Strong on the Outside: The Mental Health Reality of Student-Athletes

Preparing for Pressure with Ben Zobrist

Episode Description What does it take to perform when the pressure is at its highest? On this episode of The Right Way To Play Podcast, we sit down with former MLB All-Star, two-time World Series Champion, and 2016 World Series MVP Ben Zobrist to talk about pressure, purpose, mental resilience, and the lessons sports can teach us far beyond the game. A proud NAIA alumnus, Ben reflects on his journey from small college athletics to baseball’s biggest stage and shares insights from his new book, Prepare for the Pressure. Together, we explore how preparation, character, faith, and perspective shape leaders both in competition and in life. From overcoming adversity to redefining success, this conversation is a powerful reminder that growth often happens in the moments that test us most, and why education-based athletics still matters today. https://www.naia.org/advocate/index [https://www.naia.org/advocate/index]

Strong on the Outside: The Mental Health Reality of Student-Athletes

Behind the competition, the pressure, and the performance, there is a side of being a student-athlete we do not always see. In this Mental Health Awareness Month episode of The Right Way to Play® podcast, we sit down with Samantha Silver, former NAIA student-athlete, coach, and now Student-Athlete Mental Health Coordinator at Bushnell, to talk about what mental health really looks like in college athletics. From building team-based counseling systems to navigating the tension between mental toughness and real well-being, Sam shares both her personal journey and practical ways programs can better support student-athletes. This conversation is not just about awareness. It is about action, access, and creating an environment where student-athletes can truly thrive. Because competing at a high level should not come at the cost of losing yourself. Guest: Samantha Silver, Student-Athlete Mental Health Coordinator, Bushnell University. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYMnW1ercBdW9gYxXq0xHO_Q3_4nv2P0U [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYMnW1ercBdW9gYxXq0xHO_Q3_4nv2P0U]

The Right Way Forward: From the Room Where It Happens

Recorded live at the NAIA Convention, Episode 008 of The Right Way to Play Podcast brings together voices from across the Association to explore what’s next for NAIA athletics. Through a series of short conversations, leaders representing governance, campus leadership, and student-athletes share their perspectives on The RightWay Forward, and how the NAIA continues to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving college athletics landscape. From big-picture strategy to on-the-ground impact, this episode captures thepeople and principles shaping the future of the NAIA, where character,competition, and community still come first. Guest List: Karl Einhof President Indiana Tech Chair, NAIA Council of Presidents Kiki Baker Barnes Commissioner HBCU Athletic Conference Lincoln Thomae Chair, NAIA Association of Student-Athletes Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete, Milligan (Tenn.)

Building Programs That Last

Building Programs That Last Guest: Southeastern University Athletics Director Drew Watson   What does it take to build an athletic department that doesn’t just win — but endures?   In this episode, we sit down with Southeastern University Athletics Director Drew Watson to talk about scaling with purpose, launching new programs, sustaining championship culture, and leading through growth. From nine sports to twenty, national titles to conference dominance, Drew shares the leadership decisions behind building something that lasts.   If you care about the future of small college athletics, this conversation is for you.

Impact Beyond The Game

In this episode of the Right Way to Play podcast, hosts Austin Bennett and Alan Grosbach sit down with Lennox Brown, a senior wide receiver at Morningside University. They discuss Lennox's journey as a student-athlete, his recognition as a member of the Allstate Good Works team, and the importance of community service. Lennox shares how mission trips have shaped his character and perspective, emphasizing the value of using sports as a platform for positive change. The conversation highlights the significance of character development in college athletics and the pride in the NAIA community.