Episode 2: Coach D... Finding Purpose After Transplant In this powerful follow-up episode of Derek, That Heart Transplant Athlete Guy, Derek and his wife Kirstin dive deep into the emotional aftermath of life-saving surgery, exploring what it really means to rebuild identity, purpose, and drive after a heart transplant. Twenty-two months post-transplant, Derek shares candidly about the inner struggle that often follows survival; the feeling of being “lost” despite returning to work, coaching, and life. From searching for his donor family and uncovering powerful stories of others like Samson and Grant, to rediscovering meaning through coaching and connection, Derek’s story reminds us that purpose isn’t always found, sometimes it’s rebuilt, one step at a time. Along the way, he reflects on his decades-long coaching career, the impact of his athletes, and how his competitive spirit continues to fuel his mission to raise awareness about organ donation.