Coach & Counselor

Tony Gilio
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Hosted by Tony Gilio, Coach & Counselor explores how today’s youth benefit most from intentional, empowering adult leadership. Each episode blends perspectives from coaches, mentors, and mental health professionals, shaping the next generation on and off the field. From tough conversations to inspiring transformations, we dive into what it takes to support young people in today’s world.

  1. 6d ago

    The Baseball Development Trap

    On this episode of The Coach & Counselor, Tony sits down with Jason Hirsh, former Major League pitcher, coach, and founder of FAST Performance. Jason went from Division III baseball at California Lutheran University to becoming a second-round draft pick of the Houston Astros and eventually reaching the Major Leagues with the Astros and Colorado Rockies, including being part of Colorado’s 2007 World Series run. Today, Jason uses those experiences to help develop the next generation of athletes. At FAST Performance, his approach goes beyond pitching mechanics, combining strength, mobility, arm care, technology, recovery, and lifestyle to build better, healthier players. Tony and Jason dive into The Baseball Development Trap the idea that more games, more tournaments, more showcases, and more exposure must mean more development. They discuss year-round baseball, recruiting, the changing college landscape, injury and recovery, velocity development, and why sometimes the best thing an athlete can do is step away from competition and focus on getting better. They also explore how TrackMan, video, data, and AI are changing coaching, while asking where technology truly helps and where good old-fashioned coaching still matters. It’s a conversation about finding the right path for each athlete instead of simply chasing more. Are we developing better baseball players or are we just keeping them busier? Find out on this episode of The Coach & Counselor.

  2. Aug 7

    Built for What’s Next: Rugby, Coaching & Growth

    Former Colorado Mesa University rugby player Simon Cespedes is taking everything the game has taught him and using it to build what comes next. In this episode, Simon sits down with Tony Gilio to talk about his journey through sports, finding his place in rugby, competing at Colorado Mesa University, and beginning a new chapter as a performance coach in the Grand Valley. Simon shares how his experiences as an athlete shaped his confidence, consistency, and approach to challenges and how the example set by his mother continues to influence the person and coach he wants to become. The conversation explores the lessons that extend far beyond the field: the importance of consistency, being a great teammate, building strong relationships, staying authentic, and finding ways to make a positive impact on the people around you. Simon also shares his developing philosophy on coaching young athletes, why keeping sports fun matters, memorable moments from his rugby career, what he’s learning from coaching one of his first clients, a 70-year-old competitive sprinter, and why he believes rugby and its welcoming community have a bright future in the United States. For Simon, graduating and finishing his collegiate playing career isn’t the end of the journey. It’s the foundation for what’s next.

  3. Jul 31

    The Future of College Baseball Just Changed Forever ⚾

    The future of college baseball is changing, and the impact will be felt by every player, parent, coach, and recruiter. In this episode of The Coach & Counselor Podcast, host Tony Gilio sits down with former professional baseball player and Bottom of the Ninth Consulting founder Byron Embry to break down the NCAA's new 5 Years to Play 5 eligibility rule and what it means for the future of college baseball. Together, they discuss: ⚾ The NCAA's new 5 Years to Play 5 rule ⚾ How the transfer portal could continue to evolve ⚾ Why JUCO baseball may become one of the biggest winners ⚾ Roster limits and scholarship implications ⚾ NIL's growing influence on recruiting ⚾ How MLB Draft changes could impact high school players ⚾ What athletes and families should know before making recruiting decisions With more than a decade of professional baseball experience in the Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, and Seattle Mariners organizations, Byron now helps athletes and families navigate today's recruiting landscape through Bottom of the Ninth Consulting, offering guidance on player evaluations, recruiting strategy, transfer portal opportunities, and college placement. Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, coach, or baseball fan, this episode provides valuable insight into where college baseball is headed and how to prepare for what's next. 🎙️ Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves the game. #CollegeBaseball #BaseballRecruiting #TransferPortal #NCAA #JUCOBaseball #StudentAthlete #BaseballPodcast #CoachAndCounselor #TonyGilio #BottomOfTheNinthConsulting

  4. Jul 24

    From National Champion to Building the Future of Softball | Kevin Blaskowski

    What comes after winning a national championship? For Kevin Blaskowski, it meant helping shape the future of softball. After more than 800 collegiate victories, an NCAA Division II National Championship, and decades of building championship programs, Kevin now focuses on developing the next generation of athletes through American Freedom and Coach B Softball Academy. In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, Kevin shares his perspective on the biggest changes impacting today's game—from NIL and the transfer portal to recruiting, player development, and the rising costs of travel softball. He also reflects on his coaching philosophy, lessons from building championship teams, overcoming burnout, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Whether you're a coach, parent, athlete, or softball fan, this conversation offers an inside look at where the game has been—and where it's headed. 🥎 The future of college softball recruiting💰 NIL, the transfer portal, and changing NCAA rules📈 Building championship-winning offenses🎯 Player development vs. chasing trophies👨‍👩‍👧 Advice for parents navigating travel softball💸 Why youth sports are becoming more expensive🏆 Life after winning a national championship❤️ Building a legacy that goes beyond wins and lossesAbout Kevin Blaskowski Kevin Blaskowski is the National Director of American Freedom and the owner of Coach B Softball Academy. During his 25-year collegiate coaching career, he won more than 800 games, led West Texas A&M to the 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship, earned National Coach of the Year honors, and built one of the most successful offensive programs in college softball history. His coaching philosophy and career achievements are introduced at the beginning of the episode and discussed throughout the conversation. 🎙️ Subscribe to The Coach & Counselor for conversations with coaches, athletic directors, athletes, and leaders who are making an impact both on and off the field. In this episode:

  5. Jul 17

    The New MLB Draft: How Analytics, NIL & Player Development Are Changing Baseball

    The MLB Draft is changing, and so is the path to professional baseball. On this episode of The Coach & Counselor, host Tony Gilio is joined by former MLB player and scout Greg Golson and baseball analyst Matt Pajak for an in-depth conversation on the biggest storylines from this year's MLB Draft. Together, they break down how NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping player development, why organizations value certain prospects over others, the growing role of analytics, why contact skills are becoming more valuable, the surprising shortage of right-handed power hitters, and what today's athletes need to do to stand out. Whether you're a player, coach, parent, scout, or simply a fan of the game, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how MLB teams evaluate talent and where baseball is headed next. In this episode: MLB Draft winners and biggest surprises How NIL is changing draft strategy Why do some elite college players go undrafted The growing value of contact over pure power Why right-handed power hitters are becoming increasingly rare Scouts vs. analytics in player evaluation What players should focus on to reach the next level Advice for high school and college athletes pursuing professional baseball 🎙️ Subscribe to The Coach & Counselor for weekly conversations with coaches, athletes, and industry leaders covering player development, leadership, recruiting, youth sports, and the future of athletics.

  6. Jun 19

    The Reality Gap: What Every Athletic Leader Needs to Hear

    What happens when the reality of high school athletics collides with the expectations created by social media, recruiting hype, and college sports? In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, host Tony Gilio sits down with Jeremy Eubank, Athletic & Activities Director at Prince Edward County High School and incoming VIAAA President-Elect, for a candid conversation about leadership, recruiting, and the evolving landscape of education-based athletics. Jeremy shares his perspective on the growing disconnect between perception and reality in youth sports, why honest recruiting conversations matter, and how athletic leaders can better serve student-athletes and families. From increasing participation and developing future leaders to leveraging technology, mentoring coaches, and maintaining work-life balance, Jeremy offers practical insights for today's athletic directors and coaches. Whether you're leading an athletic department, coaching a team, or helping student-athletes navigate their future, this episode delivers valuable lessons on building programs that prioritize opportunity, character, and long-term success. 🎙️ Listen now and discover why closing the "reality gap" may be one of the most important responsibilities athletic leaders have today. #TheCoachAndCounselor #AthleticDirector #EducationBasedAthletics #CoachingLeadership #StudentAthleteDevelopment #CollegeRecruiting #SportsLeadership #HighSchoolAthletics

  7. Jun 12

    Are We Ruining Youth Sports? Why Today's Athletes Are Burning Out

    Youth sports have never been more competitive. Athletes are specializing earlier, playing more games, training year-round, and facing more pressure than ever before. But is all of that actually helping them develop, or is it leading to burnout? In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, former Division I and professional baseball player Kyle Attl shares his perspective on athlete development, coaching, technology, and the challenges facing today's young athletes. Drawing from his experiences as a player, coach, parent, and leader in sports technology, Kyle discusses the balance between development and enjoyment, the impact of modern training tools, the evolution of player development, and why keeping the game fun may be more important than ever. Whether you're a coach, parent, athlete, or sports leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into building better athletes without losing sight of what makes sports meaningful in the first place. Topics include:⚾ Youth sports burnout⚾ Playing too many games at a young age⚾ Athlete development vs. athlete overload⚾ Coaching philosophies that build confidence⚾ The role of technology in modern sports⚾ Lessons from Division I and professional baseball⚾ Helping athletes stay motivated and engaged⚾ Why the best development plans focus on the long game 🎙️ Listen now to discover how coaches, parents, and athletes can pursue excellence without sacrificing the joy of the game.

  8. Jun 5

    Everyone Wants the Shot. Few Want the Work.

    What separates good athletes from great ones? According to Deshawn Woods, it's not talent. It's the willingness to embrace the work that happens long before anyone notices the result. In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, Tony Gilio sits down with basketball coach, league commissioner, founder, and NIL advocate Deshawn Woods to discuss his journey from playing college basketball at Wiley College and Texas A&M to coaching, building professional opportunities for athletes, and creating pathways through the Women's Basketball Association. Deshawn shares lessons learned from every stage of his career, including what young athletes often misunderstand about success, why self-awareness is one of the most valuable leadership traits, and how NIL is changing the future of sports for athletes and their families. In this episode, you'll learn: 🏀 Why the best athletes focus on growth, not hype 🏀 The reality of playing professionally overseas 🏀 How NIL opportunities extend beyond superstar athletes 🏀 The importance of personal branding and marketability 🏀 Leadership lessons from coaching and entrepreneurship 🏀 Why staying grounded creates long-term success 🏀 What athletes, parents, and coaches need to know about today's sports landscape Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, educator, or leader, this conversation offers practical insights on development, opportunity, and the mindset required to keep growing. 🎙️ Subscribe to The Coach & Counselor for more conversations about sports, leadership, personal growth, and the people creating opportunities for others to succeed.

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About

Hosted by Tony Gilio, Coach & Counselor explores how today’s youth benefit most from intentional, empowering adult leadership. Each episode blends perspectives from coaches, mentors, and mental health professionals, shaping the next generation on and off the field. From tough conversations to inspiring transformations, we dive into what it takes to support young people in today’s world.

Information

  • Creator
    Tony Gilio
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tony Gilio
  • Show Website
    Coach & Counselor