We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Sisler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

For me, my mission stems directly from my own story—one shaped by heartbreak, hope, and the power of connection. I lost both of my parents to opioid addiction when I was a freshman gymnast at Rutgers University, and while navigating that loss, I came face-to-face with the stigma, shame, and isolation that often surround addiction. But it also ignited a desire in me to turn my pain into purpose by helping others find their voice and strength in their own stories.

As a sideline reporter, I’ve had the privilege of sharing countless stories of resilience—athletes overcoming adversity, teams rising above challenges, and individuals redefining what it means to persevere. Those moments on the sideline have been more than just game-day snapshots; they’ve taught me about the ripple effect of storytelling. Every time someone shares their story, it inspires others to do the same. Witnessing that firsthand has empowered me to lean into my own story with courage and authenticity.

This mission is deeply meaningful because I’ve seen what happens when people feel silenced or defined by their struggles—it isolates them. But I’ve also witnessed the transformation that comes from owning our stories and using them to spark connection and change. Whether I’m on the sidelines, on stage, or through my book Shatterproof, I want to remind people that their stories matter, their pain has purpose, and they have the power to create their own ripple effect of hope and resilience.

At the heart of it all, my work is about breaking stigmas, creating connection, and helping others see that they’re not alone. Because when we show up as our full, authentic selves—whether on the field, in our personal lives, or in the face of adversity—we create space for others to do the same.

Lauren, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Lauren Sisler, an ESPN Sports Reporter, author, speaker, and advocate for resilience and mental health. My journey into this industry has been anything but traditional, and it’s one I’m grateful for every single day.

Growing up, I was a competitive gymnast at Rutgers University, a sport that taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of showing up even when things feel insurmountable. But behind the scenes, my family was silently battling a much darker struggle. I lost both of my parents to opioid addiction just hours apart when I was in college. It was a loss that completely shattered my world, but it also became the foundation of the work I do today.

I stepped into the sports broadcasting world with the goal of telling stories—not just the ones on the scoreboard but the human stories that show the grit, determination, and resilience of athletes. Over the years, my role as a sideline reporter has given me the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life, learn about their struggles and triumphs, and share those experiences with the world. And of course, no sideline moment is complete without my signature sideline shimmy—a fun way I celebrate the joy and energy of the game while staying true to who I am.

In addition to my work as a reporter, I’m also an author. My book, Shatterproof, shares my personal journey of loss, healing, and finding strength in vulnerability. It’s a book I wrote to remind others that even in our darkest moments, there’s hope, and our stories have the power to inspire and connect us. Through my mantra, Fall in Love with Your Story, I encourage people to embrace the good, the bad, and everything in between, because every part of our journey has purpose.

My faith has been an anchor through every step of this journey. I believe God doesn’t waste our pain; instead, He uses it to grow us, equip us, and position us to impact others. It’s through my faith that I’ve learned to trust that even the hardest parts of my story are part of a greater plan, one that allows me to serve others and bring light to dark places.

As a speaker, I help individuals, teams, and organizations own their stories and find resilience in the face of adversity. My mission is to create a safe space for people to acknowledge their challenges, embrace their vulnerability, and discover that they’re not alone. Whether I’m speaking to a group of student-athletes, healthcare professionals, or corporate leaders, I tailor my message to address the struggles and stigmas that often go unspoken while offering practical tools to foster connection and growth.

What sets me apart is my focus on the intersection of storytelling, faith, and resilience. I believe in the ripple effect of sharing the truth—how one truth can inspire a movement of hope and healing. I strive to be a bridge between personal struggle and collective empowerment, weaving my experiences as a gymnast, reporter, and advocate into everything I do.

I’m most proud of the lives I’ve been able to impact through my work. Whether it’s an athlete sharing how my story helped them find the courage to ask for help, a fan who connected with me after reading my book, or a student telling me they feel seen and heard for the first time, these moments remind me why I do what I do.

For anyone just getting to know me, I want you to know that my brand, my work, and my mission are rooted in authenticity and faith. I’m here to remind you that your story matters, your pain has purpose, and there’s strength in embracing who you are, flaws and all. Whether you’re following along as a fan of sports, seeking inspiration from my journey, or looking for a speaker to bring a message of hope and resilience to your organization, my goal is to help you see that we all have the power to overcome adversity, fall in love with your story, and create a positive impact in the world.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I always thought I was destined to be a sports doctor. I wanted to help athletes get back on the field, empathizing with them because I had experienced my own challenges as a young athlete. But life had a different plan. My freshman year at Rutgers, everything changed when I lost both of my parents to opioid addiction. Grieving, angry, and completely broken, I felt like my world was unraveling in front of me. The weight of that loss left me floundering—I was failing out of school and unsure of how to move forward.

I knew I needed to make a change, but admitting that I was struggling was terrifying. I decided to pivot and switch my major to sports broadcasting, a field that felt unfamiliar and outside of my comfort zone. That decision wasn’t easy. At the time, it felt like admitting defeat. But looking back, I can see how God was guiding me toward something greater. That pivot was part of a bigger plan, and it ultimately led me to a career that has allowed me to find both my passion and my purpose.

Today, as a sports reporter, author, and speaker, I get to combine my love of storytelling with my desire to help others. My journey has taught me that even in our most uncertain moments, when we feel like everything is falling apart, there’s an opportunity to embrace change and discover something new. That pivot didn’t just reshape my career—it reshaped my life and gave me the platform to connect with others in a way I never imagined.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most challenging moments of my life was losing my brother Allen. To say this season has tested my resilience feels like an understatement. Grief has a way of showing up when you least expect it, pulling the rug out from under you, and leaving you wondering how to take the next step.

For me, stepping back into work, standing on the sidelines, and putting on a brave face after such a loss felt like climbing a mountain. There were moments I doubted whether I could do it. I questioned how I could show up for others when I was still trying to piece myself together.

But someone recently told me, “Getting back out there is a personal victory, even if no one else knows what you’re going through.” And those words really stuck with me. Sometimes, resilience isn’t about having it all together; it’s simply about showing up. It’s about taking one small step forward, even when the weight of loss feels unbearable.

Standing on the sidelines for that first game after losing Allen wasn’t easy, but it reminded me why I do what I do. Sharing stories—whether they’re about triumph, struggle, or community—has always been my purpose. And in that moment, I realized the importance of sharing my own story, even in its rawest form.

Grief doesn’t have a timeline, and resilience isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, being real, and taking each day as it comes. That’s the lesson I hope others take away from my journey—that it’s OK not to have all the answers, and it’s OK to lean into the hard seasons, trusting that there’s strength in simply putting one foot in front of the other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laurensisler.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurensisler/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSisler/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler
• Twitter: https://x.com/laurensisler
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LaurenSisler

Image Credits

Courtney Sucher
ESPN Images