Next Level Athletes Podcast with Nate Daniels

Nate Daniels
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Sports

Does your athlete have what it takes to be Next Level? The Next Level Athletes Podcast with Nate Daniels helps sports parents, coaches, and athletes navigate the politics, pressure, and decisions that most families struggle with in competitive youth sports. A former All-American and professional athlete turned performance coach, Coach Nate Daniels delivers the honest conversations sports families actually need. Real stories. Real insight. Real talk about what it takes to reach the next level in sports, and in life.

Episodes

  1. Sep 15

    How To Develop A Youth Athlete: What To Focus On At Every Age

    If you've ever wondered what your athlete should be working on at their age to help them get better, this episode breaks down what to work on at every age and stage. As a sports parent, you want to give your athlete every opportunity to become the best athlete they can be. But with more training, teams, camps, lessons, and programs available than ever before, it can be hard to know what your athlete actually needs—and when. Because what your athlete needs at 5 years old is very different from what they need at 9, 12, or 14. In Episode 4 of the Next Level Athletes Podcast, Coach Nate Daniels shares the roadmap he uses to help sports parents understand what matters most at every stage of youth athlete development. Coach Daniels breaks youth athlete development into three stages—the Foundation Stage, Educational Stage, and Separation Stage—and explains what athletes should be focusing on during each one, how a parent's role changes as their athlete gets older, and when athletes should begin taking more ownership of their own development. You'll learn why the earliest years should be about creating a love for sports and movement, when fundamentals, competition, and structured practice should become part of the process, and how to prepare your athlete for the transition to high school sports. Most importantly, Coach explains why development isn't about doing more—it's about doing the right things at the right time. If you've ever wondered what to focus on for your athlete’s development, this episode will give you a clear roadmap for helping your athlete develop now while preparing them for what comes next. ********** Real Talk From the Sidelines This week in Real Talk From The Sidelines, Coach Nate Daniels answers a question from Chris, a sports parent whose 9-year-old son plays travel baseball. Other players on the team are taking private lessons two or three times a week in addition to team practices, and Chris is wondering: Should we be doing the same thing to help our athlete keep up? Coach shares the two factors he believes parents should consider before investing in private training—and what families should actually be focusing on at this stage of development. Have a question for Coach? Send in your voice note here:👉 https://www.speakpipe.com/NextLevelAthletes Your question could be featured in a future edition of Real Talk From the Sidelines. This episode is brought to you by Next Level Athletes. We help athletes build confidence, mental toughness, and the competitive edge to perform at their best — in sports and in life. ********** FREE RESOURCES FOR YOUR ATHLETE THE NEXT LEVEL ATHLETE SUCCESS FORMULA What does it actually take for your athlete to succeed at the next level? In this free video training, Coach Nate Daniels breaks down the five traits every athlete needs to develop to separate themselves from the competition and reach their full potential. If your athlete has big goals and you're wondering what they should be working on to get there, this is where to start. 👉 Watch the Next Level Athlete Success Formula: https://next-level-athletes.kit.com/success-formula THE GOAL SETTING GAME PLAN Big goals are great. But athletes need a plan for turning those goals into action. The Goal Setting Game Plan is a free resource designed to help your athlete identify what they want to accomplish, break that goal down into the work required to get there, and create a clear game plan they can start following now. It's a great next step for athletes who are ready to take more ownership of their development and start connecting what they say they want with what they're willing to work for. 👉 Download the Goal Setting Game Plan: https://next-level-athletes.kit.com/goal-setting ********** Connect with Coach Nate Daniels & Next Level Athletes Website: nextlevel-athletes.comCoach Nate Daniels on Instagram: @CoachNateDanielsCoach Nate Daniels on TikTok: @NateDaniels_1Next Level Athletes on Instagram: @NextLevelAthletes_OfficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelAthletesPodcast

    How To Develop A Youth Athlete: What To Focus On At Every Age

  2. Aug 13 ·  Bonus

    Real Talk From The Sidelines: When Your Athlete Isn't Getting the Playing Time They Deserve

    Watching your athlete work hard but still not get the opportunities you feel they deserve can be one of the most frustrating experiences in youth sports. You want to protect them. Encourage them. Help them understand what's happening without taking away their confidence or making them feel like the system is stacked against them. In this edition of Real Talk From The Sidelines, Coach Nate Daniels answers a question from Melissa, a sports parent whose daughter is one of the top players on her club volleyball team but continues to lose a starting position to the assistant coach's daughter. Coach Daniels shares why parents should help athletes become a star in whatever role they've been given, why athletic development is always a marathon—not a sprint—and how staying ready for your opportunity is one of the most important lessons young athletes can learn. He also explains when it may be time to consider another team, and why families should be slow to jump ship when adversity shows up. If your athlete has ever felt overlooked, frustrated with playing time, or questioned whether the situation is fair, this conversation will give you a healthier framework for supporting them while keeping their confidence and long-term development intact. 🎧 Want to Learn How to Navigate Politics in Youth Sports?If this episode sparked questions about playing time, favoritism, or whether politics are affecting your athlete, don't miss Episode 3: The Truth About Politics in Youth Sports. Coach Daniels breaks down what's really happening when parents talk about "politics" and "Daddy Ball," why some athletes are more affected than others, and most importantly, what your athlete can do to earn more opportunities—even when the situation doesn't feel fair. Whether your athlete is competing for a starting position, frustrated with playing time, or trying to stand out in a competitive environment, this episode will help you shift your focus from frustration to a game plan for long-term success. 👉 Listen to Episode 3: The Truth About Politics in Youth Sports ********** Have a question for Coach? Real Talk From The Sidelines is a recurring feature of the Next Level Athletes Podcast, where Coach Nate Daniels answers real questions from real sports parents navigating the challenges of youth sports. Leave Coach a voice message here: 👉 https://www.speakpipe.com/NextLevelAthletes Your question could be featured in a future edition of Real Talk From The Sidelines. ********** Free Training: The Next Level Athlete Success Formula Want to know what actually separates average athletes from elite performers? Coach Nate's free Next Level Athlete Success Formula training breaks down the five pillars of athlete success and gives sports parents a roadmap for helping their athlete reach the next level. 👉 Access the free training: https://next-level-athletes.kit.com/success-formula********** Connect with Coach Nate Daniels & Next Level Athletes Website: https://www.nextlevel-athletes.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachnatedaniels/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@natedaniels_1YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelAthletesPodcastSubscribe for new full-length podcast episodes every other week, plus new editions of Real Talk From The Sidelines, where Coach Daniels tackles the questions sports parents are asking every day.

    Real Talk From The Sidelines: When Your Athlete Isn't Getting the Playing Time They Deserve

  3. Jul 29

    The Truth About Politics in Youth Sports [Episode 3]

    Does politics exist in youth sports? Absolutely. The bigger question isn't whether politics exist—it's how you and your athlete respond when they do. In this episode of the Next Level Athletes Podcast, Coach Nate Daniels pulls back the curtain on one of the most talked-about and misunderstood topics in youth sports. From playing time and roster decisions to "Daddy Ball" and favoritism, Coach Nate explains what's real, what's often misunderstood, and why spending energy complaining about politics rarely helps your athlete. More importantly, he shares a practical framework for navigating these situations with confidence. You'll learn why the athletes most affected by politics are often those in the "gray area," what it means to become undeniable, and how focusing on effort, preparation, and continuous development gives your athlete the best chance to succeed—regardless of the circumstances. If you've ever wondered whether politics are holding your athlete back, this episode will help you shift your focus from frustration to a game plan for long-term success. **********Real Talk From the Sidelines This week in Real Talk From The Sidelines, Coach Nate Daniels answers a question from Melissa, a sports parent whose daughter is one of the top players on her club volleyball team—but continues to lose a starting position to the assistant coach's daughter. How do you help your athlete stay motivated when playing time doesn't feel fair? Hear Coach's answer at minute 16. Have a question for Coach? Send in your voice note here:👉 https://www.speakpipe.com/NextLevelAthletes Your question could be featured in a future edition of Real Talk From the Sidelines. This episode is brought to you by Next Level Athletes. We help athletes build confidence, mental toughness, and the competitive edge to perform at their best — in sports and beyond. **********FREE VIDEO: THE NEXT LEVEL ATHLETE SUCCESS FORMULA Most athletes have big goals — but no roadmap for getting there. The Next Level Athlete Success Formula is a free video training from Coach Nate Daniels that breaks down exactly what separates average athletes from elite performers — and what your athlete needs to stand out and succeed at the next level. Watch the free video: https://next-level-athletes.kit.com/success-formula ***************Connect with Coach Nate Daniels & Next Level Athletes Website: nextlevel-athletes.comCoach Nate Daniels on Instagram: @CoachNateDanielsCoach Nate Daniels on TikTok: @NateDaniels_1Next Level Athletes on Instagram: @NextLevelAthletes_OfficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelAthletesPodcastClick here to view the episode transcript.

    The Truth About Politics in Youth Sports [Episode 3]

  4. Jul 22 ·  Bonus

    Real Talk From The Sidelines: When Should Your Athlete Choose One Sport?

    When is the right time for your athlete to stop playing multiple sports and focus on just one? It's one of the biggest questions sports parents face—especially as athletes enter middle school and the pressure to specialize starts to grow. In this edition of Real Talk From The Sidelines, Coach Nate Daniels answers a question from Brad, a sports parent whose 11-year-old son loves both travel basketball and travel baseball. With middle school around the corner, he's wondering if it's time to choose a single sport—or if continuing as a multi-sport athlete is still the best path. Coach Nate shares his perspective on why athletes should play multiple sports for as long as possible, when it makes sense to identify a primary sport, and how families can navigate overlapping seasons without sacrificing long-term athlete development. If you've been wondering when your athlete should specialize—or whether they should at all—this conversation will give you a framework for making that decision with confidence. 🎧 Want to Make Multi-Sport Work? If this episode sparked questions about when your athlete should specialize, don't miss Episode 2: The Multi-Sport Athlete Advantage. In this episode, Coach Daniels explains why playing multiple sports is one of the biggest advantages young athletes can have, when specialization actually makes sense, and gives you advice for balancing multiple sports without sacrificing your athlete's long-term development. Whether your athlete is trying to balance two sports today or you're planning ahead for middle school and high school, this episode will help you make confident decisions that support your athlete's success—both now and in the future. 👉 Listen to Episode 2: The Multi-Sport Athlete Advantage Have a question for Coach? Real Talk From The Sidelines is a recurring feature of the Next Level Athletes Podcast, where Coach Nate Daniels answers real questions from real sports parents navigating the challenges of youth sports. Leave Coach a voice message here: 👉 https://www.speakpipe.com/NextLevelAthletes Your question could be featured in a future edition of Real Talk From The Sidelines. Free Training: The Next Level Athlete Success Formula Want to know what actually separates average athletes from elite performers? Coach Nate's free Next Level Athlete Success Formula training breaks down the five pillars of athlete success and gives sports parents a roadmap for helping their athlete reach the next level. 👉 Access the free training: https://next-level-athletes.kit.com/success-formula Connect with Coach Nate Daniels & Next Level Athletes Website: https://www.nextlevel-athletes.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachnatedaniels/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@natedaniels_1YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelAthletesPodcastSubscribe for new full-length podcast episodes every other week, plus new editions of Real Talk From The Sidelines, where Coach Daniels tackles the questions sports parents are asking every day.

    Real Talk From The Sidelines: When Should Your Athlete Choose One Sport?

  5. Jul 9 ·  Bonus

    Real Talk From The Sidelines: Has Your Athlete Outgrown Their Team?

    Has your athlete outgrown their current team? Knowing when it's time to seek greater competition is one of the toughest decisions sports parents face. Your athlete loves their coaches, enjoys their teammates, and gets plenty of playing time—but deep down, you're wondering if they're still being challenged enough to continue developing. In this edition of Real Talk From The Sidelines, Coach Nate Daniels answers a question from Jessica, a sports parent whose rising eighth-grade daughter has the opportunity to leave her current club and try out for a higher-level team. Should they stay where she's comfortable and thriving? Or make the leap to a more competitive environment with less certainty? Coach shares his perspective on one of the most common decisions sports parents face, including how to evaluate competition level, why being varsity ready should be the goal before high school, and how to balance challenge, playing time, and long-term athlete development. If you've ever wondered whether it's time for your athlete to move to a more competitive team, this Coach's answer will give you the advice and insights you need to make that decision with confidence that you're making the right call. ***********Have a question for Coach Daniels? Real Talk From The Sidelines is a recurring feature of the Next Level Athletes Podcast, where Coach Nate Daniels answers real questions from real sports parents navigating the challenges of youth sports. 👉  Ask Coach A Question Your question could be featured in a future edition of Real Talk From The Sidelines. **********Free Training: The Next Level Athlete Success Formula Want to know what actually separates average athletes from elite performers? Coach Daniels' FREE Next Level Athlete Success Formula training breaks down the five pillars of athlete success and gives sports parents a roadmap for helping their athlete reach the next level. 👉 Access the free training **********Connect with Coach Nate Daniels & Next Level Athletes Website: https://www.nextlevel-athletes.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachnatedaniels/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natedaniels_1YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelAthletesPodcast  Subscribe for new full-length podcast episodes every other week, plus new editions of Real Talk From The Sidelines, where Coach Daniels tackles the questions sports parents are asking every day.

    Real Talk From The Sidelines: Has Your Athlete Outgrown Their Team?

  6. Jul 1

    The Multi-Sport Athlete Advantage: What Parents Need to Know [Episode 2]

    The pressure to specialize early has never been greater. One sport. One team. One year-round commitment. That's the message the youth sports industry keeps sending — and a lot of parents are buying in. But what if that approach is actually working against your athlete? In this episode, Coach Nate Daniels breaks down the real advantage multi-sport athletes have — and why the push toward early specialization is one of the most common mistakes families make in youth sports today. You'll learn why playing multiple sports doesn't split your athlete's focus — it sharpens it. Coach Daniels gets into the physical and mental benefits of multi-sport development, how different sports build transferable skills, the research behind early specialization and injury risk, and what coaches are actually looking for in athletes. If you've been questioning whether your athlete needs to pick one sport — or if someone's already told you they do — this episode will give you the full picture before you make that call.REAL TALK FROM THE SIDELINESThis week in Real Talk From The Sidelines, Coach Nate Daniels answers a listener question from Brad, a sports parent whose 11-year-old son plays both travel basketball and travel baseball. Is now the time to choose a single sport? Hear Coach’s answer at minute 7. Have a question for Coach? Send in your voice note here:https://www.speakpipe.com/NextLevelAthletesFREE VIDEO: THE NEXT LEVEL ATHLETE SUCCESS FORMULAMost athletes have big goals — but no roadmap for getting there. The Next Level Athlete Success Formula is a free video training from Coach Nate Daniels that breaks down exactly what separates average athletes from elite performers — and what your athlete needs to stand out and succeed at the next level. Watch the free video: https://next-level-athletes.kit.com/success-formula This episode is brought to you by Next Level Athletes. We help athletes build confidence, mental toughness, and the competitive edge to perform at their best — in sports and beyond. Connect with Coach Nate Daniels & Next Level Athletes Website: nextlevel-athletes.comCoach Nate Daniels on Instagram: @CoachNateDanielsCoach Nate Daniels on TikTok: @NateDaniels_1Next Level Athletes on Instagram: @NextLevelAthletes_OfficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelAthletesPodcast

    The Multi-Sport Athlete Advantage: What Parents Need to Know [Episode 2]

  7. Jul 1

    Are Travel Sports Bad for Youth Sports? [Episode 1]

    Travel sports has become one of the most debated topics in youth athletics. Some people believe travel sports are ruining youth sports. Others see it as the best pathway for athlete development and future opportunities. So which is it? In this episode, Coach Nate Daniels breaks down the realities of travel sports, the mistakes families make when entering the travel sports world, and how parents can navigate the journey in a way that truly benefits their athlete. You’ll learn why travel sports itself isn’t the problem—but how it’s approached often is. Coach Nate explores the growing business of travel sports, the hidden costs many families don’t anticipate, the dangers of early specialization, and why development—not exposure—should be the primary goal. Whether your athlete is already playing travel sports or you’re considering making the leap, this episode will help you make more informed decisions and create a more successful youth sports experience. REAL TALK FROM THE SIDELINES This week in Real Talk From The Sidelines, Coach Nate Daniels answers a listener question from Jessica, a sports parent trying to decide whether her rising 8th grader should stay at a lower-level club with more playing time and flexibility, or take the leap onto the ECNL team. Have a question for Coach? Send in your voice note here: ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/NextLevelAthletes⁠ SUCCESS IN TRAVEL SPORTS - GET YOUR TRAVEL SPORTS GAME PLAN Travel sports can be one of the biggest investments families make — but most are making decisions without a roadmap. The Travel Sports Game Plan gives sports parents a framework to evaluate programs, understand what actually develops athletes, avoid common traps, and build a long-term plan that sets your athlete (and family) up for success in travel sports. Get your copy: Travel Sports Game Plan This episode is brought to you by Next Level Athletes. We help athletes build confidence, mental toughness, and the competitive edge to perform at their best — in sports and beyond. CONNECT WITH COACH NATE DANIELS & NEXT LEVEL ATHLETES Website: ⁠nextlevel-athletes.com⁠Coach Nate Daniels on Instagram: ⁠@CoachNateDaniels⁠Coach Nate Daniels on TikTok: ⁠@NateDaniels_1⁠Next Level Athletes on Instagram: ⁠@NextLevelAthletes_Official⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelAthletesPodcastI should ⁠TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Introduction — Are Travel Sports Really the Problem? 1:30 – Setting the Stage: The Billion-Dollar Travel Sports Industry 4:00 – Common Travel Sports Issues 10:30 – When Travel Sports Works 14:00 – Real Talk from the Sidelines — Is it Time to Move to ECNL? 18:30 – Your Travel Sports Check-In: 5 Questions Every Family Needs to Ask 22:00 – Travel Sports Game Plan Resource for Sports Parents

    Are Travel Sports Bad for Youth Sports? [Episode 1]

  8. Episode 1

    Welcome to Next Level Athletes — The Podcast for Sports Families Who Want More

    Most sports parents are navigating competitive sports without the full playbook. They're investing everything into their athlete's journey — the private coaches, the showcases, the hotel rooms, the early mornings and long drives — and still wondering why the payoff isn't matching the effort. Competitive sports has a game within the game — the decisions, the politics, the pressure, the unwritten rules of how the system really works — and nobody's giving sports families the knowledge to navigate it successfully. Welcome to the Next Level Athletes Podcast. Nate Daniels is a former professional athlete, two-time Sports Hall of Fame inductee, and founder of Next Level Athletes. For over 20 years, he's coached athletes from youth to the pros, helping them build the athleticism, mindset, confidence, and resilience it takes to compete and succeed. Each episode covers what it truly takes to succeed — mentally, physically, and as a family. You'll hear from athletes, coaches, experts, and parents who've navigated the journey, plus practical guidance you can act on this week. If you're a sports parent who wants what's best for your athlete — or an athlete who's hungry for more — you're in the right place. This episode is brought to you by Next Level Athletes — real advice, real conversations, and real guidance on how to successfully navigate competitive youth sports the right way. Connect with Coach Nate Daniels: Website: nextlevel-athletes.comCoach Nate Daniels on Instagram: @CoachNateDanielsCoach Nate Daniels on TikTok: @NateDaniels_1Next Level Athletes on Instagram: @NextLevelAthletes_OfficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelAthletesPodcast

    Welcome to Next Level Athletes — The Podcast for Sports Families Who Want More
  • 1 Trailer
    7 Episodes

Trailer

About

Does your athlete have what it takes to be Next Level? The Next Level Athletes Podcast with Nate Daniels helps sports parents, coaches, and athletes navigate the politics, pressure, and decisions that most families struggle with in competitive youth sports. A former All-American and professional athlete turned performance coach, Coach Nate Daniels delivers the honest conversations sports families actually need. Real stories. Real insight. Real talk about what it takes to reach the next level in sports, and in life.

Information