Episode 152

Advice from the TOP softball coaches

Published on: 10th July, 2023

We coaches are contantly looking forward. What's next. Where is there room to improve. What can we do better as a coach? But sometimes the answers are already there for us - if we just take a peek into our recent past.

With Alicia on a trip with her daughter's soccer team this week, I was struggling with what to air on the podcast. We've got bootcamp coming up quickly, we have so many lessons we still want to share, but I want to have Alicia here to discuss them... And then it hit me. We already have AMAZING content that I'm certain you could benefit from.

So in honor of Bootcamp (doors open July 24!) I'm going to refer you to our past bootcamp special guests to hear how some of the ALL STARS of softball coaching develop their team culture!

Simply head to the podcast notes & you'll see the links for our episodes with Florida State's Lonni Alameda, Michigan's Hutch & Bonnie Tholl, Patrick Murphy from Alabama, Sue Enquist formerly of UCLA and Mike Candrea - recently retired from the University of Arizona.

Then if you're as inspired as we were, we hope you consider joining this round's bootcamp where we'll help you BUILD that kind of culture! Just head to mentalsweetspot.com/waitlist and join to be notified when tickets go on sale!

I know you're excited now, so check those out!

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About the Podcast

Signed & Ready
College Recruiting + Mental Game Mastery for Softball Athletes and Families
Signed & Ready is the go-to podcast for softball athletes and families navigating the college recruiting process—and preparing to thrive once they get there.

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.

If you're a parent wondering how to support your daughter without overstepping—or an athlete who wants to feel ready, not just look ready—you're in the right place.

Each episode delivers practical strategies, real talk, and coach-level insights on:

Standing out in the recruiting process (beyond the stats)

Building confidence that actually shows up on game day

Leading yourself through high-pressure moments

Thriving in college athletics with a strong mental game

This isn’t just about getting signed.
It’s about becoming the kind of athlete coaches can’t ignore—and the kind of leader who’s ready for the next level.

👉 New episodes weekly. Subscribe now and start building your mental edge—from the inside out.

About your host

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Melanie Rushing

If you're the type of coach who believes team culture is key, mental training is a secret weapon, and we can make the biggest impact when we coach the whole person, this podcast is for you!

Hey! We're Melanie Rushing & Alicia Smith - just a couple of softball coaches like you, who want to share our passion for building team culture & mentally tough players.

New episodes are released on Mondays and are typically about 30 minutes long. Just enough time to drive the field or give it a good drag.

We share what we've learned in our 30+ combined years of on-field experience (influenced by our Sport Psych, Coaching Sport Performance & Leadership education)

PLUS we bring on guests from the top softball teams, field of sport psychology and those who specialize in sport performance!

SO if you want to learn actionable tips and strategies to help your team win more games and have more fun head to your podcast player of choice & subscribe!

Talk to you soon!