The ProPlayer Podcast

Episode 70: Season 5: In conversation with Allie Mastrangelo "mental health in college soccer from the student athlete perspective"

Welcome back to the podcast — today’s episode is one I’m really excited about, because we’re diving into the real journey behind being a student-athlete, a goalkeeper, and someone who’s building something bigger than just sport. Today, I’m joined by Allie Mastrangelo — known online as @AllisonGK2025 — a collegiate goalkeeper currently playing at the NCAA Division II level, who’s not just putting in the work on the pitch, but also documenting the reality of life as a student-athlete off it. From early morning lifts to late-night studying, from training sessions to recovery days, Allison has been sharing a transparent look into what it actually takes to balance football, academics, and personal development at a high level. But what really stands out about her journey is that it’s not just about performance — it’s about perspective. In a world where social media often shows the highlight reel, Allison is doing something different. She’s opening up conversations around mental health, athlete identity, and the pressures of recruitment and college sport — topics that don’t get talked about enough, but affect so many players coming through the system today. Throughout her journey, she’s also been actively involved in initiatives and conversations that support younger athletes — helping them understand not just how to improve as players, but how to navigate the challenges that come with chasing a sporting career. Whether it’s sharing training routines, day-in-the-life content, or honest reflections, she’s building a platform that goes beyond football. And that’s exactly why this conversation matters. Because today, we’re not just talking about goalkeeping. We’re talking about: * what it really takes to reach the college level, * how to handle the ups and downs of performance, * the reality of the recruitment process, * and how to stay grounded when the pressure starts to build. We also get into her personal experiences — the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and the advice she’d give to the next generation of players trying to follow a similar path. If you’re a player, a coach, a parent, or anyone involved in the game, there’s something in this episode for you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation with Allison — as we go inside the mindset, the journey, and the reality of life as a modern-day student-athlete.

Episode 69: Season 5: In conversation with Bailey Stokes "Setting out in your sports industry career"

Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys, the mindset, and the real stories behind the people building careers in the game. Today’s guest is someone who represents the next generation of football professionals working behind the scenes to shape environments, support athletes, and build pathways into the game — Bailey Stokes. Currently working within the collegiate system in the United States as a team manager in women’s soccer, Bailey has quickly immersed herself in the high-performance world, gaining hands-on experience in elite environments while still early in her career. Alongside that, she’s taken on roles in coaching and administration, developing a well-rounded understanding of the game from multiple angles — from grassroots development right through to the demands of competitive college sport. What makes Bailey’s journey so interesting is not just where she is now, but how quickly she’s building a foundation across different areas of the game. Whether it’s working on the training ground, supporting team operations, or helping create environments where players can thrive, she’s gaining insight that many don’t access until much later in their careers. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to break into the football industry, especially on the other side of the touchline. We talk about the realities of starting out, the importance of adaptability, and why saying yes to opportunities — even when they’re outside your comfort zone — can open doors you never expected. We also dive into the differences between the U.S. college system and other development pathways, and what young players and aspiring coaches can learn from that environment. Bailey shares her experiences of balancing multiple roles, building relationships within teams, and the lessons she’s learned from being inside a high-performance culture day in, day out. This is a conversation for anyone looking to carve out their own path in football — whether that’s as a player, a coach, or working behind the scenes. So, if you want to understand what it takes to get your foot in the door, build real experience, and grow within the game… This one’s for you. Let’s get into it.

Episode 68: Season 5: In conversation with...Cathy Gruss "Helping You Bring Your Vision To Life" - this special episode is dedicated to all members of our armed services around the world - "we will remember them"

Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, where we explore the journeys, mindsets, and stories behind high performers from every corner of the world. Today’s guest is someone whose work sits at the intersection of resilience, identity, and the power of the human spirit. I’m joined by Cathy Gruss—an author, speaker, and advocate whose story is one of strength, courage, and transformation. Cathy’s journey is deeply moving. As a survivor, she has taken her life experiences and turned them into a mission—to educate, inspire, and empower others. Through her writing and speaking, she sheds light on the realities of trauma, healing, and what it truly means to rebuild and rediscover yourself after life’s most difficult moments. Her work doesn’t just tell a story—it creates impact. Cathy challenges perspectives, encourages difficult but necessary conversations, and reminds us all of the importance of empathy, awareness, and inner strength. She represents a level of mental toughness and emotional resilience that, in many ways, mirrors what we talk about in sport—but in a far more profound, human context. In this episode, we go deep. We talk about adversity, mindset, recovery, and the lessons that athletes, coaches, and leaders can take from experiences that go far beyond the pitch. This is a conversation about perspective, about gratitude, and about what really matters. This is one of those episodes that stays with you. More Info at https://cathygruss.com [https://cathygruss.com] Let’s get into it. And before we begin, I want to take a moment to dedicate this episode. As this conversation was recorded around Remembrance Sunday, we dedicate this episode to all members of the military who have served and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Your courage, your commitment, and your willingness to stand for something greater than yourselves will never be forgotten. This episode is a reminder of perspective—of sacrifice, resilience, and service. We honour you, we remember you, and we thank you.

Episode 67: Season 5: In conversation with...Angela Crawford PHD "helping leaders and organizations unlock growth from the inside out."

Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, the show where we dive into the minds, journeys, and high-performance habits of individuals operating at the very top of their game. Today’s guest is someone who brings a completely different—but incredibly powerful—perspective on performance, leadership, and what truly drives people to succeed. I’m joined by Dr. Angela C. Crawford, a founder, consultant, executive coach, and leadership expert with over two decades of experience working at senior levels within Fortune 500 organizations. Throughout her career, Angela has worked across financial services, healthcare, technology, government, education, and retail—giving her a unique, 360-degree understanding of how individuals and teams perform in high-pressure environments. What makes this conversation especially fascinating is Angela’s global lens. She’s conducted research on workplace motivation across 23 countries, exploring what really ignites passion and purpose in people. That research, combined with her PhD work published in the Journal of Service Research, forms the foundation of the work she does today—helping leaders and organizations unlock growth from the inside out. She’s also the creator of the Leaders SUCCEED Together© program, an integrated system designed to elevate leadership, strengthen culture, and drive meaningful, sustainable performance across teams. In this episode, we go deep into leadership, mindset, motivation, and how principles from the corporate world translate directly into sport and high-performance environments. Whether you’re a player, coach, or leader in any field, there’s something in this conversation for you. This is a powerful one—let’s get into it.

Episode 66: Season 5: In conversation with...Georgia Evans Rugby Superstar "its about more than the bow"

Get ready for an inspiring kickoff to Season 5 of The Pro Player Podcast with our very special guest, Georgia Evans! 🌟 Georgia is a powerhouse of women’s rugby — a Welsh international playing for both the Wales women’s national rugby union team and Saracens in the Premier 15s. Born on January 29, 1997, she fell in love with rugby at age 16 and has since risen through the ranks to become a key figure in elite women’s sport. Since making her Wales debut in 2020, Georgia has earned over 40 caps and represented her country at major tournaments including the Women’s Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup. Off the field, she holds a master’s degree in strength and conditioning and is known for her fierce competitive spirit and authenticity — both on and off the pitch. You’ll also hear the story behind Georgia’s signature bow — a colourful ribbon she wears in her hair during matches as a bold expression of her personality and femininity. It’s become a symbol of self-expression and confidence in a traditionally male-dominated sport, and Georgia has used it to challenge stereotypes and inspire young fans to be unapologetically themselves. Tune in for her insights on elite performance, resilience, and what it takes to succeed in pro rugby!