The Mental Approach To Youth Sports

Think your athlete is ready for the next level? Most NCAA coaches say they aren’t even close.In this powerhouse series finale of The Mental Approach, we’re stripping away the highlight reels and the "guru" fluff to deliver the ultimate reality check. We’ve synthesized the best moments from nine deep-dive interviews with NCAA coaches and recruiting experts to reveal what it actually takes to survive—and thrive—in college athletics.This isn't just another recruiting talk. It’s a masterclass in the physical, mental, and administrative preparation required to play at the highest level.Stop guessing about the process. Start listening to the people who make the decisions.In this episode, we’re uncovering:The Weight Room Reality Check: Why "maintenance" is a myth that is costing high schoolers their scholarships before they even arrive on campus.The Silent Scholarship Killer: How a student can have a 4.0 GPA and still be deemed ineligible by the NCAA (and the one registration step you need to take in 9th grade).The Identity Trap: Why tying your entire self-worth to your sport is a recipe for a freshman-year crisis—and how the best players "outwork their fears."The Portal Problem: The brutal truth about why recruiting classes are shrinking from 15 spots to 3, and what "late bloomers" must do to stay in the game.The "Offer" Framework: Four principles to use before you sign—including the one red flag that should make you walk away from a program immediately.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Mental Approach, we sit down with Morgan Kane-Brons of Winning Edge Coaching to talk about what it actually looks like to build a championship mindset from the ground up. Morgan went from winning a Big 12 title at Iowa State to becoming a mental performance coach, but her path wasn’t always smooth. She’s incredibly open about the fact that as a freshman, she basically laughed off the idea of sports psychology—until the pressure of D1 ball hit her and she realized that the physical side of the game was only half the battle.We dive deep into the "Redshirt Reality," exploring that unique mental grind where you're doing all the heavy lifting and practice reps without the immediate payoff of game time. Morgan shares how she had to flip the script, turning what felt like a failure into a year of "consequence-free" growth.What I love about this conversation is how practical it gets. Morgan isn’t just talking theory; she shares the exact tools she used to stay present, like drawing a literal "reset button" on her hand with a Sharpie or using her famous "Goose" trigger at the free-throw line. We also get into the "all gas, no brakes" mentality that so many athletes fall into and why it’s so important to find a holistic balance that includes recovery and a life outside of the jersey.Finally, we tackle the tough stuff: the difference between "hard coaching" that builds resilience and the kind of toxic environments that actually break an athlete down. It’s a great conversation for any parent or player who knows that the six inches between the ears is where the game is truly won. You can contact Morgan at www.winningedgecoaching.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coach Craig Kolek , a former NCAA volleyball coach who has transitioned to a mental performance coach joins the show emphasizing body language, focus, and self-talk. He highlights the importance of athletes' ability to bounce back from mistakes quickly and maintain present-moment focus. Craig's approach has evolved, now seeking athlete input before coaching. He stresses the significance of goal setting, routines, and intrinsic motivation. Craig advises parents to model composure and let athletes learn from their mistakes. He also discusses the need for athletes to play multiple sports and manage social media to avoid distractions. Craig's philosophy is rooted in building trust and leadership through values and communication.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we are joined by Michael Huber, a mental performance coach specializing in youth sports.The episode provides a deep dive into the mental side of youth athletics, Huber shares his transition from business consulting to sports psychology, driven by his own experiences as a youth coach and a former player who struggled with the "mental game."Key themes include:• The Intentional Parent• Identity Foreclosure• The "Professionalization" of Youth Sports• Practical ToolsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell and mental health professional Dale Curd delve into the complexities of imposter syndrome. They explore its definition, common misconceptions, and the role of the ego in shaping our self-perception. Dale shares personal experiences and practical strategies for overcoming feelings of inadequacy, emphasizing the importance of repetition, visualization, and mentorship. The conversation highlights the significance of curiosity in combating self-doubt and offers actionable advice for listeners seeking to navigate their own journeys of personal growth.TakeawaysImposter syndrome is an identity lag between self-perception and reality.Fake it till you make it means doing the reps to build confidence.Life is about taking steps forward and growing through experiences.The ego protects our self-image and can create self-doubt.Confidence is built through repetition and practice, not just belief.Visualization can be a powerful tool for athletes and individuals.Curiosity can help shift the mindset from fear to growth.Tracking evidence of success can combat feelings of inadequacy.It's important to distinguish between healthy self-criticism and debilitating doubt.Seeking mentorship can provide guidance and support in overcoming challenges.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Andrew Simpson, founder of Players Fitness and Performance, discussing the importance of mental performance in youth sports. Andrew shares his journey from a fitness enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that includes mindset coaching, nutrition, and physical training. Andrew outlines his "peak performance state triangle" and the "say nothing challenge" for parents. The discussion covers various topics such as parental pressure, early specialization in sports, and practical mindset hacks for athletes. Andrew also highlights the significance of coaches in shaping athletes' mental resilience and the unexpected positive outcomes of integrating mental performance training into athletic programs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Food fuels the brain and in todays high performance culture, food fuels your body to become bigger, stronger and faster. In this episode, Todd Arkell interviews Shannon Mendez, A D1 sports dietitian and sports nutrition specialist, discussing the critical role of nutrition in athletic and mental performance. They explore Shannon's personal journey into sports nutrition, the importance of fueling the body for both physical and mental performance, and practical strategies for athletes to improve their eating habits. The conversation also covers the impact of the microbiome on mental health, the dangers of energy drinks, and the significance of meal prep and consistent eating for athletes. Shannon emphasizes the need for athletes to understand their nutritional needs and develop healthy habits that will support their performance and overall mental well-being.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Dan Connerty, founder of Ntangible, a company focused on enhancing mental performance for athletes through innovative assessment tools. They discuss the importance of measuring mental resilience, the science behind Ntangible's assessments, and how these tools can be applied in various sports and even beyond athletics. The conversation highlights the need for personalized mental training recommendations and the role of coaches in supporting athletes' mental development. Dan shares insights on the accessibility of their tools for different levels of sports organizations and the potential applications in fields like law enforcement and corporate leadership.Find out about Ntangible - www.ntangible.cotakeawaysNtangible provides tools to measure mental performance in athletes.The assessment focuses on how well athletes perform under pressure.Mental performance is often overlooked compared to physical skills.The tool offers personalized recommendations for mental training.Ntangible's assessments are accessible to various sports organizations.Coaches can use the assessment to make informed decisions about player roles.The scores indicate a player's mental resilience and readiness for high-pressure situations.The tool can be applied in non-sporting environments, such as law enforcement.AI capabilities enhance the personalization of mental training drills.Understanding mental performance is crucial for developing well-rounded athletes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ryan Mittleman, Vice President of Pro Scouting for the Toronto Blue Jays, discussed his journey from hockey to baseball, highlighting his role in player acquisition and scouting. He detailed the differences between amateur and pro scouting, emphasizing the importance of player projection and financial considerations. Mittleman shared insights on managing emotional highs and lows in scouting, the impact of new leadership, and the evolving role of data and technology in baseball operations. He also discussed the challenges of international scouting, particularly in Japan and Korea, and the importance of cultural and language expertise.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful episode of The Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell sits down with Bob Wilkie — former professional hockey player, author, founder of I Got Mind, and mental health advocate. Bob’s journey through the highs of junior and professional hockey and the deep lows of trauma, loss, and identity struggles provides an unflinching look at the realities behind the game.Key Topics Covered:Falling in Love with Hockey: Bob’s early inspirations, Hockey Night in Canada, and forming his identity around the game.The Swift Current Broncos Bus Crash: How tragedy reshaped his life and inspired the “For the Boys” scholarship honouring lost teammates.Mental Health and Hockey Culture: The lasting impacts of stigma, the toxic side of “tough it out,” and the dangers of unchecked hockey culture.Resilience and Redemption: From hoisting the Memorial Cup to battling trauma, substance abuse, and rediscovering purpose.I Got Mind: Building mental wealth through communication, expectations, teamwork, and soft skills for athletes, parents, and coaches.The Sideways Documentary: Telling the story of the crash, its aftermath, and the long path toward healing.Practical Advice for Young Athletes & Parents: Managing expectations, focusing on fun and development, and building habits that strengthen both mental and physical performance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this weeks episode, host Todd Arkell talks with Ryan Long current hitting coach Witherspoon the Toronto Blue Jays AAA affiliate the Buffalo Bisons. The two chat about the difference in culture and mindset between North American and Korean players. Growing up in Texas, being recruited to LSU and drafted by the Kansas City Royals. How his experiences led Ryan to coaching and how he applies that knowledge today for those up and coming professionals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Mental Approach, host Todd Arkell sits down with Libby Triolo, a mental performance coach and licensed professional counselor based in Colorado. Livy, a former competitive soccer player and current billet mom for a junior hockey team, specializes in helping athletes optimize their performance through mindset mastery and emotional intelligence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Cooper Davis, a former collegiate baseball player at Vanderbilt University, discussing his journey from youth sports in Mississauga, Canada to playing at a prestigious college. They explore themes of mentorship, perseverance, and the cultural transition from Canada to the U.S. Davis shares insights on the importance of sticking with challenges, the role of leadership in sports, and how his experiences in baseball have translated into his current career in aviation. The discussion also touches on the impact of injuries and the lessons learned from them, emphasizing the value of teamwork and personal growth. In this conversation, Cooper Davis and Todd Arkell discuss the journey of baseball players, focusing on late bloomers, the value of college baseball, and the importance of facing elite competition. They share insights on influential coaches, the experience of Canadian players in U.S. baseball, and the significance of building a strong foundation in the sport. The discussion also touches on life lessons learned through baseball and advice for young players.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.