Today we’d like to introduce you to Rheina Ale.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rheina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story revolves heavily around the game of basketball. I started playing when I was seven years old and immediately fell in love with the game. Basketball paid my way through college, it connected me with so many amazing people, and it brought me to cities/countries that I would’ve never been had I not played. It was my passion, but once I stopped playing, I felt like my life had to start all over at 22/23 years old. I didn’t know what else I actually liked to do because it was a part of my life for so long, the game was what I identified with. Through this transition that I call my “identity crisis,” I used what I learned as a player (dedication, hard work, relentlessness, patience, hustle, etc.) on the job hunt. I tried any industry I could think of to find my passion – which is now storytelling. I’m a host, writer, and social media specialist and I believe everyone has a unique story that can help someone else. Having the ability to motivate, spread love and inspire people is why I love what I do so much.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life after sports was for sure not a smooth road .. at all. All I did was hoop. I loved competing, I loved the adrenaline rush, I loved intense workouts because I saw myself getting better and better every day. I was a gym rat! When I had to stop playing, I really wasn’t ready. I had to find a job and start from scratch when that’s what you do in college as a normal student. You go to school/work/intern, etc, but it’s hard to balance that lifestyle as a student-athlete. This is a common problem with athletes post-grad because sometimes you’re forced to let go of a sport when you’re not ready physically, emotionally, and mentally and it’s so hard to get through it on your own.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a host, blogger, and social media specialist. A lot of what I share when I’m hosting an event or blogging is authentic and bare. I truly believe in sharing your losses, trials, tribulations, and lessons along with your wins because it’s essential for growth. I write about my life and post things that push us to become a higher version of ourselves.
At the moment, I’m putting together the finishing touches for my brand, Locked In.. This will be an online community and resource for student athletes, former athletes, or parents of future students athletes to prepare for life outside of their sports. I’ve learned so much through my own personal journey, interviewed some influential people about their journey to success. And developed relationships with other people who are just as passionate about helping others as I am. I want to inspire and uplift anyone who needs it. I’m a selfless person by nature and I believe my character and heart sets me apart from others.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me has no price tag. I don’t let material things define my success. I’m grateful for the blessings, don’t get me wrong, but success is living out God’s purpose for ME. If I help someone get out of a “funk” or connect them with a mentor/leader they needed, that makes me feel like I did my job. I lived out my purpose by helping someone else get better and BE better.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rheinaale.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheina_ale/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rheina_ale
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/areyoulockedin/
Image Credit:
Jineen Williams, Nikki Boutte, and Chris Seguin
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
