Episode 159

From Exposure to Offers (Pt.2) | Why Resilience Matters More Than Stats

Published on: 28th October, 2025

Here’s the truth: coaches don’t recruit highlight reels — they recruit how she carries herself when things get hard.

In this episode of Signed & Ready, Coach Mel Rushing and Coach Alicia Smith break down the invisible side of recruiting — the part stats can’t show and exposure can’t guarantee.

Because what really gets a player noticed isn’t just talent.

It’s presence.

It’s leadership.

It’s the ability to stay composed, confident, and coachable under pressure.

Whether your athlete is just starting to email coaches or already attending camps, this episode will help her understand what college recruiters are really evaluating every time she steps on the field.

You’ll Learn

  • What “presence” actually means (and how coaches define it).
  • The body language habits that make or break first impressions.
  • How to stand out in camps and tournaments — even when she’s not the loudest or flashiest.
  • Why leadership is the deciding factor between being seen and being signed.

Key Takeaway

“Highlight reels get you noticed, but we recruit resilience & grit.”

Coaches recruit players they trust to compete, lead, and elevate the team — and that starts with how she shows up when it matters most.

Listen If Your Athlete...

💥 Feels pressure to be perfect in front of coaches

💥 Struggles to bounce back after mistakes

💥 Wants to stand out but isn’t sure how

💥 Is tired of being overlooked despite her talent

Next Step: Give Her the Edge Coaches Actually Recruit

If your daughter has the talent but isn’t getting traction in recruiting, it’s not because she’s not good enough — it’s because she’s missing the mental edge.

That’s why we created Ready for Offers — a self-paced, on-demand program that helps athletes build the presence, composure, and leadership that turn exposure into real offers.

👉 Get her Ready for Offers today: mentalsweetspot.com/readyforoffers

Because exposure gets her seen — but leadership gets her signed.

Connect with Us

🎧 Subscribe to Signed & Ready for weekly episodes on mindset, leadership, and recruiting for softball players and parents.

💻 Explore programs: mentalsweetspot.com

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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!