In this episode, CLF’s Julia Manning is joined by professional soccer player Kennedy Faulknor of the Vancouver Rise. Kennedy opens up about the concussion that sidelined her for over a year and a half—not just from soccer, but from most all activities of her daily life.
Though she had endured multiple concussions throughout her athletic career, it was her most recent brain injury that changed everything. Kennedy faced persistent post-concussion symptoms that lingered for months, taking a toll on her physically, emotionally, and mentally. Beyond the headaches and fatigue, she shares the deeper, often invisible challenges of recovery: the identity crisis, the isolation, and the uncertainty about her future.
As someone who has experienced PCS herself, Julia brings empathy and insight to this vulnerable conversation. Together, they explore what it truly means to heal from an invisible injury—and why it’s so important to talk about it.
👤 About the guest:
Kennedy Faulknor is a professional soccer player from Toronto, a UCLA graduate, and the youngest center back ever to play for the Canadian women’s national team. After three concussions, she aims to raise awareness and offer guidance to those affected by post-concussion syndrome.
Connect with Kennedy:
Instagram - @kennedyfaulknor
📞 Need support after a concussion?
If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion Legacy Foundation offers free resources and support through the CLF HelpLine.
Visit CLFHelpLine.org to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs.
💬 Connect with us:
Instagram - @concussionfoundation
Website - ConcussionFoundation.org
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