BY MARY GETTENS
When Steven Cmielewski was sidelined after breaking his ankle playing football, he turned to TikTok to stay motivated on his road to recovery, and to help others going through similar situations.
Within five months of posting about his recovery, Cmielewski went from 40,000 followers to over 100,000 followers on the social media video platform.
“It is surprising how many people relate to me and how fast it is all happening,” Cmielewski said. “It is surprising how many messages I get from people daily, saying how much I helped them with motivation and advice.”
The 20-year-old linebacker on the Stonehill team signed up for TikTok in 2020 and started posting videos of his workouts over winter break in 2021. After he injured his ankle in the first game of the 2021 football season, Cmielewski increased his presence on the app as he was struggling mentally post-surgery. Creating content became his therapy.
At the same time, Cmielewski began to expand on his variety of content. He now posts reviews on supplements such as pre-workout and protein, protein bar reviews, motivation, inspirational quotes, and day-in-the-life videos.
“I am passionate about posting a variety of content to show people that anything is possible if you go all in,” Cmielewski said. “I love showing people that it is possible to have balance with football, training, and school. I really try to show my mindset and be influential to others.”
He said his viewers send him messages with questions about his experience as a college football player, including his specific linebacker workouts, field workouts, and experience playing for Stonehill.
His TikTok following also opened doors to other opportunities, including landing two deals with the supplement company, V1Nutra, and a shaker bottle company HELIMIX. Cmielewski promotes V1Nutra by taking pictures of their products for for his Instagram and TikTok pages.
Despite all the opportunities that his TikTok following has brought to Cmielewski, he said he can go so much further than where he is now. He said that he has “barely scratched the surface.”
“I want to travel,” Cmielewski said. “I want to visit V1Nutra in Texas, and I want to go to California. I want to collaborate with other people and see other stuff. I want to make something out of this, and I don't want this to end any time soon.”
Photo courtesy of Abby Campbell.
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