The ProPlayer Podcast

Episode 61: Season 4: In conversation with...Larissa Mills - What you didn't know "YOU NEED TO KNOW" about our athletes and their cell phones

Welcome to this episode of The Pro Player Podcast, Where we dive deep into the mindset that sets champions apart—not just in sport, but in life. I’m your host David Gough and today I’m honored to introduce you to a woman whose work is redefining how we think about peak performance and holistic development in athletes, especially in relation to their cell phone and tech usage: Larissa Mills. Larissa is the driving force behind The Mental Game Academy, a dynamic program born out of her 25-plus years of coaching across multiple sports and her educational expertise in sociology, psychology and the science of learning. With a B.A. in Sociology & English and a Master of Science in Education focused on behavioural management and brain functionality, Larissa has spent her career bridging high-level athletic coaching with a deep understanding of how technology, parenting and mental habits shape our young people’s potential. thementalgameacademy.ca [http://thementalgameacademy.ca] What drives her? As a mother of three growing up in this tech-fueled era, Larissa was alarmed by how many athletes—so talented, so full of promise—were being held back not by lack of ability, but by the silent obstacles of social-media overload, poor digital habits, and weak emotional foundations. That curiosity propelled her into the creation of The Mental Game Academy: a hybrid educational platform that doesn’t just train bodies, but nurtures resilient minds, strong character, and lifelong skills. thementalgameacademy.ca [http://thementalgameacademy.ca] In our conversation today, we’ll explore how Larissa helps athletes and teams build a “mental advantage,” strategies for parents and coaches to support the next generation, and the impact of modern life on performance and wellbeing. So whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a parent—or simply someone curious about unlocking human potential—get ready for an insightful dialogue that will challenge your assumptions and elevate your game. Let’s jump in.

Episode 60: Season 4: In conversation with...Michelle Betos "The first goalkeeper ever to score in the National Women's Soccer League" (NWSL)

Michelle Betos is a seasoned professional goalkeeper whose career reflects resilience, leadership, and a deep passion for the game. A standout at the University of Georgia, she quickly made a name for herself as a tenacious shot-stopper with sharp instincts and a commanding presence in the box. After college, Betos began her professional journey with stints in the USL W-League and abroad in Europe, including time in Norway with Avaldsnes IL. Her breakthrough came in the NWSL, where she played for multiple clubs including Seattle Reign FC, Portland Thorns FC, and Racing Louisville. At Portland, Betos became a fan favorite, famously scoring a stoppage-time equalizer in 2015 — the first goal ever scored by a goalkeeper in NWSL history. That same year, she earned NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year honors. Known for her leadership and vocal presence on and off the field, Betos has consistently been a mentor to younger players and a steadying force in goal. Her career has spanned over a decade and includes international experience with the U.S. U-23 team. Whether making crucial saves or inspiring teammates, Michelle Betos is currently coaching at Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League and she has life changing advice and vocational evidence for how players should be coached in the modern era. This is a must listen for any aspiring player (and their parents) or coach who one day dreams of operating in the professional technical area...

Episode 59: Season 4: In Conversation with... Derek Marinatos "The ever changing world of USA college athletics"

As the Associate AD Development Athletics at the University of North Florida, Derek' focus is on major gifts fundraising for athletics, a testament to his deep commitment to the institution and its sports programs. With 15 years of experience at the university, he has honed a keen eye for detail and a talent for communication, both essential in nurturing donor relationships and advancing the college's athletic endeavors.Transitioning from a 13-year tenure as Head Coach of the universities soccer team to a leadership role in administration and development, In this episode he leverages his in-depth understanding of the sports domain, enriched by relationship building in the Jacksonville community and opens up on his team's collaborative efforts to empower the university's athletic programs to achieve new heights. He also delivers a masterclass in the strategic approach to alumni engagement and financial stewardship. This is not only a must listen for anyone interested in college athletics in the USA but it is a step by step mentoring guide for those who dream of being athletic directors and working in college athletics one day.

Episode 58: Season 4...In Conversation with Chris Loxston - "The role of the modern Technical Director" San Diego Wave Football Club - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)

This is a special episode from inside the industry as Chris currently sits as Technical Director at one of the United States biggest women's soccer clubs - San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League. (NWSL). He not only shares his day to day life at the club with us but also fills this episode with amazing insight and advice for aspiring coaches. For sure check out the advice on how to get your first interview and get noticed... A former Technical Advisor at the League Coaches Association, A strategic advisor to CONCACAF, with over 5 years experience as Strategic advisor of football performance insights and Group Leader Football for Performance and Anlaysis at FIFA. A graduate of Northumbria University with a Masters Degree from The University of Staffordshire. He is also a UEFA A License Coach with a. Level 1 In Introduction to Talent Identification from the FA. More than any of that, Chris is a true Gentleman who genuinely wants to help and inspire the next generation of coaches within the women's game. His warmth, and his passion shine through numerous times during the episode and you will be investing your time well spending an hour with us today.

Episode 57: Season 4...In Conversation with..."The most successful women's soccer coach on the planet" Anson Dorrance

Albert Anson Dorrance IV (born April 9, 1951) is a retired American soccer [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soccer]coach [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_(sport)]. He was the head coach of the women's soccer program [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina_Tar_Heels_women%27s_soccer] at the University of North Carolina [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_North_Carolina_at_Chapel_Hill] from 1979 to 2024. He has one of the most successful coaching records in the history of athletics. Under Dorrance's leadership, the Tar Heels have won 21 of the 41 NCAA Women's Soccer Championships [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_Division_I_Women%27s_Soccer_Championship]. The Tar Heels' record under Dorrance stood at 809-67-36 (.887 winning percentage) over 33 seasons at the end of the 2017 season. He has led his team to a 101-game unbeaten streak and coached 13 different women to a total of 20 National Player of the Year awards. The NCAA has recognized Dorrance as the Women's Soccer Coach of the Year seven times (1982, 1986, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006) and as the Men's Soccer Coach of the Year in 1987. On March 10, 2008, Dorrance was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Soccer_Hall_of_Fame]. In this episode we get to see behind the winning and delve into a little more of what makes a great mind tick...Anson at his informal and eminent best.