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.