Signed & Ready

We've all experienced those games when the team we KNOW they're capable of just didn't show up. The energy was off. They were more quiet than usual... maybe tired? Maybe upset about their performance... Just off. But we can't just chock it up to an off day. So what can we do about it? That's what we discuss in today's episode!

There's no doubt about it: Culture is the key to a great season. Even if performance isn't quite there, a strong culture makes it worthwhile. Put the two together? You've helped create an unforgettable few months in your athletes' lives. It can feel like a daunting task sometimes though. There are a LOT of culture killers out there and we coaches already have so much on our plates. Today's guest g...

If you're listening to this episode, you've likely listened to Alicia's past seasons and learned the same thing I have: strong relationships are the secret weapon. We've all had that moment where we realized we missed a KEY piece of information about a player that would have changed the course of their game, season or even career. And most of the time we miss that information because we're stuck i...

The ultimate goal for coaches like us... The coaches who care most about developing the person THROUGH the sport of softball... Is getting our girls to truly BELIEVE they're capable. That they're capable of of improvement. They're capable of executing what they've practiced. They're capable of bringing their best consistently. But you know as well as I do... this is also the toughest thing to coac...

It's that time of year for spring softball! Since us covering Alicia's season has gotten so much great feedback, we've decided to follow my team this year as well! For those who don't know, I'm in year two at LaGrange College. We're a small liberal arts school in Georgia. We're a part of NCAA DIII and the brand new Collegiate Conference of the South. I took over a program with a lot of potential a...

Have you even wondered why your girls are so hard on themselves? Why can't they let things go, even when you're doing everything to convince them they're fine? You don't yell... You tell them you believe in them... Most times nobody else is nearly as upset with the failure as they are. So what's going on?? That's what today's guest will be discussing. What's really going on in those heads of their...

Most coaches WANT to develop strong young women, but not all of them actually know HOW to build those people skills into their training plans. Today's guest does so with everything from challenge drills to leadership council to "softball school." You're definitely going to take some great ideas away from this episode! Listen in on your favorite podcast app or at mentalsweetspot.captivate.fm/

We get into coaching because we want to help. But you don't get to stay there unless athletes CHOOSE to play for you year in and year out. There will of course be some turnover for various reasons, but on the whole... How many of your girls would choose you again if given the chance? There are a lot of factors that go into it, but if you can create a culture where the player feel ACCEPTED instead...

We're in the middle of an amazing era of sport where performers are starting to tap into the power of their minds and COACHES get to be a part of that process! And that can sometimes be overwhelming - there are a million topics we could cover. Where do we start & how do we implement it? Today's guest is a game-changer and she's about to share some tips to make mental training PROactive and mak...

I don't brag often, but I think we're going to win BEST GIFT this season. Because today we're joined by one of the most influential coaches in our game - and one of the best humans we've been so fortunate to meet. Coach Candrea is about to share some absolute GOLDEN nuggets of advice that WILL make you a better coach. Someone who gets more out of their players... Makes and impact beyond the field....

We're definitely coaching a different breed of athlete these days - but that shouldn't come as a surprise. Every generation has their own version of the "kids these days" gripe - it's simply evolution! And that means we need to evolve as coaches too. Actually, let me clarify - we GET to evolve. The even better news? There are strategies you can implement TODAY to help them! That's what today's gue...

Most of our girls could use an extra dose of confidence. Some seem do be on empty. Which means we as coaches have the amazing opportunity to build them up. And who better to get tips on that a mental game consultant who's primary focus is confidence! Ready for some knowledge bombs? Let's go!

You don't know what you don't know. Which is why coaches who reach the elite levels KEEP seeking out opportunities to learn & grow. And that's how we got to meet today's guest! He has already developed strong programs & sent girls off to play at their dream schools. He was clearly successful before meeting us. And yet... because he's elite... he kept learning & has seen some impressive...

It's not magic. But it sure does feel like it when everything clicks and your girls play FEARLESSLY. If you've followed this podcast for a while, you know alicia has a knack for getting her girls to compete hard and not give up. AND. Her girls still clench up when the pressure is on. They're human! So wanna hear how the Mattawan girls dealt with post-season pressure? Listen in now!

You know the line (and if you don't, you're on the bench until you watch A League of Their Own!). But as funny as that scene was, we do NOT live in that world anymore. Not only IS there crying in softball - there's a lot of it. And not just the sensitive athletes or the "mentally weak" ones. Even the toughest, most talented athletes tear up nowadays. Listen in to today's episode for a couple of re...

Every coach goes into a season with a vision of what they want this team to do this year. Now imagine if your girls could buy into that vision immediately AND perform hot out of the gate? Sound like a long shot? Not for this culture veteran! In today's episode, Alicia shares the first part of her high school season: what they worked on, how they performed, and some crucial insights from her 20+ ye...

Have you ever had every intention of pushing something off for just a little bit... and then a million things happened and before long it seems like FOREVER has passed? Of course you have... You're a coach! Well... All we can say is thank you for your patience in this almost year hiatus. We were ALWAYS planning on getting back on the mic, but y'know... life. AND! If you don't follow us on social,...

Have you ever watched the World Series (college softball of course) and thought, “That player is super-human” Like there’s no way the rest of us or my girls could ever do that. We put players like today’s guest on a pedestal for good reason, because they are amazing competitors! But really? They got there with a specific skill set. Certain tools in their toolbox that allowed them to bounce back fa...

Was this the last weekend Alicia had with her team? Or did they pull it out and make it to the next round of playoffs??? Listen in to today's episode to find out!

But wait, there's more! Listen in for some tips on connecting with your athletes & one of the most popular drills Alicia has shared to date!

Part 2/3 here! Find out if that Figure-It-Out moment actually worked.

It's been a hot minute, but we're back & have a treat in store for you! Listen in to today's episode (and then two more!) as we get caught up on how Alicia's team has been doing over the past several weeks. It's a roller-coaster, Coach. Buckle up!

In honor of our fast-approaching Difference-Makers Bootcamp, we wanted to re-share this GEM of an episode with Sue Enquist. Listen in, get inspired, then come learn more from this rockstar in Bootcamp! We kick off this Sunday, April 18th and go all week! Learn more at mentalsweetspot.com/coachbootcamp Oh, and it's not just for softball coaches anymore, so tell your other sport coach friends to com...

Are you a passionate softball coach who believes in developing the whole person? Do you like making a difference? Then what are you up to next week?! Today's bonus episode is an audio version of our sales page all about the Difference-Maker's Bootcamp (which is quickly approaching & kicks off April 18th!) Think you might wanna join me, other passionate coaches & Sue Enquist for a completel...

Alicia's been at this for a while, so you'd think she's experienced it all by now. Not the case! This season brings new challenges: Covid protocols and the need for flexibility An almost brand new team Young leadership with little experience in the well-known culture Listen in to hear how Alicia is tackling a season that will certainly provide a challenge, but one she's ready for!