Episode 139

Being the Coach They'd Choose Again - w/ Jessica Bracamonte

Published on: 9th January, 2023

We get into coaching because we want to help. But you don't get to stay there unless athletes CHOOSE to play for you year in and year out.

There will of course be some turnover for various reasons, but on the whole... How many of your girls would choose you again if given the chance?

There are a lot of factors that go into it, but if you can create a culture where the player feel ACCEPTED instead of judged? They'll keep choosing to play for you!

This is why we do what we do at Mental Sweet Spot and why we love guests like today who can share their experience on the subject at the highest level!

Want to hear how this rockstar keeps her standards high AND meets her girls where they are? Listen in on your favorite podcast app now!

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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

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!