Beyond the Cleats

How Systems Drive Personal, Athletic, and Professional Growth

Reaching your goals isn’t just about ambition—it’s about the systems you build to make success inevitable. In this episode of Beyond the Cleats, Mina and Ailaina dive into how structure, consistency, and strategic planning shape everything from championship teams to personal growth. They explore why the right systems create winning cultures, enhance athletic performance, and fuel career success. You’ll hear how top athletes use routines, preparation, and mindset shifts to stay ahead, and why strong leadership is built on trust, accountability, and clear communication. Most importantly, they break down how anyone—whether on the field, in the gym, or at work—can implement better systems to reach their full potential. Systems are the foundation for sustained growth and achievement, whether in sports, business, or daily life. By focusing on habits, structure, and communication, individuals and teams can elevate their performance and reach new levels of success. If you’ve ever felt stuck despite setting big goals, this episode is your game plan for making lasting progress. Connect with us on various platforms Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthecleats?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=52ba74f4-6a12-4c27-a4c3-a5b6fd58a253 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthecleats/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthecleats?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: Beyond The Cleats - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXj6YND58EkalffdZDQORLQ]

Beyond the Pain: Overcoming Injuries, Building Confidence, and Thriving in Athletics

In this powerful episode of Beyond the Cleats, host Mina Shaw teams up with performance coach and Founder of Tough Body Athletic Nick Rogers to tackle one of the most challenging aspects of athletics: injuries. Together, they dive deep into the physical, mental, and emotional toll injuries can take on athletes, while offering actionable strategies to navigate the recovery process. Mina and Nick share personal stories of overcoming setbacks, from quad tears to nerve injuries, shedding light on the mindset shifts required to stay resilient. They discuss the importance of individualized recovery plans, collaboration with sports medicine teams, and the delicate balance between load and intensity in training. Listeners will also learn about the "cross-talk" phenomenon, tips for maintaining confidence during recovery, and how to embrace the philosophy of kaizen—constant, gradual improvement. Whether you're an athlete working through an injury, a coach guiding others, or someone passionate about fitness, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you move forward, one step at a time. Don’t miss this candid and inspiring conversation that goes beyond the physical to focus on what it takes to truly thrive in sports and life! Connect with us on various platforms Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthecleats?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=52ba74f4-6a12-4c27-a4c3-a5b6fd58a253 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthecleats/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthecleats?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: Beyond The Cleats - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXj6YND58EkalffdZDQORLQ]

Embrace the Grind: Finding Joy, Growth, and Victory in the Journey

In this empowering episode of Beyond the Cleats, hosts Mina and Ailaina tackle the art of enjoying the journey—whether in sports, professional life, or personal growth. Through raw and relatable stories, they explore the importance of celebrating small wins, embracing challenges, and cultivating a resilient mindset. From the power of affirmations and mantras to overcoming setbacks and finding balance, Mina and Ailaina provide actionable strategies to help listeners stay motivated on even the toughest days. They share heartfelt anecdotes, including Mina’s inspiring journey of resilience after dropping out of school, to emphasize how private victories pave the way for public success. This episode is packed with valuable insights on self-reflection, growth, and staying present while striving for future goals. Tune in to discover how to make the most of your journey, no matter where you are on your path. Connect with us on various platforms Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthecleats?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=52ba74f4-6a12-4c27-a4c3-a5b6fd58a253 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthecleats/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthecleats?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: Beyond The Cleats - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXj6YND58EkalffdZDQORLQ]

10 Episodes In: Highlights & Insights with Mina Shaw

What happens when the cleats come off, and athletes transition into life beyond the field? How do our athletic journey mold us into the persons we are today? We promise you'll uncover the answer as we reflect on the emotional journey of our first 10 episodes of Beyond the Cleats. Together with my co-host, Ailaina Keely, we navigate the complex topics of finding purpose after sports, addressing mental health, and recognizing the intrinsic value beyond our athletic identities. This reflection not only revisits the challenges of leaving behind a significant chapter of life but also celebrates the strengths and vulnerabilities that come with it. We also delve into the art of mastering habits and achieving success that transcends the individual. With personal anecdotes and guest interviews, such as those with competitive rower Noah Fisk and doctoral candidate Jenna Parsons, we explore the themes of healthy competitiveness, selfless joy, and the pressures faced by young athletes today. This episode serves as a heartfelt thank you to our listeners, filled with gratitude for your support, and excitement for the powerful conversations yet to come. Connect with us on various platforms Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthecleats?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=52ba74f4-6a12-4c27-a4c3-a5b6fd58a253 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthecleats/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthecleats?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: Beyond The Cleats - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXj6YND58EkalffdZDQORLQ]

Shaping Futures: The Lifelong Impact of Youth Sports

What if your child's passion for sports could shape their entire future? Join us in this episode of Beyond the Cleats as we sit down with Jenna Parsons, former college athlete and youth coach turned doctoral candidate at Louisiana State University. Jenna takes us through her inspiring journey from playing soccer, basketball, track, and softball in her youth to coaching middle school girls' basketball and youth soccer. She shares invaluable insights on the physical, social, and mental benefits of youth sports. This episode dives into the broader personal development that youth sports can foster, from discipline and commitment to time management and teamwork. Jenna, Ailaina and I also tackle the darker side of coaching, discussing how both positive and toxic influences can significantly impact young athletes' lifelong relationship with sports. Balancing academic pressures and athletic commitments can be a tightrope walk for aspiring athletes. We share personal stories of burnout from intense training regimens and the crucial need for maintaining enjoyment in youth sports. Jenna emphasizes the importance of clear boundaries between parents and coaches, advocating for a supportive yet pressure-free environment. As we wrap up, we reflect on the emotional and psychological aspects of coaching and the realities of transitioning from youth sports to collegiate athletics. This episode is packed with insights aiming to inspire youth coaches and parents to prioritize a fun, developmental, and positive sports experience for all young athletes. Connect with us on various platforms Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beyondthecleats?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=52ba74f4-6a12-4c27-a4c3-a5b6fd58a253 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthecleats/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthecleats?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: Beyond The Cleats - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXj6YND58EkalffdZDQORLQ]