Episode 169

How to WIN Recruiting (Even When Coaches Suck at Responding)

Published on: 23rd December, 2025

You’ve emailed, posted, showed up, and stayed visible — but still, it’s crickets.

If your athlete is putting in the work and getting nothing but silence in return, this episode is for you.

We’re pulling back the curtain on:

  1. Why coaches actually go quiet
  2. How to stay motivated when the inbox is empty
  3. And how to stop waiting — and start leading — your recruiting journey

We walk you through our WIN Method:

🔹 W = Why — Clarity on what your athlete actually wants

🔹 I = Intention — Becoming the kind of leader coaches can’t ignore

🔹 N = Next-Level Habits — Building daily momentum that keeps recruiting moving

This is the same framework we walk families through on the WINNERGAME™ Recruiting Strategy Call — a 30-minute call that turns uncertainty into direction.

Because when your athlete leads the process, they don’t just get seen — they get recruited.

Ready to go all in? Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

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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 college-bound athletes and their families navigating the 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 athlete 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 Mel 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!