Episode 148

How to Feel Proud Even When You Lose - LC Finale

Published on: 12th June, 2023

Coaching is NOT easy. You of all people know that.

There are ups and downs - in both on-field performance AND the emotions - that are easy to get wrapped up in.

The best seasons are ones where we as coaches can stay out of that trap and use every lesson to build TRUE belief. That's what we talk about today as I wrap up my second season with LaGrange College softball.

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True pride (and true BELIEF) don't come from winning alone. They come from the lessons learned and the work put in for something bigger than yourself.

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The real test is how often you can be the best version of you for those around you.

What that looks like is different for each team (stay tuned for our next Culture Bootcamp which will be ALL about this.) But it can start with the Cs.

How committed are you? Are you the healthy kind of competitive? How unshakable IS your confidence?

You can find out and start focusing on your team's mental game today! Just head to mentalsweetspot.com/assessment to get started.

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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!