WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill has revealed that pro wrestling was never part of her original career plan. Before entering the the squared circle, she was on track to become a child psychologist.

Speaking on the Going Ringside podcast, Cargill reflected on how unexpected her wrestling journey has been, tracing her path from Jacksonville University athlete to the top of WWE’s women’s division.

"I believe this industry chose me. You know, it kind of came to me. This was something that if you would have asked me five years ago if I was going to be a professional wrestler, I probably would sit back and say, ‘How? Why? When? I don’t understand.’ Because I wanted to be a child psychologist and I went on to do that,” Cargill explained.

Cargill attended Jacksonville University, where she played basketball and developed the competitive mindset that would eventually serve her in wrestling. She credits her college experience for instilling the drive that propelled her success.

"My relentless from being at Jacksonville University and working under such a phenomenal staff of coaches, I just wanted to go for something and I did it and here I am as your champ,” she said.

The journey from aspiring psychologist to WWE Women’s Champion is one of the more unconventional paths in recent wrestling history. Unlike many wrestlers who grew up dreaming of the business, Cargill stumbled into it through a friendship with Shaquille O’Neal that led to her AEW debut.

Now as champion, Cargill has embraced her role as one of wrestling’s biggest stars. After one year in WWE, Cargill reflected on her journey, noting that fan acceptance exceeded her expectations.

"Thank you for having me. I love Jay… and Jacksonville in general,” she said, using the local nickname for her city.

Her transformation from collegiate basketball player to dominating wrestler proves that sometimes the best career moves are the ones you never planned.