PODCAST · sports
Path to Play
by Path to Play
Real talk and honest advice on competitive youth sports based on lived experiences. No fluff, no sales pitch, just real, transparent conversations to support families navigating their own journeys.
Episodes
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(Replay) Time Commitment for Players and Families: Youth Soccer at Higher Levels
An honest reflection on the significant time commitment required from both athletes and their families throughout various levels of youth soccer. We share our own experiences, realistic hours spent traveling for games and practices, and the impact on family dynamics. Our conversation emphasizes…
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Welcome Back: World Cup Summer
We’re back after a brief World Cup break and ready to debrief. We’re sharing our experiences, favorite moments, and biggest surprises from the tournament, including what it was like attending games, interacting with fans, and experiencing the atmosphere in person. Listen along and see how your...
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(Replay) Miranda Bernal: Experiencing Youth Soccer
Valentina and Rory welcome Miranda Bernal, who shares her journey through soccer from a young age to her experiences in high school and the challenges of choosing a path forward to college athletics. Miranda discusses the importance of mentorship, the impact of burnout, and the life lessons…
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World Cup Special
It's almost World Cup time! Join us in a fun conversation as we talk about our all time world cup favorites and what has made the tournament so special. We look forward to the upcoming weeks and how we think the World Cup will pan out.
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Emanuel Vallejo: Coaching Perspectives in Youth Soccer
In this episode, we shift from Eman’s playing journey to the experiences that shaped him as a coach. Eman walks us through how he first got into coaching, and what he loves about working with youth soccer players. He also breaks down the different leagues and pathways in youth soccer right now,...
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Emanuel Vallejo: Different Paths Through Youth Soccer
Join us for a conversation with Eman Vallejo as he reflects on his journey through youth soccer, from local club beginnings all the way to elite level club soccer. Eman shares how differences between smaller and larger clubs, coaching influences, support systems, and personal challenges shaped…
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Pilar Bernal: 20 Years of Soccer Mom Wisdom
Join our invaluable and heartfelt conversation with Pilar Bernal, a dedicated soccer mom and sports parent. Pilar shares her firsthand experiences from 20 years of supporting her two daughters throughout their youth soccer journey across various levels and even countries. Discover the unique...
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Overrated or Underrated?
Relax and enjoy this week’s conversation where we share our personal takes on themes and questions we hear all the time in the youth soccer space, along with a few general hot takes you've definitely debated on. As always, we want to hear your thoughts as well.
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Special Holiday Episode: Would You Rather?
Happy Easter weekend! Join another fun, lighthearted conversation to get to know us a little better through a game of "Would You Rather'".. you're invited to ask more or share your own answers!
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I'm an Athlete: I Haven't Been Recruited Yet
In this episode, we talk through what it really looks like if you haven’t been recruited yet. From sophomores just starting to think about college to seniors with no offers, we break down realistic options, share our own experiences, and offer practical ways to take action. The goal is to bring...
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Youth Soccer Tryouts 101
Our conversation on youth soccer tryouts offers transparent insights for parents and players on real expectations, honest thoughts on preparation, and how to handle outcomes positively. We both share our personal experiences that helped us navigate the tryout process with confidence and…
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What is Guest Playing?
In this conversation, we break down what guest playing in youth soccer is all about and include our own personal experiences with it. Learn about potential benefits, processes for becoming a guest player, and general opinions on what skills and opportunities the guest playing environment can…
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Path to Play Reacts: Youth Sports on Reddit
In this episode, we take a closer look at the real and unfiltered conversations happening on Reddit around youth sports. We unpack the pressure to specialize early, the reality behind scholarship odds, and the confusion many families are navigating. By staying plugged into these honest…
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I Just Committed to Play College Soccer, Now What?
Join us for a conversation with insights into the journey of committing to college soccer, focusing on both the physical and mental preparations we believe are important for a successful transition. We reflect on our personal experiences, the role of strength training, and the challenges of...
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What Do I Do With Life After Sports?
Join our conversation on the real challenges and experiences of transitioning from a life dedicated to sports to everyday life. We explore the emotional and practical aspects of this transition, including the importance of cultivating new hobbies, staying connected to the sport, and finding one's...
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Youth Sports Finance 101
This conversation delves into the financial implications of youth sports, exploring the average costs, hidden fees, and the impact of socioeconomic status on participation. Rory and Valentina discuss the growing trend of specialization in sports at younger ages and the various opportunity costs...
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I'm a Parent: Other Parents Seem Way More Intense.
Valentina and Rory talk about the impact of parental involvement in youth soccer, and the unavoidable crazy parent we have all seen in action. We share our personal experiences with the intensity of parents during matches and we break down the importance of building healthy habits through...
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Time Commitment for Players and Families: Youth Soccer at Higher Levels
Valentina and Rory reflect on the significant time commitment required from both athletes and their families throughout various levels of youth soccer. We share our own experiences, realistic hours spent traveling for games and practices, and the impact on family dynamics. Our conversation...
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Miranda Bernal: Experiencing Youth Soccer
Valentina and Rory welcome Miranda Bernal, who shares her journey through soccer from a young age to her experiences in high school and the challenges of choosing a path forward to college athletics. Miranda discusses the importance of mentorship, the impact of burnout, and the life lessons…
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Special: John Romano and the NEAA
Join us for an interview with John Romano from the North End Athletic Association, where we discuss the significance of youth sports in the community, the role of volunteers, and future aspirations for the organization. John shares his personal journey with the NEAA, emphasizing the importance of...
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I'm an Athlete: Dealing with Injury
In this episode, Valentina shares the story behind her college injury, how it happened, what the immediate aftermath really felt like, and the long stretch of figuring out who she was without the sport that shaped her for so long. We talk about coping, finding purpose outside of soccer, the…
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Special Holiday Episode: From Our Community!
In another fun and insightful holiday episode, we wanted to bring our community's thoughts and experiences to the center of the conversation. We're sharing top stories, honest reflections, and lessons from our very own Path to Play listeners and the conversations that we all wish we had at some...
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Special Holiday Episode: Ask Me Anything!
For our Holiday Special, we're having a Q&A to let you get to know us a little better. In this episode, we answer rapid-fire questions followed by more reflective ones that are glimpses into our youth soccer days. A fun break from our usual educational episodes, and a chance for our community to...
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Parents/Athletes: What is a Soccer Showcase?
In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about college soccer showcases including what they are, who attends, and how recruiting really works at these events. We talk through the different types of showcases, how they’re formatted, and what happens behind the scenes when college...
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BONUS: Identification Camps
Our first mini-series couldn’t end without a special bonus episode. In this feature, we asked Valentina’s former college coach to share his perspective on college ID camps, offering valuable insight into how to truly stand out in a large pool of players, how athletes can follow up effectively…
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Part 2 - I'm a Parent: Identification Camps
In Part 2 of our mini-series on college soccer ID camps, we share what these experiences were like for us — both as players attending and as coaches helping run them. We talk about what made certain camps valuable, what ended up not being worth it, and the lessons that helped us better understand...
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Part 1 - I'm a Parent: Identification Camps
What is an ID camp/clinic? In Part 1 of our mini-series on college soccer identification (ID) camps, we give an overview of what they are, who hosts them, who attends, and what actually happens once you’re there. Our conversation is for anyone looking for a quick and digestible way to understand...
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I'm an Athlete: Leveling Up in Early High School
In this episode we talk about what “leveling up” really means, from building consistency and confidence to focusing on the technical details that often get overlooked. Rory shares his experience finding that next gear as a player, and Valentina reflects on what she wishes she had done…
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I'm a 16-18 Parent: What College Level Is Right for Your Athlete?
Parents with college-bound athletes, we are here for you. In this episode, we walk through the different levels of college soccer your athlete can explore. As former Division I players, we share honest reflections on the environments we experienced along with positive stories from peers who…
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I'm an Athlete: Thinking About Playing Soccer in College?
If you’re a high-school athlete considering college soccer, this episode is for you. We reflect on the decisions we faced when we were in your shoes , what shaped our choices, what we wish we had known earlier, and the tactics that could have made those decisions less overwhelming. We talk about...
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I'm a 9-12 Parent: Is It Time to Switch Clubs?
If you’re a parent of a 9- to 12-year-old soccer player, you’ve probably asked yourself at some point: Should we switch clubs? In this episode of Path to Play, Valentina and Rory unpack the real signs that it might be time for a change, and when it’s worth sticking it out. We talk about what...
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Intro: Valentina's Path
In our second episode of Path to Play, Valentina shares her athletic journey from the early years in youth soccer to playing at the Division 1 college level. She reflects on the phases that shaped her and highlights some challenges and lessons learned along the way. This is a story for any young...
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Intro: Rory's Path
In our very first episode of Path to Play, Rory shares his journey through youth and college soccer. The highs, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. From early club days to the Division 1 college experience, Rory gives an honest look at what went well, what could’ve gone better…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Real talk and honest advice on competitive youth sports based on lived experiences. No fluff, no sales pitch, just real, transparent conversations to support families navigating their own journeys.
HOSTED BY
Path to Play
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Path to Play have?
Path to Play currently has 33 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Path to Play about?
Real talk and honest advice on competitive youth sports based on lived experiences. No fluff, no sales pitch, just real, transparent conversations to support families navigating their own journeys.
How often does Path to Play release new episodes?
Path to Play has 33 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Path to Play?
You can listen to Path to Play on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Path to Play?
Path to Play is created and hosted by Path to Play.
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