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Ever wondered what it takes to transition from high school sports to college athletics? In this groundbreaking episode, we welcome our first-ever non-softball guest, Brooke, a volleyball libero who recently committed to Mercer University.

Brooke takes us through her journey from elementary school cheerleader to collegiate volleyball player, sharing candid insights about club volleyball travel, competitive high school experiences, and the recruitment process that ultimately led her to Mercer. Her story of becoming state runner-up with Saraland High School—a first in school history—showcases both her athletic prowess and leadership qualities.

What stands out most is Brooke's mental approach to the game. "I'm meant to be here. I worked really hard to get all the way here. And I deserve it," she affirms when discussing her mindset entering college competition. This powerful self-belief, coupled with her ability to maintain composure during pressure situations, offers valuable lessons for athletes in any sport.

The conversation delves into fascinating volleyball-specific details—from the challenges of serve-receive to pre-game rituals—while also exploring universal themes like balancing academics with athletics, handling recruitment pressure, and finding your sense of belonging. When Brooke says, "When I step on the court, I feel at ease because I feel like I'm at where I'm supposed to be," it resonates beyond volleyball.

For parents of athletes, coaches, or anyone interested in women's sports, this episode provides authentic perspectives on the emotional and practical aspects of pursuing athletic dreams. Whether you're navigating recruitment yourself or simply appreciate stories of determination and growth, Brooke's journey will inspire you to embrace challenges and find where you truly belong.

Have questions about volleyball, recruiting, or student-athlete life? Drop us a comment or reach out on social media—we'd love to continue this conversation!

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Ever wondered what happens when a talented softball player freezes at the sight of college coaches? In this revealing episode, Madison and Ronald Smith tackle the nerve-wracking world of college softball recruiting from both player and parent perspectives.

Madison opens up about her paralyzing anxiety when approaching coaches, sharing a particularly mortifying moment when she rehearsed a conversation for 15 minutes only to be immediately shut down. This father-daughter dynamic perfectly captures the tension many softball families experience—a determined parent encouraging their athlete to seize opportunities while the player navigates very real social fears.

We challenge the problematic mindset where young players are pressured about recruitment far too early, creating unnecessary anxiety during developmental years. With the evolution of NIL deals and transfer portals, we explore how the recruiting landscape continues to shift, potentially making high school recruitment less emphasized than in previous generations.

The episode takes an exciting turn as Ronald shares their transformative experience at the Alabama State Games—from Olympic-style opening ceremonies to heartwarming Miracle League baseball games where every contest ends with "Let's line up, shake hands and be friends." This multi-sport celebration offered a powerful reminder of sport's ability to build community beyond competition.

Whether you're a softball parent wondering how to support your athlete through recruitment, a player struggling with coach interactions, or simply love hearing authentic sports stories, this conversation offers valuable insights wrapped in genuine, unfiltered family moments. Tune in to discover why the mental game matters most and how finding your voice can be the biggest challenge in your athletic journey.

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Madison confronts the fascinating paradox of softball success: batting .365 while battling a crisis of confidence. This raw, honest conversation peels back the layers of what happens when statistical achievement doesn't align with an athlete's self-perception.

The father-daughter duo dives deep into Madison's sophomore season stats - a .365 batting average with 37 hits including 10 doubles and a home run, alongside pitching numbers that include a 2.5 ERA across exactly 100 innings. But beneath these impressive figures lies a mental struggle that many athletes will recognize: "I could care less if my batting average said I was hitting .500 for the season. I still would feel like I hit awful."

We explore the stark contrast between school ball pressure and travel ball freedom, with Madison sharing how travel tournaments offered her a psychological reset: "None of them know how my school ball season went... so it's just like a brand new beginning." The discussion illuminates how environment impacts performance, with Madison finding her confidence returned dramatically during recent travel ball games where she hit over .600.

The episode also tackles serious concerns about how girls' sports are treated in Alabama high school athletics, highlighting questionable scheduling decisions that forced some teams to play six games in a single day during regional tournaments. This passionate conversation showcases why softball families advocate for better treatment of female athletes.

Whether you're a player battling your own mental game, a parent trying to support an athlete through confidence struggles, or a coach looking to better understand the psychological side of softball, this episode delivers powerful insights about the space between statistical success and emotional experience. Join us for this candid look at what happens when the numbers say one thing, but your mind tells you another.

Hit us up at dontsucklfs.podcast@yahoo.com or on Facebook if you're interested in our new merch or the upcoming Alabama Sports Games scholarship opportunity!