The Reformed Sports Project Podcast

Lillian Martineau is a long-time baseball turned softball player, who has competed in both sports at the high school level in Connecticut. A 2024 Georgia Tech softball commit, Martineau‘s switch from baseball to softball came within the last year after playing in the male-dominated baseball system since Little League. From youth to high school baseball, she continuously had to prove that she belonged every time she took the field, and despite all this, thrived. Lillian joins Nick to discuss her journey and decision to move from baseball to softball, the benefits she gained from being a multi-sport athlete, and the importance of mental preparation and resilience.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TJ Bruce is the Associate Head Coach of the Texas Christian University baseball program, where he helped lead the Horned Frogs to the Big 12 tournament championship and a trip to the College World Series last season. Prior to joining TCU, Bruce served as the head baseball coach at the University of Nevada, where he helped guide the program to two Western Athletic Conference regular season titles and was voted Mountain West Coach of the Year in both of those seasons. A former collegiate baseball player, Bruce’s coaching career includes stops at Cerritos College, Long Beach State, and UCLA.  TJ joins Nick to discuss changes in the college coaching landscape, living by a code, and the importance of prioritizing values over performance to foster lifelong success.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Jobson is a soccer coach, soccer recruiting consultant, and sports parent. A collegiate women's soccer coach for 17 years, Paul was the head coach of the Baylor University women's program for nine years, helping lead the Bears to back-to-back NCAA Tournament Elite 8 appearances in 2017 and 2018 and earning Big 12 Coach of the Year honors in 2018. The winningest coach in Baylor program history, Paul is Co-Founder of Warrior Way Soccer and a Senior Soccer Consultant at Sports Recruiting USA. Paul joins Nick to discuss the value of working with a paid organization to help with the college recruiting process, academic and athletic college scholarships, and the importance of balance in parenting athletic kids.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Gore is a former collegiate athlete turned high school wrestling coach, pastor, and youth sports parent. The former captain of the North Carolina State wrestling program, Jason’s career path has spanned the business world to ministry, and today proudly serves as the Lead Pastor of Hope Community Church in Raleigh, NC. Through it all, Jason has remained connected to his roots on the mat by serving his community as a youth wrestling coach and helping to share the life and leadership skills that meant so much to him growing up with another generation of kids and teenagers. Jason joins Nick to discuss balancing competitiveness with a healthy mindset, determining your value system and approach as a parent before your child steps onto the field or mat, and teaching kids how to be adults in today’s world.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregg Parini is the Head Swimming Coach at Denison University where he oversees both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs. Coach Parini has built one of the most successful programs in the history of DIII athletics, highlighted by seven NCAA National Championships, 16 national runner-up finishes, and a streak of 68 consecutive top-10 national finishes across both the men’s and women’s programs. Recognized as one of the 100 greatest coaches by the Collegiate Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA), Parini was an 18-time All-American and seven-time Division III National Champion as a collegiate swimmer at Kenyon College. Coach Parini joins Nick to discuss his interest in helping young people, transactional vs. transcendent relationships with athletes, and the importance of getting to know each athlete.  _____ This episode is dedicated to Gregg's mother, Rev. Barbara Dennison Parini, 92, of Granville, who died on January 30, 2024. A highly accomplished Priest in the Episcopal Church, she served in parish ministry and other capacities in five different Dioceses of the Church including Western Michigan, Massachusetts, Buffalo, Southwest Florida, and Oregon. Rev. Parini was ordained in 1978, less than two years after women were granted the priesthood in the Church. She was also instrumental in developing the first hospice ministry in Michigan and worked tirelessly for battered and abused women. Honoring her wishes, her remains will be cremated and returned to nature.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle Wagner is a teacher, coach, sports parent, author, and above all, a student advocate. A graduate of Wake Forest University where he also played baseball, Kyle has coached players of all ages, from grade school through college, including more than 40 student-athletes who went on to play collegiately as well as multiple first-round draft picks. He’s the author of “How the RiverCats Won: Lessons on Relationships and Competition,” as well as “Green Light Hitting: From the Backyards to the Big Leagues.” Founder of GoWags Baseball, Kyle joins Nick to discuss his belief in student advocacy, his skepticism to define a person by any one metric, and the three things that create a fear-based mindset in athletes.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach Othello “O.T.” Johnson is in his 13th season at the helm of the UNC Pembroke wrestling program, and his 18th season overall on the coaching staff of the Braves. Under his stewardship, more than 20 UNC Pembroke wrestlers have qualified for NCAA Championships while 26 wrestlers have been named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic Team. A fellow sports parent and the founder of Johnson Athletic Camps, O.T. and Nick discuss his new role as a softball parent, the importance of letting others teach and coach your children, and his perspective on today’s college recruiting landscape.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Libby Mascaro is a youth sports parent, soccer coach and mental health advocate. A standout high school soccer player who played collegiately at Penn State University, Mascaro is an experienced youth soccer coach with Beadling Soccer Club. A fierce advocate for mental health awareness, she co-founded the Upper St. Clair Parent Teacher Council Wellness Committee and volunteers her time to help support the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Libby joins Nick to discuss her passion for mental health advocacy, the commodification of young athletes in sports, particularly in youth soccer, and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of young athletes as they navigate the complex dynamics of sports and adolescence.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Berge is a high school principal and boys’ varsity basketball coach in Lake City, MN. A teacher at heart, Berge’s passion for leadership led him to a career in school administration where he has served as a principal for 19 of his 29 years in education. In addition, he is a published author, owner of the GB1 Leadership LLC, and a Licensed Sports Leadership Facilitator through the Janssen Sports Leadership Center.  Greg joins Nick to discuss “The 20 Commandments of Being a Successful Sports Parent,” his motto “No Deposit, No Returns,” and the importance of defining roles, collective leadership, and a positive team culture.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Neuman is the Chief of Staff and Special Advisor to the President for the Baltimore Ravens. A Baltimore, MD area native and licensed attorney, Neuman serves as strategic counsel and manages all administrative, operational, financial, and legal activities for the President of the organization. Prior to joining the Ravens in 2023, Neuman served as the Chief of Staff for Strategy and Operations & Deputy General Counsel for the Big Ten Conference. Adam joins Nick to discuss his sports business career path, the important life lessons you can learn from sports, and how to instill better values in youth sports.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Mulrooney, Head Football Coach at Lock Haven University, took over the program in 2022 and in only his second season guided the team their first 5-win season in 41 years. Prior to Lock Haven, Dan was the head coach at Anna Maria College (Div III) where he helped lead the program to its first-ever conference championship and NCAA tournament appearance. A former collegiate football player turned coach, Dan joins Nick to discuss what drives his success in helping turn around programs, fairness vs opportunities, and the importance of communication and emotional intelligence.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Jones is an experienced sports broadcaster for the Texas Rangers. From field reporting to Rangers Insider, she has been part of the Rangers’ television broadcasts since 2007 with appearances across Bally Sports Southwest, MLB Network, and MLB.com. In addition, she has served as pre- and postgame anchor for the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Houston Astros. She’s a mom, volunteer youth softball coach, author of two children’s books, and podcast host. Emily joins Nick to discuss the role parents have to play in regulating their kids training, youth sports advice she got from a few of the professional baseball players she works with, and the three things she tells her softball team every time they play.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jay Bilas is a former professional basketball player turned Emmy-nominated basketball analyst for ESPN and practicing attorney focused on commercial litigation in North Carolina. A prep All-American for Los Angeles, CA and four-year starter at Duke, Jay served as an assistant basketball coach under head coach Mike Krzyzewski, helping guide the team to back-to-back National Championships in 1991 and 1992 while he was attending Duke Law School. A New York Times best-selling author and sought-after keynote speaker, Jay joins Nick to discuss why competitiveness is not an excuse for bad behavior, helping your kids find the right college environment, and why developing meaningful relationships that last beyond the playing days makes sports at any level worthwhile.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Murphy is the Head Softball Coach at the University of Alabama. Coach Murphy has helped build the Crimson Tide program from the very beginning, leading the team to a National Championship, 24 straight NCAA appearances, and 17 Super Regionals. Entering his 28th year on the university's coaching staff, Patrick joins Nick to discuss why the best teammates experience vicarious joy in other people's success, reminding his players that they are people first and athletes second, and why he has the saying in his program, "Can you handle 30 seconds of embarrassment for a lifetime of learning?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexi Lalas is a former professional soccer player, member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, and analyst for Fox Sports. Well-known as a standout defender on the U.S. Men’s National Team during the 1994 World Cup, Alexi was also a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team and the 1998 World Cup squad. A father of two, Alexi joins Nick to discuss soccer’s growth in the U.S., the costs associated with increasing the sport’s accessibility, and the numerous benefits of playing soccer at the youth level.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacie Hoyt is the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Oklahoma State University. Prior to taking over the OKST program in March of 2022, Coach Hoyt was named the 2020 Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year after coaching Kansas City to their first regular season conference championship in program history. A former multi-sport athlete and collegiate basketball player at Wichita State, Jacie joins Nick to discuss why she recruits players who have a competitive spirit, why athletes who play multiple sports typically have a higher ceiling for growth, and the value of coaches telling players the truth.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deven Morgan is the Director of Youth Baseball for Driveline Baseball, one of the top data-driven baseball player development organizations. The host of the Driveline Academy Youth Baseball podcast, Deven joins Nick to discuss the importance of understanding kids’ stages of cognitive development, his mission to develop skills that scale, and why he believes success leaves clues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Crean is a College Basketball Analyst for ESPN and former Division I head coach. Prior to rejoining ESPN in 2022, he served as the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Georgia, Indiana, and Marquette, winning over 400 games throughout his 20-plus year coaching career. Coach Crean joins Nick to discuss what it means to be a good teammate, the value of teaching kids how to advocate for themselves and make their own decisions, and why it’s important for kids to grow out of looking at their parents for validation while playing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of our 100th episode celebration, Peter Carlisle, Managing Director of Olympics & Action Sports at Octagon and Co-Founder of Reformed Sports, continues his conversation with Nick Buonocore, Founder of the Reformed Sports Project, as Nick speaks candidly about his own experiences and realizations as a youth sports parent and coach, what led him to embrace a reformed mindset, the shared responsibility of all those involved in youth sports, and his ongoing efforts to help restore balance, perspective, and informed decision making in today’s youth sports via the Reformed Sports Project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In celebration of our 100th episode, Nick turns over the mic to Peter Carlisle, Managing Director of Olympic & Action Sports at Octagon and Co-Founder of Reformed Sports, to lead the conversation about how the Reformed Sports Project came to be and their mission to help encourage families to make informed decisions. Nick and Peter discuss their commitment to advocate for a more balanced approach for kids, the pushback Nick received when he first started speaking out as a reformed sports parent, and his advice for parents feeling the pressure to conform to today’s youth sports culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Currently the number one ranked wrestler in the class of 2024, Joe Sealey is a 2022 U17 World Champion and has committed to wrestle at Penn State University. Named Athlete of the Week by USA Wrestling back in April, Joe joins Nick to discuss balancing wrestling, academics, and a social life, learning from the losses, and the importance of having fun while competing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janine Tucker is the former Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Johns Hopkins University from 1994-2022. Coach Tucker is the all-time winningest coach at Johns Hopkins and, in 2021, became the ninth coach in Division I history to achieve 300 wins. The author of six books on coaching and lacrosse, Coach Tucker joins Nick to discuss the joys of mentoring collegiate athletes, why her coaching philosophy revolves around attitude, mindset, and work ethic, and why playing time does not define your kid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seth Davis is a Senior Writer for The Athletic and studio analyst for CBS, mainly covering college and professional basketball. Prior to joining The Athletic, Seth worked as a writer for Sports Illustrated for 22 years. The author of six books, including New York Times bestseller Wooden: A Coach’s Life, Seth was recently inducted into the U.S. Basketball Writers Association’s Hall of Fame. Seth joins Nick to discuss the transfer culture at the youth and collegiate levels, how playing a sport in college significantly changes your college experience, and his idea for multi-sport youth club programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sergeant First Class Matthew Docchio is a highly-respected military veteran, who spent his career in the Army Special Forces Green Berets, earning a number of awards including a Bronze Star Medal and The Purple Heart, before retiring in 2018 due to injuries sustained in combat. A former athlete turned veteran-focused mental health advocate, Retired Sergeant First Class Docchio joins Nick to discuss why the best leaders express vulnerability and empathy, the importance of teaching children accountability, and why he's decided to write a book to help those struggling with mental health, self-worth, and identity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anita Nall-Richesson is a Certified Holistic Nutrition Specialist, Olympic gold medal swimmer, and former world record holder. At just 16 years old, Anita won gold, silver, and bronze at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition, wellness, and human performance. The Founder of 5D Athlete Institute and former Team Nutrition & Wellness Coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Anita joins Nick to discuss her passion to help parents, coaches, and athletes make more informed decisions surrounding nutrition, developing a burning desire for excellence at a very young age, and why we should empower kids to connect with their intuition and explore what feels right for them when it comes to food.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd Walther is the Director of Pitching Analysis for the Texas Rangers. He has worked with the Rangers for over 16 seasons and in his current role, he provides input for decisions regarding player development, acquisition, and pitcher usage. A former collegiate pitcher turned professional scout for seven seasons, Todd joins Nick to discuss the benefits of unstructured, free play for kids, why he prioritizes prospects with a multi-sport background, and why parents have a hard time seeing the forest through the trees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jeremy Alland is the team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Dogs, and Mount Carmel High School. Dr. Alland graduated from Rush Medical College in Chicago where he received the William H. Harrison PhD award for selfless leadership, aspiration, and collaboration. A former baseball pitcher and host of the podcast “Your Doctor Friends,” Dr. Alland joins Nick to discuss why overuse injuries are so prevalent at the youth level, how parents can better prioritize the long-term development of their child, and the many career opportunities that student athletes can purse in sports outside of being a professional athlete.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Clement is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), the largest single network of tournament and community-based sports facilities in the U.S. Formally trained and licensed as an architect, Jason began his career in sports architecture before founding SFC in 2003. Motivated to serve communities focused on the youth and amateur sports industry, Jason joins Nick to discuss the growth of youth sports over the last two decades, the vital need to help prevent kids who can't afford to play from falling behind, how sports tourism impacts local communities, and how his company balances mission and margin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Gold is a longtime North Carolina sportscaster who just celebrated 25 years on the radio. The host of The Adam Gold Show, Adam covers North Carolina's collegiate and professional teams, talking sports year-round. A staple of sports radio for over two decades, he was named the 2022 NC Sportscaster of the Year and is an Emmy® winner for a multi-platform documentary on the influence of money and college sports. Adam joins Nick to discuss why it's important to remember that players mimic both the good and bad behavior of their coaches, the media's role in professionalizing youth sports, and why as a coach he prioritizes his players' mental and emotional wellbeing over the technical aspects of the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julianne Sitch was just recently named the new Head Women’s Soccer Coach for the University of Denver. Prior to joining the Denver Pioneers, Coach Sitch was the Head Men's Soccer Coach at the University of Chicago and led their program to an NCAA Division III National Championship, becoming the first woman to coach an NCAA men's soccer team to a national title, in any division. In addition to her prowess as a coach, she was also a standout professional and collegiate soccer player herself. Just before taking on her new role at Denver, Coach Sitch joined Nick to discuss the importance of empowering athletes to determine the team culture, the benefits of playing at the DIII level, and why she views success as creating an environment that players enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thomas Ford is the Running Backs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator for University of Idaho Football. Prior to joining the Vandals program in 2022, Ford served as an offensive quality control analyst at the University of Washington and as the Head Football Coach at Simon Fraser. A longtime coach, former multi-sport collegiate athlete, and father of two, Thomas joins Nick to discuss why he prioritizes recruiting athletes with character, the value of building trust with players through vulnerability, and why student athletes should feel empowered to speak for themselves during the college recruiting process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Petty is the President, CEO, and Head Baseball Coach of Canes Baseball, one of the top travel organizations in the country. A longtime baseball coach, Jeff also serves as a scouting consultant for the New York Mets and as the General Manager for PRO5 Baseball Virginia, an academy designed to help players grow and develop both athletically and academically. Jeff joins Nick to discuss why the best baseball players are typically multi-sport athletes, the importance of preventing burnout and overuse injuries, and why honesty is crucial when giving feedback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Benedict is the Director of Athletics at the University of Connecticut. Joining UConn in 2016, David helped orchestrate the university’s move to the BIG EAST Conference, which has been nationally recognized as a dramatic boost for UConn athletics. Coming off of an exciting March Madness National Championship for the UConn men’s basketball team, David joins Nick to discuss how the professionalization of youth sports impacts college athletics, the importance of retaining quality coaches that care about the athletes, and how the higher education system can better support student athletes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Stein, Jr. is a distinguished keynote speaker, author, and performance coach for professional basketball players for over 15 years. Author of Raise Your Game and co-author of The Sideline: A Survival Guide For Youth Sports Parents, Alan shares strategies for achieving higher levels of success and navigating the world of youth sports. He joins Nick to discuss why it's unrealistic to expect perfection from youth sports referees, the importance of modeling the behavior we want to see in our children, and how blaming referees teaches our kids to deflect accountability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Leavell is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, sought-after keynote speaker, and former NCAA lacrosse coach. Last year, she published her latest book, Superpower, which encourages readers to value new perspectives and viewpoints, overcome self-doubt, and unleash their authentic greatness. The former Vice President of Leadership Development for Jon Gordon Companies, Kate joins Nick to discuss how coaches can coach to win while building up each player, the importance teaching kids to celebrate things that make them feel fulfilled, and why coaches should always deliver feedback in a way that builds not breaks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Petcash is a sports entrepreneur, creator, writer, and podcast host. A former Division I basketball player at Boston University, Andrew founded Profluence in 2021 to share insights and analysis on the business of athletes, sports, and NIL. Andrew joins Nick to discuss the pros and cons of NIL, why education is crucial in making informed decisions regarding recruiting and NIL, and the rise of the “entertainment youth athlete.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kurt Hines is a longtime football coach, former DIII player, and sought-after keynote speaker. A high school football coach for over two decades, he currently serves as head coach at Coronado High School in San Diego. Coach Hines joins Nick discuss why quitting isn't always a bad thing, the importance of treating athletes like human beings as opposed to roster numbers, and why he hopes to be remembered as a coach who was passionate about the game, but even more passionate about the people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Crouse is an award-winning journalist, acclaimed author, and former collegiate swimmer at the University of Southern California. A New York Times sports writer for 16 years, Karen first entered the world of newspaper reporting when she joined the Savannah News-Press, becoming the first woman to work in its sports department. In 2018, Karen released her first book Norwich: One Tiny Vermont Town's Secret to Happiness and Excellence, which explores how a small town in Vermont has prioritized holistic athlete development over performance yet has produced more Olympians per capita than any other place in the country. Karen joins Nick to discuss how youth sports has become hyper-competitive as opposed to communal, the lessons she learned spending time in Norwich, and how her career working with elite athletes has shaped her commitment to telling stories that humanize athletes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the best high school wrestlers in the country, Jax Forrest has already cemented himself as one of the sport's rising stars, winning this year’s collegiate Edinboro Open at PennWest Edinboro as a high school freshman. Jax joins Nick to discuss learning to compete for yourself, navigating NIL deals at a young age, and the sacrifices that come with early sport specialization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerome Tang, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Kansas State University, was recently named the 2023 Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year after leading the Wildcats to the Elite Eight for the 13th time in program history. Prior to taking over the Kansas State program in March of 2022, Coach Tang spent 19 seasons as an Assistant and Associate Head Coach at Baylor University. Coach Tang joins Nick to discuss how he applies the 10,000 hour rule to parenting, the importance of showing his players love in action, and why success isn’t a one-size-fits-all process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head Baseball Coach at Campbell University Justin Haire was named the 2022 Big South Coach of the Year after leading the Fighting Camels to one of their most decorated seasons in program history. A member of the Campbell coaching staff for 15 seasons and now a three-time Big South Coach of the Year, Coach Haire joins Nick to discuss why building a positive team culture starts with leadership, how authenticity helps him develop more meaningful relationships with players, and why his program prioritizes recruits who take time outside the white lines to develop more than just baseball skills.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Julie McCleery is the Director of Research-Practice Partnerships for the University of Washington's Center for Leadership in Athletics. With over 25 years of experience as an educator, researcher, and coach, she is a longtime advocate for accessible, inclusive children's sports and recreational options. Dr. McCleery joins Nick to discuss why kids who specialize early are more likely to develop anxiety and depression in the long run, the importance of coaches prioritizing the psychological safety of their athletes, and why all kids deserve access to high-quality youth sports opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Griffin is the Head Softball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Belhaven University, and his son, Konnor, is a multi-sport high school athlete, one of the top baseball players in the country, and recent LSU commit. The father-son duo join Nick to discuss why Konnor made a conscious decision to prioritize his mental health, how Kevin helped guide – but not drive – Konnor’s sports experience, and why both parents and kids should be patient and take their time throughout the college recruiting process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former three-time NCAA All-American wrestler, Willie Hilton is now an esteemed coach with a passion for helping to develop well-rounded athletes. He owns, operates, and coaches at the Sly Fox Wrestling Club in Wilmington, North Carolina. Willie joins Nick to discuss why he still considers himself a student of the sport, the importance of letting go of ego as a coach, and why teaching accountability is an integral part of his coaching philosophy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katherine Reutter-Adamek is a former world-class short track speed skater who won silver and bronze at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. A highly regarded coach and motivational speaker, Katherine founded the mental coaching platform Fix Your Mindset to share practical strategies for improving mindset, body movement, health, and wellbeing. Katherine and I discuss the costs of early sports specialization, why achieving athletic success at a young age does not guarantee happiness as an adult, and how to teach kids to develop a healthy sense of self-worth and identity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Farrey is the Founder and Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, which provides thought leadership on topics including the landscape of youth sports, athlete advocacy, the future of college sports, and more. A former award-winning investigative journalist for ESPN and author of the book Game On: The All-American Race to Make Champions of Our Children, Tom has been at the forefront of youth sports reform for nearly two decades. He joins Nick to discuss why he's taken a top-down approach to changing the youth sports industry, the importance of educating parents on the unlikely payoff of a college athletic scholarship, and why parents should feel empowered to set community standards when enrolling their kids in sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Garrett “Graceful Swan” Swanson is a former DIII baseball player turned content creator and gamer with nearly half a million followers on social media. Garrett joins Nick to discuss getting cut from his high school varsity team, the misconceptions of gaming, how he formed a career as a content creator, and how he navigates the unpredictability of social media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don Williams is the Head of Operations for Sports Recruiting USA, an organization that helps soccer players and their families navigate the college recruitment process. A former collegiate and professional soccer coach for over two decades, Don is passionate about helping kids find the right college fit. He joins Nick to discuss head count versus equivalency scholarships, the pros and cons of the transfer portal, and why parents should let their kids fight through adversity independently. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Frintzilas is the Chief Executive Officer of TeamSnap, a team management software company at the forefront of the growing youth sports business. Peter stepped into the leadership role for TeamSnap in 2021 with more than 20 years of software experience and as a dad of three and former athlete, he is passionate about building youth and amateur sports. Peter joins Nick discuss how playing sports as a kid enabled him to learn lifelong skills that he continues to utilize today as CEO, why diverse backgrounds and experiences create higher performing teams, and how he envisions the technological evolution of the youth sports industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Widely known as “CoachP,” Joanne P. McCallie is a highly-decorated college basketball coach, author, mental health advocate, and sought-after speaker. The former Head Women's Basketball Coach at Duke University, Michigan State University, and the University of Maine, CoachP is the first Division I head coach to be named conference coach of the year in four different conferences. She is also the author ofChoice Not Chance and Secret Warrior. CoachP joins Nick to discuss the power of developing all members of the team into leaders, the importance of speaking openly about mental health, and why adverse moments are critical learning experiences for kids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Jensen is a former NFL reporter and author of the children's book series Middle School Rules. A fellow youth sports advocate, sought-after speaker, and host of the podcast Winning Is Not Everything, Sean joins Nick discuss the value of teaching children to overcome adversity by learning from others, the importance of redefining what success looks like for young athletes, and why he characterizes winning as becoming a better person.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A top 2023 MLB Draft prospect and University of North Carolina commit, Walker Jenkins is one of the best high school baseball players in the country. The 2021-22 North Carolina Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year also excels in the classroom, maintaining a weighted 4.52 GPA. Walker joins Nick to discuss how he has learned to handle outside pressure from a young age, the benefits of positive self-talk, and how his competitive mindset impacts his performance, both on the field and in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Crabbe is a renowned soccer player and coach. A highly-regarded pioneer in the sport, Kim became the first Black woman to play for the US Women's National Team in 1986. Following her time on the National Team, Kim transitioned to mentor, coach, and Outreach Program Director for the Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Football Club. Over the years, Kim has earned several awards for her influential work at the grassroots level, including the 2021 Youth Coach of the Year award by United Soccer Coaches, the 2019 Centennial NAACP Youth Services Award, and the 2018 Black Soccer Coaches Advocacy Group Award of Excellence. Kim joins Nick to discuss the value of grassroots and community-based sports programs, her mission to positively impact one kid every day, and why she takes the time to develop lasting relationships with the children she coaches.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike O'Malley is an Emmy-nominated actor and sought-after writer and producer, well known for his work on hit shows including Yes, Dear, Glee, Shameless, and many others. A youth sports advocate and parent of three, he previously served as a youth coach and administrator of a PONY League in southern California. Mike joins Nick to discuss why coping with failure should be celebrated as much as success, the importance of letting children express their emotions, and why committed parents should seek out leadership positions to help reform the youth sports industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An international leader in tennis medicine, Dr. Neeru Jayanthi leads Emory University's Tennis Medicine program, serves as the President of the International Society for Tennis Medicine and Science, volunteers as an ATP physician, and is a medical advisor for the WTA Player Development Panel. Highly-regarded for his research on early sports specialized training and overuse injuries in youth athletes, Dr. Jayanthi joins Nick to discuss how youth sports culture has changed from free play to organized sport, why early specialization often leads only to short-term success, and the importance of letting a child’s passion for sport grow organically.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jedd Fisch is the Head Football Coach at the University of Arizona. Prior to coaching the Wildcats, he served as Quarterbacks Coach for the New England Patriots and was a member of the offensive staff for the Los Angeles Rams. Coach Fisch joins Nick to discuss how he transitioned from competitive tennis player to highly-regarded football coach, why it benefits players to trust their coaches’ decisions, and what he looks for in student athletes when on the recruiting trail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim English is the Head Men's Basketball Coach at George Mason University. Prior to coaching, he was a standout All-Big 12 selection in college and went on to play in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls before finishing his playing career overseas. Kim joins Nick to discuss the value of being honest with athletes during the recruiting process, how he draws on his NBA experience to help prepare his players for big moments, and the importance of developing a deep love for the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia Mape is the Founder of I Love To Watch You Play, an educational website designed to help parents feel more confident and regain balance and sanity as they navigate the youth sports journey with their children. A former collegiate athlete, four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, experienced sports television Producer, and sports parent, Asia joins Nick to discuss how parents can balance support versus pressure and learn from past mistakes as well as the importance of parents enabling their kids to take agency over their own paths.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Cressey is the Director of Player Health and Performance for the New York Yankees and President and Co-Founder of Cressey Sports Performance. A highly sought after performance coach who specializes in applied kinesiology and biometrics, Eric trains athletes of all levels from youth sports to the professional ranks. Also an accomplished author and world-class powerlifter, Eric joins Nick to discuss how specialization can cause overuse injuries, the appropriate time for kids to start weightlifting, and how parents can help their children learn the value of healthy eating.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former professional soccer player and collegiate All-American goalkeeper, Skye Eddy is the Founder of Soccer Parenting Association and The Sideline Project, two organizations designed to improve the youth sports experience by providing educational resources on parenting and athlete development. A former standout multi-sport athlete, Skye joins Nick to discuss why coaches should proactively set boundaries with parents, how parents can better regulate their emotions before the car ride home, and the importance of mentorship not only for children, but also for adults.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian Goldberg is the Founder of iSport360, a leading sports technology platform designed to enable kids to have more agency in their youth sports experience. A sports parent and coach, Ian joins Nick to discuss his goal to make youth sports more centered on the kids, the importance of empowering kids to take ownership over their athletic experiences, and why he believes playing sports gives kids the opportunity to build life skills.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Courtney Banghart is the Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of North Carolina. Prior to taking over the Tar Heel program in 2019, Coach Banghart served as the Head Women’s Coach at Princeton University, leading the Tigers to seven Ivy League titles and eight NCAA Tournament appearances throughout her tenure. In 2015, she was named one of the World's 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine after guiding Princeton to a 30-0 regular season record. Coach Banghart joins Nick to discuss how she best supports athletes navigating the transfer portal and NIL, how to reframe fear of failure as opportunity, and why she believes it's crucial to provide her players with memorable, positive experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Stillwell is a country music star, former collegiate all-conference baseball player, and dad of two. A high-performing infielder and outfielder for the Western Carolina University Catamounts baseball program, Matt was touted as a soon-to-be Major Leaguer, but ultimately chose to forgo his baseball career to pursue his passion for music. He rose to fame when his 2008 debut single "Shine” reached the top 50 on Billboard's Country Music Charts and continues to tour across the country today. Matt joins Nick to discuss the power of visualization, the value of learning from and moving past failure, and why he believes preparation and confidence go hand in hand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Linda Flanagan is an author, freelance journalist, researcher, and former cross country and track coach. Linda's new book, Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania Are Ruining Kids' Sports and Why It Matters, examines how big money and high stakes have transformed youth sports into stressful, all-consuming endeavors. Linda joins Nick to discuss strategies to help parents put their kids' sports into perspective, the importance of being self-aware when raising children, and why parents should feel empowered to reclaim their agency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob Friedman is a highly regarded baseball analyst, entrepreneur, and social media guru, commonly referred to as the Pitching Ninja in the baseball community. Rob currently serves as an analyst for Peacock TV, MLB, NESN, and Fox Sports. As the CEO of both FlatGround Pitching and FlatGround Hitting, Rob helps remove recruiting barriers in the sport by using social media to help showcase talent. Rob joins Nick to discuss the importance of having a growth mentality, the value in teaching kids decision-making skills from a young age, and why he believes the key to long-term success is incremental growth every day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Marsh is a Sports Business Reporter for "Pardon My Take" by Barstool Sports, one of the country's most popular sports podcasts. After realizing his dreams of being a professional athlete wouldn’t come to fruition, Jake studied Broadcast and Digital Journalism at Syracuse University with the goal of staying involved in the sport industry as a play-by-play broadcaster. Jake joins Nick to discuss the hard work and sacrifice it takes to get better when no one is watching, how rejection can help fuel you, and the importance of finding balance both personally and professionally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Braxton Harris serves as the Associate Head Coach, Linebackers Coach, and Recruiting Coordinator for the Campbell University Football team. Prior to joining the Campbell program, he led the Howard Payne University Football team as head coach for three seasons. A father of four, Coach Harris joins Nick to discuss how families can navigate the wild world of youths sports together, how multi-sport athletes benefit from competing year-round, and what it means to be a great teammate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most dominant athletes in the world right now, Tamyra Mensah-Stock became the first black woman to win Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling during the 2020 Tokyo Games. Fresh off her commanding World Championship win two weeks ago in Belgrade, Tamyra joins Nick to discuss how bullying and confidence played an integral role in her development in and out of sport, how track & field helped her triumph on the mat, and how adversity powered her Olympic success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc Polymeropoulos is a highly-decorated former CIA Senior Intelligence Officer who specialized in counterterrorism in the Middle East and South Asia. After 26 years at the CIA including multiple field assignments for the U.S. government, Marc has become a sought-after expert on leadership, decision-making, and collaboration. Marc joins Nick to discuss the importance of leadership in building successful teams, how to prepare for high-pressure situations, and what it means to be the “glue guy” or “glue gal.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Mumford is a widely-renowned mindfulness and performance expert, author, and speaker. He has spent three decades teaching mindfulness techniques to some of the biggest names in the history of the NBA as well as a number of corporate executives, artists, and other elite athletes. George joins Nick to discuss how the perception of mindfulness has changed over the years, the importance of shifting how we value our identity, and why we should practice looking at life with a growth mindset.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamey Chadwell is the Head Football Coach at Coastal Carolina University and was named AP Coach of the Year in 2020 after leading the Chanticleers to unprecedented success during the season. Prior to taking over the Coastal Carolina program in 2019, Chadwell was a three-time Big South Coach of the Year during his time as Head Coach at Charleston Southern University. Coach Chadwell joins Nick to discuss finding your "why," how teamwork helps you become your best self, and the importance of empowering vocal leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laurie Henes is the Head Coach of the Women's Cross Country and Track & Field programs at NC State University. Henes led the Wolfpack Cross Country team to an NCAA National Title in 2021 and was named the USTFCCCA National Coach of the Year. Coach Henes joins Nick to discuss how kids can learn to develop intrinsic motivation, how fear of failure often prevents growth, and the importance of teaching athletes to take responsibility for their goals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ohio State University Head Coach Tom Ryan led the Buckeyes Wrestling program to their first-ever team NCAA National Championship in 2015 and was named NCAA Wrestling Head Coach of the Year in both 2015 and 2009. Under his tutelage of more than 15 years, the Buckeyes have earned 12 individual titles, 53 All-American honors, and 22 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar selections. Coach Ryan joins Nick to discuss the qualities that stand out in multi-sport athletes, the importance of developing a deep love for the sport, and how suffering is part of the growth process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John O’Sullivan started Changing the Game Project to return youth sports to our children and put the 'play' back in 'play ball.' He is the author of two #1 best-selling books, has been featured on major news outlets such as CNN, ESPN, and NBC Sports, and is a sought-after speaker for coaches, parents, and youth sports organizations. John joins Nick to discuss the origins and mission of Changing the Game Project, why we're running the race to the wrong finish line, and how the word 'fun' often gets misunderstood by adults today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy Waldrum is the Head Women's Soccer Coach of both the University of Pittsburgh and the Nigerian Women's Senior National Team. Prior to joining Pitt, Waldrum transformed the University of Notre Dame's Women's Soccer program into a consistent national contender, winning two NCAA National Championships in 2004 and 2010. Coach Waldrum joins Nick to discuss the changing landscape of youth soccer today, how parents can better navigate club demands for year-round commitments, and why youth coaches need to reeducate parents on the likelihood of a DI college scholarship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

University of Virginia Head Baseball Coach Brian O'Connor was named ACC Coach of the Decade by D1Baseball.com for transforming the Cavaliers baseball program into one of the top programs in the country. He led the team to their first NCAA Championship in 2015 and has been recognized as The National Coach of the Year three times. Coach O'Connor joins Nick to discuss the winning mindset fostered from multi-sport experience, why parents need to let their kids fail, and his perspective on today's recruiting culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Krista Gerlich is the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Texas Tech University. A national champion and Red Raider standout as a student-athlete, Coach Gerlich returned to her alma mater in 2020, guiding the women's program to their highest conference finish under a first-year coach in the Big 12 era. During her 15-year coaching career, she’s racked up two TABC Coach of the Year awards, three Conference Coach of the Year honors, and three conference titles. Coach Gerlich joins Nick to discuss the positives and negatives of coaching your kid's team, what she talks to her kids about on the car rides home, and her path from student-athlete to coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most accomplished collegiate wrestlers in history, Bo Nickal is a three-time NCAA Division I National Champion, 2019 Big Ten Athlete of the Year, 2019 Dan Hodge Trophy winner, and two-time Schalles Award winner. He recently announced his transition to MMA and currently competes in the middleweight division of the UFC. Bo joins Nick to discuss how and when he decided to specialize in wrestling, how failure and competition motivate him to succeed, and how his mental approach of gratitude enables him to handle the big moments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roy Williams is widely considered one of the greatest basketball coaches of all-time. His resume as Head Men’s Basketball Coach spanned more than thirty years between the University of Kansas and the University of North Carolina and boasts three NCAA Division I National Championships, nine Final Four appearances, and over 900 wins, among many other extraordinary accolades. Coach Williams was inducted into both the College Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame more than ten years before he retired in 2021. Coach Williams joins Nick to discuss multi-sport athletes, discipline, and focus. He also shares anecdotes about when he discovered his own competitiveness and the three “most amazing” athletes he’s ever seen - and why he considers them as such.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jay Norvell's football resume reaches almost every corner of college and professional football through his time as player and coach. He is currently the Head Football Coach for Colorado State University and has previously spent time in the Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and NFL. Coach Norvell joins Nick to discuss the similarities between coaching and teaching and how early sport specialization can hurt competitiveness and kids' love for the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seth Pepper is an elite-level sports psychologist, mental performance coach, and former professional athlete. He has developed mental training systems that have helped elite athletes, coaches, business leaders, and art creators. Seth joins Nick to discuss his journey from professional swimming to high-performance mental coaching to youth sports parenting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Magness is a world-renowned expert of health and human performance. He is the author of The Science of Running, co-author of the best-selling Peak Performance and The Passion Paradox, co-creator of the online performance platform The Growth Equation, and previously served as a Division I Head Cross Country coach. Steve joins Nick to discuss how in today's youth sports culture, the push for athletic success often seems driven by the parents and how early specialization can lead to burnout, overuse injuries, and identity challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Stanec, PhD is one of the world's leading experts on the intersection of movement, sports, psychology, and education. With a Masters of Science with an emphasis in Physical Education and Sport Psychology, and a PhD in Kinesiology, Dr. Stanec has published numerous articles, co-authored several book chapters, and worked with many leading American and Canadian sports organizations. She founded Move Live Learn, which researches, creates, and helps implement physical education, sport health, and wellness programs in schools, sport organizations, and health groups. Dr. Stanec joins Nick to discuss why we need to reform youth sports to better mirror our education system and the importance of understanding age appropriateness and the value of retention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since joining the University of Tennessee’s Baseball program as head coach in 2017, Tony Vitello has transformed the Volunteers into a national powerhouse. He was named 2021 National Coach of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association after the Volunteers earned a spot in the 2021 College World Series, and he also led this year’s squad to an SEC Championship. Coach Vitello joins Nick to discuss how to use the scoreboard as a positive tool in youth sports, the importance of mental health, and how parents can help or hurt the recruiting process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lewis Caralla is Head Football Strength and Conditioning Coach for Georgia Tech. Prior to his time with the Yellow Jackets, Coach Caralla led Strength and Conditioning at three other NCAA Division I FBS programs and was named 2018 Strength Coach of the Year by Football Scoop. Coach Caralla joins Nick to discuss the importance of kids learning life lessons on their own during sports and how coaches can become difference-makers in their players' lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Gallucci is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Nurosene, an AI-based technology company that supports mental performance and wellness. He is a former professional soccer player, trained functional neurologist, osteopath, and brain researcher who has worked with all ranges of athletes from elite professionals to youth club participants. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Daniel joins Nick to share his insights and expertise on the brain's role in sports and the long term effects of stress and resiliency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cailin Bracken is a collegiate student-athlete who recently received national acclaim for her inspiring and candid article titled "A Letter to College Sports," which implores our society to rethink our current sports culture as it relates to the importance of mental health. In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, Cailin joins Nick to share some of her own experiences and perspective with mental health and the conversation covers topics including student-athletes' sense of worthiness, why parents and coaches need to prioritize the person over the athlete, and the importance of curiosity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

University of North Carolina Head Baseball Coach Scott Forbes has helped lead the storied Tar Heels baseball program to seven College World Series appearances, seven ACC division titles, and three ACC Tournament titles during his two decades with the program. Coach Forbes joins Nick to discuss his background and philosophy as a coach, the importance of keeping doors open while exploring opportunities in college, and why he prioritizes building relationships with his players.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently named Head Football Coach for the University of Connecticut, Jim Mora brings 31 years of coaching experience in both the college ranks and the NFL to the UConn Huskies program. Coach Mora joins Nick to discuss how to instill a culture of excellence through communication, expectations, and discipline. He also shares why he’s attracted to multi-sport athletes, what he’s learned as a sports parent, and the value he sees in student athletes selecting the right schools based on more than just sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Askren is a wrestling and MMA superhero. One of the most dominant college wrestlers in history, Askren became a folk hero during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, before going on to become a multiple-time MMA champion and one of the sport's biggest stars. He founded the Askren Wrestling Academy, one of the premier wrestling programs in the country that regularly churns out champions at all levels. A Reformed Sports Project Advisory Board Member, Askren joins Nick to discuss his academy's unconventional approach to developing young athletes, how competitors lock in mentally, and why he prioritizes effort over performance in youth sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Jackson is the Head Baseball Coach at Liberty University. Named the 2021 ASUN Coach of the Year, Coach Jackson has led his team to set several school records, mentored numerous draft picks, and won multiple championships in his five years in Lynchburg. Coach Jackson joins Nick to discuss why parents should stay out of practice, how youth coaches can encourage kids to keep playing, and why his program champions "keeping your house in order" by prioritizing habits, routines, and consistency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head Women's Basketball Coach at Whitman College since 2001, Michelle Ferenz has transformed Whitman Women's Basketball into an elite DIII program. She has been named Northwest Conference Women's Basketball Coach of the Year three times and has led the program to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a second place finish in 2014. Coach Ferenz joins Nick to discuss the unique benefits for student athletes who chose to play at DIII schools, the value in growing from failure, and how parents can best support their kids' athletic journeys.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Carlisle is the Managing Director of Olympics & Action Sports for Octagon. With more than 25 years of experience as an athlete agent, marketer, and advocate, Carlisle has guided Octagon's Olympics & Action Sports division into an industry powerhouse that includes clients such as Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, and Aly Raisman. A Reformed Sports Project Advisory Board Member, Carlisle joins Nick to discuss his goals as an executive producer for HBO's Sports EMMY®-nominated film The Weight of Gold, the importance of prioritizing mental health in young athletes, and how to empower parents to make informed decisions regarding youth sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Partin is widely considered one of the nation's leading figures in travel and showcase baseball. In the early 2000s, Partin founded Impact Baseball and Dirtbag Baseball to provide high school players more exposure opportunities to help them play at the collegiate level. He has pioneered the Dirtbags into one of the top and most recognizable baseball programs in the country. Partin joins Nick to discuss his passion for helping high school athletes play at the next level, dispel misconceptions about travel programs, and share how to balance school and travel sports to avoid overuse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head Men's Basketball Coach at Clemson University Brad Brownell currently holds the most wins for a head coach in program history, racking up more than 200 wins over his 11 seasons leading the Tigers. Coach Brownell joins Nick to discuss why he recruits multi-sport athletes, the importance of kids and their parents focusing on "running their own races," and how passionate perseverance is key to long term success. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

J’den Cox is one of the most successful wrestlers of our time. He’s a two-time World Champion, Olympic bronze medalist, and three-time NCAA Division I National Champion. Cox joins Nick to discuss how mental health has played an integral role in his wrestling career and highlight why it’s crucial that athletes separate their identities from their sports. He also explains how intrinsic love creates motivation and why he believes society should reframe losing as learning, especially in youth sports. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manya Puppione is heading into her second season as Head Women's Soccer Coach for George Mason University after leading the Marymount University program and assisting at the University of Maryland. She also saw tremendous success as a player for the U.S. National Team at a variety of age groups from 2002-2008 including winning the 2002 FIFA U-19 World Cup. A Reformed Sports Project Advisory Board Member, Coach Puppione joins Nick to discuss her experience coaching at the DI, DII, and DIII levels, how she encourages her players to self-motivate by determining their "why," and why she values character above all else in recruiting. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jay Johnson recently won his debut game as Head Coach for the LSU Tigers' powerhouse baseball program. Prior to joining LSU, he earned Pac-12 Baseball Coach of the Year honors while leading the Arizona Wildcats to the Pac-12 Championship and a College World Series berth in 2021. Coach Johnson joins Nick to discuss the value of sequential learning, how he teaches his players to be good teammates, and the importance of recognizing and overcoming distractions. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head Coach of the Duke Blue Devil's Wrestling program since 2012, Glen Lanham has led at least two wrestlers to qualify for NCAA Championships in seven of his nine seasons. His program's wrestlers have seen success in the classroom as well, earning numerous NWCA Scholar All-America and All-ACC Academic honors in addition to multiple finishes in the top 25 nationally for team GPA. Coach Lanham joins Nick to discuss specialization, adversity, and the lifetime value of good coaching. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cori Close is currently in her 11th season as the UCLA Women's Head Basketball Coach. She holds the highest winning percentage among the program's coaches with more than 200 wins, and she's led the Bruins to six NCAA Tournament appearances. Coach Close joins Nick to discuss today's misconceptions about discipline, how mental health plays an integral role in sports, and why coaches should focus on building relationships with their players. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Epstein is the two-time New York Times Best-Selling author of Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World and The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance. He is currently an investigative journalist for ProPublica and is widely considered a thought leader in debunking the infamous 10,000 Hour Rule. Epstein joins Nick to discuss his evidence-based theory on the importance of avoiding early specialization and why physical literacy, sampling period, and match quality should be commonplace in every youth sports stakeholder's vocabulary. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clemson University Head Football Coach Dabo Swinney is one of the biggest names in all of college sports. Under his tenure, the Clemson Football program has won two National Championships and seven ACC titles. Coach Swinney joins Nick to discuss why adversity creates growth, how champions are made behind-the-scenes, and why he is committed to coaching with love. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Leggett's legendary coaching career spans almost three decades, most notably leading the Clemson Baseball program to six College World Series births. He was named ACC Coach of the Year three times and was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014. A Reformed Sports Project Advisory Board Member, Coach Leggett joins Nick to discuss the value of building relationships through sports and the important role of respect in competing, coaching, and learning. The duo also explores Coach Leggett's career path from three-sport high school athlete to becoming one of the most successful college baseball coaches of all time. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sami Ward joined the Texas Tech University Softball program as Head Coach in 2020 after being named WCC Coach of the Year three times for transforming Loyola Marymount University into a softball powerhouse on the west coast. Coach Ward joins Nick to discuss the keys to amateur development, what coaches and parents should prioritize with their kids, and why we shouldn't equate success with winning in youth sports.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

College GameDay host David Pollack is a former NFL and collegiate football player whose extraordinary success at the University of Georgia earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame. Pollack joins Nick to discuss how his experiences as a youth sports parent and coach as well as his time as a high-level athlete led him to become an outspoken proponent for rethinking today's youth sports culture. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan Burroughs is one of the most decorated wrestlers in American history. A 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist and five-time World Champion, Burroughs has won 25 gold medals across international, national, and collegiate competitions throughout his storied career. Burroughs joins Nick to discuss key elements of youth sports - the importance of balancing challenges with support, the value of participation trophies, and how he approaches youth sports as a father. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most successful coaches in all of sports, Anson Dorrance has led the University of North Carolina Women's Soccer program to 21 NCAA Championships and has been named NCAA Women's Soccer Coach of the Year seven times. He has coached some of the most accomplished American soccer stars of all-time and also served as Head Coach for the US Women's National Team for eight years, winning the Women's World Cup in 1991. Coach Dorrance joins Nick to discuss the core elements that the UNC Women's Soccer program implements to cultivate consistent success at the collegiate level and how those priorities should change when it comes to coaching youth sports. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Jim Calhoun is widely considered one of the greatest college coaches of all-time. He led the UConn Men's Basketball team to three NCAA Championships and won more than 900 games over his collegiate coaching tenure. Coach Calhoun joins Nick to discuss building team culture, the value of learning competitiveness through pursuing interdisciplinary skills, and his "win the day" mentality. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lindsey Munday joined the University of Southern California Women's Lacrosse program as head coach in 2011 and led the Women of Troy to their first Pac-12 Championship in 2019. Prior to USC, Coach Munday won five NCAA Championships with Northwestern University (two as a player and three as a coach) and two World Titles with Team USA while earning All-World recognition as an attacker. Coach Munday joins Nick to discuss the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete, how she views players’ roles within a team, and her advice on playing sports in college. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former University of North Carolina Head Baseball Coach Mike Fox is one of the most highly-regarded college baseball coaches of all-time, leading the Tar Heels to seven College World Series appearances over 22 seasons. Coach Fox joins Nick to discuss mental health, early recruiting, and competitiveness in youth sports. The two also explore their similar experiences as DIII National Champions and reminisce on their shared time at North Carolina Wesleyan, when Nick played for Coach Fox. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head Football Coach at Anna Maria College, Dan Mulrooney was named the 2021 ECFC Coach of the Year after leading the team to their first conference championship and NCAA playoff berth in program history. Signing on as head coach in 2016, he quickly transformed the school's struggling football program into a DIII powerhouse. Coach Mulrooney joins Nick to discuss his coaching philosophy, the integral roles culture and fit play into a team's success, and the benefits of competing with (and learning from) the best. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heading into his 11th season as the Head Wrestling Coach at UNC Pembroke, Othello "O.T." Johnson is one of the most successful head coaches in the program's history. Under his stewardship, 22 Pembroke wrestlers have qualified for NCAA Championships while 20 wrestlers have also been named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic Team. Coach Johnson joins Nick to discuss his experience growing up with unstructured play and using sports to build confidence. He also shares his insights on the importance of athletes putting in the work and holding themselves accountable. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently named Big South Women's Soccer Coach of the Year, Samar Azem led the 2021 Campbell University Camels to their first Big South regular season title. Prior to becoming Campbell's Head Coach in 2017, she held many coaching positions at various collegiate and development levels and was a standout goalkeeper for the Campbell Camels in the early 2000s. A Nigerian-born and raised athlete, Coach Azem joins Nick to discuss her unique perspective on the American youth sports culture, the "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality, and the value of enjoying the process. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Gordon is a best-selling author and highly-regarded keynote speaker who focuses on leadership, teamwork, and culture. He consults numerous Fortune 500 companies, professional and college sports teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits, and his books and principles have been featured by many broadcast networks, magazines, and other publications. Jon joins Nick to discuss the consequences of parents' egos, the importance of kids having fun, and the ultimate purpose of youth sports. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former MLB pitcher Billy Wagner closed for the Astros, Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, and Braves during his 15-year Major League career. "Billy the Kid" is a seven-time All-Star and currently on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Now the Head Baseball Coach for Miller School of Albemarle in Virginia, Coach Wagner joins Nick to discuss his journey from DIII to the MLB, share advice for players and parents, and explore what it means to be competitive. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennifer Patrick-Swift has turned the NC State Softball team into a top ACC contender since joining the program as Head Coach in 2018. Prior to NC State, she coached at the mid-major DI, DII, and DIII levels, earning numerous awards and accolades over the years. Coach Patrick-Swift joins Nick to discuss parents’ role in youth sports today, her experience as a DIII player, and her recruiting philosophy as a coach in a Power Five conference. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hall of Fame swim coach Bob Bowman is one of the best-known and most successful swim coaches of all-time. Coach Bowman served as the primary coach for 28-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps, was the 2016 USA Olympic Swim Team Head Coach, and currently leads the Arizona State University Swim Program. Coach Bowman joins Nick to discuss the transformative power of sports on kids’ development, the importance of mental health, and how he applied his coaching philosophy to help guide Phelps’s historic career. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frank Martin is approaching his 10th season as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach for the University of South Carolina. He led the Gamecocks to the NCAA Final Four in 2017 and earned four NCAA Tournament bids in his previous head coaching role with Kansas State. Coach Martin joins Nick to discuss youth sports and adversity as well as the important role parents and coaches play in supporting children’s development through sports. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest names in college baseball, Tim Corbin has transformed the Vanderbilt University Baseball program into a powerhouse over the last 20 seasons. He’s won two NCAA Championships and several national coaching awards. Coach Corbin joins Nick to discuss youth sports, including the ‘D1 or bust’ mentality, early sport specialization, and how versatility can be a huge differentiator in his recruiting process. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Restoring healthy balance and perspective in all areas of sport, through education and advocacy Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.