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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!

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What happens when your "dream" D1 offer doesn't actually feel right? Emily Mizelle's softball journey reveals a truth many athletes need to hear: sometimes the path everyone expects you to take isn't the one your heart needs.

From her early days in teal and pink cupcake socks to becoming a record-breaking high school standout at Baker, Emily was on the traditional elite softball trajectory. She received the coveted D1 offer, signed on the dotted line, and should have been celebrating. Instead, her body literally rejected the decision—breaking out in stress-induced hives on her official visit. Despite external pressure pushing her forward, Emily made the courageous choice to walk away and attend Jones College, a Mississippi JUCO.

The result? Two transformative years of softball where she thrived both athletically (becoming an All-American with 20+ home runs) and personally. "JUCOs invest in you more personally," Emily explains. "I know all my professors, all my professors know me." Most importantly, she found joy in the game again while discovering her path toward dental hygiene.

Emily's story carries powerful wisdom beyond softball metrics. When asked what her teammates would say about her, she responded: "I genuinely think they would tell you that I would run through a brick wall for them." Her mentorship of younger players, including host Madison when she was pulled up to varsity as a seventh-grader, demonstrates the leadership that transcends statistics.

Whether you're a young athlete feeling pressured about college decisions, a parent supporting a softball player, or simply someone facing difficult choices, Emily's journey reminds us that following your authentic path—even when it defies expectations—leads to the most meaningful success. As she puts it: "If you can walk away and say you gave everything, if you can walk away and regret nothing, that's when you know it's okay."

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Every athlete's journey is shaped by the invisible support system standing behind them. In this special episode, we welcome our most requested guest – Mama Kelli – who pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to raise a dedicated softball player.

Kelli shares the emotional rollercoaster of watching Madison navigate both triumphs and struggles on the field, revealing that the hardest part isn't the financial investment or logistical challenges, but "watching Madison struggle or hearing negative comments about her." Yet in the same breath, she identifies the most rewarding aspect as seeing her daughter overcome those very struggles.

The conversation explores the delicate art of supporting without smothering. Kelli and Ronald have intentionally fostered Madison's independence from a young age, teaching her to advocate for herself with teachers and coaches alike. "Madison has to learn how to handle things on her own," Kelli explains, offering wisdom for parents who might be tempted to fight all their child's battles.

We dive into memorable tournaments – from expensive 10U trips that raised eyebrows to the growth moment when 14-year-old Madison pitched for an 18U team of college-bound players. Kelli candidly discusses the sacrifices made ("we no longer have a backyard"), the importance of the upcoming recruiting summer, and the life lesson she hopes Madison carries forever: "Never quit."

Whether you're a softball parent seeking guidance, a player curious about the parental perspective, or someone who appreciates authentic family dynamics, this episode offers heartfelt insights into the foundation that supports athletic dreams. Subscribe now and join our growing community spanning six countries and counting!

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A rollercoaster week of softball reveals the mental toughness required to overcome adversity and find success when it matters most. We start with an embarrassing April Fool's prank (yes, Mom actually got me good) before diving into the week's emotional journey from triumph to disappointment and back again.

The early-week area game against MGM proved challenging, as our bats went quiet in a crucial 1-4 loss that postponed our chance to secure the area championship. This led to some difficult but necessary conversations about game approach, communication between parents and players, and the importance of timing when providing feedback after tough losses.

The weekend's Saraland Invitational tournament showcased our resilience in dramatic fashion. After dropping Friday night games to both Daphne (facing a D1 commit throwing 68-70 mph) and Spanish Fort in extra innings, we could have easily folded. Instead, we regrouped and won four straight games on Saturday, including a redemption win against MGM and ultimately defeating Spanish Fort 5-4 in extra innings to claim the tournament championship.

Throughout our conversations, we explore the mental challenges of softball — finally connecting against a pitcher who's had your number all season, making necessary adjustments at the plate, and handling the pressure of championship moments. We also tackle the noticeable double standard in how emotional responses are judged in softball compared to baseball, opening up important conversations about expectations and gender in athletics.

As our podcast journey continues to grow beyond what we ever imagined, reaching listeners across multiple countries and cities, we're excited to create opportunities for young athletes to share their stories and connect with the broader softball community. Join us each week for honest, unfiltered discussions about softball, family dynamics, and the important life lessons we learn between the lines.

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What happens when your athletic performance feels inseparable from your personal identity? We're diving deep into the psychological tightrope that competitive athletes walk every day.

Madison shares her impressive week on the mound with 12 innings pitched, zero earned runs, and a new personal speed record against tough competition. But beyond the stats lies a more profound conversation about maintaining mental health while pursuing excellence.

"It's something I've grown up doing since I was four years old. When you have a bad game, it feels like your whole day is ruined." This vulnerability opens the door to examining how young athletes can separate their worth from their performance while still striving to improve.

We explore practical strategies for developing a multifaceted identity beyond softball, including engaging in other activities and adopting a growth mindset. The conversation tackles whether the pressure to perform is creating players who lose their love for the game, and questions if the intensive travel ball schedule serves young athletes' best interests.

For parents, coaches, and athletes navigating the competitive sports landscape, this episode offers a refreshingly honest look at building resilience. You'll gain insight into how confidence doesn't require perfection – it's built through embracing challenges and recognizing that even at the highest levels, everyone struggles sometimes.

Listen now to gain perspective on how to maintain your passion for the game while protecting your mental health. Share your own experiences with athletic identity in the comments or reach out on social media – we'd love to continue this important conversation!

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What happens when the love of a sport begins to fade under the weight of social pressure? This deeply personal episode takes us into producer Claudia's experience of walking away from softball in high school – a decision she now views as quitting too soon.

Madison flips the script, taking on the role of interviewer to explore Claudia's journey through a series of thoughtful questions that reveal the complex emotions behind leaving the game. "I would tell myself don't worry about what other people think about you, it does not freaking matter. Do what you love," Claudia reflects, offering wisdom that resonates far beyond the diamond. Her candid admission that quitting made it easier to walk away from other challenges in life opens up a powerful conversation about perseverance, regret, and growth.

Before diving into this emotional territory, the team breaks down Baker's narrow 15-13 victory over MGM, where errors nearly cost them the game. Madison shares her embarrassing moment of letting a ball roll between her legs in right field – a refreshingly honest look at how even experienced players face moments of failure.

The episode beautifully balances humor (the team debates what dog breeds they would be, with Claudia unanimously labeled a Chihuahua) with profound insights about identity and decision-making. Through Claudia's story, we're reminded that sometimes our greatest regrets come from letting others influence decisions about the things we truly love.

Have you ever walked away from something you loved? Share your story with us and join the conversation about finding the strength to push through difficult seasons rather than quitting too soon.