Its Just Different Podcast

Episode Summary: In this episode of the It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Nate Levine, one of the most respected JUCO coaches in the country, to break down why junior college might be the smartest move for your athlete. From navigating JUCO levels to building meaningful coach-player relationships, Coach Levine shares what parents need to know when making one of the b...

Episode Summary: In this episode of the  It’s Just Different Podcast , host  Ashley Roberts  sits down with  Coach Valerie Huizar , head coach at  St. Mary’s University , to unpack the truth behind college recruiting. With over a decade of experience across multiple levels, Coach Val brings an honest and clear perspective on what families need to understand — from social media impact to the differ...

Episode Summary: In this episode of  It’s Just Different Podcast , host Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Steve Lowe, Head Coach at Grayson College, to uncover what families really need to know about junior college basketball. Together, they unpack the myths surrounding JUCO, share honest truths about AAU missteps, and offer clear guidance on how parents can better support their athlete's re...

Episode Summary: In this solo episode, host Ashley Roberts delivers a powerful, no-fluff game plan to help parents and athletes dominate the July Live Period. Ashley breaks down exactly what college coaches are looking for—and what’s keeping your athlete from getting recruited. This episode goes beyond highlight tapes and stats. From body language on the bench to Instagram mistakes to knowing your...

Episode Summary: In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Jake Stevens, Associate Head Coach at Texas Woman’s University, to break down why athletes and parents shouldn’t overlook D2 basketball. With years of experience at both D1 and D2 levels, Coach Stevens shares insight on the realities of college hoops, recruiting strategy, and how D2 programs often offer a better...

About the Guests:Makenzie White is a rising D1 basketball player who earned her offer after transferring high schools and switching AAU programs. Her journey from Duncanville to Lancaster — and from Pro Skills to Drive Nation — highlights the importance of finding the right fit, gaining confidence, and maximizing visibility. Brittany White, Makenzie’s mom, is a former coach and player herself. She...

Episode Summary:This week on the It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley sits down with Zoderick Green — pro trainer, former hooper, and father of WNBA athlete Zay Green — to talk real about why athletes aren’t getting recruited and how parents may be unintentionally holding them back. From Zay’s inspiring story to the shift in parental roles in youth sports, Zoderick shares what every basketball pare...

About the Guest:Charles Stoker is a respected basketball developer in the DFW Metroplex known for building players from the ground up. Notable for helping NBA athlete Jordan Walsh, Charles is committed to real development—not just flashy training. As a coach, father, and mentor, his approach is rooted in fun, consistency, and fundamentals. Episode Summary:In this episode of It’s Just Different, As...

Episode Summary:In this solo episode of It’s Just Different, host Ashley Roberts breaks down what every parent of an aspiring college athlete needs to know before the next live period. From choosing the right camps to managing AAU communication, this episode is your roadmap to navigating basketball recruitment the smart way. Ashley shares honest insight on how to maximize your athlete’s exposure,...

In this episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts sits down with three standout players from New Mexico Junior College to discuss the often-overlooked journey through JUCO basketball. Hear directly from athletes navigating their path to Division 1 success, including one who earned National Player of the Year honors! From overcoming language barriers to building team chemistry and chas...

Episode Summary: Think JUCO is just a fallback plan? Think again. In this episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Mefford of New Mexico Junior College to expose the real advantages of taking the JUCO path. From producing National Players of the Year to building programs that rival Division 1 facilities, this conversation will completely change the way you think...

About the Guest(s): Anthony Anderson  is an assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Houston, known for his valuable insights into the college recruitment process. With experience in both men's and women's basketball, Anthony has a rich history working with student-athletes to help them find the right fit and maximize their potential in the competitive world of college s...

In today’s episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts sits down with Clemson Associate Head Coach Chris Ayers to break down one of the most overlooked truths in college basketball recruiting: talent alone isn’t enough anymore. With the rise of NIL deals, transfer portals, and evolving recruiting strategies, more athletes than ever are slipping through the cracks — not because they aren...

About the Guest: Jordan Jones is a McDonald’s All-American, former Texas A&M standout, and an accomplished coach at every level — from college basketball as a defensive coordinator at Southern Illinois, to high school state champion at Faith Family Academy, to AAU coaching with Team Mo Jeff, and now a respected trainer and mentor for young athletes. Her experience on every side of the game giv...

About the Guest(s): Coach Leroy Grigsby is a seasoned basketball coach, parent, and trainer, known for his expertise with both youth and high school basketball teams. Based in Texas, he is currently the GUAA coach at Texas U where he manages teams and channels his passion for basketball into developing young athletes. He is recognized for his commitment to fostering talent, focusing on honesty and...

About the Host: Ashley Roberts is the host of  It’s Just Different Podcast  and a trusted voice in the basketball community. With years of experience coaching, mentoring athletes, and guiding parents, Ashley helps families navigate the complex world of AAU basketball, college recruiting, and personal development. She’s also the author of  The Little Girl with Big Dreams  and the creator of tools t...

🎙️  About the Guest: Pauline Love—known as Coach Love—is a respected coach at the University of Alabama with a rich background as both a player and mentor. Her candid voice on social media and experience in player development make her a powerful resource for athletes and families trying to understand the evolving world of college sports, especially as it relates to the transfer portal and recruiti...

About the Guest: Michael Cooper, widely known as Coach Coop, is a respected AAU director and grassroots basketball coach with nearly 30 years of experience. As the current head of Team Lex 2031 and an event director for Queen of the Court, he’s been instrumental in developing youth talent and creating opportunities for athletes to succeed on and off the court. Episode Summary: In this episode of I...

About the Guest: Mike Simmons, also known as Lefty Mike, is a national basketball evaluator and co-director of Sudden Exposure. With years of experience in media scouting, player recruitment, and exposure, he has helped countless athletes gain visibility and secure scholarship opportunities. Mike is known for his candid insights into youth basketball recruiting, offering real advice on how to stan...

About the Guest: Kevina Lawrence is a respected basketball coach, mentor, and Texas Elite Basketball Operations with over 25 years of experience in the AAU basketball circuit. She has coached for top programs like All Its Swoosh, Team Ichiban, Texas Express, and Texas Elite. Kevina’s coaching philosophy extends beyond the court—she teaches life principles through basketball, emphasizing commitment...

About the Guest: Katie Hensle is a highly respected coach and the Director of Southwest Select. With a background in both AAU and college basketball, Katie has coached at prestigious programs like Cy Fair and Team Texas and even won Nike Nationals. She is also a member of the McDonald's All-American & Naismith Committees, making her a key voice in player development and recruitment. As a 3...

About the Guest: Earl Rooks  is a renowned expert in sports marketing and management, specializing in basketball. He is the director of Pro Skills and a prominent trainer and coach, responsible for creating development exposure platforms for players ranging from grassroots to professional levels. Earl has a deep understanding of the essentials in athlete development and recruitment, and his progra...

AAU basketball is often called the Wild West and in this episode, we break down exactly why! 🏀I sat down with AAU Director Joey Simmons to expose the harsh realities of AAU basketball, including: - Why the lack of regulation creates chaos for parents and players. - How to choose the right AAU team and avoid getting lost in the system. - The difference between getting exposure vs. being exposed in...

About the Guest(s): Mariqus Alexander  is a seasoned basketball coach and entrepreneur with extensive experience in youth and college basketball. Over the past 15 years, Mariqus has mentored and guided more than 120 students to pursue college basketball careers at various levels. He has also been actively involved in AAU basketball, collaborating with renowned trainers and forming significant part...

About the Guest(s): Brittany Christian is an experienced basketball coach and a former player who has transitioned to become a key figure in the junior college (JUCO) basketball community. Currently positioned at Paris Junior College, Coach Brittany, or "BC" as she is commonly addressed by her players and peers, has been pivotal in developing young athletes. Her coaching approach emphasizes skill...