College-bound athletes are under more pressure than ever — and most of it is happening silently, behind the scenes.

In this episode, we break down the real mental blocks sabotaging recruiting success — and how to shift from spiraling under pressure to rising through it.

You’ll learn:

– Why fear of failure kills motivation — and how to rebuild confidence

– The difference between perfectionism vs. high standards (and which one actually gets her recruited)

– How to reframe pressure as a privilege — not a punishment

– The mindset shift every parent and coach should adopt to reduce anxiety

– What the WIN Method is — and how it gives athletes a clear path forward

Whether your athlete is deep in the process or just getting started, this episode will help her shift from fear to focus — and lead her own journey with courage.

Ready to build a real plan and stop guessing?

Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

If your athlete is putting in the work and getting nothing but silence in return, this episode is for you.

We’re pulling back the curtain on:

1. Why coaches actually go quiet
2. How to stay motivated when the inbox is empty
3. And how to stop waiting — and start leading — your recruiting journey

We walk you through our WIN Method:

🔹 W = Why — Clarity on what your athlete actually wants

🔹 I = Intention — Becoming the kind of leader coaches can’t ignore

🔹 N = Next-Level Habits — Building daily momentum that keeps recruiting moving

This is the same framework we walk families through on the WINNERGAME™ Recruiting Strategy Call — a 30-minute call that turns uncertainty into direction.

Because when your athlete leads the process, they don’t just get seen — they get recruited.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

Together, we unpack what most families are missing when it comes to choosing the right school — and why chasing offers, rankings, or money first leads to burnout, disappointment, and regret.

You’ll learn:

1. Why the most successful programs recruit values first, not stats
2. The #1 thing players need to hear from parents after games
3. How mental performance and leadership actually get kids recruited
4. The real toll NIL, early commitments, and the transfer portal are taking
5. Why most families are spending money backward — and what to do instead

Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete navigating the recruiting chaos, this episode is your permission to slow down, zoom out, and lead with clarity.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

That ends now.

In this episode, we break down the metaphor that’s changing the way families think about recruiting — and explain what it really takes to get seen, get signed, and get what you actually want out of this process.

We talk about:

1. Why random exposure isn’t a strategy
2. The most important (but overlooked) part of your “setup”
3. How to figure out what kind of school is the right fit
4. What separates players who lead the process from the ones who get lost in it

If you're tired of guessing and ready to lead, this one's for you.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

In this episode, we’re passing the mic to the ones who’ve lived it — the workouts, the visits, the pressure, and the growth that comes with being a college athlete.

They share what they wish they knew during the recruiting process, including:

– What to actually pay attention to on visits

– The importance of choosing the school for the school

– Why failure isn’t the enemy — it’s the teacher

– How to lead your process without losing yourself

– The mindset that helped them thrive beyond softball

This episode is packed with real advice, big perspective shifts, and the kind of honesty your daughter needs to hear — whether she’s just starting out or deep in the recruiting journey.

Listen now. Then send it to your favorite softball player. This one’s for her.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

We started it to talk about the real work — the leadership, mindset, and self-trust it takes to show up when the pressure’s on.

But recruiting kept coming up.

And we realized…

It’s not a separate conversation.

It’s the same conversation.

Because what gets you recruited?

Isn’t exposure.

It’s identity.

In this episode, we’re sharing:

– Why we added a recruiting angle to our work

– What families miss when they chase visibility instead of readiness

– Alicia’s stories of athletes who earned DI scholarships through leadership

– Mel’s personal journey with the mental game that changed everything

This isn’t about collecting offers.

It’s about becoming the kind of player, leader, and human who’s ready when the offer comes.

🎧 Listen now.

Then share it with the softball parent who’s ready to lead with more than just a schedule of camps.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

But too often, they’re creating pressure, confusion, and chaos — and it’s costing their daughter opportunities.

In this real-talk episode, Mel (current college coach) breaks down what’s really going through a coach’s mind when they watch players... and their parents.

👉 What sideline behavior sends red flags

👉 The choices that actually support your daughter’s game

👉 How to become an asset in the process — not a reason coaches walk away

If your daughter has big college dreams, this episode is a must-listen.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

Light it up at local events.

But the moment a college coach pulls up to watch?

It’s like they forget how to compete completely.

In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly why that happens — and what to do about it.

You’ll learn:

– The real reason athletes “choke” when it matters

– What not to say in those moments

– How parents can reduce pressure instead of add to it

– Our #1 tool to help players recover in real time

Because this isn’t about being mentally weak.

It’s about not having the tools — yet.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

Are we doing enough? Are we doing it right?

In this episode, we cut through the noise and get real about what actually moves the needle.

You’ll hear:

✅ The most common traps families fall into (and how to avoid them)

✅ What confident, coachable athletes actually do differently

✅ How parents can model leadership — even when they feel unsure themselves

✅ Why clarity, composure, and presence matter more than a perfect profile

This isn’t just theory. It’s strategy from the people who’ve helped hundreds of athletes get recruited — and thrive once they do.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

Worried you won't have the answers?

Stressed about her finding the right fit?

We've got you.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

In Part 3 of our Exposure to Offers series, we reveal the real game-changer: self-leadership.

Because coaches aren’t just watching your stats — they’re watching how you carry yourself.

In this episode, we break down:

What self-leadership actually looks like in athletes

How it impacts offers (even without direct feedback from coaches)

The small, incremental actions that make you unforgettable

If you want to stand out — not just get seen — this is the episode to lock in.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

In this episode of Signed & Ready, Coach Mel Rushing and Coach Alicia Smith break down the invisible side of recruiting — the part stats can’t show and exposure can’t guarantee.

Because what really gets a player noticed isn’t just talent.

It’s presence.

It’s leadership.

It’s the ability to stay composed, confident, and coachable under pressure.

Whether your athlete is just starting to email coaches or already attending camps, this episode will help her understand what college recruiters are really evaluating every time she steps on the field.

You’ll Learn

1. What “presence” actually means (and how coaches define it).
2. The body language habits that make or break first impressions.
3. How to stand out in camps and tournaments — even when she’s not the loudest or flashiest.
4. Why leadership is the deciding factor between being seen and being signed.

Key Takeaway

“Highlight reels get you noticed, but we recruit resilience & grit.”

Coaches recruit players they trust to compete, lead, and elevate the team — and that starts with how she shows up when it matters most.

Listen If Your Athlete...

💥 Feels pressure to be perfect in front of coaches

💥 Struggles to bounce back after mistakes

💥 Wants to stand out but isn’t sure how

💥 Is tired of being overlooked despite her talent

Next Step: Give Her the Edge Coaches Actually Recruit

If your player has the talent but isn’t getting traction in recruiting, it’s not because they're not good enough — it’s because she’s missing the mental edge.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

You’ll learn:

1. Why being seen ≠ getting signed
2. What coaches are actually looking for (beyond your stat line)
3. The shift that reduces pressure and puts players back in control

Whether you're early in the process or already talking to coaches, this episode gives you the mindset advantage that makes recruiters pay attention.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

Welcome to Signed & Ready — the podcast where we coach the mental game of recruiting so athletes can lead themselves, play with confidence, and finally get seen for what they’re really capable of.

In this trailer episode, host Alicia Smith (head coach, recruiting mentor, and mental performance coach) shares the why behind the podcast, the real edge college coaches are looking for, and how to break free from the pressure, panic, and chaos of the traditional recruiting grind.

🎯 What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why the mental game matters more than ever
• What it means to find your athlete’s “mental sweet spot”
• How to help your daughter show up calm, confident, and college-ready
• What to expect from future episodes (Q&As, coaching insights, real stories)

Whether you're chasing a scholarship or just want your daughter to play with pride, presence, and purpose — Signed & Ready will guide you every step of the way.

👉 Subscribe now and start building the mindset that gets her signed — and makes her unstoppable.

Learn more at https://www.mentalsweetspot.com

Keywords: softball recruiting, college softball, mental performance, athlete mindset, mental game, sports parenting, softball scholarships, college recruiting tips, recruiting podcast, softball coach

Instead of HOPING you notice the signs. Hoping you don't miss one player among 12-30 players. All so you can get the most out of your limited time with them.

And what if that process only took a couple minutes using their phones? Oh and THEN what if each player was immediately given a suggested exercise to boost their mental & emotional state for THIS practice.

That's what Rewire does! Listen in to hear how their app is revolutionizing how we manage our emotional & mental stress :)

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Learn more at https://rewirefitness.app/

There are so many things that drain their energy, then before you know it the energy is gone and you might as well call it a day. And if we're honest, we have those days too! Today's guest not only speaks to this topic - he EXUDES energy and positivity!

No joke - he had me standing up in Superwoman pose. You ready to get some fantastic nuggets from a world class athlete, dad, and motivational speaker? Listen in!

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>> David Lindsay's site

>> Mental Sweet Spot Resources

It's the attitudes... The lack of competitiveness... The people talking smack about how you're doing things. It can be draining.

Honestly, that kind of stuff can make you want to quit. Alicia and I have certainly both considered it. Many times.

But what keeps us coming back? What keeps us grounded, confident that we're on the right path, and unshakable despite other people's opinions?

Hands down, it's Culture.

This is what we want for you and why we're hosting the Softball Coaches Culture Bootcamp. Tickets are available by the time you're hearing this and we kick off Monday, August 7th. And BONUS - Lonni Alameda will be joining us for a Q&A too! Head to mentalsweetspot.com/bootcamp to learn more. Now onto the episode!

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It is my most sincere wish for EVERY softball coach to feel the way Alicia and I do when we reflect on our careers this far.

If we could reach every coach who truly cared about their girls and wanted to help them grow as PEOPLE... And we could give them the confidence and clarity we have now...

We could positively impact MILLIONS of girls.

That's why I want you Softball Coaches' Culture Bootcamp. To learn more, head to mentalsweetspot.com/bootcamp

You have to get 12-20+ players on the same page, understanding what it takes to achieve the goals they want. As vital as any coach like you knows culture is... it can be difficult to maintain a positive one with so many culture killers out there.

But maintaining a strong, supportive culture is honestly THE most important thing we can do for our teams. Today we discuss the top 3 culture killers we've come across through the years, so you can get ahead of them this season!

And if you wish you had a better way to keep your culture on track, join the waitlist for Culture Bootcamp! Doors open NEXT Monday, July 24th.

Join the waitlist or tune in to the end of the episode to hear who our DI, National-Championship-winning, and even more amazing human special guest will be!

- - - - -

Once you've identified the top culture killers that I KNOW you've experienced yourself, you might be wondering how you can prevent them!

Full disclaimer: you can't prevent culture killers from showing up, but there IS a way to identify them early and get back on track faster!

With your very own, customized and ACTIONABLE Dream Team Blueprint!

In the Softball Coaches' Culture Bootcamp, we'll walk you through creating your own blueprint so you can get your entire team (and the parents) to buy in to what you're doing, be more committed, care more, give better effort and have more fun while they're doing the things to make them their best!

We kick off August 7th and the GRAND finale will be with the one and only Lonni Alameda on August 14th! It's going to be a blast and could honestly skyrocket the trajectory of your impact on your girls! www.mentalsweetspot.com/waitlist!

With Alicia on a trip with her daughter's soccer team this week, I was struggling with what to air on the podcast. We've got bootcamp coming up quickly, we have so many lessons we still want to share, but I want to have Alicia here to discuss them... And then it hit me. We already have AMAZING content that I'm certain you could benefit from.

So in honor of Bootcamp (doors open July 24!) I'm going to refer you to our past bootcamp special guests to hear how some of the ALL STARS of softball coaching develop their team culture!

Simply head to the podcast notes & you'll see the links for our episodes with Florida State's Lonni Alameda, Michigan's Hutch & Bonnie Tholl, Patrick Murphy from Alabama, Sue Enquist formerly of UCLA and Mike Candrea - recently retired from the University of Arizona.

Then if you're as inspired as we were, we hope you consider joining this round's bootcamp where we'll help you BUILD that kind of culture! Just head to mentalsweetspot.com/waitlist and join to be notified when tickets go on sale!

I know you're excited now, so check those out!

• Florida State's Lonni Alameda
• Michigan's Hutch & Bonnie Tholl
• Alabama's Patrick Murphy
• UCLA's Sue Enquist
• Arizona's Mike Candrea

here are some times when we have to realize - it's not about us.

Sometimes we have to let go a bit in order to let the TEAM take the reins. And if you've done your job leading up to that point, it's most likely going to turn out even better than you could have imagined.

That's what Alicia is talking about today and what YOU can experience once you have your Culture Blueprint in place (more info on that at the end!)

For now, let's hear how Mattawan's season ended up!

- - - - -

Now if you're thinking... I don't know if I'd be able to push through a challenge like that, you're NOT alone. Those low moments can be TOUGH.

And there are honestly times when we don't come out of them like Alicia's team did. I know I've had those seasons (yes multiple) where you try and try all season long and NOTHING clicks.

It doesn't have to be that much of a struggle.

What if I told you there was a proven, SIMPLE process in which to put that trust we talk about so often? One that your players not only buy into... one they help CREATE.

That's what we create in the Softball Coaches' Culture Bootcamp!

Kicking off Monday, August 7th, we will spend 3 evenings creating your own unique, actionable Dream Team Blueprint. So your girls can stay motivated, focused and accountable to the things that will help them reach their goals!

Doors open July 24th, but you can join the waitlist now at https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/waitlist!

You're certainly not alone. Every coach has been in this spot where you can't seem to figure out what to do to fix what's going on.

We have a remedy for getting stuck here (ahem - bootcamp!) that I'll share at the end of the episode.

But for now, Join in to hear how even this champion, Hall of Fame coach OCCASIONALLY goes through the same thing.

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We have one more episode to wrap up Mattawan's season after this. And spoiler alert: CULTURE wins in the end. So if you want to start building the kind of culture that can survive THIS kind of challenge, you're in luck!

The Softball Coaches' Culture Bootcamp is back!

For those who don't know, Bootcamp is a 3-part virtual experience where we guide you through creating your Dream Team Blueprint.

Think of it as your guiding compass to an AMAZING culture.

For those who DO know, it's getting even better this round! Not only will we have another amazing special guest... but you will also get Alicia as my co-coach to help guide you through your blueprints!

Doors open July 24th... we kick off August 7th... and to get the join link directly to your inbox, head to mentalsweetspot.com/waitlist to be notified first!

I know you've experienced this! So what is the magic answer?

Of course there isn't only one way... but Alicia shares a few great strategies and activities to start training a more positive mindset!

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Curious where your team stands with mindset? Check out our team assessment to get a quick look at how your team rates on the Cs. Just head to mentalsweetspot.com/assessment to do so!

There are ups and downs - in both on-field performance AND the emotions - that are easy to get wrapped up in.

The best seasons are ones where we as coaches can stay out of that trap and use every lesson to build TRUE belief. That's what we talk about today as I wrap up my second season with LaGrange College softball.

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True pride (and true BELIEF) don't come from winning alone. They come from the lessons learned and the work put in for something bigger than yourself.

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The real test is how often you can be the best version of you for those around you.

What that looks like is different for each team (stay tuned for our next Culture Bootcamp which will be ALL about this.) But it can start with the Cs.

How committed are you? Are you the healthy kind of competitive? How unshakable IS your confidence?

You can find out and start focusing on your team's mental game today! Just head to mentalsweetspot.com/assessment to get started.

But we also know how distracting and harmful it can be to performance when we're focusing only on the mistakes.

In today's episode, we talk about how we talk about LESSONS and use a daily routine to keep growing and moving forward - even through some ugly losses.

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Imagine if you could legitimately get your team to grow (even just a little bit) EVERY time they stepped on the field or grabbed their glove.

How much further could they go? How much closer to their potential could they get?

Then make it a part of the routine! Every win, every success, every FAIL is an opportunity to LEARN a lesson. Make it count!

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If you want to start talking about lessons learned with your team, START today! Ask them what lessons they've learned recently and see what they're seeing.

If you want to take it a step further, you can begin talking about lessons around their MENTAL game with the 7Cs.

Our assessment will give you the language to talk about the lessons they're learning while building a better mindset too.

To get started today, head to mss.com/assessment!

The energy was off.

They were more quiet than usual... maybe tired? Maybe upset about their performance... Just off.

But we can't just chock it up to an off day. So what can we do about it?

That's what we discuss in today's episode!

Put the two together? You've helped create an unforgettable few months in your athletes' lives. It can feel like a daunting task sometimes though.

There are a LOT of culture killers out there and we coaches already have so much on our plates.

Today's guest gives us an amazing tool to be able to stay focused on the main thing. Ready to learn about the culture system? Let's do this!

Since us covering Alicia's season has gotten so much great feedback, we've decided to follow my team this year as well!

For those who don't know, I'm in year two at LaGrange College. We're a small liberal arts school in Georgia. We're a part of NCAA DIII and the brand new Collegiate Conference of the South.

I took over a program with a lot of potential and even more heart. Last season was all about solidifying our culture and who we want to be moving forward.

Now these young women have big goals and are busting their butts to achieve them. We hope you enjoy this journey with us!

(And if you're wondering, we WILL be covering Alicia's season too!)

Today's guest does so with everything from challenge drills to leadership council to "softball school." You're definitely going to take some great ideas away from this episode!

Listen in on your favorite podcast app or at mentalsweetspot.captivate.fm/

There will of course be some turnover for various reasons, but on the whole... How many of your girls would choose you again if given the chance?

There are a lot of factors that go into it, but if you can create a culture where the player feel ACCEPTED instead of judged? They'll keep choosing to play for you!

This is why we do what we do at Mental Sweet Spot and why we love guests like today who can share their experience on the subject at the highest level!

Want to hear how this rockstar keeps her standards high AND meets her girls where they are? Listen in on your favorite podcast app now!

And that can sometimes be overwhelming - there are a million topics we could cover. Where do we start & how do we implement it? Today's guest is a game-changer and she's about to share some tips to make mental training PROactive and makes the most impact regardless of how much time you have.

She's so great, we hired her as our business & mindset coach right after this call! lol Ready to jump in? Let's do this!

Because today we're joined by one of the most influential coaches in our game - and one of the best humans we've been so fortunate to meet.

Coach Candrea is about to share some absolute GOLDEN nuggets of advice that WILL make you a better coach. Someone who gets more out of their players... Makes and impact beyond the field... AND appreciates how special this job is.

So WHEN this episode leaves you feeling inspired and excited to level up as a coach... you'll want to listen all the way through to learn about an opportunity to join our Academy in January.

You ready now? Let's go!

Every generation has their own version of the "kids these days" gripe - it's simply evolution!

And that means we need to evolve as coaches too.

Actually, let me clarify - we GET to evolve.

The even better news? There are strategies you can implement TODAY to help them!

That's what today's guest is going to share!

P.S. You can follow Lauren on Instagram @performance_reimagined_

And who better to get tips on that a mental game consultant who's primary focus is confidence! Ready for some knowledge bombs? Let's go!

And that's how we got to meet today's guest! He has already developed strong programs & sent girls off to play at their dream schools. He was clearly successful before meeting us. And yet... because he's elite... he kept learning & has seen some impressive growth with his girls. Listen in now to hear how this great coach got even better.

If you've followed this podcast for a while, you know alicia has a knack for getting her girls to compete hard and not give up.

AND. Her girls still clench up when the pressure is on. They're human!

So wanna hear how the Mattawan girls dealt with post-season pressure? Listen in now!

Of course you have... You're a coach!

Well... All we can say is thank you for your patience in this almost year hiatus.

We were ALWAYS planning on getting back on the mic, but y'know... life. AND! If you don't follow us on social, the big reason for the brake is I'm back in coaching!

You'll be listening to the new Head Softball Coach and associate AD at LaGrange College. It's seriously a dream gig for me. My boss is amazing, the entire department and school are so welcoming and supportive. Even the PRESIDENT of the college actually knows me AND my girls!

And then there's my girls. Wow am I grateful for my predecessor recruiting amazing humans. They shared what they wanted out of the season, they put in the work... many went above and beyond (ahem my haven't-pitched-since-high-school pitchers who stepped up!)...

Even though we did not get the outcomes we wanted, it truly was a great season with even greater people.

I have to be honest here. It might not have been so great for me had I not had Mental Sweet Spot, Alicia and our Sweet Spotters the past 4 years. I have learned SO much and GROWN tremendously.

And that's what I want to share with you today! Listen in as I share the 5 lessons I learned from my favorite (and least successful) season.

Enjoy!

Mel

We put players like today’s guest on a pedestal for good reason, because they are amazing competitors!

But really? They got there with a specific skill set. Certain tools in their toolbox that allowed them to bounce back faster, stay confident and perform consistently even against the toughest opponents.

That skill set is the mental game.

I know you know that since you’re listening to this podcast!

But do you know what it actually looks like? When you pull back the curtain and see the day to day commitment… the tough times pushing through adversity and that voice in your head telling you you can’t?

Today’s guest is going to tell you how she has overcome adversity and worked her mental game to help her become one of the elite pitchers of our time

And if you like what she has to say… you’re going to want to check out our upcoming Next Level Bootcamp! 

This virtual, 5-day team workshop will give your players the foundation they need to become the confident, mentally tough player you know they can be!

To learn more, head to mss.com/teambootcamp.

Now, let’s get to the show!

Listen in to today's episode to find out!

Listen in to today's episode (and then two more!) as we get caught up on how Alicia's team has been doing over the past several weeks.

It's a roller-coaster, Coach. Buckle up!

We kick off this Sunday, April 18th and go all week! Learn more at mentalsweetspot.com/coachbootcamp

Oh, and it's not just for softball coaches anymore, so tell your other sport coach friends to come join us!

Do you like making a difference?

Then what are you up to next week?!

Today's bonus episode is an audio version of our sales page all about the Difference-Maker's Bootcamp (which is quickly approaching & kicks off April 18th!)

Think you might wanna join me, other passionate coaches & Sue Enquist for a completely unique coaching clinic EXPERIENCE?

Listen in, then head to mentalsweetspot.com/coachbootcamp!

This season brings new challenges:

• Covid protocols and the need for flexibility
• An almost brand new team
• Young leadership with little experience in the well-known culture

Listen in to hear how Alicia is tackling a season that will certainly provide a challenge, but one she's ready for!

So we're pulling back the curtain on what Alicia does with the teams she works with!

Even if you can't bring someone like Alicia in yet, we share some nuggets she's learned along the way to help make mental training more impactful!

What would that feel like?

Amazing? Freeing? Like your options were limitless?

What if I told you you could get these ⬆️ things without adding one minute to the day or a dime to your budget?

🤨 [<- your face right now]

No, really! There's a way! Listen in to today's episode for practical tips for being more efficient and getting a better ROI!

But we all know there are energy sucks out there that end up affecting our performance.

So, is there anything we can do about it? Or do we just have to suck it up and grind it out?

Listen in to hear our take on it!

But the Hall of Fame is a symbol of the impact a coach has made in our sport - and we all want that!

To make a difference in the lives of the girls we work with & eventually leave the softball world a little better than we found it.

So why not be LIKE a Hall-of-Fame-Level coach now?!

Listen in to find out how!

And who better to lead the conversation than Jon Gordon?!

If you've ever asked us for a book recommendation, his books ALWAYS make the list. And for good reason!

Listen in today as Jon shares his wisdom and advice for being a positive coach who ALSO gets the best out of their athletes!

Maybe we're biased here, but it seems to keep getting proven over and over again...

>> There's a sweet spot for everything!

So what should we do about those pesky negative thoughts?

Without getting to fluffy or woo-woo?

In today's episode, we share an ancient story with some great advice!

If you didn't raise your hand (at least in your head) - you are a coaching unicorn! lol

It happens all too often. It's when a player makes a mistake that under normal circumstances she absolutely wouldn't.

(Like chucking the ball over the first baseman's head)

That's what sparked today's convo as we talk about the real issue: lack of focus!

mentalsweetspot.com/softball-podcast

... and those same coaches also sheepishly admit they don't actually COACH the mental game that much.

But we want to and we're getting closer!

Listen in to today's guests as they share our favorite thing - *actionable* ways to develop our girls' mental game.

P.S. They PERFECTLY (unintentionally) made a case for our Fail Forward Practice Bundle. After this episode, you'll definitely want to snag it for yourself so you can start building resilience like they do!

(mentalsweetspot.com/failforward)

That's why we asked today's guest to join us to share some expected outcomes like improved team cohesion and even some BIG personal benefits they didn't expect going into this!

But they happen, right?!

Pretty much like clockwork, honestly - no coach or team is immune.

So how to certain teams seem to rise above it?

More specifically, how do the coaches of those teams LEAD their girls through the hard stuff, SHOWING them how to trust the process?

That's part of what we discuss in today's case study with Coach Bootcamp alumnus, Aryn Henneke!

For most of us, we've had to figure it out as we go along. And to be fair- we've done a pretty good job!

But coaches don't settle for "pretty good" so we've brought in someone who's leading the way in Coach education to discuss what we have to look forward to!

But every once in a while, the love gets lost.

Join us today as we share stories of losing that inner drive... and how to get it back for GOOD!

Today we have Olympian, National Champion & ESPN Analyst Danielle Lawrie to share her journey and some insight into what it takes to get to her level.

AND... Each of us approach it differently!

In today's episode with my (Mel's) good friend, Jeanne Hess, we talk about growing as coaches, enjoying the journey and getting clear on who we are.

Today's guest has some excellent ideas and tips for doing so!

He also shares pointers from one of the most iconic programs in sports history: the Yankees!

So if you want to learn what it takes to build a team of leaders who play for each other, listen in!

I'm sure by now you've noticed the trend around using technology in our sport.

You can measure speed, spin rate, power... almost everything!

But the technology itself isn't what helps your players.

What helps them get motivated, build confidence and make improvements... is how YOU use that data!

Listen in today to learn more about one of our FAVORITE technologies: The Smart Coach radar by Pocket Radar!

We love it because it's accurate, gives you data PLUS video together, and it keeps things SIMPLE.

That way, you can focus on what matters most: coaching!

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Want to WIN A SMART COACH radar?

If you enjoyed this episode and want to help us reach more Sweet Spotters like you, we are running a giveaway!

Between now (Monday, October 19th) and next Monday, October 26th at midnight EST, you have a chance to win your very own Smart Coach Radar! All you have to do is follow 3 simple steps:

1. Head to Facebook & like today's post
2. Leave a comment with your takeaway from the episode
3. Share it with a friend you think would enjoy the show too!

If you want to learn more about the radar and how you can use it, check out mentalsweetspot.com/pocketradar

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Self-confidence can be fragile, and it's heartbreaking to watch our girls struggle.

In this episode we talk about one of the biggest confidence killers: comparison.

Today we talk about how to keep your players motivated using our new format!

How to Win More Games & Have More Fun

• Focus on the process
• Show them you care about their growth, not the outcome
• Ask their input so they take ownership of their journey

Next Level Advice for Players:

• The journey can seem long, but trust the process and the outcome will take care of itself

Difference-Maker Tip for Coaches:

• Have empathy for this generation whose minds work a little differently than ours and you'll be able to keep them motivated

Real Life Listener Question:

• How do you stay proactive with your communication vs reactive?

I'll be the impact you had on your girls.

• Helping a player come out of her shell
• Getting another to see the importance of a team
• Seeing them grow into strong, confident young women

That's the dream for us Sweet Spotters, right?

That's exactly what Alicia discusses with some of her former players in today's special 100th episode!

So many girls deal with this and just as many coaches struggle to figure out how to get them over this hurdle! That's where we come in!

Tiffany Deering shares her story of getting over her fear at the University of Michigan and how she uses that now to train fearless competitors... not robots!

Bonus if they can be worked right into the practice plan or games.

That's exactly what today's guest shares!

Jake Thompson of Compete Every Day has an idea!

First of all, thank you for your patience with this episode release. Been all-consumed by our Bootcamp, but now I'm back!

And man do I have a great guest for you today :)

We often hear from coaches how frustrating it can be that this generation just doesn't seem to COMPETE.

But is it really just the way they are?

Or is it something that can be trained?

That's what we discuss in today's episode! 

Hint: It CAN be trained!

Coaching the PERSON before the PLAYER

It might be a little intimidating at first. Your reaction may even be like mine was: "I just wanna coach softball!"

But then when you step back and realize why you're doing this...

• To help develop strong young women on & off the field
• To teach them life lessons through softball
• To make a difference

Then you realize you're already on the right track!

So listen in to today's guest, Alabama's Coach Patrick Murphy, as he shares some practical ideas for teaching those people skills!

Your players may not know today's guest as well as I do because she played before the softball on TV boom... But they SHOULD! 

She's the type of person you want your athletes to emulate. She's

• Hard-working and committed to getting her job done - even when it's hard!
• Great at staying focused on the present and the task at hand
• Confident in her ability to achieve any goal she sets because she knows she'll work for it!

So this would be a great episode to share with them :)

Sweet Spotters have big aspirations for their teams. They usually revolve around working on 3 main things:

• Getting (and keeping) our girls motivated
• Holding them accountable for the work it takes
• Building their confidence in their ability to execute

This is where the momentum seems to slow for most people.

We have great intentions and ideas. Plus we sure as heck put in the time reading, learning and growing as coaches to help our girls develop these skills.

What if you could not only give your entire team a running head start but also keep that momentum going all year?

A head start in ownership, empowerment and confidence.

Think that could help you build a stronger team that stays strong all season?

Allow us to show you how!

That skill is why I'm proud to be a part of the softball community. We are one of the most inclusive groups I've ever seen, and I hope to continue that trend.

Because if we don't, we could miss out on amazing softball minds like today's guest!

Listen in as she shares her perspective on diversity and unifying a team toward a common goal: being a top 25 team!

I'm willing to bet you've been here before...

You have a strong team that's experienced success before, but now...

• They're falling short of expectations
• Nobody is really sure what the issue is, and
• You're starting to wonder if you can get out of the rut

Fortunately - we all know that last one is just frustration. Of COURSE we can get out of the rut! It just takes some reflection, planning and a fire inside to succeed.

That's exactly what today's guest, Eric Oakley of Kent State, is focusing on with his team this upcoming season. And the best part is... They can even work on this during COVID :)

Enjoy!

- Mel & Alicia

• Is super hard on herself
• Doesn't handle failure well
• Feels really bad when she makes mistakes

I'm pretty sure we all have!

That's exactly what Paige Tonz helps players overcome in her programs for female athletes :)

Want to create your own blueprint for your dream team culture in this coaches clinic meets coaching mastermind? Head to our site to join our next bootcamp!

We've come up with a simple process to do so!

If you're a regular listener to this podcast, you know how important the mental game is. 

Unfortunately, that doesn't guarantee that your players will get it right away too.

Today, we're sharing our new process for getting your girls to see first-hand how impactful a strong mind can be.

FYI This program - the Flip Your Script Challenge - is only available if you go through our first two Coach levels first: 1) The Culture Bootcamp & 2) The Practice Plan Accelerator. Learn more on the site!

You're not really wrong. The best of the best have worked their butt off to get there and they've put a lot of hard lessons to good use to stay there.

But they're not so different from the rest of us!

Take Hutch & Bonnie Tholl of Michigan...

Are they softball rockstars? Absolutely. Are they coaches who care first and foremost about developing strong young women... just like us? Yep!

So listen in today and try to imagine how you can do these things with your girls too! Then if you want to put those ideas into action, join the next round of the Softball Coach's Culture Bootcamp!

Just head to the site to learn more!

Enjoy the show!

If you're not being true to yourself

Most of us want to be authentic, but it's not always that easy, right?

» Second-guessing if we're doing all we can for our girls

» Constantly looking for ways to improve, sometimes forgetting the strengths we already have

» Falling back on trying to be like the coaches we had or look up to

It's all well-meaning, but it's not going to get us where we want to go.

When all is said and done at the end of the season, the best thing you can do for your girls is be honest and be you!

From star pitcher and national runner-up at Michigan to full-time pitching coach, Sara Driesenga is about to bring you a great episode in developing ownership within your players!

From confidence to competitiveness, courage to composure... It can quickly become overwhelming trying to figure out what to cover first.

If you've ever felt lost on where to start, today's guest shares some GREAT ideas that are simple, usable with any age, and wildly impactful!

Today's guest is the school counselor at Waskom High School. Sound familiar? It's where former guest Iyhia MacMichael works!

This is a great example of making use of the resources you have access to and getting creative in order to help your players. You're going to love this episode!

P.S. If you have anything to do with recruiting, whether you're helping girls find their college homes or you're the college searching for players... You're going to want to listen for the free summit we have coming up!

They have classroom time once a week, they focus on tracking "one more," they take advantage of opportunities the game presents.

She even says, "[The mental game] is the next factor of being successful. If you live it and work on the skillsets mentally, it is the difference for you to have the edge. I 100% believe it's why we are where we are."

It's that they need to know you care about them!

You've heard this before about this generation, right? They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care? Creating a team culture that feels like family isn't just about love and hugs though. It's about

- Setting a high standard,

- Holding them accountable, and then

- Having their back if they need support

That's just part of what we discuss on today's episode with Coach Megan Bartlett!

Even during COVID!

It was a ROUGH spring for coaches. We miss our girls, we're having to adjust to being off the field for the first time in forever, and all we want is to get back to what we love!

» Watching our girls' hard work pay off on the field

» Seeing the look on their face as they have that aha moment

» Going home exhausted but happy after a long day at the field - because you know you made an impact.

I know these feelings all too well, since taking a break from coaching nearly 3 years ago. It's not easy, but I promise you:

 You're still impactful. Because it's who you are.

Almost every coach who has joined our group has said they want to build a united culture but haven't focused on it as much as they'd like.

They've simply been busy with a million other things.

That is the main focus of our Coach Bootcamp - to create an easy-to-follow culture blueprint that you can implement all year long!

In 7 simple but impactful steps, you can: 

» Revolutionize the way you develop the whole person in every practice

» Have a purpose for each and every practice

» Make an even bigger impact on your girls - even if we can't meet in person!

This has been a grief process as we deal with the loss of so many things we're used to doing and enjoying. Hopefully you're starting to come out of that low feeling, to the other side of loss, realizing

- We have a unique opportunity to spend more time on intangibles

- This is just another test we can help our players through

- It's our chance to continue to make an impact, in a new way

---

We have to prepare our girls for any challenge that comes our way. But now most of us our wondering... How could we have we prepared them for this?

Much of what is happening now with battle against the spread of Coronavirus is unprecedented. Nobody saw this coming. And most of us weren't prepared for losing our seasons.

Even if there's a chance of resuming, the feelings right now include

- Feeling like you've lost a part of yourself

- Frustration because it's out of your control

- Stress and anxiety at the thought of "what do I do now?"

These are all natural reactions to what is happening, and it's ok to not feel good about it. It's also completely within our power to flip the narrative and make the best out of a crappy situation. 

And the best news is...

We've been teaching our girls how to reframe tough situations this whole time! That's what we discuss today as we all navigate this new territory.

And what's more fun than performing our best and winning!

Many coaches, players and teams struggle to balance having fun and being competitive. It sometimes seems like you can't have both, but today's episode shows that's not the case.

• You can have fun competing
• You can have fun stretching past your comfort zone
• You can have fun because you've put in the work it takes to succeed.



 All you have to do is teach your girls the mental skills it takes to keep the game fun! Despite pressure, mistakes, and even losing.

Because we get so little time with them, we can't waste any!

Admit it. You've complained about this before. 

• "They're just not checked in."
• "I need them to focus now."
• "Those damn phones!"

We ALL have! Because it's frustrating when we feel like we have so little time with them and it's being wasted. 

So what in the heck can we do about it, without having to constantly take away their phones and yell at them to pay attention?

Today's guest has some great strategies for this!

Because let's face it. We're all guilty of losing that motivation mid-season! No matter how strong we start, there are going to be challenges that make us want to pull back.

The trick is how to catch yourself in the moment, readjust, and get back at it. That's what we discuss today with University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire's head coach, Leslie Huntington!

So how to do you get a team of 11-25+ young women to all buy in to one team goal? That's what we discuss today with the Oregon Ducks head coach Melyssa Lombardi!

From team building to building relationships, today's episode has a lot of great nuggets for you to take back to your team!

This is one of the key takeaways from this action-packed episode. Today's Hall of Fame guest is the University of St Thomas head coach John Tschida.

If you have ever wished your players could make adjustments on their own and be their own best coach, you're going to want to take notes in this episode!

Because when it comes down to it, coaches like us want to develop good people. And those people will be much more successful in their life, career and family if we're focused on training a team player above all else.

Today we have TWO amazing guests to share their experience in training athletes how to work hard for the team and program.

Michigan's Coach Hutch & Coach Bonnie Tholl are a part of the winningest staff in all of college softball and have been named regional coaching staff of the year 15 times. They've won 21 Big 10 Conference titles and have taken 12 trips all the way to the Women's College World Series. To top it off, they were the first team east of the Mississippi to be named National Champion

Michele Smith knows how to develop that fierce mentality!

Competitiveness is something we used to think you were born with. "I am competitive." "She's just not that competitive." "My team just doesn't have that kind of drive."

What if there were ways you could start building that fire inside of your girls?

That's what we chat about today!

 Think about it... We work on getting stronger, faster, more agile. We improve throwing, hitting and pitching skills. Now more coaches are starting to work on mental skills too! But alllll that work goes in the tank if your athlete isn't seeing the ball.

Today's guest is Ryan Harrison - founder of Neuro Dynamic Vision, and he is here to share everything he has learned in his journey with performance vision. Their goal is to help increase our understanding of the power of the brain to improve overall human performance. And we get a sneak peak today!

(Follow NDV on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram (other Insta) too!)

Want to help your players' performance vision by helping them clear their minds?

We have the mental training resources to give them the confidence to do that! To learn more about how you can work with us and/or get access to our best resources, just head to mentalsweetspot.com!

That's all for this week! Join us again next week for the first of three Hall of Fame episodes!

 Alicia + Mel

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So what's the goal of a good coach? Putting together teams year after year that win and develop strong players is certainly a big part of it. But that’s really a side-effect of the real goal. These top coaches believe the same thing as you and I do! If you want those wins and outward success, you have to develop the person.   

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The series continues where we discuss the traits of the BEST teams and players: the 7Cs! 

Today we talk about being Confident. We say there are two types: feeling confident which is based on emotions and goes up and down on a whim versus true confidence which is an inner belief that you are capable of great things.

We also discuss

What it looks like when players and teams are truly confident

What it looks like when they aren't confident

Body language: slumped shoulders, head down, sluggish

Ways coaches could hurt their confidence

Ways we can help build true confidence

How being confident can help players and expectations

Plus Alicia's tips for coaches to instill the true kind of confidence 🙂

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Today we discuss what being Committed is all about. We talk about what it looks like when players are and aren't committed, what we coaches can do to help or hurt commitment, and some more specific tips on how to improve commitment and mental toughness.

After listening to this episode you'll be able to:

• See what commitment does and doesn't look like
• Avoid (unintentionally) hurting commitment
• Practice how to improve commitment
• Explain the benefits of being committed
• Learn from Alicia's experience last season using our system

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We discuss:

* What we used to do (or not do) for the mental game

* Spending time finding resources to share with our girls

* How Alicia's notebooks started and how they've evolved through the years

* Fitting it all into practice, blending mental and physical

* Making adjustments mid-season and

* Working through frustration by leaning on your support system

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• Teaching the players how to control the controllables
• Using time off strategically
• Celebrating wins and growth
• Not making excuses but acknowledging the facts of the situation
• Implementing the mental game when you only have one day of practice for the whole week(!)

• The Snowball Effect- when one bad play turns into a bad game
• Taking a different approach when the same thing keeps happening (great game 1, terrible game 2)
• What happens when motivational speeches aren't quite enough and you have to have a "Come to Jesus" moment
• CHOOSING to be confident and committed
• What happened when it finally clicked

We discuss:

• Adapting to weather and distractions
• How negative self-talk hurts their confidence
• Encouraging the players to give each other feedback
• Giving positive and productive feedback despite setbacks
• Building relationships
• Managing expectations

We discuss:

• Staying accountable to your commitment and teammates.
• Their first “real” games and how things went.
• Setting expectations in a way that ensures your players hear the message beyond your disappointed tone

Just like telling a girl to keep her head down when fielding a ground ball doesn't always seem to help in the moment... We have to give our players the skills they need in order to accomplish a task.

In this case, we talk about how to focus on the process by setting long-term goals and breaking them down into a daily focus.

We discuss:

• The importance of focusing on the process.
• Setting long and short-term goals, and how to know you've set the goals high enough.
• Focusing on the process of getting a little better each day.
• Staying accountable for your process goals, even when you're on vacation.

You build that trust in your team by fostering open, honest communication and developing empathy for one another. That way, when someone disagrees with the way someone else is doing things, that conversation will go a lot more smoothly.

We discuss:

• Incorporating the team why & culture into all drills and discussions.
• Tactics for encouraging all players to speak up both in team discussions and on the field.
• How she helped her players begin to develop empathy for one another so they understand others' perspectives.
• Building trust in the coaching staff with honest, open feedback both in games and at practice.

We've been working on culture-building in an intentional way for a while now, and the results have been phenomenal! Our teams are closer, there's less drama, and everyone is united for the same goal.

The secret sauce though, is in getting everyone's input. Because culture starts with buy-in. And what better way to get buy-in than the use their own language?

In this episode, we give you a glimpse at our process for building culture.

Check out the highlights!

• Team building with Athlete Types, an online personality test geared toward athletes.
• Defining the team culture from the players' perspective so they buy into the culture they want.
• Identifying each individual's and the team "why," helping each person connect to how they want to feel when they reflect on their season.
• Using goal buddies and drills to implement that culture as they practice their physical skills.

We'll introduce what we'll be doing with the team and discuss:

• The core standards of the Mattawan program & Alicia's expectations
• Using the Athlete Types assessment to get to know each other better.
• Exploring why they play - both individually and as a team
• Setting daily process goals and working it into the practice plan