Episode 154

How Culture Kept Us In Coaching

Published on: 24th July, 2023

Coaching is hard. You know what I mean. Not the on-field stuff.

It's the attitudes... The lack of competitiveness... The people talking smack about how you're doing things. It can be draining.

Honestly, that kind of stuff can make you want to quit. Alicia and I have certainly both considered it. Many times.

But what keeps us coming back? What keeps us grounded, confident that we're on the right path, and unshakable despite other people's opinions?

Hands down, it's Culture.

This is what we want for you and why we're hosting the Softball Coaches Culture Bootcamp. Tickets are available by the time you're hearing this and we kick off Monday, August 7th. And BONUS - Lonni Alameda will be joining us for a Q&A too! Head to mentalsweetspot.com/bootcamp to learn more. Now onto the episode!

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It is my most sincere wish for EVERY softball coach to feel the way Alicia and I do when we reflect on our careers this far.

If we could reach every coach who truly cared about their girls and wanted to help them grow as PEOPLE... And we could give them the confidence and clarity we have now...

We could positively impact MILLIONS of girls.

That's why I want you Softball Coaches' Culture Bootcamp. To learn more, head to mentalsweetspot.com/bootcamp

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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!