Best Fastpitch Podcasts (2025)

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Viewership Surges / Impact of Money / Coach Interview / Holiday Gifts / It's not always a physical problem 1:08:34

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3d ago1:08:34

1:08:34

In episode 398 of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don discuss various topics via Zoom, as Coach Don is in Canada. The warmup segment includes a 'Did You Know' about record-setting TV ratings for softball events, Valdosta, GA as the city of the week, and a player of the week. Equipment tips include recommendations for …

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Re-Release: Linda Lensch 1:11:50

4d ago1:11:50

1:11:50

The always fun Linda Lensch of Greased Lightning Fastpitch stops by the podcast to talk about how she got involved playing fastpitch softball with (and against) many of the legends of the game, how she got started in coaching, how she got into competitive rowing at the international level, some of the amazing players she coached, and why she still …

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114: Journaling Is The Most Effective Way To Get Started With Mental Skills 41:42

5d ago41:42

41:42

It's Thanksgiving week, and what better way to celebrate than to explore how gratitude and journaling build real mental skills. Coach Sarah and I map out a three-step process to helping your athlete get their thoughts out of their head and onto paper! So that they can get clarity, feel better, and reflect on their mental skills to be successful! Ep…

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Re-Release: Lauren Haeger 1:06:19

11d ago1:06:19

1:06:19

Join Ken and Jay as they speak with 2015 USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year and Women's College World Series champion Lauren Haeger about her career as a pitcher/first baseman at Florida and later in the National Pro Fastpitch League. She also shares some thoughts about pitching mechanics and the importance of a great changeup.…

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Line Drive Hitters and Recruiting / Interview with a Jr College Coach / Mount Rushmore Project / Technology in Training 55:35

2d ago55:35

55:35

In this week's edition of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory discusses the podcast agenda for episode 397, including segments such as 'Did You Know,' City of the Week, player of the week, equipment tip, and a listener question about the value of line drive hitters in recruiting. He and Don interview Scott Thomas, head coach at Gul…

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113: We've Been Looking at Comparison Wrong with Jake Thompson 37:49

12d ago37:49

37:49

I had the privilege of sitting down with Jake Thompson, Leadership Performance Coach, Author, and Chief Encouragement Officer at Compete Every Day. We dig into how athletes can turn comparison into fuel, own their role, and compete for the standard in the mirror while becoming better teammates. Episode Highlights: • Comparison as a tool rather than…

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Episode 199 - Kamalani Dung 1:06:48

14d ago1:06:48

1:06:48

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with one of our favorite guests ever, the one and only, Kamalani Dung. So we last chatted with Kama back in 2021 and you could say she’s done a little of this and a little of that over the past 4 years. Actually, that’s an understatement, she has done a ton! From walking the red carpet at the Grammy’s, to hitt…

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Episode 38: Joe Kinsella 1:16:31

18d ago1:16:31

1:16:31

This week Jay and Ken speak with Lake Forest College Head Coach Joe Kinsella about how this former football player came to become the coach of one of the most successful Division 3 women's softball teams. He talks about how he got started in coaching, what he looks for in recruits, how he builds a winning culture, and what he feels his greatest acc…

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Showcasing Players / Mount Rushmore Coaches / Consider Mental Aspect of Player's Unhappiness / Use Video Effectively 49:10

19d ago49:10

49:10

In this episode of 'Everything Fast Pitch' by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don discuss various segments including the warm-up section with the 'Did You Know?' fact featuring the Georgia Dugout Club's Senior All-Star Games at Truist Park, City of the Week, Player of the Week, and an equipment tip focusing on Square Cuts training discs. They…

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112: This Isn't the 90s Anymore, How Coaches Need to Adapt with Dr. Barry Davis 59:42

19d ago59:42

59:42

In this week's episode, I interviewed Dr. Barry Davis, Leadership Coach and Author. We explore how emotional intelligence turns rigid control into real leadership. Dr. Davis shares stories, tools, and mistakes that shaped a steadier, clearer coaching style grounded in trust and accountability. Episode Highlights: • Defining emotional intelligence f…

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Episode 198 - Odicci Alexander-Bennett 49:35

21d ago49:35

49:35

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with just an absolute star in our game, JMU alum and AUSL Bandits pitcher, the one and only, Odicci Alexander-Bennett. Odicci first captured the hearts of fans across the country during her unforgettable run with James Madison University at the 2021 Women’s College World Series, where her dominance, passion, a…

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Episode 37: Jay and Ken Top 10 Coach Don'ts 1:03:04

25d ago1:03:04

1:03:04

This week Jay and Ken offer up their top 10 things coaches shouldn't do while coaching. Some are general, some are position-specific, but all are good advice drawn from their own mistakes or those they've seen others make. Jay also offers a bonus plea to coaches about their attire when coaching. It's a fun and informative conversation so check it o…

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Stats feedback / AUSL Announcement / Respect Fields / Parents, don't run off coaches 47:12

26d ago47:12

47:12

In this episode of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don prepare for their 395th episode. The warmup segment includes City of the Week, Player of the Week, an equipment tip, and an intriguing listener question. A listener had some feedback about using stats from pool play to set the lineup in bracket play. The lead-off …

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111: What to Say to Build Her Confidence the Right Way 41:03

26d ago41:03

41:03

Do you struggle to find the right words as a parent sometimes? Especially after a tough game? This episode is for you! Build your athlete’s mental game with practical tools that turn car rides into connection and confidence. Learn my 3P method: what to say and how to say it. (With a few fewer eye rolls from your teen!) Episode Highlights: • 3 Ps of…

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Episode 197 - Josh McGovern 1:16:32

29d ago1:16:32

1:16:32

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with 2024 ISC Champion and 2022 WBSC World Cup Champ, Aussie native, the one and only, Josh McGovern. This was such a great chat that Hopey and myself got to have with Josh. He took time after travelling over 40 hours to come on and chat with us from down in the Dominican where he was playing in the Legends Cu…

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Coffee Talk E10 | Identity: Who Are You Beyond the Jersey? 52:54

1M ago52:54

52:54

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode… BJ brings together Natalie Castro and Mia Stankiewicz to talk about the lessons that come when the path to success isn’t straight. From early influences and family support to the mental resets that change everything, they share what it means to grow through the game—not just play it. This episode is a reminder that pa…

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Episode 36: Kerri Blaylock 58:48

1M ago58:48

58:48

Jay and Ken were honored this week to be able to speak with former longtime SIU Carbondale head coach and current John A. Logan Community College volunteer assistant coach Kerri Blaylock. A member of four halls of fame, including the SIUC and NFCA Halls of Fame, Coach Blaylock shared how a chance phone call got her started on the career she loves, …

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Large strike zones / Pro baseball player showing character / Group emphasizing fun over winning / Players required to report training activities 40:46

1M ago40:46

40:46

In this week's edition of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Don cover a variety of topics in episode 394. The show starts with a warmup segment featuring the City of the Week, Player of the Week, equipment tip, and an interesting listener question about large strike zones in youth leagues. A key highlight includes the story o…

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110: How Championship Teams Build Trust with Dr. Larry Widman 50:54

1M ago50:54

50:54

Today, I sit down with Dr. Larry Widman, Psychiatrist and High-Performance Mindset Coach, to unpack how trust, vulnerability, and role acceptance transform talented rosters into resilient teams. We also draw a clear line between mental health and mental performance. Episode Highlights: • Why trust is the cornerstone under pressure • Mental health v…

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Episode 196 - Rylee Bayless 1:24:05

1M ago1:24:05

1:24:05

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with , two time NJCAA D1 National Player of the Year at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M college, two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection with Oklahoma State University, and current pro over in the Netherlands with the Haarlem Sparks, it’s the one and only, Rylee Bayless. Its funny, most of these interviews I do, es…

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Episode 35: Carol Bruggeman 53:23

1M ago53:23

53:23

Talk about a catch! National Fastpitch Coaches Association CEO and Hall of Famer Carol Bruggeman joins Jay and Ken to talk about how growing up in a small town in Iowa gave her the foundation to achieve big dreams and big jobs. She talks about her time as a player and her coaching journey, including serving as an assistant coach to the legendary Ca…

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Game Performance vs Practice / Knowing Limits of Players / Mount Rushmore Project 52:05

1M ago52:05

52:05

In this episode of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Don and Coach Tory discuss several segments, including the City of the Week, Player of the Week, and an Equipment Tip of the Week. They address a listener's question about improving a 10U team's performance in games compared to their practices. They provide strategies such as using …

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Coffee Talk E9 | Growth: The Truth About Leveling Up 6:12

1M ago6:12

6:12

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson opens up about what 10 years of coaching has really taught him; that growth isn’t linear, perfection is a myth, and both coaches and parents evolve alongside their athletes. From the cages to the car rides, every rep, mistake, and breakthrough builds a stronger foundation. This episode challenges all of us …

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109: Turning Failure into Feedback with Pro Softball's Korbe Otis 31:20

1M ago31:20

31:20

This week, we share last month's mentorship call with Korbe Otis, a former Florida Gator softball player, pro softball player, and med student. In this interview, Coach Kara and our Warriors unpack mental skills, recruiting clarity, and why betting on yourself is a daily choice. Episode Highlights: • Committing young, transferring, and finding the …

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Episode 195 - Callum Beashel 1:15:28

1M ago1:15:28

1:15:28

What an episode we have for you again this week as we’re going down under and chatting with, 2025 ISC All World Selection with the Bear Creek Express, 2023 University of Newcastle Sportsman of the Year and 2022 WBSC World Cup Champion with the Aussie Steelers, it’s the one and only, Callum Beashel. Like I said, this was such a great episode. We tal…

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Coffee Talk E8 | Support: Seeing the Person Behind the Performance 8:27

1M ago8:27

8:27

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson brings the final chapter of the mental health series to a heartfelt close, reminding us that true coaching begins when we see the human before the athlete. He shares a personal story that changed his approach forever and offers practical ways to recognize emotional red flags, build trust, and create environ…

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Episode 34: Nick French 1:03:03

2M ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Rutgers University pitching coach Nick French joins Jay and Ken to talk about how he got started as a pitching coach by coaching his high school classmates when he was 14, the importance of data and analytics in developing pitchers, what it was like coaching the USA Softball Men's 23U team in international play, and some of his takeaways after coac…

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College coaches are judged with a short attention span / Include hitting even in short practices / Managing feedback / Practices and training are preparation for "Test Day" 58:53

2M ago58:53

58:53

Welcome to this week's edition of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep with Coach Tory and Coach Don. The episode covers various segments, including highlights like 'Did You Know?', which discusses the rapid changes in collegiate sports, specifically pointing out the firing of Penn State's James Franklin. The 'City of the Week' is Kansas City, …

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108: Behind the Scenes of Professional Baseball with Hana DeGuzman, CMPC 42:31

2M ago42:31

42:31

On this week's episode, I sat down with our former Community Manager and Mental Performance Consultant, Hana DeGuzman. We go down memory lane on her path from college softball to working with the MLB across the Minnesota Twins organization as a Mental Performance Coach. She shares the practical tools she uses to help athletes reset under pressure i…

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Episode 194 - Nicole May 1:10:52

2M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with 2023 All-Big 12 First Team selection, 2021 Big 12 All-Freshman Team selection and the only pitcher in NCAA history to capture 4 National Titles, Oklahoma Sooners alum, the one and only, Nicole May. This was such a fun chat with Nicole. We talk about how she got her start in the game, her travel ball time,…

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Episode 33: Jay and Ken on Coaching Young Players v College, Plyo Balls, Multi-Sport Athletes, Trusting the Process 50:21

2M ago50:21

50:21

Jay and Ken talk about the similarities and differences between coaching youth players v college players, including expectations. They then touch on the use of plyo balls (good and bad), and the challenges of coaching as well as being a multi-sport athlete. They finish with a general discussion about the need to trust the process rather than expect…

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Financial landscape of women's sports / Post-game/practice stretching / Lower-tier pitcher on a top-tier team / Bunting - Confidence Matters 59:41

2M ago59:41

59:41

In this week's edition of 'Everything Fast Pitch' by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don cover a variety of compelling topics. The episode opens with updates on the Milwaukee Brewers' playoff status, delving into the legacy of Bob Uecker. Pittsburgh, PA is highlighted as the city of the week, and the Fort Worth Cats are celebrated as the team…

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107: 5 Things That are Wrecking Your Athlete's Ability to Perform 40:07

2M ago40:07

40:07

In today's episode, I dive into five essential, recurring issues that are wrecking youth athletes' performance and potential. This episode is a must-listen for both parents and athletes struggling with that "invisible block" between practice excellence and game-day performance. Episode Highlights: • Negative effects of not getting enough sleep • At…

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Coffee Talk E7 | Climate: What Kind of Environment Are You Creating? 8:32

2M ago8:32

8:32

☕ In this episode of Coffee Talk, BJ dives into the power of climate, the culture and energy surrounding our athletes, and why it can make or break their love for the game. Whether you're a coach setting the tone at practice or a parent shaping the ride home, today's conversation challenges every adult in youth sports to take inventory of the envir…

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Episode 193 - Jimmy Moore 1:05:39

2M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Outside The Chute were lucky enough to sit down with one of the best pitchers to ever play our game, its ASA, ISC and USA Softball Hall of Famer, the one and only, Jimmy Moore. In the words of Doug Roberts, Jimmy could “hit the dick off a hummingbird”, no word of a lie, he said that in his episode with us! That just shows you how accurate and deadl…

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Re-Release: Jon Gwizdala 1:02:27

2M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

Jay and Ken talk to Jon Gwizdala, former pitcher with USA Softball's Men's team, former head coach at Jackson College, and current assistant coach at Davenport University, about his playing days, his coaching journey and philosophy, and what he looks for when recruiting players.

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Coffee Talk E6 | Burnout: Protecting Athletes’ Joy in the Game 8:40

2M ago8:40

8:40

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson digs into burnout in youth sports, and why even the most dedicated athletes can hit a wall when the joy fades. You’ll learn how to spot the early signs of burnout, why balance matters more than endless reps, and how parents and coaches can protect athletes’ love for the game. From rest counts to joy checks,…

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Balancing Multi-Sport Athletes / Measuring Player Development / Coaching to win vs coaching not to lose 31:15

2M ago31:15

31:15

In this week's edition of 'Everything Fast Pitch' by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory flies solo as he records episode 390. The episode covers several segments: a warmup discussing the upcoming Mary Nutter Classic featuring the Japanese Olympic team, highlights Houston, Texas as the City of the Week, and celebrates a Player of the Week for her dedicatio…

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106: How Faith Powers Performance with Laurèn Schiek 33:21

2M ago33:21

33:21

This week, we are re-airing our May mentorship call with Laurèn Schiek, retired softball player and podcast host. She explains how maintaining her identity in Christ rather than in softball outcomes allowed her to play fearlessly and persevere through injuries, coaching changes, and a life-changing diagnosis. Episode Highlights: • Emphasizes having…

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Episode 192 - Natalie Wideman 1:15:55

2M ago1:15:55

1:15:55

This week, Outside The Chute was excited to sit down with Olympian, World Championship medalist, and longtime member of the Canadian Women’s National Softball Team, the one and only, Natalie Wideman. Nat has had an incredible career in the game, representing Canada on the biggest stages, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where she helped capture br…

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Post practice & game cool down / Nurturing a new catcher / Teaching stubborn players / Relying on only stats is a bad idea 1:00:21

2M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

In this episode of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tory and Coach Don discuss various topics, starting with a historical segment about renowned softball pitcher Eddie Feigner. The episode highlights Duluth, Minnesota as the City of the Week and celebrates a Player of the Week for her dedication to improving her skills. An equipment …

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105: How I Became a Full-Time Mental Performance Coach - Wins, Mistakes, Lessons Along the Way 51:29

2M ago51:29

51:29

In today's episode, I share my unfiltered journey from softball coach to full-time mental performance coach, revealing the struggles, mistakes, and pivotal moments that shaped my business success. Joining me are fellow mental performance coaches to ask questions and create a transparent discussion about the realities of building a mental performanc…

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Coffee Talk E5 | The Mental Game: Turning Nerves Into Confidence 7:03

2M ago7:03

7:03

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson begins a 4-part series on mental health in youth sports with the challenge every parent and coach knows too well: pressure. From practice standouts who freeze in games to athletes who overthink when the lights are on, BJ breaks down why nerves aren’t weakness, they’re biology! You’ll walk away with practica…

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Episode 191 - Summer Recap 56:58

2M ago56:58

56:58

Yes sir, we’re back and this one was a fun one for us. We do a summer recap covering the ISC’s, Senior Nats, U17 Nats, Canada Games, our Shooter’s League and so much more. We’re happy to be back doing our weekly episodes, so buckle up and get ready for a wicked lineup going forward!By outsidethechute

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Hand Injuries / Gentle Sports Parents / Document Achievements / Proactive Practice 44:03

2M ago44:03

44:03

In this week's edition of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Don and Coach Tory record episode 388. The show covers various segments, including 'Did You Know,' 'City of the Week,' 'Player of the Week,' 'Equipment Tip of the Week,' and a 'Listener Question.' Key topics discussed are strategies for handling adversity inspired by Amanda S…

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104: Parents: How to Help Your Athlete Create Routines to Stay Self-Motivated 42:07

3M ago42:07

42:07

We're taking you back to 2023 with a parent workshop on: The Power of Routines and Accountability. I dive into the importance of building consistent habits that emphasize self-reflection and ownership to create resilient competitors who can bounce back from mistakes. Episode Highlights: • Mental skills work best when treated consistently, regardles…

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Coffee Talk E4 | Righties vs. Lefties: A Lesson in Leadership 4:17

3M ago4:17

4:17

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson uses a powerful softball analogy to highlight a lesson that goes far beyond the diamond: leadership isn’t about dividing, it’s about uniting. By comparing right-handed and left-handed hitters, BJ shows why diversity, balance, and respect for different perspectives create true strength, in sports, in familie…

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Episode 32: Jay and Ken on Changeup, Offspeed, Sept 1, Transitioning to College 1:00:26

3M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

This week Jay and Ken dig deep in the value and strategies for the changeup, what pitchers need to do to maximize its effectiveness, some things to avoid when developing the pitch, and how to determine if a pitcher's changeup is where it should be. They also talk about September 1 and what it does - and doesn't - mean to players looking to play in …

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Utility of Various Hitting Tools / Tournament Schedules / College Games as a Learning Tool 44:41

3M ago44:41

44:41

In episode 387 of Everything Fast Pitch by Fast Pitch Prep, Coach Tori and Coach Don cover a wide range of topics including player highlights, equipment tips, and listener questions. They start with the 'Did You Know' segment featuring Megan Wiggins, a former Georgia softball star now playing for the Savannah Bananas' opponent team, the Tailgaters.…

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103: How the 4 B's got Courtney Wyche to the Pros 29:50

3M ago29:50

29:50

This week, we are sharing our April mentorship call with Courtney Wyche, a professional softball pitcher for the New York Rise. She shares her journey from self-taught pitcher to professional athlete competing internationally with insights on mental toughness and developing your personal brand. Episode Highlights: • The Four B's: Breathe, Be in the…