I Am Mentally Tough Podcast

In this insightful episode of I Am Mentally Tough, hosts Coach G (Gladine Frasso) and Coach David Anderson take a closer look at the current state of AAU basketball. They discuss the growing challenges athletes face with commitment, consistency, and the often-missed connection between talent and purposeful training. The conversation explores how complacency can hold young athletes back, why basketball IQ is just as important as physical skills, and what it means to truly develop as a player. Coach G and Coach David offer guidance on how athletes can rise above distractions, stay focused, and approach the game with a mindset built for long-term success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * The challenges athletes face in AAU basketball today. * Why commitment and consistency are critical for growth. * How a disconnect between athletes and their training can hinder development. * The role of coaches in motivating and guiding young players. * Why developing basketball IQ is essential. * How mental toughness separates good players from great ones. Top Takeaways: * Focused training matters more than flashy moves—quality over quantity. * Athletes must commit to the process, not just the outcome. * Complacency is a silent killer of potential—stay hungry and curious. * Coaches have a responsibility to build relationships that challenge and inspire. * Developing basketball IQ helps athletes make smarter decisions on and off the court. * Mental toughness is about being different—choosing discipline, focus, and resilience every day. 🎧 Listen now for practical advice and tough love from two coaches who care deeply about helping athletes unlock their full potential. Visit Coach Gladine’s Website ⁠HERE.⁠ [https://www.iammentallytough.com/] Follow Gladine on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/iammentallytough/], ⁠Facebook⁠ [http://www.facebook.com/iammentallytough] and ⁠Twitter.⁠ [http://www.x.com/darealgladine] Want Gadline to work with your athlete or team? Click ⁠HERE.⁠ [https://www.iammentallytough.com/book-online] Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click ⁠HERE.⁠ [https://www.iammentallytough.com/keynote]

In this episode of I Am Mentally Tough, host Gladine Frasso welcomes Coach Bianca Campbell for a powerful conversation on the role of mindfulness in sports. Together, they unpack how mindfulness helps athletes stay grounded in the present moment, reach peak performance, and recover from setbacks with greater resilience. Coach Campbell breaks down the true meaning of mindfulness, dispelling common myths—like the idea that mindfulness is soft or passive—and explains how legendary and elite athletes are using it to elevate their game. The discussion dives deep into topics like emotional regulation, self-compassion, non-judgmental performance evaluation, and how mindfulness strengthens mental toughness. Coach Campbell also offers practical techniques that coaches and athletes can integrate into training and team culture, as well as reflections on the lifelong journey of self-discovery through mindfulness. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * What mindfulness really is and how it benefits athletic performance. * How flow state helps athletes perform at their highest level. * Why emotional awareness and self-compassion matter in sports. * How mindfulness helps with emotional regulation and mental recovery. * Tips for integrating mindfulness into training and team culture. * How to use language that reduces emotional attachment and anxiety Top Takeaways: * Mindfulness is the ability to pay attention on purpose. * Flow state is the optimal performance zone, achievable through mindfulness. * Self-compassion and non-judgment improve an athlete’s ability to bounce back from setbacks. * Emotional regulation leads to better decision-making and mental clarity during competition. * Coaches should model mindfulness to create mentally strong teams. * Using neutral, fact-based language can reduce stress and enhance focus. * Mindfulness allows athletes to respond rather than react to challenges. * Embracing emotions—rather than ignoring them—builds long-term mental strength. * The journey through mindfulness is continuous and deeply transformative. Mindfulness isn’t just a trend—it’s a mental toughness superpower. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone striving for peak performance, learning to harness mindfulness can unlock greater focus, resilience, and emotional mastery. 🎧 Listen now to discover how mindfulness can be the game-changer in sports performance and personal growth. Visit Gladine’s Website HERE. [https://www.iammentallytough.com/] Follow Gladine on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iammentallytough/], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iammentallytough] and Twitter. [http://www.x.com/darealgladine] Want Gadline to work with your athlete or team? Click HERE. [https://www.iammentallytough.com/book-online] Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click HERE. [https://www.iammentallytough.com/keynote] Visit Coach Bianca's website HERE. [https://risemindful.com/] Follow Coach Bianca on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/risemindful]

In this episode, Coaches Gladine Frasso (Coach G) and David Anderson dive into the current culture of youth sports, with a particular focus on AAU basketball. They discuss the growing trend of athletes frequently switching teams, the challenges of building meaningful connections, and the critical role parents play in their children’s athletic development. The conversation also covers the pressures young athletes face, the importance of loyalty, and the impact of promises made by coaches. Additionally, they explore how athletes can grow by learning the game, adapting to new roles, and embracing challenges. The episode concludes with insights into the evolving landscape of college basketball and the implications of the transfer portal. What Listeners Will Learn: * Why athletes are increasingly hopping from team to team in youth sports, particularly in AAU basketball. * The importance of building strong connections and fostering loyalty in a competitive sports environment. * How parents can positively influence their children’s athletic journeys without adding undue pressure. * The challenges athletes face, including managing expectations and adapting to new roles. * Why being challenged and learning the game are essential for long-term growth and success. * Insights into the changing dynamics of college basketball and the impact of the transfer portal. Top Takeaways: * Team-Hopping is a Growing Trend: Athletes often switch teams in search of better opportunities, but this can hinder the development of loyalty and deep connections. * Parents Play a Crucial Role: Parents should support their children’s athletic journeys by encouraging growth and resilience, rather than focusing solely on outcomes. * Loyalty Matters: Building trust and loyalty within a team can lead to more meaningful development and success. * Adaptability is Key: Athletes must learn to adapt to new roles and challenges to grow both on and off the court. * Promises Aren’t Always Kept: Young athletes and their families should be cautious of empty promises made by coaches and prioritize long-term development over short-term gains. * College Basketball is Evolving: The transfer portal has changed the game, creating both opportunities and challenges for athletes navigating their collegiate careers. This episode is a must-listen for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to better understand the complexities of youth sports culture and how to navigate them for long-term success. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice! Visit Gladine’s Website HERE [https://www.iammentallytough.com/] Follow Gladine on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iammentallytough/], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iammentallytough] and Twitter [http://www.x.com/darealgladine] Want Gadline to work with your athlete or team? Click HERE [https://www.iammentallytough.com/book-online] Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click HERE [https://www.iammentallytough.com/keynote]

In this episode of I Am Mentally Tough podcast, host Gladine Frasso sits down with basketball skills and development trainer, Coach Dana, to discuss the crucial role of mental skills in an athlete's development. They dive into the impact of social media on young athletes, how it can create unrealistic comparisons, and why selecting a trainer should be based on fit rather than social media popularity. Coach Dana also emphasizes the importance of transparency in training and shares key advice for athletes on staying focused on their personal development. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * The role of mental skills in sports and athlete development. * How social media influences young athletes and their mindset. * Why choosing a trainer should be based on fit and expertise rather than social media popularity. * The importance of transparency in training and athlete growth. * Practical advice for young athletes to navigate social media and stay focused Top Takeaways: * Social media can create unrealistic comparisons, leading athletes to focus on hype instead of growth. * Choosing a trainer should be based on personal fit and development needs, not just their online following. * Transparency and honesty in training are essential for long-term success. * Young athletes must stay focused on their journey and avoid distractions from social media trends. This episode is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and parents who want to better understand the intersection of mental toughness, social media, and athlete development. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration! Visit Gladine’s Website HERE [https://www.iammentallytough.com/] Follow Gladine on Instagram, [https://www.instagram.com/iammentallytough/] Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iammentallytough] and Twitter [http://www.x.com/darealgladine] Want Gadline to work with your athlete or team? Click HERE [https://www.iammentallytough.com/book-online] Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click HERE [https://www.iammentallytough.com/keynote]

In this episode, Mental Toughness Coach, Gladine Frasso (Coach G.) and WNBA Skills and Development Coach David Anderson dive deep into the critical topic of emotional control in high-pressure situations. Drawing from years of experience coaching athletes at every level—from middle school to the WNBA—they discuss common negative emotions that arise during competition, how these emotions affect performance, and actionable strategies to help athletes bounce back stronger. They go over: 1. Common Negative Emotions in Athletes: * Self-doubt, frustration, and loss of confidence after failure. * The social pressure of failing in today’s digital age and how it affects mental resilience. 2. Impact of Emotional Reactions on Teams: * How negative gestures and frustration can disrupt team dynamics. * The ripple effect of poor emotional control from team leaders to teammates. 3. Coaching Insights and Strategies: * Why situational practices are key to preparing athletes for high-pressure scenarios. * The importance of "palms down" as a physical cue to calm emotions and refocus. * How to address emotional outbursts without discouraging players. 4. Dealing with Highly Emotional Athletes: * Techniques to help athletes manage pregame anxiety and frustration after mistakes. * How to emphasize effort, resilience, and positivity to build mental toughness. 5. Spotlight on Success: * Shoutout to Lainie Grant, University of North Carolina point guard, who exemplifies resilience and emotional control as a young athlete thriving on the national stage. Have a Question or Topic Suggestion? Email us at GladineFrasso@IAmMentallyTough.com Follow Coach G on her Instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/iammentallytough/] Follow Coach David on his Instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/foundationacademysports/]