I Am Mentally Tough Podcast

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/]

In this episode of I Am Mentally Tough, we tackle an essential and often controversial topic: “Tough Love or Too Far?” As a Mental Toughness coach, I’ve seen firsthand the impact a coach’s approach can have on an athlete’s mindset, performance, and overall well-being. We’ll explore: * What tough love truly means in coaching. * The fine line between motivating athletes and pushing them too far. * The red flags of coaching gone wrong. * Practical tips for coaches to maintain a balance of high standards and respect. With insights from coaching legends like John Wooden and Gregg Popovich, as well as research-backed data, this episode provides valuable tools for coaches, athletes, and parents alike. Whether you’re in the gym, on the court, or in the stands, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. Defining Tough Love: How high expectations and accountability build mental toughness. 2. When It Crosses the Line: Recognizing the signs of verbal, emotional, and physical abuse in coaching. 3. The Science of Tough Love: Stats on how supportive coaching impacts athletes’ performance and mental health. 4. How to Strike the Right Balance: Practical tips for coaches to lead with both toughness and empathy. 5. Red Flags for Parents and Athletes: When it’s time to address a coach’s behavior. Follow Coach G. on Instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/iammentallytough/] Follow Coach David on Instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/foundationacademysports/] Download FREE Confidence guide HERE [https://www.iammentallytough.com/confidence]

In this episode of the I Am Mentally Tough podcast, we sit down with Aisha Foy, a renowned NIL consultant, to explore the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for athletes. Aisha shares invaluable insights on how athletes can leverage their personal brand not only for financial gain but also for personal development. She emphasizes the importance of documenting their journey, managing their online presence, and mastering public speaking to maximize NIL potential. Aisha also breaks down the differences between collective NIL money and personal brand value, offering examples from well-known athletes like Armando Bacot. Whether you’re a high school athlete or playing at the college level, Aisha provides actionable strategies to help athletes at all stages secure NIL deals and build lasting, marketable brands. Key Takeaways: * NIL is more than just about making money—it's about fast-tracking life skills like personal branding, communication, and professionalism. * Documenting your journey on social media is key to building an authentic personal brand. * High-profile athletes have different NIL earning opportunities, but all athletes can maximize their brand value by being genuine and intentional. * Building a brand takes confidence and the ability to tell your story authentically, which can open doors beyond sports. * Public speaking and being comfortable on camera are essential skills for promoting yourself and securing deals. Aisha Foy is an NIL consultant helping athletes unlock their potential and create powerful personal brands. She is also the author of Success is My Major and provides free resources for athletes and parents looking to navigate the NIL landscape. Find her book and more information about her services on her website [https://successmajor.kartra.com/page/vhk268] Follow Aisha Foy on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_inspiredbyish/] Follow Gladine Frasso on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iammentallytough/] Follow Coach David Anderson on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/foundationacademysports/] Work one on one with Coach G. to build your Mental Toughness [www.iammentallytough.com]