I Am Second Releases New Documentary Film About the World of College Softball and Finding Purpose Beyond the Diamond
‘The Big Stage’ Features Athletes and Coaches Committed to ‘Live Second’ On and Off the Dirt
PLANO, Texas, August 15, 2024 — Global storytelling organization, I Am Second, has released “The Big Stage,” an exclusive short film that offers an in-depth look into the lives of female athletes and coaches boldly living out their faith on and off the diamond.
From devastating injuries to competing at the Women’s College World Series, the 30-minute documentary highlights each athlete’s story and how they are seeking to make a greater impact through their sport—providing a glimpse into the various challenges and triumphs collegiate players encounter.
“I felt like God had me in [softball] for a reason,” said Ashley Prange, reflecting on the hardships she faced during her time at Ohio State University. “There was such a bigger purpose to everything that I was going through that I would’ve never imagined.”
Narrated by 3x Olympic Gold Medalist with USA Softball, Leah Amico, the film features the following individuals:
· Ashley Trierweiler – Outfielder, Grand Canyon University
· Ashley Prange – Former Ohio State and University of Alabama softball standout
· Ally Chin – Outfielder, Azusa Pacific University
· Brooke Fagan – Assistant Coach, Mississippi College
· Campbell Hutcherson – Associate Head Coach, George Mason University
Addressing key issues collegiate athletes regularly face, such as perfectionism, anxiety, depression, success, failure and physical injuries, each woman examines the root of their joy and unwavering hope regardless of the trials and pressures that accompanied their journey.
For these five women, ‘the big stage’ is a platform for something greater than themselves. Beyond the wins and losses, it is an opportunity to boldly live out their faith and make a positive impact on the campus and community around them.
“It was a way outside of church that they heard the gospel,” said Brooke Fagan, recounting how her team’s emphasis on faith changed the hearts of her teammates and their families. “When you have that impact for Christ on someone, it flipped the switch for [our team] and fueled us on the field and it fueled us as people. It was a completely different culture. The Christ-like hearts that we had is what made is what made that year so great.”
I Am Second has established an ambassador program for like-minded athletes seeking to “Live Second” and make disciples through their sport. As an ambassador of Team Second, athletes are provided training and resources to help them positively influence the lives of those closest to them.
“Softball is temporary, but a relationship with Jesus is eternal,” says Ashley Trierweiler. “If I could show even one teammate that...that’s the goal for me. I want to be remembered as someone who feared the Lord...and wasn’t afraid to bring people along with her.”
Spotlighting the stories of five incredible women who have boldly recognized their identity and purpose beyond the softball field, the film serves as an inspiration to other athletes who seek to use their talents for a greater purpose on their own “big stage.”
To watch the exclusive documentary, visit iamsecond.com/film/the-big-stage/.
To learn more about the Team Second ambassador program, visit https://www.iamsecond.com/college-athlete-ambassadors/.
About I Am Second
I Am Second is a nonprofit launched in 2008 that ignites hope and inspires people to live for God and for others. Its website, iamsecond.com, features written and film-based stories of more than 190 athletes, actors, models, musicians, cultural influencers and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I Am Second.” For information, visit iamsecond.com.
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Media Contact:
Victoria Johnson
Victoria@alarryross.com
972-267-1111
Emmy Nominee Paul Walter Hauser Shares His Story Beyond the Camera in New I Am Second Film Series
Hollywood’s Award-Winning ‘Black Bird’ Star Opens Up About Body Image, Addiction, Divorce and Remarriage
PLANO, Texas, Jan. 11, 2024 — In a timely new White Chair Film series released by global storytelling organization I Am Second, Golden Globe-winning Actor Paul Walter Hauser shares his life’s journey alongside his wife Amy – just in time for the upcoming Emmys, airing January 15, in which Hauser is currently nominated for an “Outstanding Supporting Actor” award for his notable role as infamous serial killer Larry Hall in “Black Bird.”
Beyond his dark role of portraying a psychopath, Hauser is widely recognized for his iconic comedic performances in Hollywood. But who is this man beyond the camera?
Rare, vulnerable and raw, Hauser opens up about his own failures, the ripple effects of his choices and, subsequently, the depths of the rich love he has come to know on the other side of it all. In this gripping four-part series, the Hauser’s share their story – apart and together – weaving the audience through the compelling hardships of their lives that led them where they are today.
Episode 1 overviews their personal lives, from childhood to Hollywood to meeting one another. The film details Paul’s struggle with identity, an eating disorder, his start in television and opening the door to drugs – meanwhile, telling Amy’s story of escaping an abusive relationship and turning to alcohol.
“I tried to take on the [persona of] other people that I deemed like me – Chris Farley, John Belushi, [eventually] Philip Seymour Hoffman,” shares Hauser. “What I would later come to realize is that all those guys are dead. The common denominator is not just that they’re talented; the common denominator is that they’re all very depressed...and addicted...and died way too young.”
Episodes 2 & 3 dive into the couple’s swift dating timeline and their short-lived marriage, where Hauser filed for divorce in the middle of his wife’s pregnancy with their firstborn son, ultimately sending him into a severe depression, substance abuse and the crux consideration of taking his own life.
“I was...thinking about suicide; it wasn’t a thought I had all the time, but it really made residence in my head and lived rent-free when I had been drinking,” Hauser reveals, talking about his lowest moment. “I realized I [had] to get sober.”
Episode 4 shares the result of Hauser’s decision to get sober and reconcile with his family, concluding with where the Hauser's are today – living in an entirely different truth – filled with love, learning, sobriety and healthy accountability practices, inclusive of therapy and counseling. Hauser admits, referencing the growth and happiness he has come to know through his dedication in becoming a connected husband and present father, “I thought our marriage was over, and it was really just beginning.”
“Every day, I see the changed Paul,” Hauser’s wife, Amy, concludes. “He shows up every day, and he loves us so well...He’s still home to me.”
To watch the exclusive I Am Second film series, visit iamsecond.com/film/paul-amy-hauser/.
About I Am Second
I Am Second is a nonprofit launched in 2008 that ignites hope and inspires people to live for God and for others. Its website, iamsecond.com, features written and film-based stories of more than 190 athletes, actors, models, musicians, cultural influencers and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I Am Second.” For information, visit iamsecond.com.
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Media Contact:
Lauren Briggs
972-267-1111