Athlete to entrepreneur: NC Wesleyan grad turns adversity into a new mission

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — After traveling across the pond to compete on a tennis scholarship in North Carolina, Gregor Baum’s athletic career was abruptly ended with an injury.

Far away from his home of Germany, Baum was chasing the “American Dream” when he came to Rocky Mount in 2021 to play alongside fellow students of North Carolina Wesleyan University. His story ever since took several turns—all of which led him to a reinvented version of that dream.

Recently, Baum recapped his story in an inspiring presentation to the Rotary Club of Crabtree in Raleigh. “Getting to know Gregor, hearing his presentation, and seeing his passion for helping others has been a true pleasure,” said Crabtree Rotary member Todd Anderson.

Immediately after the career-ending injury, Baum was open in sharing that he went through a time of serious depression. Seeking help and a path forward, he said he worked with a counselor which led to a new practice of journaling as a means to process the disappointment and shattered dream.

What started as a distraction for Baum in a difficult time turned into public speaking and community service interests. His travels through a student exchange program of Rotary International led him to Mexico and sparked an interest in him to create a student Rotaract Club on campus at N.C. Wesleyan University.

The aim of the club was “to create a space where students could share the common challenges of college life, especially when faced with unexpected setbacks,” according to a release from Rotary Club of Crabtree.

Alongside his counselor and some Rotaract students, Baum developed the “Inner Journey Journal & Workbook.” It’s a product he created to meet others where they are in their unique journeys “to encourage self-reflection and foster emotional stability.”

The journal, which became popular initially with university students, includes 42 days of question prompts and serves as a self-awareness tool.

Not only for the journal — but for his story and his achieved impacts in mental health — Baum was recognized at the 2023 Rotary International Peace Convention in Birmingham, Alabama.

“Through Rotary, I found a way to transform my pain into purpose,” Baum said. “What began as a Rotary exchange program in Mexico has evolved into a lifelong mission of service, mental health awareness, and the promotion of resilience. Rotary has not only changed my life but also provides me with the chance to uplift others, proving that through service, we can indeed change the world, one person at a time.”

Baum has since graduated from N.C. Wesleyan University and instead of pursuing success through tennis, he’s working to help others reach their full potential. To accomplish that, he’s found his rhythm as a life coach and inspirational speaker, working with entrepreneurs and athletes to help them become the best versions of themselves.

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Ashley Anderson

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