She broke records. She earned the accolades. She defied the odds. And she’s just getting started! But Izzie Smulik’s story isn’t just about soccer…it’s about rising through adversity with grit, grace, and an unshakable faith in God’s plan. In this inspiring episode, Dr. ZachClinton sits down with his second cousin, Izzie Smulik, a standout high school soccer star from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, VA. In just three years, Izzie became the school’s all-time leading scorer and points leader — for both boys and girls — earning titles like 1st Team All-State, ODP Regional Player, and most recently, a spot on a semi-pro team out of Charlottesville. But Izzie’s journey hasn’t been easy. From growing up with ADHD and dyslexia to being told she’d never play D1 soccer or graduate early, she’s overcome it all with the support of her family, her faith, and the game she loves. In this conversation, Zach and Izzie unpack: her recent invitation to compete with the Capelli Sports North American team in Denmark this week, her excitement about signing a full-ride to Liberty University Women’s Soccer, how soccer became a steadying force and a source of purpose, what it means to persevere with character through adversity, and the role of faith, family, and fierce determination in her growth every step of the way. If you’ve ever felt underestimated, overlooked, or unsure of what’s next, Izzie’s story will remind you that with faith and fight, “impossible” just becomes the new starting line. 

📲 Follow & Support Izzie’s Journey
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ismulik16/ 
Liberty Women’s Soccer Team: https://libertyflames.com/sports/womens-soccer 
Capelli North America Girls Team:https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/capelli-sport-north-america-girls-roster_aid54774 

She broke records. She earned the accolades. She defied the odds. And she&rsquo;s just getting started! But Izzie Smulik&rsquo;s story isn&rsquo;t just about soccer&hellip;it&rsquo;s about rising through adversity with grit, grace, and an unshakable faith in God&rsquo;s plan. In this inspiring episode, Dr. ZachClinton sits down with his second cousin, Izzie Smulik, a standout high school soccer star from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, VA. In just three years, Izzie became the school&rsquo;s all-time leading scorer and points leader &mdash; for both boys and girls &mdash; earning titles like 1st Team All-State, ODP Regional Player, and most recently, a spot on a semi-pro team out of Charlottesville. But Izzie&rsquo;s journey hasn&rsquo;t been easy. From growing up with ADHD and dyslexia to being told she&rsquo;d never play D1 soccer or graduate early, she&rsquo;s overcome it all with the support of her family, her faith, and the game she loves. In this conversation, Zach and Izzie unpack: her recent invitation to compete with the Capelli Sports North American team in Denmark this week, her excitement about signing a full-ride to Liberty University Women&rsquo;s Soccer, how soccer became a steadying force and a source of purpose, what it means to persevere with character through adversity, and the role of faith, family, and fierce determination in her growth every step of the way. If you&rsquo;ve ever felt underestimated, overlooked, or unsure of what&rsquo;s next, Izzie&rsquo;s story will remind you that with faith and fight, &ldquo;impossible&rdquo; just becomes the new starting line.&nbsp;
📲 Follow &amp; Support Izzie&rsquo;s Journey
<ul>
<li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ismulik16/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="8089d528-ab78-4414-839d-42fc3df431ac">https://www.instagram.com/ismulik16/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Liberty Women&rsquo;s Soccer Team: <a href="https://libertyflames.com/sports/womens-soccer" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="9d87b74d-c2b2-4927-aa78-5f977b87c0ee">https://libertyflames.com/sports/womens-soccer</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Capelli North America Girls Team: <a href="https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/capelli-sport-north-america-girls-roster_aid54774" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="0a876b8d-9222-4129-967e-d0b871aa66a2">https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/capelli-sport-north-america-girls-roster_aid54774</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The Built Different Podcast with Dr. Zach Clinton will air every Tuesday morning from here on out covering topics such as Leadership, Grit, Work Ethic, Relationships, Managing Anxiety and Depression, Isolation/Loneliness, Grief/Loss, Strengthening your Marriage & Family, Championship Mindset, Creating a Winning Culture, and so much more... Through meaningful interviews with some of America’s leading motivational speakers, athletes, counselors/psychologists, pastors, and more... Our heart and mission is to provide ENCOURAGEMENT, HOPE, and CHALLENGE to help push you past your limits and reach goals you never thought possible! Colossians 2:6-7 says, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”No matter what life throws our way, we must remember WHO WE ARE, by first remembering WHOSE WE ARE!

The Built Different Podcast with Dr. Zach Clinton will air every Tuesday morning from here on out covering topics such as Leadership, Grit, Work Ethic, Relationships, Managing Anxiety and Depression, Isolation/Loneliness, Grief/Loss, Strengthening your Marriage &amp; Family, Championship Mindset, Creating a Winning Culture, and so much more... Through meaningful interviews with some of America&rsquo;s leading motivational speakers, athletes, counselors/psychologists, pastors, and more... Our heart and mission is to provide ENCOURAGEMENT, HOPE, and CHALLENGE to help push you past your limits and reach goals you never thought possible! Colossians 2:6-7 says, &ldquo;So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.&rdquo;No matter what life throws our way, we must remember WHO WE ARE, by first remembering WHOSE WE ARE!

Advertisement