Hosted by Alicia Smith, head coach, recruiting mentor, and mental performance expert, this show pulls back the curtain on what really moves the needle in college recruiting: leadership, composure, and confidence under pressure.
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5 Fears That Can Keep Talented Athletes From Getting Recruited
Fear of failure. Pressure to be perfect. The weight of not letting anyone down.
College-bound athletes are under more pressure than ever — and most of it is happening silently, behind the scenes.
In this episode, we break down the real mental blocks sabotaging recruiting success — and how to shift from spiraling under pressure to rising through it.
You’ll learn:
– Why fear of failure kills motivation — and how to rebuild confidence
– The difference between perfectionism vs. high standards (and which one actually gets her recruited)
– How to reframe pressure as a privilege — not a punishment
– The mindset shift every parent and coach should adopt to reduce anxiety
– What the WIN Method is — and how it gives athletes a clear path forward
Whether your athlete is deep in the process or just getting started, this episode will help her shift from fear to focus — and lead her own journey with courage.
Ready to build a real plan and stop guessing?
Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame (https://mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame)
23 Dec 2025
How to WIN Recruiting (Even When Coaches Suck at Responding)
You’ve emailed, posted, showed up, and stayed visible — but still, it’s crickets.
If your athlete is putting in the work and getting nothing but silence in return, this episode is for you.
We’re pulling back the curtain on:
Why coaches actually go quiet
How to stay motivated when the inbox is empty
And how to stop waiting — and start leading — your recruiting journey
We walk you through our WIN Method:
🔹 W = Why — Clarity on what your athlete actually wants
🔹 I = Intention — Becoming the kind of leader coaches can’t ignore
🔹 N = Next-Level Habits — Building daily momentum that keeps recruiting moving
This is the same framework we walk families through on the WINNERGAME™ Recruiting Strategy Call — a 30-minute call that turns uncertainty into direction.
Because when your athlete leads the process, they don’t just get seen — they get recruited.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/ (https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame)winnergame (https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/readyforoffers)
16 Dec 2025
What Families Get Wrong About College Recruiting - with Jay Paterno
In this episode, we're joined by Jay Paterno — former D1 coach, author, and advocate for the future of college athletics. Son of coaching legend Joe Paterno and author of BLITZED!, Jay brings a rare perspective that bridges tradition and transformation in the world of recruiting.
Together, we unpack what most families are missing when it comes to choosing the right school — and why chasing offers, rankings, or money first leads to burnout, disappointment, and regret.
You’ll learn:
Why the most successful programs recruit values first, not stats
The #1 thing players need to hear from parents after games
How mental performance and leadership actually get kids recruited
The real toll NIL, early commitments, and the transfer portal are taking
Why most families are spending money backward — and what to do instead
Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete navigating the recruiting chaos, this episode is your permission to slow down, zoom out, and lead with clarity.
Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/ (https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame)winnergame (https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/readyforoffers)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
93 ratings
Spotify
4.8 / 5
16 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
24
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
67
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