Episode 3

Team Building Through Building Trust [MHS2]

Published on: 25th June, 2018

If you fail to build trust in your team, you are setting yourself up for more failure. When times get tough, each player has to trust that their teammates and coaches have their back. But just saying "We have to have each other's backs," isn't enough.

You build that trust in your team by fostering open, honest communication and developing empathy for one another. That way, when someone disagrees with the way someone else is doing things, that conversation will go a lot more smoothly.

We discuss:

  • Incorporating the team why & culture into all drills and discussions.
  • Tactics for encouraging all players to speak up both in team discussions and on the field.
  • How she helped her players begin to develop empathy for one another so they understand others' perspectives.
  • Building trust in the coaching staff with honest, open feedback both in games and at practice.
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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!