Mental Playbook takes a deep dive into the mental psyche of collegiate and pro athletes. Each week, host Riley Sager will interview current and retired athletes, coaches, trainers, and more to reveal their mental playbook and what it takes to be at the top of their game. Episodes will discuss how they manage the pressures of competing at the highest level and what it takes to transcend greatness.
Annie Shields: Defending the crease and manging pressure
In this episode, USC women's lacrosse goalie Annie Shields explains the mentality of her position and what it takes to manage the pressure. She also shares her transition to college athletics, what she's learned about her own mindset on and off the field and how she views her identity outside of lacrosse.
19 Dec 2025
Dani Thomas-Nathan: How injury changes perspective on the court and in life
Mental Playbook is back! In this episode, volleyball outside hitter Dani Thomas-Nathan talks about her journey with USC volleyball and how she battled knee and shoulder injuries on and off the court. Tune in to hear all about how these obstacles challenged her as an athlete but also gave her perspective and even more gratitude in daily life.
13 May 2025
Fanni Muzsnay: Invisible injuries and water polo culture
In this episode, USC women's water polo attacker Fanni Muzsnay shares her story of growing up in Hungary and falling in love with water polo. Fanni moved to Los Angeles to play for USC, where she has battled a series of concussions that threatened her athletic career.
She candidly reveals the mental challenges of battling an invisible injury and the opportunity to help de-stigmatize mental health in sports.
7 Apr 2025
Taking flight with Grace Smith: the long jump mentality
In this episode, USC freshman track and field long jumper and sprinter Grace Smith reveals what it takes to soar in the air. In a sport where every inch counts, Grace explains how she measures progress in the sand or on the track.
3 Mar 2025
Peter Makk: The road to pro and winning the mental match
In this episode, USC men's tennis player Peter Makk opens up about his journey growing up in Hungary and playing European junior tournaments to now competing at USC. Peter explains exactly why tennis is such a mental game, highlighting the importance of the self-reliance and positivity on the court, and what makes it so different from other sports.
Peter also talks about the role of communication and preparation in doubles matches, the significance of visualization and pre-match routines. Enjoy!
10 Feb 2025
Charlie Mills: Inside the Cage: A winning environment and relentless mindset
In this episode of Mental Playbook, USC men’s water polo goalie Charlie Mills takes us inside the cage to understand the mentality of a goalkeeper and the responsibilities that come with it.
Charlie offers insight into his journey of playing water polo at USC, the mindset that helped him recover from injury, and the "iron sharpens iron" team chemistry that breeds a National Championship-caliber team.
27 Jan 2025
Stella Chartrand: West Point Basketball and
United States Military Academy basketball guard Stella Chartrand sits down with Riley to talk about the challenges and responsibilities of playing D1 basketball as well as military service.
Between stories of intense Cadet Basic Training to daily routines as a student-athlete, Stella shares what it means to follow her dreams at one of the most prestigious and respected institutions in the country.
Tune in to hear all about Stella's on-court mentality that is also guiding her through a life of service, honor and commitment.
27 Dec 2024
Josh Cohen: A basketball career anchored in faith
In this episode of Mental Playbook, USC basketball forward Josh Cohen and Riley discuss navigating life as a collegiate basketball player and devout Christian. Josh grew up in a Christian and Jewish household in New Jersey, but it wasn’t until after experiencing mental struggles during his freshman year of college that Josh committed to fully exploring the Christian faith.
Basketball has since led Josh across the country to USC - tune in to hear how faith has remained a constant in every aspect of his life, what it means to separate life on and off the court and how Josh uses his platform as a Christian athlete to inspire and uplift his community.
13 Dec 2024
Kash Amos: From South Side dreams to SC football
Riley Sager and USC defensive lineman Kash Amos discuss how Kash's South Side upbringing and football career at USC shaped his mental approach to overcoming life's challenges.
29 Nov 2024
Saint Thomas: How off-court adversity breeds an unshakeable mentality
Riley Sager sits down with USC basketball forward Saint Thomas to explore how he uses mentality and mental health to fuel his performance and overcome adversity on and off the court.
15 Nov 2024
Mental Playbook with Riley Sager: Dean Carpentier + Sax Matson
This week on Mental Playbook, Riley sits down with USC baseball players Dean Carpentier and Sax Matson. They discuss the mentality of competing at the collegiate level and what they're doing to prepare for the upcoming season. From pregame rituals to walk-up songs, this episode reveals what it's like walking up to the plate or onto the mound.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
25
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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