Episode 166

Recruitment Advice from Former D1 Athletes | Your Player Needs to Hear This!

Published on: 2nd December, 2025

What do former Division 1 players really want younger athletes to know?

In this episode, we’re passing the mic to the ones who’ve lived it — the workouts, the visits, the pressure, and the growth that comes with being a college athlete.

They share what they wish they knew during the recruiting process, including:

– What to actually pay attention to on visits

– The importance of choosing the school for the school

– Why failure isn’t the enemy — it’s the teacher

– How to lead your process without losing yourself

– The mindset that helped them thrive beyond softball

This episode is packed with real advice, big perspective shifts, and the kind of honesty your daughter needs to hear — whether she’s just starting out or deep in the recruiting journey.

Listen now. Then send it to your favorite softball player. This one’s for her.

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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!