Inside the 2026 USA Today High School Sports Awards: Athlete Stories & Mental Toughness

This special episode was recorded live at the 2026 USA Today High School Sports Awards, the premier event recognizing the top high school athletes in Volusia and Flagler Counties, Florida. The USA Today High School Sports Awards is one of the largest and most respected student athlete recognition programs in the country, celebrating excellence, leadership, sportsmanship, and the dedication it takes to compete at the highest level. Each year, it highlights standout performers across dozens of sports, honoring their achievements both on the field and in the classroom.In this episode, I sit down with several award-winning athletes to talk about their seasons, challenges, and the mindset that helped them rise to the top. We dig into mental toughness, how they handle pressure, what they’ve learned from adversity, and the habits that keep them grounded and focused. These conversations are honest, energetic, and full of the perspective that makes high school sports so meaningful.We also welcome a special guest from the Cannonballs for Kayne Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting families and honoring Kayne Finley's legacy through scholarships, community impact, and athlete-centered initiatives. Their message adds heart and purpose to the night, reminding us that sports can shape character and community in powerful ways. This episode captures the spirit of the awards — the pride, the emotion, the community, and the incredible young people who represent the future of Volusia and Flagler athletics. It’s a celebration of hard work, resilience, and the mental toughness that defines great competitors.Keywords: student athletes, mental toughness, high school sports, community, inspiration, sports awards, youth sports, resilience, coaching, competitionKey Topics:Mental toughness and resilience in young athletesThe role of coaching and mentorship in sports success Community impact and charitable work by athletesBalancing multiple sports and academic commitmentsSound Bites:"Good coaches push you to be your best""Mental toughness is about never quitting""My family and coaches are my biggest supporters"About the Host:James Blasco is a CTA Certified Coach, and a Certified Functional Mental Toughness and Resilience coach, and a Certified Neuroscience Coach based in Ormond Beach, Florida, with a rich background in sales, media, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, James has excelled in sales and sales coaching for some of the largest media companies, owned three successful businesses, and worked in media relations in the NFL. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership, communication, and the drive needed to achieve success.James is also trained specifically to coach to all aspects of mental toughness and resilience. Having received coaching and mentoring throughout his personal and professional life, James recognizes the profound impact of genuine, constructive, and meaningful guidance. He understands the passion required to pursue a goal, as well as the challenges of doubt, fear, and the need for perseverance. James’s coaching philosophy is rooted in compassion and results, focusing on helping clients uncover their goals, develop actionable plans, and persist through obstacles.Resources:Website: www.chargeforwardcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargeForwardCoaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chargeforwardcoachingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChargeForwardCoachingSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ChargeForwardCoachingApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ChargeForwardCoachingCannonballs for Kayne Foundation: https://cannonballs.orgUSA Today High School Sports Awards: https://sportsawards.usatoday.com/daytona/SMA Healthcare: Behavioral Healthcare Services – SMA Healthcare