PODCAST · sports
Student Athlete Performance
by Nick Lemke
🎙️ Train Smarter. Fuel Better. Get Recruited.The Student Athlete Performance Podcast helps you maximize performance, improve nutrition, and stand out in recruiting. Hosted by Nick Lemke, RD, each episode features elite athletes, coaches, and experts sharing proven strategies on training, recovery, mindset, and college recruiting. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, get the tools you need to level up in sports and beyond.📌 New episodes weekly—subscribe now!
Episodes
-
What College Soccer Coaches See That Your Highlight Film Never Shows
Every text message. Every phone call. Every visit. Every time a coach watches you play.College soccer coaches are collecting data on you constantly and the athletes who understand that are the ones who get offers. Karrigan Falber is the head coach of LeTourneau University Women's Soccer. In her...
-
He Won 4 State Championships and Still Walked Away — What Every Athlete Needs to Hear
Coaches are leaving athletics at a rate that has never been seen before. Reagan Smith is one of them and his story is worth understanding. Reagan spent 16 years as a high school football coach without a single losing regular season. He won four state championships. He sent nine players to the NFL...
-
What an MLB Strength Coach Sees When He Watches High School Baseball Players
A strength coach who spent 20 years in the Major Leagues can read a high school player in seconds. And what he's looking at first has nothing to do with how they swing or pitch. Jose Vasquez spent nearly two decades as head strength and conditioning coach for the Texas Rangers and is now a…
more -
He Wasn't the Biggest. Wasn't the Fastest. Here's How He Made It to D1
Everyone talks about getting to the Division 1 level. Nobody talks about what happens when you actually get there. Dante Campagna graduated high school in 2025 and just finished his first year playing D1 football at Stonehill College. In this episode he gets completely honest about what that jump...
-
Why Talented Soccer Players Don't Get Recruited | D1 Coach Explains What College Coaches Look For
College coaches are evaluating you long before they ever talk to you and a lot of what they're watching has nothing to do with what you do with the ball. Colton Bryant is an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Lamar University Women's Soccer. He's spent years on the recruiting trail...
-
Why College Coaches Are Passing Over Your Athlete (And It Has Nothing to Do With Training)
Your athlete is training harder than ever. They have the skills. They have the work ethic. And college coaches are still not calling. The reason might not be what you think. In this solo episode, I'm breaking down what I keep seeing with the athletes I work with — from football and baseball to...
-
Why You Lose Confidence When You Play Bad | Mental Performance Coach
The second a game goes bad, your confidence disappears. That's the moment most of this episode is about. Zach Willis is the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Pacific Lutheran University and a certified mental performance consultant. In this episode, he breaks down confidence as…
more -
Your Batting Average Is Ruining Your Confidence | Former Pro Player & Mental Performance Coach
If you feel like you've stopped getting better or like you're doing everything right and still going 0 for 4, the problem probably isn't your swing. Steve Springer spent 14 years in professional baseball, including 11 years in Triple A. He went on to become a mental performance coach for the Blue...
-
How High School Pitchers Are Destroying Their Arms Before They Ever Get Recruited
Youth baseball players have now surpassed Major League pitchers as the largest group needing Tommy John surgery. The UCL ligament a pitcher throws with doesn't even fully mature until age 26 and kids are blowing it out at 14 and 15. Dr. Kevin McGovern is a physical therapist who has spent over 30...
-
The Transfer Portal Almost Ended My Football Career. Here's What I Wish I Knew
This offseason was littered with stats and stories of transfer portal athletes who never made it out. Athletes who didn't realize just how touch it would be to find a new home. Andy Gerasenko could have been one of these athletes. He found out his program was dropping from D1 to D3 AFTER he had...
-
What College Football Coaches Look for When Recruiting High School Athletes | Head Coach Reveals
If coaches have stopped responding to you, there's a reason... and most athletes never find out what it is. Brant McAdams is the head football coach at Pacific Lutheran University. He played college football himself and has spent years making the final call on who gets recruited and who quietly...
-
Why You Can't Hit in Games But Look Great in the Cage | Baseball Hitting Coach
If you're putting in the reps and still not seeing results in games, the problem probably isn't your swing. Rob Crews is the founder of Complete Game and creator of the See Think Move method. He's worked with college programs like UCLA, Florida, and LSU and consulted with MLB organizations...
-
What to Say to Your Athlete After a Bad Game | Chad Hermansen Mental Performance Coach
Your athlete just had a rough game. They're quiet. You want to help, so you start talking. And that might be the exact moment the damage happens. In this episode, I sat down with Chad Hermansen, first round draft pick, former big leaguer, former MLB scout, and now mental performance coach to talk...
-
How to Get Noticed by MLB Scouts in High School | Inside the Scouting Process with a Cubs Scout
Most high school baseball players have no idea what MLB scouts are actually looking for, and you're likely focusing on the wrong stuff. In this episode, I sat down with Nate Metzger, a scout for the Chicago Cubs and former college coach, to pull back the curtain on the scouting and recruiting...
-
What Changes After You Commit D1 in Baseball
What changes after you commit D1? In this episode, Nick talks with Carter Macanas, an Arizona State baseball commit, about what it actually takes to keep developing after an early commitment. Carter committed to ASU as a freshman, played at national events like Jupiter, and was named a PG...
-
Why Most Athletes Struggle With Confidence (And How to Fix It)
Confidence is something every athlete struggles with at some point. But most athletes misunderstand where confidence actually comes from. In this episode, Nick sits down with Adalyne Fettig to talk about what it takes to build real confidence through development, consistency, and trusting the...
-
Why Most Athletes Quit When It Gets Hard (And How to Be the One Who Doesn't)
Too many athletes quit when it gets hard. The ones who don't are the ones who make it. In this episode, Nick sits down with Brian Barnes, athletic director, coach, speaker, and author of Conquer Your Fears, Be a Rock. They talk about the one thing every athlete faces but few actually know how to...
-
The Decisions That Will Make or Break Your Athletic Career | Jose Rijo-Berger
Talent opens doors. Your decisions decide if they stay open. In this episode, Nick sits down with Jose Rijo-Berger, a former pro baseball player drafted by both the Dodgers and the Mets, a 10-year MLB scout with the Pirates, Brewers, and Cardinals, and a performance coach who now works with...
-
How Fear Is Secretly Killing Your Performance | Mike Martin
What if the thing holding you back has nothing to do with your speed, strength, or skill? In this episode, Nick sits down with Mike Martin, a sports writer for the University of Washington who has spent decades quietly working with elite athletes on the one thing nobody talks about: fear. Mike…
more -
Why Linebackers Play Slow (And How to Fix It)
A lot of linebackers have the size, strength, and speed, but still struggle to play fast on the field. So what’s actually holding them back? In this episode, Nick sits down with Brian Burke, founder of Threshing Floor Athletics, who has coached linebackers from high school to the professional...
-
Why Your Hitting Isn’t Translating to Games
Are you a baseball player that can hit in practice, but struggle when it matters (in games)? In this episode, Nick sits down with Eddie Marrero, founder of Probound USA Baseball, to break down what actually separates hitters who perform in games from those who don’t. They dive into hitting...
-
Why Some High School Teams Keep Winning (State Champion Coach Explains)
It's one thing to win a state championship. It's another to win back-to-back state championships, especially when you start the season 2-3. In this episode Nick sits down with Coach Keith Ross, head coach of the back-to-back state champion football program at Sumner High School in Washington…
more -
No Offers Junior Year to D1 Athlete by Senior Year: What Changed?
If you're a high school athlete who feels under recruited, overlooked, or behind... listen in on this one. Dylan Scott went from having zero real traction after his junior year to signing Division 1 football at Eastern Washington University his senior year. He did not come from a powerhouse...
-
Why Pitching Injuries Are Rising (And How High School Pitchers Can Avoid Them)
Pitching injuries are at an all-time high and too many high school pitchers don’t realize they’re following the same patterns that lead to surgery. In this episode, Nick sits down with Carter Hohn, founder of Full Send Performance Training, to break down why elbow and shoulder injuries are...
-
How Athletes Actually Get Recruited (Effort, Consistency, and Humility)
Recruiting doesn’t reward entitlement. It rewards effort, consistency, and humility. In this episode, Nick sits down with Nate Paxton, a former under-recruited athlete who walked on at the Division I level, earned a scholarship, played professionally, and later coached at the college level. Nate...
-
How Athletes Keep Going When Everything Feels Stacked Against Them
Some athletes quit because they’re not good enough. Most quit because the road gets harder than they expected. In this episode, Nick sits down with Nate Paxton, whose journey includes homelessness, walking on to a Division I football program (Georgia State), earning a scholarship, playing...
-
What Changes After You Commit Division 1 (And What Doesn’t)
Committing Division 1 sounds like the finish line. For most athletes, it’s where the pressure actually starts. In this episode, Nick sits down with Drew Wicklander, a 2026 baseball player committed to University of Portland, to walk through his full high school journey. From being the skinny...
-
How Baseball Players Know When They’re Ready for the Next Level
How do baseball players actually know when they’re ready for the next level? In this episode, Nick sits down with Rob Hardy, a minor league pitching coach in the Chicago White Sox organization, to break down what real baseball development actually looks like. Rob shares why dominating your…
more -
How High School Football Players Actually Get Recruited
Too many high school football players think recruiting happens to them. In reality, recruiting only works when athletes learn how to advocate for themselves. In this episode, Nick sits down with Jason Thedsombandith, head football coach at Redmond High School and former Division 1 assistant coach...
-
What High School Baseball Players Should Focus on When Time Is Limited | College Coach Perspective
When time feels limited and pressure is high, most high school baseball players try to do everything. More training. More metrics. More showcases. More stress. In this episode, Nick sits down with Jake Lindmeier, assistant baseball coach at Brookhaven College, to break down what actually matters...
-
How High School Athletes Can Handle Rejection, Setbacks, and Delayed Progress
What do you do when you’re doing everything right, but the results still aren’t there? In this episode, Nick sits down with Hartnell College baseball player Boston Stanley to talk about rejection, setbacks, and delayed progress in high school athletics. From recruiting uncertainty to training...
-
How Athletes Win in 2026 Without Doing More
Athletes don’t fall behind because they don’t work hard enough. They fall behind because they work hard on the wrong things. As 2026 approaches, the athletes who separate themselves won’t be the busiest. They’ll be the most focused. In this episode, Nick breaks down how athletes actually win in...
-
The Hard Truth Athletes Need to Hear Before 2026
Heading into 2026, a lot of athletes think the answer is simple: train harder, sacrifice more, and push through. But the truth is this: doing more is often the reason athletes burn out, plateau, or walk away from a sport they once loved. In this episode, Nick breaks down why identity-based…
more -
What to Eat to Gain Lean Muscle (Not Just Weight)
Anyone can gain weight. Gaining lean muscle the kind that translates to strength, speed, and explosiveness takes intention. In this episode, Nick breaks down the three biggest mistakes athletes make when trying to gain muscle and the three pillars that actually build lean muscle the right way.…
more -
How Athletes Can Build Real Confidence & Mental Toughness ft. Kate Kelley Schneider
Athletes will train their body year-round, but completely ignore training their mind. And right now, more athletes than ever are struggling with confidence, perfectionism, pressure, and negative self-talk. In this episode, Nick sits down with Kate Kelley Schneider, mental performance coach for...
-
How Athletes Can Eat During the Holidays Without Losing Progress
The holidays aren’t the problem, losing your structure is. Athletes don’t lose progress because of one big meal… they lose progress when that one meal turns into two weeks. In this episode, Nick breaks down the five holiday tools every athlete should follow to stay lean, stay strong, and actually...
-
How Pitchers Can Increase Velocity Without Getting Hurt ft. Tyler Winfield (The Velo Doc)
Pitchers want more velocity, but many of the things they do to chase it are the same things wrecking their elbows and shoulders. In this episode, Nick sits down with Dr. Tyler Winfield, better known as The Velo Doc, a former player, clinician, and pitching consultant who’s treated thousands of...
-
How to Build Muscle Without Getting Slower (For High School Athletes)
Athletes want to get bigger and stronger, but they are afraid of losing speed. The truth? You don’t get slower from gaining weight… you get slower from gaining the wrong kind of weight. In this episode, Nick breaks down exactly how to build performance muscle that makes you faster, more…
more -
Why Meal Plans Don’t Work for Athletes (And What Actually Does)
Most athletes think a meal plan will fix their nutrition, but meal plans fall apart the second your schedule changes. In this episode, Nick breaks down why cookie-cutter meal plans don’t work for athletes, why they kill consistency, and what to do instead if you want long-term performance…
more -
How to Become an Elite Infielder: Footwork, Timing, and Fundamentals ft. Julius Gaines
If you’re a middle school or high school infielder, this episode is mandatory listening. Nick sits down with Julius Gaines, founder of Ground Up Baseball and one of the top infield developers in the game. Julius was a top national recruit, a standout at FIU, and later played in the Mariners...
-
How to Build Muscle as an Athlete (Without Getting Slower)
Most athletes think “eat more” or “drink more protein shakes” is the secret to building muscle — but that’s not how elite athletes do it. In this episode, Nick breaks down how to build muscle that actually translates to better performance, without getting slower, heavier, or tired mid-season....
-
Train Your Mind Like a Pro: The Mental Edge Every Athlete Needs
Athletes train their body, but very few ever train their mind. In this episode, Nick sits down with former MLB player and mindset coach Chad Hermansen to break down the mental side of performance, from confidence to focus to handling pressure. Chad shares what he learned from his time with the...
-
How to Reach Your Full Potential as an Athlete (for Real)
The reason most athletes never reach their potential isn't from lack of talent, it's because their standards don’t match their goals. In this episode, Nick explains why having D1 dreams means nothing if your habits don’t back them up. From his book From Nobody to Noticed, he shares the truth…
more -
College Recruiting in 2026: How to Actually Get Noticed
Recruiting has changed... again. With the transfer portal, new NCAA rules, and social media shaping the process, athletes and parents are more confused than ever about how to actually get recruited. In this episode, Nick Lemke talks with Rodney Cox, founder of Game Time Recruiting & Consulting…
more -
What to Eat Before Morning Practice (Without Feeling Sick)
If you’ve ever eaten before a morning practice and thrown up, or skipped breakfast to avoid it... this episode is for you. Nick breaks down exactly what athletes should eat before early workouts so you can stop feeling slow, tired, and behind your teammates. You’ll learn how to fuel right, even...
-
Supplements Athletes Should Avoid: BCAAs, Energy Drinks & More Wastes of Money
Most athletes think supplements are the shortcut to getting bigger, faster, stronger, but most of them are a waste of money… and some are dangerous. In this episode, Nick breaks down the supplement industry myths, the ones you should avoid, and the few that are actually worth considering. If…
more -
From JUCO to the Dodgers: How Coach EZ Builds Complete Ball Players
What does it really take to move from junior college baseball to working with one of the best organizations in the game? In this episode, Nick sits down with Coach EZ (Ezra Lacina), now part of the Los Angeles Dodgers system and former Everett Community College baseball coach to unpack what it...
-
Soccer Offseason Nutrition: What to Eat to Get Faster, Stronger, and Last Longer
If you’re a soccer player trying to get faster, stronger, and last longer into the second half, this episode is for you. Nick breaks down what soccer players need to eat in the offseason to build speed, strength, and endurance and why skipping carbs or under-eating might be the reason you’re…
more -
When Should Athletes Train for Speed? (ft. Coach Czar of Czar Athletics)
Every athlete wants to get faster, but most are training for speed at the wrong time and the wrong way. In this episode, Nick talks with Coach Czar (Frederick Alcazar), founder of Czar Athletics and Oklahoma’s first certified Universal Speed Rating Lab. Together, they break down what real…
more -
The Hidden Reason You’re Always Tired: Athletes Are Not Eating Enough (ft. Stephanie Militano, RD)
Too many high school athletes are running on empty. They train, they grind, but they never give their bodies the fuel they actually need. In this episode, Nick talks with Stephanie Militano, RD, a sports dietitian who helps athletes overcome under-eating, low energy, and RED-S. They break down…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
🎙️ Train Smarter. Fuel Better. Get Recruited.The Student Athlete Performance Podcast helps you maximize performance, improve nutrition, and stand out in recruiting. Hosted by Nick Lemke, RD, each episode features elite athletes, coaches, and experts sharing proven strategies on training, recovery, mindset, and college recruiting. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, get the tools you need to level up in sports and beyond.📌 New episodes weekly—subscribe now!
HOSTED BY
Nick Lemke
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Student Athlete Performance have?
Student Athlete Performance currently has 156 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Student Athlete Performance about?
🎙️ Train Smarter. Fuel Better. Get Recruited.The Student Athlete Performance Podcast helps you maximize performance, improve nutrition, and stand out in recruiting. Hosted by Nick Lemke, RD, each episode features elite athletes, coaches, and experts sharing proven strategies on training, recovery,...
How often does Student Athlete Performance release new episodes?
Student Athlete Performance publishes regularly with 156 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Student Athlete Performance?
You can listen to Student Athlete Performance 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 Student Athlete Performance?
Student Athlete Performance is created and hosted by Nick Lemke.
URL copied to clipboard!