Athletes Unleashed

What up big dawgs! In this episode, Craig sits down with star baseball pitcher Troy Cooper. The pair discuss what it's like to bounce back from major (potentially career ending) injuries, and Troy's learning process surrounding himself and his sport no matter a win or a loss. Cooper explains the evolution of his mentality on the mound, and the factors that led him to commit and sign to pla...

What up big dawgs! On today's episode, Craig sits down with Hart High basketball player Deven Strong. The pair discuss Strong's transition from the prototypical teammate into an outstanding leader on the team. Strong breaks down how pursuing basketball was a way to show his parents how much he appreciated their dedication. Deven also explains how playing basketball allowed him not only to...

What up big dawgs! In this episode, Craig sits down with certified athletic trainer Josh Masmela to discuss his journey to working in the athletic training industry, and his path to working at the high school level. Masmela explains his thoughts on guiding students through the recovery process, or breaking the hard news to them that they cannot continue with their season. Craig talks with Josh abo...

What up big dawgs! In this episode, Craig sits down with basketball star and high school senior Morgan Mack. The two discuss what it was like playing with only boys growing up, and how that environment shaped who she is as a player today. Mack explains how she almost quit playing altogether after COVID-19 hit, but how now she is looking to play in college and extend her career past high school.

What up big dawgs! On this episode, Craig sits down with Izayiah Lopez, a track and football star in his senior year of high school. The two discuss his journey within the sport of track and field, and his mindset on what it takes to be an elite athlete.

What up big dawgs! On this episode, Craig sits down with current high school senior and soccer player, Isa Magee. The two discuss what it is like to have a mindset coach, the process of getting one, and what decisions led her to take that leap. Magee breaks down her pregame ritual, and explains how it was affecting her performance and her mental health as a whole.

What up big dawgs! On this episode, Craig sits down with Madi Maxwell, an upcoming collegiate volleyball athlete. Maxwell describes her experiences through national training camps, and how she deals with her nerves before games. Craig and Madi discuss how important having a strong community was when making the switch from soccer to a full-time volleyball athlete. Maxwell also breaks down how self-...

What up big dawgs! On this episode, Craig sits down with current high school senior and football player, Vinny Tiscareno. The two discuss their personal definitions of an "athlete", and how to be an athlete is an everyday fight, mentally and physically. Vinny describes how his support system allowed him to be successful, and how every athlete needs people in their corner in order to thri...

What up big dawgs! In this episode, Craig sits down with Kaylee Rodriguez, a current softball player for Hart High School. The two discuss the balance between searching for a college that is a right fit for both the athlete and the scholar. Kaylee breaks down her injuries and her journey of recovery.

What up big dawgs! On this episode of Athletes Unleashed, Craig sits down with former baseball player turned musician, Gannon Blade. The two discuss Blade's decision to quit baseball after ten years, and what it means to play for yourself versus others. Gannon explains how finding meaning in music was able to fill the gap that baseball left, and how other athletes can do the same.

What up big dawgs! In this episode, Craig sits down with D2 soccer player Gigi Montiforte to discuss her soccer journey, from a young athlete to a college player. Gigi breaks down what it was like to drop everything and move to Hawaii in order to pursue the opportunity to play soccer at the collegiate level. The pair discuss how a player can be a contributing factor to a team, even when the minute...

What up big dawgs! On this episode of Athletes Unleashed, Craig sits down with Maggie Yoshioka, former Foothill League MVP soccer player. The two discuss Maggie's decision to stop playing soccer after high school, and where that momentous life change came from. Yoshioka explains how she doesn't regret her decision, but how the feeling of guilt can creep back and haunt you, even after the d...

What up big dawgs! In this episode, Craig sits down with Andrea Tovar, a former soccer player who now attends Santa Clara University. The pair discuss what being a senior leader entails, and what it takes to continue to contribute to the team from the sideline. Tovar explains how her failures and injuries have led to learning opportunities, and how those experiences build your character. The two a...

What up big dawgs?! In this episode of Athletes Unleashed, Coach Craig sits down with Master's University soccer star Trent Rickard. The pair discuss managing the pressure of high expectations, and how people's fear of failure makes them reluctant to set higher goals for themselves. Trent explains how earning respect comes from working hard, under any circumstance, and knowing your role on...

On this episode of Athletes Unleashed, Craig sits down with former soccer player Amoryn Hale. The two discuss the complications of her first knee injury, and how it affected her relationship with her teammates on and off the field. Amoryn explains how the physical impacts of being injured are less important than how it affected her relationship with her family and friends. The two go on to discuss...

Today on Athletes Unleashed, Craig sits down with University of California San Diego soccer player Alexis Nguyen. The pair discuss Alexis's decision to decommit from a D1 school without another offer lined up, her recruitment process, and how searching for the perfect school came down to how much she felt at home. Nguyen explains how mentality before a game is important, but how one's ment...

What's up big dawgs! In this episode of Athletes Unleashed, Craig Jaffe sits down with Biola Women's Soccer star Briley Phelps. The two discuss Briley's early years as a gymnast, and how she transitioned into a blooming soccer career. They break down how your mentality surrounding the sacrifices required to succeed is key, like forgoing school dances in order to play. Phelps explains h...

Welcome to Athletes Unleashed!