Untapped Stories

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Corey Standerfer — longtime professional basketball player overseas and now a basketball trainer and performance coach — to talk about player development, coaching the right way, and why cutting through the noise matters more than ever. After years of playing at a high level internationally and now years of training the next generation, Corey h...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Dave Yoo — Founder at Onsides.ai and longtime youth soccer parent — to talk about presence, emotional intelligence, and what it really means to support a young athlete through their sports journey. After years of being on the sidelines and building a company focused on youth sports, Dave has learned something that many well-meaning parents over...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Kathy Taylor — longtime and highly decorated women’s college lacrosse coach — to talk about leadership, athlete development, and why long-term success is built on accountability long before it shows up in the win column. After decades of coaching at a high level, Kathy has learned something that many people in sports overlook: Winning is the by...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Maggie Andreis — former player at Ohio State University, professional soccer athlete, and now a strength & performance coach — to talk about consistency, resilience, and what it really takes to build a long-term career in sports. Maggie’s journey through soccer wasn’t built on perfect conditions or a straight path. Like many high-level athl...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Garry Linton — former basketball trainer turned mental performance coach — to talk about how recruiting has evolved, why athletes need to take ownership of their path, and how mindset and branding now play a major role in getting to the next level. Garry has worked with athletes across different stages of development, and one of the biggest shi...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Elena De Alfredo — college basketball coach and renowned hoops trainer — to talk about creative player development, basketball IQ, and why no athlete’s journey follows a straight line. Elena has worked with athletes at multiple levels of the game, and one of the biggest gaps she sees isn’t skill — it’s intuition. Too many players can dribble, s...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Patrick Rufo - mental performance coach on Athletes Untapped known for his impactful virtual training sessions and strong relationships with athletes and families - to talk about self-awareness, stress, and what it really takes to perform with confidence. Patrick’s approach to coaching is rooted in one core idea: know who you are — and play lik...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Jeff Becker - mental performance coach and former basketball player/coach - to talk about mastering the mental side of competition. Jeff believes that athletic development isn’t just physical. Strength, speed, and technical skills matter — but the way athletes think, focus, and respond under pressure often determines who performs when it matter...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Crystal Nzewi — former Division I college tennis player and Athletes Untapped coach — to talk about the deeper side of athlete development: empathy in coaching, the importance of being coachable, and how tennis can open life-changing opportunities. Crystal’s journey into tennis began far from where she eventually competed. Growing up in Nigeria...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Sophia Fair - Division II lacrosse goalie, faith-driven leader, and Athletes Untapped coach - to talk about the foundations that truly shape young lacrosse players: mastering the basics, understanding the entire field, and developing a mindset rooted in growth and service. Sophia has built a reputation not only as a high-level lacrosse athlete...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Preston Wilson - Athletes Untapped strength & speed coach in Florida, educator, and former All-American for the University Florida Track & Field team - to break down two powerful truths about athletic development: Athleticism is trainable. And confidence earns trust. Preston’s story alone challenges what many young athletes believe abou...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Elon Rutty - private soccer coach and former Division I athlete at Villanova University - to talk about one of the biggest development decisions young athletes face: Should you stay where you’re thriving… or put yourself in an environment that pushes you? Elon shares a pivotal moment from her own soccer journey. Early on, she was playing in a c...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Lance Lagerquist - one of our top pickleball coaches who has helped players of all ages develop confidence, avoid injuries, and build smarter habits on the court - to talk about why consistency, patience, and body awareness are the real keys to long-term success in one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Pickleball has taken the country b...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Robert Grove - one of Athletes Untapped’s top private football trainers and a former high school football coach - to talk about the mindset shifts that unlock real development, and why the words “I can’t” are often the starting point for an athlete’s biggest breakthroughs. Having spent years both playing and coaching the game, Robert has seen f...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Lucas Kennedy - one of our top football coaches - to talk about the deeper purpose of coaching, and why the best coaches do far more than just run drills or improve athletic performance. Having worked with countless young athletes, Lucas has seen firsthand how private coaching can shape not just football players, but people. He explains that wh...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Brittany Atkinson — one of Athletes Untapped’s top private golf coaches — to break down one of the most overlooked parts of the game: mental toughness. Golf is often framed as a technical sport — swing mechanics, distance, speed, putting stats — but Brittany is refreshingly honest about the reality. Even elite golfers struggle mentally. Nerves...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Bella Bonazinga — a standout collegiate field hockey player at Gettysburg College — to talk about what real development looks like over the course of an athletic career, and why taking the long view can make all the difference. At a time when so many athletes are focused on quick results, rankings, and instant playing time, Bella shares a power...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Gabriel Deieno - one of the world’s top mental performance coaches - to break down what truly drives long-term success in athletes, both on and off the field. At a time when athletes and parents obsess over training plans, strength programs, recovery routines, and nutrition, Gabriel shares a refreshingly simple - yet powerful truth: the biggest...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Obi Emegano — a former college/pro hooper - for a powerful conversation about mentorship, adaptability, and what it really takes to keep leveling up as an athlete. Before Obi was averaging 23 points per game in college and building a successful pro career, he was just an 11-year-old soccer player. His path didn’t change because of a highlight m...

Shaun Gerardo on Using Basketball as an Outlet, Shooting/Dribbling Tips, Mental Toughness, and More! In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Shaun Gerardo — Athletes Untapped’s 2025 Coach of the Year — for a powerful conversation about basketball, resilience, and how the right kind of coaching can shape athletes far beyond the court. For Shaun, basketball was never just a game. Early...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Sarah Bixby - a sports dietitian who works closely with young athletes and families navigating one of the most misunderstood parts of development: fueling. The conversation starts with a common assumption Sarah sees every day — that supplements are the shortcut to better performance. Protein powders, creatine, pre-workouts… many young athletes...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Lindsey Wilson - accomplished mental performance coach who works with athletes across sports to help them build confidence, resilience, and consistency when it matters most. The conversation centers on a simple truth that elite athletes understand early: you can train your body and skills every day, but if you neglect your mental game, you’re l...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Marley Canales - pro soccer player and former UCLA Bruin - for a conversation every young soccer player (and parent) needs to hear about adversity, development, and mindset at the highest levels of the game. Marley’s journey through college soccer and into the professional ranks didn’t follow the “easy path” many athletes expect. Like countless...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Kathleen Baker — Olympic swimmer, world-class competitor, and longtime leader in USA Swimming — for a conversation that goes far beyond medals and podiums. We talk about swim technique, breathing, mindset, and what it really feels like to compete on the biggest stage in the world. From the outside, the Olympics can feel almost mythical. Perfect...

In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Julie Rebh — an Athletes Untapped soccer coach and former Haverford College standout — for a thoughtful conversation every soccer parent and young athlete needs to hear. At every level of youth soccer, it’s easy for the noise to take over. Rankings. Teams. College paths. Early specialization. From the outside, it can start to feel like there’s...