Its Just Different Podcast

Should NIL money be the biggest factor when choosing a college?What happens when rankings, recruiting, coaching changes, and the transfer portal all influence one of the biggest decisions of your life?In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former Wake Forest and Tennessee standout and current professional basketball player Jewel Spear to discuss what really matters when choosing a college.Jewel shares how she navigated recruiting, transferred to Tennessee, handled multiple coaching changes, and balanced NIL opportunities with her long-term goals. She also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of college basketball, why mental health became a priority, and the lessons she hopes the next generation of athletes will learn before making their own decisions.Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation offers valuable insight into today's college sports landscape.In This Episode- Why rankings don't define your future- How to evaluate NIL opportunities the right way- The real reason Jewel transferred from Wake Forest to Tennessee- Navigating coaching changes during your college career- Why campus visits matter more than social media- The importance of finding the right fit over chasing money- Mental health, therapy, and building resilience as an athlete- Advice for athletes preparing for the recruiting processAbout Jewel SpearJewel Spear is a professional basketball player who starred at Wake Forest before transferring to the University of Tennessee. Known as one of the nation's top shooters, she has built her career through resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continual growth. Off the court, Jewel is passionate about mentorship, communication, and pursuing opportunities in sports broadcasting.Key Takeaways- Choose the school that's the best fit—not just the biggest NIL offer.- Rankings may open doors, but they don't determine your success.- Coaching changes are part of college athletics, and adaptability is essential.- Prioritizing your mental health is just as important as developing your game.- Building meaningful relationships can have a lasting impact far beyond basketball.Resources for Basketball ParentsJoin the Basketball Parent Community:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/communityShop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.comKeep in Touch:Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/?hl=enJewel: https://www.instagram.com/spearj23_/?hl=en

Former college athletes often spend years chasing goals on the court, but what happens when the game ends? In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former SMU and Wake Forest basketball player Tamia Jones to discuss the challenges of college athletics, overcoming injuries, building confidence, and transitioning into entrepreneurship.Tamia shares how her experiences as an athlete shaped her approach to training and led her to create TJ Elite Performance. From navigating adversity to helping young athletes train smarter and stay healthy, this conversation is full of valuable lessons for athletes, parents, and coaches alike.This Conversation Dives Into:- Life as a student-athlete at SMU and Wake Forest- Overcoming injuries and building mental resilience- Navigating the challenges and growth opportunities in college athletics- Transitioning from basketball to entrepreneurship- Developing young athletes while prioritizing injury prevention- Balancing training, recovery, and long-term development- Why trusting yourself and your journey matters- Mental resilience is one of the most important skills athletes can develop.- Individualized training helps athletes maximize performance while reducing injury risk.- Life after sports can create uncertainty, but pursuing your passions can lead to new opportunities.- Recovery and long-term development should be prioritized over short-term results.- Trusting yourself and staying committed to your goals are essential for long-term success.About the GuestTamia Jones is a former collegiate basketball player who competed at both SMU and Wake Forest. Following her playing career, she turned her passion for athlete development into a business by founding TJ Elite Performance.Drawing from her own experiences as an athlete, Tamia focuses on helping players improve performance, prevent injuries, and build confidence both on and off the court.Key Takeaways- Mental resilience is one of the most important skills athletes can develop.- Individualized training helps athletes maximize performance while reducing injury risk.- Life after sports can create uncertainty, but pursuing your passions can lead to new opportunities.- Recovery and long-term development should be prioritized over short-term results.- Trusting yourself and staying committed to your goals are essential for long-term success.Resources for Basketball ParentsJoin the Basketball Parent Community:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/communityShop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.comKeep in TouchAshley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/Tamia: https://www.instagram.com/tamia.jones14/

College basketball recruiting has changed — and many families are still playing by old rules.In this solo episode, Ashley Roberts breaks down how the transfer portal and JUCO recruiting have shifted opportunities away from high school athletes — and what that means for your child.If you’re waiting for a coach to “find” your athlete, you’re already behind.Ashley explains why visibility, production, and proactive communication now matter more than ever. She walks parents through how to realistically assess their athlete’s level, why D1 shouldn’t be the only focus, and how to strategically reach out to college coaches in ways that actually get responses.This episode is about clarity, strategy, and helping families pursue a D-Free college experience the smart way.Episode Timestamps0:00 Navigating College Recruitment and the Importance of Visibility5:56 Finding the Right College Fit Beyond D1 Aspirations13:23 Effective Email Strategies for Reaching College Coaches15:15 Expanding College Basketball Opportunities Beyond Division One17:41 Empowering Parents to Support Young Athletes' Recruitment Journey20:21 The Importance of Production and Proactivity in Athlete Recruitment23:45 Strategies for Getting Noticed by College Coaches30:41 Navigating AAU Team Selection and College Recruitment Challenges35:36 Engage With Ashley Roberts and Enjoy Exclusive OffersAbout the HostAshley Roberts is the host of the It’s Just Different Podcast and a former junior college basketball player who transferred to the University of Texas. As a basketball consultant, speaker, and founder of the Different Community, Ashley helps parents confidently navigate their athlete’s basketball journey with clarity and purpose.Key Takeaways- The recruiting landscape has shifted heavily toward transfer portal and JUCO players.- Talent alone is not enough — visibility and production must work together.- Parents play a major role in helping athletes stay organized and proactive.- Expanding beyond D1 opens real scholarship and playing opportunities.- Strategic, personalized emails can dramatically improve coach response rates.- Choosing the right AAU environment matters for exposure and development.Join the Basketball Parent Community:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/communityDownload the FREE Guide (Save Time, Money & Stress):https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribeGet the Basketball Parent Toolkit:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/product-page/basketball-parent-toolkitShop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

About the GuestMichael “Leftymike” Simmons is a respected basketball evaluator and director with deep roots in grassroots and advanced basketball. Known for his honesty and credibility, Leftymike brings experience as a coach, trainer, and national ranking evaluator. His work with AAU programs and athlete exposure makes him a trusted voice for parents, players, and coaches navigating the modern basketball landscape.Episode SummaryAshley is joined by Michael “Leftymike” Simmons for a real conversation about how AAU basketball has evolved — and what that means for today’s athletes and families. From shifting loyalty and an overload of program options to the realities of rankings and recruitment, this episode breaks down what actually matters in player development.Leftymike shares insight into how athletes are evaluated beyond hype, why production and translatable skills matter more than ever, and how parents can better support their child’s journey without chasing every opportunity. The discussion also highlights the importance of mentality, versatility, and finding the right fit at the college level.If you’re navigating AAU basketball, rankings, or college recruitment, this episode offers clarity in a space that’s often confusing.Key Takeaways- AAU basketball has shifted culturally, impacting loyalty and competitiveness- Too many options can reduce accountability if families aren’t intentional- Rankings should reflect production and skills that translate to the college game- Development matters just as much as exposure- Mentality, versatility, and fit are key factors in college recruitment- Parents play a major role in navigating expectations and long-term successResources for Basketball ParentsJoin the Basketball Parent Community:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/communityDownload the FREE Guide (Save Time, Money & Stress):https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribeGet the Basketball Parent Toolkit:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/product-page/basketball-parent-toolkitShop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

About the HostAshley Roberts is the host of the “It’s Just Different” Podcast and a former junior college basketball player who began her collegiate journey at South Plains Junior College before transferring to the University of Texas. Now a basketball consultant, speaker, and founder of the Different Community, Ashley uses her platform to educate and empower parents navigating their athlete’s basketball journey.Episode SummaryAAU tryout season can feel overwhelming — and parents often feel pressure to chase exposure at all costs. In this episode, Ashley breaks down what really matters when choosing an AAU basketball program.Ashley explains why attending multiple tryouts is critical, how to evaluate coaching beyond name recognition, and why development should always come before exposure. She discusses the hidden risks of burnout, the importance of confidence in athlete performance, and how highlight tapes fit into the recruiting puzzle.Through practical advice and firsthand experience, this episode gives parents a clear framework for choosing the right AAU fit — one that supports both athletic growth and long-term success.Key Takeaways- Choose the right fit, not just the biggest name- Development matters more than exposure — especially early- Playing grade level can often lead to better growth- Confidence plays a major role in performance and recruiting- Parents should ask coaches direct, intentional questions Resources for Basketball ParentsJoin the Basketball Parent Community:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/communityDownload the FREE Guide (Save Time, Money & Stress):https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribeGet the Basketball Parent Toolkit:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/product-page/basketball-parent-toolkitShop DIFFERENT merch (Use code *Podcast* for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com