Coach & Counselor

Youth sports have never been more competitive.Athletes are specializing earlier, playing more games, training year-round, and facing more pressure than ever before. But is all of that actually helping them develop, or is it leading to burnout?In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, former Division I and professional baseball player Kyle Attl shares his perspective on athlete development, coaching, technology, and the challenges facing today's young athletes.Drawing from his experiences as a player, coach, parent, and leader in sports technology, Kyle discusses the balance between development and enjoyment, the impact of modern training tools, the evolution of player development, and why keeping the game fun may be more important than ever.Whether you're a coach, parent, athlete, or sports leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into building better athletes without losing sight of what makes sports meaningful in the first place.Topics include:⚾ Youth sports burnout⚾ Playing too many games at a young age⚾ Athlete development vs. athlete overload⚾ Coaching philosophies that build confidence⚾ The role of technology in modern sports⚾ Lessons from Division I and professional baseball⚾ Helping athletes stay motivated and engaged⚾ Why the best development plans focus on the long game🎙️ Listen now to discover how coaches, parents, and athletes can pursue excellence without sacrificing the joy of the game.

What separates good athletes from great ones?According to Deshawn Woods, it's not talent. It's the willingness to embrace the work that happens long before anyone notices the result.In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, Tony Gilio sits down with basketball coach, league commissioner, founder, and NIL advocate Deshawn Woods to discuss his journey from playing college basketball at Wiley College and Texas A&M to coaching, building professional opportunities for athletes, and creating pathways through the Women's Basketball Association.Deshawn shares lessons learned from every stage of his career, including what young athletes often misunderstand about success, why self-awareness is one of the most valuable leadership traits, and how NIL is changing the future of sports for athletes and their families.In this episode, you'll learn:🏀 Why the best athletes focus on growth, not hype🏀 The reality of playing professionally overseas🏀 How NIL opportunities extend beyond superstar athletes🏀 The importance of personal branding and marketability🏀 Leadership lessons from coaching and entrepreneurship🏀 Why staying grounded creates long-term success🏀 What athletes, parents, and coaches need to know about today's sports landscapeWhether you're an athlete, coach, parent, educator, or leader, this conversation offers practical insights on development, opportunity, and the mindset required to keep growing.🎙️ Subscribe to The Coach & Counselor for more conversations about sports, leadership, personal growth, and the people creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Sports are about more than wins, losses, and championships; they're one of the greatest classrooms for life.In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, Tony Gilio sits down with Russ Romano, founder of D1 Mindset Coach, former Division I pitcher, and certified mental performance coach, to discuss what it truly means to develop competitors, not just athletes.Russ shares the mental performance strategies used by elite athletes and championship programs, while exploring why confidence, resilience, leadership, discipline, and self-belief matter far more than talent alone. Together, they dive into the importance of focusing on the process, overcoming adversity, controlling the controllables, and helping young athletes build a foundation for long-term success both on and off the field.Whether you're a coach, parent, athlete, educator, or leader, this conversation offers valuable lessons on developing people who can thrive under pressure, embrace challenges, and carry the lessons of competition into every area of life.Because the ultimate goal isn't just raising better athletes, it's raising better competitors, leaders, and human beings.

Youth sports were supposed to teach teamwork, confidence, discipline, and resilience. So why are more kids burning out, quitting early, and getting priced out of the games they love?In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, we sit down with Jonathan Carone, founder of Healthy Sports Parents, to unpack the growing problems inside modern youth sports culture.From the disappearance of rec leagues to the rising costs of travel sports, we dive into the pressure being placed on kids, parents, and coaches at younger ages than ever before.This conversation covers:• The growing gap in youth sports accessibility• Why rec leagues mattered more than we realized• The pressure parents feel in modern sports culture• Burnout, overtraining, and specialization• Why fun and development matter more than ever• The future of youth sports and what needs to changeWhether you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or club leader, this episode offers an honest look at where youth sports are headed and how we can create healthier experiences for the next generation.🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations around sports, leadership, parenting, and athlete development.

In this episode of The Coach & Counselor Podcast, we sit down with Axie Estrada, author, mentor, coach, and founder of Legendary Built, for a powerful conversation about what truly builds great athletes beyond the game itself.With more than 14 years of coaching experience and over 300 athletes mentored, Axie shares her perspective on mindset, resilience, leadership, overcoming adversity, and helping athletes recognize their worth both on and off the field. From guiding athletes through failure and pressure to building confidence and mental toughness, this episode dives into the lessons sports can teach far beyond the jersey.Axie also opens up about her personal journey through loss, hardship, motherhood, and rebuilding her life experiences that inspired her book Legendary Built, available now on Amazon.Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or leader, this conversation delivers valuable insight on growth, perseverance, and becoming the best version of yourself through every challenge life throws your way.

Olympian and former professional baseball player Jonathan De Marte shares the side of the athlete journey most people never see, from multiple arm surgeries and independent baseball to signing with the Chicago Cubs and competing in the Olympics for Team Israel.In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, Jonathan opens up about resilience, identity, athlete development, parenting in sports, injury prevention, and why mentorship and foundational athleticism matter more than ever in today’s youth sports culture.A powerful conversation for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone navigating growth, adversity, and performance both in sports and in life.

Aron Villegas, Director of Coaching at Rodeo Soccer Club, has built his career developing players from the ground up, working his way from grassroots coaching to leading at the academy level in youth soccer.In this episode, he breaks down what coaching actually demands beyond drills and tactics. From communication and ownership to building trust with players and parents, Aron shares the principles that separate average coaching from real leadership.The conversation dives into player development, decision-making, and the importance of creating an environment where athletes can grow, not just perform. Aron also shares lessons from navigating burnout, leadership challenges, and building a player pathway within the game.This is a real look at coaching, culture, and what it takes to lead the right way.🎙️ Coach & Counselor Podcast

What actually separates athletes today?In this episode of Coach & Counselor, Blaise Threatt, NBA G League player and former Division I athlete, shares the mindset behind his journey from no offers to the professional level.This conversation explores what it really means to be coachable, adaptable, and ready when things don’t go your way. Blaise breaks down how to handle feedback, find your role, and stand out when everyone is talented.A valuable listen for athletes, coaches, and anyone focused on growth and performance.

Most athletes are told there’s a “right way” to make it play year-round, get exposure, and commit early.But what if that path is actually holding them back?In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we sit down with Trey Woosley, a former professional baseball player, Division I athlete, and current athletic director and high school coach in Colorado, to break down what the journey really looks like.From navigating junior college, D1, and NAIA baseball to earning a shot in pro ball, Trey has lived the path most athletes never fully understand. Now, he’s helping the next generation do it better.In this conversation, we cover:The truth about recruiting and exposureWhy the junior college route can be a game-changerWhat actually matters to coachesThe reality behind playing time and “favorites.”How mindset and environment shape developmentIf you’re an athlete, parent, or coach trying to navigate the next level, this is a perspective you don’t hear often, but need to.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on coaching, development, and performance.#sports #recruiting #baseball #athletes #coaching #mindset #sportsparent #podcast #development

This week on Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Sheri Riley—founder of Exponential Living, peak performance coach, and trusted advisor to elite athletes, executives, and global organizations.After achieving her dream career in the music industry, Sheri found herself successful—but unfulfilled. That turning point led her to uncover a powerful truth: success without personal development isn’t sustainable.In this episode, we dive into what’s really missing behind high performance—why so many athletes and high achievers struggle with confidence, communication, and self-worth despite external success.We explore the difference between drive and confidence, the dangers of relying on validation, and how constant connectivity is quietly breaking down real communication.This conversation goes beyond sports—it’s about building people, not just performers, and learning how to show up fully in every area of life.

Coach Coop (Cooper Neimand), a former college basketball coach turned performance coach, has spent his career inside high-level programs—experiencing firsthand the pressure, expectations, and demands that come with winning.After coaching at elite high schools and the collegiate level, including multiple championship runs and NCAA tournament appearances, Cooper saw a gap in the game—there was support for athletes, but almost none for the coaches leading them. Today, he works with coaches across multiple sports, helping them manage pressure, lead with clarity, and build success that actually lasts.But for Cooper, coaching has never just been about results.In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, we dive into what it really means to perform at a high level as a leader—from navigating burnout, imposter syndrome, and isolation, to building systems that allow coaches to show up present, confident, and in control.We also explore the hidden side of coaching, the realities of leadership in today’s game, and why separating identity from wins and losses is critical for long-term success.If you're a coach, athletic director, or leader operating in a high-pressure environment, this episode offers a perspective you don’t often hear—but one that can change how you lead and live.🎙️ Subscribe to The Coach & Counselor for more conversations on coaching, leadership, and high performance.

Ashlie Rowley, former University of Florida catcher and team captain, has spent more than 20 years developing athletes across every level of the game—from youth softball to collegiate competition and beyond.After her playing career, she went on to coach at the University of Tennessee, contributing to a Women’s College World Series run and earning recognition as part of an SEC and regional coaching staff of the year. Today, she is the founder of Colorado Softball Academy, CSA Foundation, and Futures Fastpitch, while also serving as a high school head coach and leading the softball division at PitchCom, where she works to grow the game through innovation and athlete development.But for Ashlie, coaching has never been just about performance.In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, we dive into what it truly takes to develop athletes in today’s game—from navigating recruiting and the realities of injuries, to building confidence, accountability, and resilience that lasts beyond the field. Ashlie shares her philosophy on developing the whole athlete and the responsibility coaches and parents carry in shaping that journey.We also explore the evolving landscape of youth and college softball, the impact of the transfer portal and NIL, and how to create environments that challenge athletes while still supporting their growth as people.If you're a coach, parent, or athlete who cares about mindset, leadership, and building better athletes on and off the field, this episode is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.🎙️ Subscribe to The Coach & Counselor for more conversations on coaching, leadership, and athlete development.

In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Camryn Cottrell, head coach of Blackfoot High School girls soccer in Idaho, AYSO coach and administrator, and a mentor working across multiple levels of the game.Camryn began coaching at just 13 years old, and after a knee injury ended her playing career, she found her purpose in helping athletes grow from the sidelines. Her approach goes beyond performance, focusing on confidence, mindset, and developing athletes as people first.In this conversation, we explore what’s often missing in youth sports today: mental development. Camryn shares her perspective on the gap between physical training and mindset, the challenges female athletes face, and what it really takes to build confident, resilient players.From powerful coaching moments to practical insight for parents, coaches, and athletes, this episode is a reminder that sports are about more than the game.You’re more than your sport.

Tim Jones, owner of Clubhouse Pittsburgh and coach with the Rawlings Tigers Pittsburgh sector, brings more than 20 years of experience developing hitters—from youth baseball to the professional level. Over the course of his career, he has helped more than 60 athletes reach the college ranks and guided players on to professional baseball.But for Tim, great coaching goes far beyond mechanics.In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, we dive into the philosophy behind developing not just better hitters, but better humans. Tim shares how blending modern skill development with old-school grit helps athletes build confidence, accountability, and resilience both on and off the field.We discuss the importance of individualized player development, helping hitters truly understand their swing, and creating standards that push athletes to grow as competitors and as people. The conversation also explores the role parents and coaches play in shaping a young athlete’s experience with the game.If you're a coach, parent, or player who cares about leadership, player development, and the bigger purpose behind sports, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.🎙️ Subscribe to The Coach & Counselor for more conversations on coaching, leadership, and athlete development.

Mike Ryan has spent 29 years coaching baseball, including 26 years at Loganville High School in Georgia, where he has led the program to eight state championships and three runner-up finishes.But for Mike, the real legacy of a coach isn’t measured in trophies.In this episode of The Coach & The Counselor, Mike shares what it truly means to be a player’s coach—someone who builds lasting relationships, develops a strong culture, and earns the trust of the players he leads.From his roots in Schaumburg, Illinois, to his journey through Harper College and Georgia College, Mike reflects on the experiences that shaped his philosophy and the moments that matter most—like when former players return years later just to reconnect.This conversation is about more than baseball. It’s about leadership, mentorship, and the kind of impact that lasts long after the final game.

In this episode of Coach & Counselors, we sit down with Rich Austin — former Minnesota State Mankato standout, 13-year professional baseball player, Team USA representative, and Frontier League Hall of Fame inductee.Rich takes us through his journey from collegiate athlete to the professional ranks, including signing with the Kansas City Royals and competing at the highest levels of the game. But this conversation goes far beyond baseball.We dive into the mindset required to sustain a long career, the lessons learned through pressure and perseverance, and what happens when the spotlight fades. Now stepping into his role at Dawson High School, Rich shares why his greatest impact may not be in the big leagues — but in the lives of the young athletes he mentors today.This episode is about leadership, legacy, and using your platform to build something bigger than yourself.

Todd Friedman has lived nearly every chapter of the game: All-State shortstop, Cape Cod League competitor, state championship coach, financial services professional, and now Head of Sales at WIN Reality in the sports technology space.In this episode, we go inside the modern baseball machine, the world of travel ball, recruiting pressure, data-driven training, and the reality that families don’t always hear. Todd shares what’s changed in player development, how technology is reshaping the game, and why honest feedback is the most valuable (and rare) asset in youth sports today.This conversation is about more than baseball. It’s about navigating a system that’s louder, faster, and more competitive than ever and how to help young athletes find the right fit, the right path, and long-term success.

For Coach Aaron Graves, winning starts long before the scoreboard.A 12-year coaching veteran across travel, college, and high school baseball, including a remarkable 97–5 stretch at Riverdale Baptist High School, Aaron has built a reputation for developing not just talent, but toughness.But his perspective on resilience didn’t start in the dugout.As a young athlete, Aaron battled cancer — a fight that shaped his mindset long before he ever led a team. That experience forged the determination and mental strength that now define his coaching philosophy.Since 2018, he has continued to impact the DMV baseball community through Full Count Baseball while running his own recruiting and placement business, helping athletes reach the next level. Through Coach Graves Guys and Coach Graves Girls, his influence extends beyond wins and losses, focusing on character, discipline, and perseverance.In this episode, we dive into the mindset behind sustained success. How do you keep athletes focused when things feel overwhelming? How do you push through the valleys? And what separates programs that fade from those that endure?This conversation is about grit, perspective, and building a culture where quitting simply isn’t an option.

Coaching has always been about more than wins and losses; it’s about influence, development, and the impact we have on people long after the game is over.In this episode of the Coach & Counselor Podcast, Phil O’Grady joins us for a meaningful conversation on leadership, mentorship, and player development in today’s baseball landscape. We explore what great coaching looks like right now, how strong relationships and intentional leadership shape team culture, and why coaches continue to play a powerful role in helping athletes grow both on and off the field.This episode celebrates the value of coaching, the responsibility that comes with it, and the opportunity coaches have every day to shape confident players, connected teams, and future leaders.Why coaching still matters more than ever.

What does the real player pathway actually look like, from high school potential to college opportunity to professional baseball?This week, we’re joined by Will Craig, former first-round MLB Draft pick and current Duke Baseball recruiting coordinator, for a wide-ranging conversation on recruiting, development, and the realities of the game at the highest levels.Will shares insight from every stage of his journey, competing in elite college baseball, experiencing professional baseball firsthand, and now evaluating and mentoring the next generation of athletes in one of the most competitive environments in college sports.We break down what coaches are truly looking for, how players can separate themselves, and why growth, preparation, and consistency matter far more than talent alone.Whether you’re an athlete chasing the next level, a parent navigating the recruiting process, or a coach focused on long-term development, this episode offers a perspective that applies far beyond baseball.

In this episode, former professional baseball player and coach Greg Golson shares what it truly takes to succeed in baseball — from navigating the pro baseball grind to developing players at the youth and high school levels. Greg offers honest insight into baseball coaching, player development, and the mindset needed to grow athletes both on and off the field.This conversation is especially valuable for youth players, high school athletes, parents, and high school baseball coaches looking to better understand long-term development, leadership, accountability, and preparation for the next level. Greg breaks down what coaches should prioritize, how players can stand out the right way, and how families can support development without burning out.Whether you’re coaching high school baseball, raising a young athlete, or chasing college or professional baseball, this episode delivers real-world perspective from someone who’s lived every side of the game.

In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we sit down with Eric Dillinger to discuss what it truly means to be a responsible coach in today’s youth sports landscape.With over 15 years of coaching experience from youth baseball through the college level, Eric brings a deep understanding of athlete development, leadership, and team culture. He has coached nationally with organizations such as the Colorado Yard Dogs, Colorado Rocky Scout Program, and USA Prime, and currently serves as the General Manager of DBA North in Lafayette, Colorado. Eric is also entering his third season as head coach at Erie High School and his eighth season overall in high school coaching.Throughout the conversation, Eric shares insights on coaching with integrity, maintaining fairness, developing athletes the right way, and leading young players on and off the field. The episode covers real challenges coaches face today, including building trust, setting standards, and creating environments where athletes can grow beyond the game.This episode is a must-watch for coaches, parents, and youth sports leaders looking to improve leadership, player development, and culture in athletics.👇 Subscribe for more conversations on coaching, leadership, and youth sports🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms

In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Jeff Quillin to talk about the long game of youth sports — especially baseball — and the lessons that last far beyond the scoreboard.Jeff shares his perspective on athlete development, pressure in youth sports, and the role parents and coaches play in shaping confidence, resilience, and enjoyment of the game. We discuss how recruiting fits into the youth sports journey without letting it define it, why “fit” matters more than hype, and how families can stay grounded when plans change due to injuries or shifting paths.This episode is for parents, coaches, and athletes looking for clarity, balance, and perspective in today’s youth sports environment — where development and well-being matter just as much as performance.

Sports are always teaching — even when we don’t realize it.In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Gary Russo, a former Miami (OH) baseball standout who now works in athlete development, contract negotiation, and marketing at the Bledsoe Agency. Gary reflects on the quiet lessons sports instill over time — shaping identity, resilience, leadership, and perspective long after the final game is played.This conversation explores:⚾ How sports influence who we become, not just how we perform🧠 Identity beyond results, roles, and recognition🤝 The importance of relationships, mentorship, and trust🔥 Carrying lessons from competition into life and careerWhether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or leader, this episode offers perspective on the person being built through the process — not just the outcome.📩 Subscribe for weekly conversations on leadership, growth, and the lifelong impact of sports💬 Share your biggest takeaway in the comments🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode

Sam Bauer, Assistant Linebackers Coach at Madonna University and Co-Defensive/Special Teams Coordinator for their JV program, joins us to break down the coaching mindsets and modern football techniques shaping today’s athletes. In this episode, we dive into player development, safe tackling fundamentals, athlete confidence, and how coaches can build resilient teams in a changing game.A former multi-sport athlete with a teaching-first approach, Sam shares practical strategies for improving football safety, reducing concussion risk, and developing young athletes with character, discipline, and daily habits that translate on and off the field.If you’re a football coach, parent, athlete, or anyone interested in the future of the sport, this conversation offers insights you can use right away.

Step inside the locker room with Coach Greg Branch — a 300-win baseball coach, veteran educator, author, and one of the most influential mindset voices in youth sports today. Recorded right from the space where his team prepares and grows, this episode takes you behind the scenes of what truly shapes athletes.Coach Branch breaks down the standards, discipline, and belief systems that guide his players, sharing how to build confidence, develop emotional mastery, and stop letting the past define your future. With over two decades in education and leadership, he offers real, actionable insight on creating a culture where athletes feel supported, accountable, and ready to rise.Whether you’re a coach wanting to lead with purpose, a parent raising a competitive athlete, or a player chasing resilience and consistency — this conversation delivers the tools and mindset shifts that make a lasting impact.These are the lessons athletes don’t always hear on the field.

Former UFC fighter Eliot Marshall joins us to break down the fight every athlete faces: the battle happening inside your own mind. A four-time Pan-American jiu-jitsu champion, World Championship medalist, six-time UFC veteran, third-degree black belt, and co-owner of Easton Training Center, Eliot has lived every version of pressure, adversity, and performance.Today, he coaches the next generation of martial artists and athletes, teaches full-time at Easton, and leads conversations around resilience through his bestselling book and podcast The Gospel of Fire. He’s also a TED Talk speaker whose message centers on one truth: adversity is the arena where we discover our real power.In this episode, Eliot shares how to build emotional control, real confidence, and mental habits that hold up under pressure.Perfect for coaches, parents, and athletes who want to develop strength that lasts long after the game ends.

In this episode, we sit down with Walker Martin — a professional shortstop in the San Francisco Giants organization and one of the most decorated high school hitters to come out of Colorado. He breaks down his journey from Eaton to pro ball, the mindset behind his rise, and the coaching that shaped his identity as a player. This episode matters because Walker’s story is a blueprint for any athlete chasing the next level — and a powerful listen for parents and coaches who want to understand what young players truly need to grow. From authenticity to work ethic to confidence, Walker offers real insight into what actually makes a difference in an athlete’s development.

Riley Hnatyshyn is a Division I golfer at Louisiana Tech University and one of the brightest young leaders in collegiate golf. A former Louisiana Junior Golf Tour Player of the Year and state champion, Riley has built his game — and his life — around discipline, composure, and perspective. In this conversation, he opens up about the mental side of competition: how athletes can manage pressure, seek support, and find purpose beyond performance. His story reminds us that mastering the game starts with mastering yourself.

For Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Luke Goodgion, baseball wasn’t just a game — it was his identity. Then came the injuries, the surgeries, and the silence that tests every athlete’s resolve. In this episode, Luke shares how he rebuilt through resilience, redefined success beyond stats, and found purpose in mentoring others to do the same.

State champion. Record holder. Division I softball standout at BYU and Louisiana Tech. 💪 Alexis Gilio knows the pressure, the grind, and the growth that come with competing at the highest level — especially as a woman in sports. In this episode, she shares the secret every great athlete knows (but nobody talks about): mindset is everything. From confidence to composure, Alexis reveals how emotional strength and self-awareness can turn potential into power — on and off the field.#CoachAndCounselor #WomenInSports #AthleteMindset #Leadership #Softball

Former pro basketball player and record-setting Fresno Pacific standout Jordan Wild joins Coach & Counselor to unpack what it truly means to compete — not just to win, but to lead with character. From battling on the court to mentoring the next generation, Jordan shares lessons on mindset, emotional control, and transforming intensity into impact.🎧 Coach & Counselor — where mindset meets the game.#CoachAndCounselor #Basketball #Leadership #AthleteMindset #Coaching #YouthSports

Former Division I player Krystal Anthony brings a powerful mix of coaching insight, recruiting knowledge, and real talk about the mental side of the game. From guiding travel teams to mentoring the next generation of athletes, Krystal shares lessons on leadership, mindset, and keeping softball’s true spirit alive. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player — this one’s packed with perspectives you can take straight to the field.

Is youth baseball losing its way? Dayton Classics Director & Recruiting Coordinator Gregg Beemer shares his powerful perspective on how rising costs, tournament culture, and shifting priorities are impacting the game—and what it takes to bring baseball back to its roots.👉 Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of the sport!🎙️ Full episode out now on the Coach & Counselor Podcast.⚾ Subscribe for more stories from the leaders shaping youth sports.

This week on the Coach & Counselor podcast, we sit down with Ava Kuszak, a multi-sport athlete best known for her impact on the diamond as a Division I softball player at the University of Nebraska. Ava shares her journey through softball and soccer, how she’s embraced the mental side of the game, and why her love for sports continues to fuel her competitive spirit.Tune in as host Tony Gilio unpacks Ava’s story of passion, resilience, and what it truly means to play for the love of the game.🔗 Subscribe for more conversations with athletes and coaches shaping the future of youth sports.

Randy Gale — veteran softball coach, instructor, and Commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Fast Pitch League — has dedicated over 20 years to shaping athletes and programs across Colorado. Known for his passion, integrity, and commitment, Randy’s influence extends far beyond the wins and losses.In this episode, he shares his perspective on leadership, mentorship, and the lasting impact coaches can have on young athletes. From building programs to building character, Randy’s story is a powerful reminder of why coaching matters.🎧 Tune in for insights every coach, parent, and athlete can take to heart.

Dan Medina — often called “Mr. Denver” in the Colorado baseball and softball world — joins Coach & Counselor to share his passion for developing players into leaders. With decades of experience across high school, club, and collegiate programs, Dan’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses. In this episode, he opens up about mentorship, culture, and the responsibility coaches have in shaping young men and women both on and off the field.🎧 Tune in for insights every coach, parent, and athlete can take to heart.

What does it take to lead at the highest level? 🏉 Dave Hodges — USA Rugby Hall of Famer, longtime captain of the Eagles, and professional player in Wales — joins the Coach & Counselor Podcast to break down the connection between grit, leadership, and rugby.From captaining the U.S. Men’s National Team 28 times to mentoring athletes across multiple sports, Hodges shares lessons on toughness, culture, and building leaders who can handle pressure on and off the field.Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode is packed with insights on how rugby’s demands translate into real-world leadership.🎧 Tune in now to learn why leadership is earned, not given.#Sportspod #Rugby #Leadership #YouthSports

Jon Karcich’s journey through baseball has come full circle — from standout player to respected coach and mentor. After years of competing at a high level, he’s carried those lessons into the dugout, guiding the next generation of athletes with the same discipline, grit, and love for the game that fueled his own career. In this episode, Jon shares how his experiences on the field shaped his coaching philosophy, why building athletes goes hand in hand with building leaders, and what it truly takes to prepare young players for the next level of both sports and life.

Brendan Strait grew up playing sports in Colorado, but instead of chasing a roster spot, he chased the story. 📸 Trading in a jersey for a camera, Brendan carved out a career in sports videography — capturing raw emotion, unforgettable moments, and the real side of athletics.In this episode, he takes us behind the lens: working with CU Boulder, filming alongside NFL stars like Travis Hunter, and sharing a fresh perspective on how today’s athletes — from pros to youth — connect through the game.

From standing on an MLB mound to competing in the Olympics, Jon Moscot has lived the pressure, mastered the presence, and gained the perspective that only comes from years in the game.In this episode of Coach & Counselor, the former Cincinnati Reds pitcher and 10-year D1 coach shares his journey—from high-pressure moments under stadium lights to mentoring athletes on confidence, resilience, and leadership.We dive into:⚾ How pressure can fuel performance instead of crushing it🧠 The mental shifts that build lasting confidence👊 Why presence is a game-changer on and off the field🎯 The lessons sports teach that carry into lifeWhether you’re a coach looking to inspire, a player chasing your next level, or a parent supporting a young athlete, Jon’s insights offer a playbook for success far beyond baseball.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch here on YouTube.

In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Tegan Seyring—former D1 college volleyball player, volleyball coach mentor, and current Success Coach at Operation Player Assist. Tegan brings a powerful blend of experience and insight to the table, sharing what it really looks like to support today’s athletes on and off the court.We dive into the emotional side of sports—balancing pressure, performance, and mental health—and how coaches can create space for confidence, consistency, and connection.Whether you're leading a team, raising an athlete, or showing up for your own growth, this episode offers the kind of real talk that sticks.

Building Athletes for the Long Game with Alex DeLaetIn this episode of Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Alex DeLaet—Instructor, Independent Scout, and Owner of Coach AD Baseball.Alex shares what it really takes to help athletes grow year after year. From what scouts are looking for, to how coaches can lead with patience and consistency, to why building trust matters just as much as building skills—this conversation is all about the long game.Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how to develop not just better players, but better people.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Pajak, co-founder of Loden Sports and Director of Player & Performance Analytics, to unpack the evolving pressures facing today’s coaches and athletes. With experience working alongside USA Baseball and the Cape Cod League, Matt brings deep insight into how performance data is changing the game—from youth development all the way to the MLB Draft.We dive into:Why the expectation to win is heavier than ever for college coachesHow data-driven training is redefining talent developmentWhat parents and coaches can do to help young athletes thrive, not burn outThe behind-the-scenes trends shaping the future of youth sportsWhether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this conversation offers real talk on leadership, pressure, and what it really takes to go next-level in today’s game.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Former pro pitcher and youth coach Cephas Howard joins us to unpack what it means to stick with the grind. From tough seasons to breakthrough moments, we dive into how patience, persistence, and presence shape young athletes—and the adults who lead them.Cephas shares personal stories from his playing days, lessons learned the hard way, and how he's now pouring that wisdom into the next generation. If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s worth it, this one’s for you.Tune in for real talk on sports, mentorship, and the moment everything clicks.

🎙️ Episode 2: Brotherhood, Big Dreams, and the Next Chapter with Vaughn GreenIn this episode of Coach & Counselor, we sit down with Vaughn Green — a standout high school athlete who’s now stepping into his next challenge at the United States Air Force Academy. Vaughn shares what it meant to build brotherhood with his team, how playing alongside top-tier talent shaped him, and why youth sports are about so much more than just the game.From the lessons of club baseball to the discipline of basic training, Vaughn’s story is just getting started.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

🎙️ Coach & Counselor | Episode 1: Leadership On and Off the Field with Vince ThompsonIn our very first episode, we sit down with Vince Thompson — youth sports coach, Operation Player Assist account executive, and dedicated mentor.We dive into what it really takes to lead today’s athletes, the stories that shape youth sports, and how coaches can make an impact far beyond the scoreboard. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or someone passionate about youth development, this episode has something for you.👉 Topics Covered:Building leadership skills in young athletesBalancing coaching and mentorshipStories from the field and life lessons through sports🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.💻 Learn more about Operation Player Assist: [Insert Website Link]🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!