Frank Winterstein From Athlete to a Beacon for Men
Written by Brendan Holland
Frank Winterstein’s journey from NRL athlete to mentor and community leader is one of resilience, transformation, and service. His career in professional sports shaped not only his approach to life but also his understanding of success and legacy. “You need to work hard if you want to achieve anything great in life,” Frank shares. The discipline instilled during his years in rugby league taught him to embrace challenges, from injuries to setbacks, and rise again with determination.
Frank’s most challenging moment came playing for Samoa during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, where an injury in the first game ended his campaign and required immediate surgery, impacting both his career and personal life. Yet, he looks back with pride on the rewarding milestones, such as debuting in the NRL, representing Samoa in two World Cups, and making the transition to rugby union, which took him and his wife to Japan. “Success then meant winning games. Success now means treating my loved ones well, having internal peace, and serving my community,” he reflects.
Our paths crossed in 2021 through Families for Freedom, an online community Frank and his wife Tay created to empower others in connection, community, health, wellbeing- a whole holistic approach to freedom! This connection led to a powerful moment at The Alofa Village during the first Families for Freedom retreat, where Frank guided me and my son Taylor through a breathwork session at sunrise. “Knowing you were seeking change, I wanted to honour your relationship as father and son and create a core memory that would be cherished forever,” he recalls. That session marked the true start of my transformation, and Frank’s mentorship, friendship and brotherhood continues to shape my journey.
For Frank, breathwork is a cornerstone of his work. “It gets us out of our heads and into our bodies to feel,” he explains. “Through vulnerability comes strength and healing.” He wishes he had discovered breathwork earlier in his career but now sees it as a tool to guide others, particularly men, toward growth and connection.
Transitioning from elite sports to mentorship, Frank applies the same discipline and teamwork he learned as an athlete. “I’ll never take a participant to a place I haven’t been myself,” he says. He emphasises the importance of hard work, both on and off the field, in achieving meaningful results.
Brotherhood and connection are central to Frank’s philosophy. “We need to return to the support of tribes and villages,” he says. This belief has shaped our collaboration and friendship, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to helping others.
Looking ahead, Frank’s focus remains on retreats at The Alofa Village, supporting his wife’s work, and being present for his children. “My children are my legacy,” he says. “If I can raise them to be change-makers, serve with love, and lead by example, I’ve done my job.”
Frank’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, transformation, and serving others with authenticity.
Read the full interview with Frank Winterstein, and learn more about Families for Freedom and The Brothers Voyage, www.the-healing-breath.org/frankwinterstein