the launch of Beyond Athletic a few weeks back and she was one of the 1st two responses and the 2nd person to schedule a time to record! I remind you she's in the middle of a time of year where they are playing sometimes 2 matches per week and traveling intercontinentally! Some people make reasons to help others... not why they can't. So grateful for Mari doing this...
BIO
Born, Mari Aase Hole, in Miritz, Switzerland on August 3rd, 1990.

Moved to Olso, Norway to start school. She has a young sister and brother.

She was raised to participate in many actives like hiking, skiing, soccer, volleyball, biking, etc. She played soccer mainly until high school when volleyball took over..

She won/accomplished just about everything possible in volleyball at the highest level, by the end of high school, in Norway and chose to attend UCLA in the USA where she played for 2 years and then moved to Ohio State University for her final two years of college eligibility becoming an AVCA All American!

Her first pro team was in 2013-14 in Istres, France, where she was the Best Scorer & Attacker of the LNV PRO-A league! (French Top Division)

.Now she plays volleyball for Team Norway and pro for the Bezier Angels in France.

MOST GRATEFUL FOR:
Family!

PERSONAL QUOTE:
"Selv i motbakker vokser det blomster"

Translation: "Even in the hills the flowers are growing"

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN HER LIFE:
Her first coach.. who happens to be her mother also! :)

Key Discussion Points:

What’s her story and how she got into sports?
What is her biggest fear?
What has she learned from her life until now?
What was her biggest obstacle?
Why was it important that she go to a school in the USA?
What is she most excited about?

Key Lessons:

YOU CANNOT SPECIALIZE IN ONE SPORT TOO YOUNG
CHALLENGES HELP YOU IMPROVE
"I was just looking for a challenge. I wanted to see how much better i could get."

BEING AWAY FROM FAMILY CAN BE TOUGH
EVEN IN TOUGH TIMES THERE ARE POSITIVE THINGS & LESSONS
"It's been a big transition...schools were really great...but it was really tough... But I had a really good time, I had a lot of really good people around me."

THINGS WILL NOT ALWAYS GO AS PLANNED
HARD WORK PAYS OFF
"If you want to get somewhere you have to put in a lot of the hours yourself...Don't expect anyone to do it for you."

YOU MUST SET GOALS
"YOU have to be the TRIGGER POINT behind it..."

CAN'T COMPETE AT A HIGH LEVEL AND LEARN AT A HIGH LEVEL IN NORWAY SIMULTANEOUSLY
"Volleyball is so much bigger in the States...There's a huge economic aspect behind it...So there's just expectations in volleyball are different. The coaches...I've never had had that big of a staff around me before... "

FEARS OF FAILING BUT ALSO OF SUCCESS CAN HOLD YOU BACK IF YOU LET THEM
"You do not get to go inwards."

BE APPRECIATIVE!
"Engage yourself in your surroundings!"

ATHLETE'S TIP JAR
What was holding her back from becoming better?

Fear of failure & success
Didn't want to "stick out" AKA been seen as a star/leader

How She gets rid of negative thoughts:
Just let it go... Block it out...Zone in on next action!
Take a deep breath & Keep her action simple not overcomplicated.
Smile & let people in so she doesn't close herself off to her teammates.

Tool To Improve As A Human Being:
Engage other people to get to know them a bit.

Sleep & Morning ritual:
7-8 hours of sleep. Wake 1 hr before training. Get dressed. Eat breakfast. Read Norwegian News. Head to training 30 minutes before it starts.

How does she adjust to a new city and/or team?
Explore's the new city with her teammates so she get's to know the city and her teammates make memories.

A Healthy Habit:
I am a huge fan of smoothies, so often when I want something to "snack" on I make myself a thick smoothie. But generally my thought for staying healthy is everything in moderation. I have too much of a sweet tooth to stay away from ice-cream etc.

Travel Tip:
Make your own trail mix and bring fruit or other snack you enjoy to eat. It is good to always have something to eat in your backpack. That way you avoid buying unnecessary food on the go. And bring a water bottle.

Recommended Book:
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Most Grateful For:
Family.

Key Mentor In Her Life:
Her Mother (She was also her first coach)

INFO

Charity/Organizations They Add Value to:
I enjoy to help people. In Norway coaching is done on a volunteer basis so when I am home I help out when I can and try to share my experiences when asked. Previously I have had talks/presentations to young volleyball players and teams about my experiences and what it takes to get better.

Business/Work:
Pro Volleyball

Past/Current Teams:
Beziers Angels (FRANCE)

Recommended Guest:

Follow Athlete Here:
Blog | Instagram

Definition of Beyond Athletic?

"Be aware that people look up to you. Be aware of your actions as well as behavior... Because people will copy it whether you notice it or not. You have to be bigger than yourself and your sport...See past just your sport. There is more to you than just your sport."

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