Untapped Stories

Athletes Untapped
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Untapped Stories shares the real journeys in youth sports - from pro athletes and Olympians to the parents and coaches behind them. Hosted by Gene Williams and Matt Chiusano from Athletes Untapped, hear the lessons, discipline, and mindset it takes to reach the top. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, Untapped Stories delivers insider advice, inspiring conversations, and practical tips to help you succeed on the field - and in life!

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Jeff Becker on Mental Toughness: Mastering Self-Talk and Focus When the Game Gets Hard

    In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Jeff Becker - mental performance coach and former basketball player/coach - to talk about mastering the mental side of competition. Jeff believes that athletic development isn’t just physical. Strength, speed, and technical skills matter — but the way athletes think, focus, and respond under pressure often determines who performs when it matters most. One of the biggest mindset shifts Jeff sees athletes struggle with happens when they move from practice to competition. In practice, the internal dialogue is usually positive. Athletes feel free to experiment, take risks, and focus purely on improvement. Mistakes are part of learning. Confidence comes naturally because the environment feels controlled. But once the game begins, something changes. Suddenly there are spectators, expectations, and the pressure of results. Athletes begin focusing on things outside their control — the scoreboard, the crowd, the opponent, or the fear of making a mistake. And that shift often changes their internal dialogue. Confidence turns into hesitation. Curiosity turns into criticism. Jeff explains that elite athletes train their focus and self-talk the same way they train their physical skills. They learn how to control the story running through their head and bring their attention back to controllable actions: effort, execution, and the next play. From there, the conversation turns to one of Jeff’s favorite questions to ask athletes: Who are you when it’s not easy? When shots are falling and momentum is on your side, confidence shows up naturally. But real mental toughness reveals itself when things start going the other way — when a shot rims out, a turnover happens, or the opposing team goes on a run. Jeff emphasizes that elite performers don’t spiral in those moments. Instead of becoming overly critical of themselves, they stay curious. They ask what the situation requires, reset their focus, and respond with intention. Throughout the episode, Jeff highlights several key mental performance habits that help athletes compete with confidence: • Practicing intentional self-talk during training and competition • Controlling focus by returning to controllable actions • Responding to mistakes with curiosity instead of criticism • Staying present instead of worrying about outcomes • Building resilience through difficult moments One of the biggest takeaways from Jeff’s philosophy is that the mental game is a trainable skill — just like shooting, footwork, or conditioning. Athletes who invest in mindset training often unlock performance levels they didn’t realize were possible. For Jeff, helping athletes build confidence isn’t about eliminating adversity. It’s about teaching them how to respond to it. This episode is a must-listen for athletes competing at any level, parents supporting athletes through the ups and downs of competition, and coaches looking to strengthen the mental side of their teams. 🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com/ — the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect athletes and families with elite coaches who help players build strong fundamentals, resilient mindsets, and the confidence to perform when it matters most. 👉 Follow https://www.instagram.com/athletesuntapped/ for more conversations with coaches, athletes, and performance experts helping the next generation untap their potential.

    27 min

  2. 12 MAR

    Crystal Nzewi | From Nigeria to D1 Tennis - Using Sports as a Vehicle and Empathy in Coaching

    In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Crystal Nzewi — former Division I college tennis player and Athletes Untapped coach — to talk about the deeper side of athlete development: empathy in coaching, the importance of being coachable, and how tennis can open life-changing opportunities. Crystal’s journey into tennis began far from where she eventually competed. Growing up in Nigeria, she discovered the sport at a young age and quickly realized it could become more than just a game — it could be a pathway to education, opportunity, and personal growth. Through relentless dedication and belief in her goals, she used tennis to earn the chance to come to the United States and compete at the Division I level. Her story is a powerful reminder of how sports can shape lives far beyond the court. Crystal credits much of her development to one mindset: always staying open to learning. She emphasizes that young athletes improve the fastest when they enter training with curiosity instead of ego. The players who grow the most are the ones willing to listen, absorb feedback, and trust the process — even when adjustments feel uncomfortable. In tennis especially, development is built through constant refinement. Footwork, racket preparation, timing, and shot selection all improve through repetition and coachability. Athletes who believe they already have everything figured out often plateau, while those willing to learn continue evolving. From there, the conversation shifts to an important topic for parents: the role of pressure in youth sports. Crystal speaks directly to the delicate balance between encouraging a child and overwhelming them. Tennis is a mentally demanding sport, where players must manage mistakes, emotions, and momentum shifts often without teammates beside them. When expectations become too heavy, the joy of playing can disappear — and that joy is often the fuel that drives long-term development. She encourages parents to create environments built on support, patience, and trust so young athletes feel safe taking risks and learning from mistakes. Another powerful theme in the episode is empathy in coaching. Crystal reflects on her own experiences growing up in the sport — moments of frustration, feeling misunderstood, navigating competitive pressure, and even the physical and emotional changes that come with adolescence. Those experiences now shape how she approaches coaching. She believes great coaching isn’t only about teaching technique or strategy. It’s about understanding what athletes are going through emotionally and meeting them where they are. Throughout the episode, Crystal highlights the foundational habits that help tennis players improve: • Developing strong footwork and court positioning • Building consistency through disciplined practice • Staying mentally composed during long rallies and tough matches • Remaining coachable and open to feedback • Creating supportive environments that allow athletes to grow Crystal’s journey from Nigeria to Division I tennis — and now to mentoring the next generation — shows just how powerful sport can be when paired with resilience, humility, and opportunity. This episode is a must-listen for young tennis players working to improve their game, parents supporting athletes through competitive development, and coaches who believe strong relationships are at the heart of great training. 🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com/ — the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect athletes and families with elite, vetted coaches who help players build strong fundamentals, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game. 👉 Follow https://www.instagram.com/athletesuntapped/ for more conversations with elite coaches and athletes, and explore private tennis coaching to elevate your skills and mindset on the court.

    24 min

  3. 4 MAR

    Sophia Fair | Lacrosse Fundamentals, Position Development, and Building Complete Players

    In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Sophia Fair - Division II lacrosse goalie, faith-driven leader, and Athletes Untapped coach - to talk about the foundations that truly shape young lacrosse players: mastering the basics, understanding the entire field, and developing a mindset rooted in growth and service. Sophia has built a reputation not only as a high-level lacrosse athlete but also as a coach who genuinely cares about the players she works with. Her approach to coaching centers on giving back, building confidence, and helping young athletes fall in love with the process of improvement — both on and off the field. One of the first lessons she emphasizes to young lacrosse players is something many overlook: learn every position. Early in development, players often rush to specialize. They decide they’re an attacker, defender, or midfielder before they truly understand how the game flows. But Sophia believes that understanding both offensive and defensive strategy makes players far more effective in the long run. When athletes practice multiple roles, they begin to see the field differently. They learn spacing, timing, transition opportunities, and how teammates rely on each other. That broader perspective helps them make better decisions once they eventually settle into a primary position. She explains how different skill sets naturally point athletes toward certain roles: • Players with elite stick skills and quick decision-making often thrive at attack • Athletes with speed, endurance, and two-way instincts may excel at midfield • Strong footwork, physical play, and defensive awareness translate well to defense • Goalies develop leadership and communication that anchors the entire unit But the key is that young players won’t discover those strengths unless they experiment and gain experience across the field. From there, the conversation shifts into what Sophia considers the true backbone of lacrosse development: fundamentals. In a sport full of highlight plays — behind-the-back shots, advanced stick tricks, and flashy dodges — it’s easy for athletes to skip the basics. But Sophia keeps things simple when coaching younger players. If you can’t pass, catch, and scoop a ground ball, you can’t play lacrosse the way it’s meant to be played. The best lacrosse players in the world dominate the fundamentals first. Crisp passing, reliable catching, quick ground ball pickups, and strong defensive positioning create the foundation that allows advanced skills to shine. Throughout the episode, Sophia highlights the essential habits that help lacrosse players elevate their game: • Mastering passing, catching, and ground balls • Developing strong footwork and defensive positioning • Learning offensive spacing and off-ball movement • Building stick control and hand-eye coordination • Communicating effectively as a team — especially from the goalie position • Staying patient and trusting the development process For Sophia, coaching is also about something bigger than the sport itself. Her faith-driven perspective emphasizes character, encouragement, and helping athletes grow into confident leaders both on the field and in life. This episode is a must-listen for young lacrosse players building their skills, parents looking for the right coaching environment, and athletes who want to develop the right habits early in their journey. 🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://www.instagram.com/athletesuntapped/ — the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect families with elite, vetted coaches who help athletes master fundamentals, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the game. 👉 Follow https://athletesuntapped.com/ for more conversations with elite coaches and athletes, and explore private lacrosse coaching to elevate your skills and understanding of the game.

    19 min

  4. 26 FEB

    Preston Wilson: From Walk-On to All-American - and How Athleticism Is Trainable

    In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Preston Wilson - Athletes Untapped strength & speed coach in Florida, educator, and former All-American for the University Florida Track & Field team - to break down two powerful truths about athletic development: Athleticism is trainable. And confidence earns trust. Preston’s story alone challenges what many young athletes believe about talent. He didn’t enter college as a highly recruited star. He started as a walk-on. No guarantees. No spotlight. Just opportunity — and work. Through intentional training, relentless consistency, and a mindset built around growth, Preston developed into an All-American. His journey is living proof that raw genetics are only part of the equation. He tackles one of the biggest myths in youth sports head-on: the idea that speed, explosiveness, and strength are purely genetic. Yes, some athletes are naturally gifted. But acceleration, top-end speed, vertical jump, lateral quickness, and change-of-direction ability are highly trainable skills when coached properly. Many athletes simply haven’t been taught mechanics — proper sprint form, force production, hip drive, arm action, deceleration control — so they assume they “just aren’t fast.” Preston explains that when athletes learn how to move efficiently and train with intention, everything changes. Strength & speed training isn’t just about lifting heavy weights — it’s about movement quality, power development, injury prevention, and building a foundation that translates directly to the field or court. From there, the conversation shifts into confidence — and how it separates players fighting for roster spots. Preston shares what it took to stand out at Florida. He didn’t wait to be noticed. He showed up to every open practice. He stayed after to work. He made himself visible. He carried himself like he belonged — even before the accolades came. His perspective is simple but powerful: talent might get you noticed, but confidence and character are what coaches trust. When roster spots are limited, coaches aren’t just evaluating speed times or vertical numbers. They’re watching body language, work ethic, leadership, and resilience. Confidence isn’t loud arrogance — it’s preparation meeting opportunity. Throughout the episode, Preston highlights the foundational pillars of athletic development: • Teaching proper sprint mechanics and acceleration technique • Building strength that converts to on-field power • Training explosiveness through plyometrics and force production • Improving change of direction and deceleration control • Developing confidence through consistent, visible effort • Embracing long-term development over quick results One of the biggest takeaways is that athletic ceilings are often self-imposed. If you’ve never been coached on how to move efficiently, you haven’t tapped into your true potential. And if you’re waiting to feel confident before you act — you’re already behind. Preston’s journey from walk-on to All-American proves that development is earned, not assigned. This episode is a must-listen for young athletes who feel overlooked, parents investing in long-term development, and anyone who believes effort and intentional training can change the trajectory of a career. 🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com/— the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect athletes and families with elite, vetted coaches who help players build speed, strength, confidence, and the habits that last far beyond sports. 👉 Follow https://www.instagram.com/athletesuntapped/ for more conversations with elite coaches and former collegiate athletes, and explore private strength & speed training to unlock your athletic potential.

    31 min

  5. 24 FEB

    Elon Rutty | D1 Soccer Life, Elite Training Tips, and Choosing Growth over Comfort

    In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Elon Rutty - private soccer coach and former Division I athlete at Villanova University - to talk about one of the biggest development decisions young athletes face: Should you stay where you’re thriving… or put yourself in an environment that pushes you? Elon shares a pivotal moment from her own soccer journey. Early on, she was playing in a comfortable environment where she stood out. She was confident. She was successful. But she realized something critical: comfort wasn’t going to maximize her development. So she made the harder choice. She stepped into a more competitive setting — one where she wasn’t the best player anymore. Every training session was faster. Every drill was sharper. Every mistake was exposed. But that daily challenge elevated her game and ultimately put her on the path to becoming a highly recruited Division I soccer player. For parents and athletes navigating club soccer decisions, travel teams, ECNL vs. local clubs, and competitive tryouts, Elon offers a grounded perspective: development doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens in competition. From there, the conversation shifts into what truly separates good soccer players from great ones. Having trained hundreds of youth soccer athletes in private sessions, Elon explains that the difference rarely comes down to flashy skills alone. Yes, technical ability matters — first touch, ball control, passing accuracy, shooting technique. But the biggest separator is what she calls “the little things.” - The extra run in transition. - Winning the 50/50 ball. - Tracking back on defense when you’re tired. - Pressing with intensity. - Making unselfish off-ball runs that create space for teammates. Those actions might not always show up on the stat sheet — but coaches see them. And at higher levels of soccer, those details determine playing time, recruitment, and team success. Elon emphasizes that she’ll choose the gritty, coachable, relentless player over the naturally gifted athlete who relies on talent alone every time. Because soccer at the elite level demands work rate, tactical awareness, and mental toughness just as much as technical skill. Throughout the episode, Elon highlights the foundational habits that elevate soccer players: - Surrounding yourself with stronger competition - Mastering first touch and ball control under pressure - Improving speed of play and decision-making - Winning 50/50 balls and embracing physical play - Making intelligent off-ball runs and defensive recoveries - Building conditioning to sustain high tempo for 90 minutes One of the biggest takeaways is that long-term soccer development is about intentional discomfort. If you’re always the best player in training, you’re probably not being stretched enough. Growth happens when you’re forced to adapt, think faster, and compete harder. This episode is a must-listen for youth soccer players striving to reach the collegiate level, parents evaluating team environments, and athletes who want to understand what Division I coaches truly value. 🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com/ — the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect athletes and families with elite, vetted coaches who help players sharpen fundamentals, build confidence, and train with purpose. 👉 Follow https://www.instagram.com/athletesuntapped/ for more conversations with elite coaches and former college athletes, and explore private soccer training to accelerate your development on and off the field.

    41 min

  6. 19 FEB

    Lance Lagerquist | Pickleball Consistency, Injury Prevention, and Smarter Play on the Court

    In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Lance Lagerquist - one of our top pickleball coaches who has helped players of all ages develop confidence, avoid injuries, and build smarter habits on the court - to talk about why consistency, patience, and body awareness are the real keys to long-term success in one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Pickleball has taken the country by storm. From youth athletes to parents to retirees, courts are filling up everywhere. Its accessibility, fast-paced rallies, and competitive balance make it easy to start — but Lance explains that improving in pickleball requires a completely different mindset than many athletes expect. One of the biggest early lessons he teaches new players is simple: listen to your body. Because pickleball may look low-impact, but the game is full of quick lateral movements, explosive reactions, and constant changes in direction. Without proper warmups, mobility work, and recovery habits, players can easily develop preventable injuries. Lance has seen it firsthand — athletes who love the game but push too hard, too fast, without building the right foundation. He explains that working with a coach early can help players develop proper footwork, positioning, and movement efficiency — allowing them to stay healthy while improving faster. From there, the conversation shifts into one of the most misunderstood aspects of pickleball: consistency beats power. Many athletes coming from tennis or other racket sports try to win points by hitting harder. But Lance emphasizes that pickleball rewards patience, control, and discipline far more than raw force. The best players don’t try to hit winners on every shot — they focus on placement, keeping rallies alive, and forcing opponents into mistakes. He walks us through how high-level pickleball players learn to slow the game down mentally, stay composed during long rallies, and make smart decisions under pressure. Throughout the episode, Lance highlights the core fundamentals that help pickleball players elevate their game: Prioritizing consistency, control, and shot placement over powerDeveloping proper footwork and balance for quick lateral movementBuilding patience and discipline during ralliesLearning to warm up properly and prevent common injuriesImproving confidence through repetition and smart practice One of the biggest takeaways is that pickleball is a sport where athletes of all ages and backgrounds can thrive — but long-term success comes from mastering the fundamentals, respecting your body, and playing with intention. This episode is a must-listen for new pickleball players learning the game, experienced players trying to improve consistency, and anyone looking to stay healthy while enjoying one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports in the country. 🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com/ — the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect athletes and families with elite, vetted coaches who help players develop strong fundamentals, build confidence, and enjoy the process of improvement. 👉 Follow https://www.instagram.com/athletesuntapped/ for more conversations with elite coaches and athletes, and explore private pickleball coaching to accelerate your development on the court.

    16 min

  7. 16 FEB

    Robert Grove on Building Confident Football Players - Go From “I Can’t” to “Watch Me”

    In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Robert Grove - one of Athletes Untapped’s top private football trainers and a former high school football coach - to talk about the mindset shifts that unlock real development, and why the words “I can’t” are often the starting point for an athlete’s biggest breakthroughs. Having spent years both playing and coaching the game, Robert has seen firsthand how doubt shows up at every level - from young athletes learning fundamentals for the first time to experienced players trying to earn starting roles. But instead of seeing hesitation as a weakness, he sees it as an opportunity. When an athlete says, “I’m not good at that,” Robert knows exactly where the work needs to begin. At a time when many athletes only focus on what they’re already good at, Robert explains why true development comes from confronting weaknesses head-on. Whether it’s improving footwork, mastering route running, sharpening defensive reads, or building explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, growth happens when training is intentional and personalized. One-on-one coaching creates the opportunity to slow the game down, isolate specific skills, and build confidence through repetition and execution. He walks us through how transformation often starts with a simple mindset shift — from “I can’t do this” to “watch me.” And that shift doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through consistent reps, accountability, and a coach who knows how to push athletes while still supporting them. From there, the conversation turns to Robert’s journey as a former high school football coach, and the lasting lessons he carries with him today. He reflects on how the most impactful coaches in his life didn’t just teach X’s and O’s — they helped him feel part of something bigger. They created an environment built on trust, discipline, and belief. Those experiences shaped his coaching philosophy, and now he brings that same approach to every athlete he trains. Robert emphasizes that football development goes far beyond physical ability. Speed, strength, and technique matter — but connection, trust, and confidence are what allow athletes to perform under pressure. When athletes know their coach believes in them, they begin to believe in themselves. Throughout the episode, Robert highlights the core principles that help football players elevate their game: Mastering fundamentals like footwork, positioning, and body controlBuilding explosive power, speed, and agility through structured trainingDeveloping confidence through repetition and skill-specific drillsLearning to stay mentally locked in during adversityEmbracing discomfort as part of the growth process One of the biggest takeaways is that every athlete has untapped potential. The role of a great coach isn’t just to refine strengths — it’s to identify blind spots, challenge limits, and help athletes see what they’re capable of becoming. This episode is a must-listen for football players working to improve their skills, parents looking for the right coach to support their athlete’s development, and anyone who understands that growth begins the moment you lean into challenges instead of avoiding them. 🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com/ — the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect families with elite, vetted coaches who help athletes build confidence, sharpen fundamentals, and perform at their highest level. 👉 Follow https://www.instagram.com/athletesuntapped/ for more conversations with elite coaches, athletes, and leaders in sports.

    27 min

  8. 12 FEB

    Lucas Kennedy | Football Training Tips and Why The Best Coaches Are Also Role Models

    In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Lucas Kennedy - one of our top football coaches - to talk about the deeper purpose of coaching, and why the best coaches do far more than just run drills or improve athletic performance. Having worked with countless young athletes, Lucas has seen firsthand how private coaching can shape not just football players, but people. He explains that when an athlete chooses to train seriously, they’re making a commitment to themselves - to show up consistently, push their limits, and embrace the process of getting better over time. At a young age, athletes are constantly learning - not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Lucas emphasizes that great coaches serve as role models first. The way a coach communicates, responds to adversity, and carries themselves leaves a lasting impression. Athletes are always watching, and those daily interactions help shape confidence, resilience, and self-belief both on and off the field. A major theme throughout the conversation is how mistakes play a critical role in development. Lucas explains that mistakes aren’t something to avoid — they’re something to learn from. In fact, if an athlete isn’t making mistakes, they likely aren’t pushing themselves far enough outside their comfort zone. The key is having a coach who can break down those moments clearly, communicate effectively, and help athletes understand what went wrong and how to improve. That process builds confidence. Instead of fearing failure, athletes begin to see mistakes as part of growth — a necessary step on the path toward mastery. Football, in particular, is a sport that demands both physical and mental discipline. Success requires consistent repetition, attention to detail, and the ability to stay focused under pressure. Whether it’s refining footwork, improving reaction time, learning positional awareness, or building strength and explosiveness, development happens through thousands of small, intentional reps. But physical training is only part of the equation. Lucas talks about how mindset separates athletes who plateau from those who continue to improve. Athletes who embrace coaching, stay open to feedback, and remain patient with their progress tend to build lasting confidence and long-term success. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. Throughout the episode, Lucas highlights the core principles he focuses on with every athlete he trains: • Building strong fundamentals through consistent repetition • Developing confidence by creating a positive, supportive environment • Using mistakes as teaching moments, not setbacks • Improving decision-making and awareness on the field • Helping athletes take ownership of their own development One of the biggest takeaways is that great coaching doesn’t just improve performance in the moment — it teaches athletes how to improve on their own. The best coaches give athletes the tools, habits, and mindset they’ll carry with them long after the training session ends. This episode is a must-listen for young football players looking to elevate their game, parents searching for the right coach to guide their athlete, and anyone who understands that true development goes beyond wins and losses. It’s about building confidence, discipline, and a foundation for long-term growth. 🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com/ — the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. Built by former athletes and coaches, we connect families with elite, vetted coaches who help athletes grow through strong fundamentals, smart habits, and positive training environments. 👉 Listen weekly on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and follow us on Instagram for highlights and full episodes: https://www.instagram.com/athletesuntapped/

    18 min
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About

Untapped Stories shares the real journeys in youth sports - from pro athletes and Olympians to the parents and coaches behind them. Hosted by Gene Williams and Matt Chiusano from Athletes Untapped, hear the lessons, discipline, and mindset it takes to reach the top. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, Untapped Stories delivers insider advice, inspiring conversations, and practical tips to help you succeed on the field - and in life!

Information

  • Creator
    Athletes Untapped
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Athletes Untapped
  • Show Website
    Untapped Stories