Raising Competitors, Not Just Athletes

Sports are about more than wins, losses, and championships; they’re one of the greatest classrooms for life.
In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, Tony Gilio sits down with Russ Romano, founder of D1 Mindset Coach, former Division I pitcher, and certified mental performance coach, to discuss what it truly means to develop competitors, not just athletes.
Russ shares the mental performance strategies used by elite athletes and championship programs, while exploring why confidence, resilience, leadership, discipline, and self-belief matter far more than talent alone. Together, they dive into the importance of focusing on the process, overcoming adversity, controlling the controllables, and helping young athletes build a foundation for long-term success both on and off the field.
Whether you’re a coach, parent, athlete, educator, or leader, this conversation offers valuable lessons on developing people who can thrive under pressure, embrace challenges, and carry the lessons of competition into every area of life.
Because the ultimate goal isn’t just raising better athletes, it’s raising better competitors, leaders, and human beings.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/3iEP4cwhsSI?si=wW_GiOKTxC3JZzCr

Beyond the Jersey: What Truly Builds Great Athletes

In this episode of The Coach & Counselor Podcast, we sit down with Axie Estrada, author, mentor, coach, and founder of Legendary Built, for a powerful conversation about what truly builds great athletes beyond the game itself.
With more than 14 years of coaching experience and over 300 athletes mentored, Axie shares her perspective on mindset, resilience, leadership, overcoming adversity, and helping athletes recognize their worth both on and off the field. From guiding athletes through failure and pressure to building confidence and mental toughness, this episode dives into the lessons sports can teach far beyond the jersey.
Axie also opens up about her personal journey through loss, hardship, motherhood, and rebuilding her life experiences that inspired her book Legendary Built, available now on Amazon.
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or leader, this conversation delivers valuable insight on growth, perseverance, and becoming the best version of yourself through every challenge life throws your way.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/dn8o7TvmTeM?si=7zdjU77e2DH-C8uR

The Journey Nobody Saw: The Reality of Chasing the Dream| Jonathan De Marte

Olympian and former professional baseball player Jonathan De Marte shares the side of the athlete journey most people never see — from multiple arm surgeries and independent baseball to signing with the Chicago Cubs and competing in the Olympics for Team Israel.

In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, Jonathan opens up about resilience, identity, athlete development, parenting in sports, injury prevention, and why mentorship and foundational athleticism matter more than ever in today’s youth sports culture.

A powerful conversation for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone navigating growth, adversity, and performance both in sports and in life.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/3n_Wj_3XY3Y?si=nNqphCbjvuvzUjTZ

Communication, Ownership, and Coaching That Actually Works: Aron Villegas

Aron Villegas, Director of Coaching at Rodeo Soccer Club, has built his career developing players from the ground up working his way from grassroots coaching to leading at the academy level in youth soccer.

In this episode, he breaks down what coaching actually demands beyond drills and tactics. From communication and ownership to building trust with players and parents, Aron shares the principles that separate average coaching from real leadership.

The conversation dives into player development, decision-making, and the importance of creating an environment where athletes can grow not just perform. Aron also shares lessons from navigating burnout, leadership challenges, and building a player pathway within the game.

This is a real look at coaching, culture, and what it takes to lead the right way.

🎙️ Coach & Counselor Podcast Watch here: https://youtu.be/Zw8l915eWi0?si=38Y9-Mc28jjBTFng

The Truth About Making It Today: The Separation Isn’t Skill

What does it really take to make it as an athlete today? In this episode of Coach & Counselor, NBA G League player and former Division I athlete Blaise Threatt breaks down the truth most athletes overlook—it’s not just about talent. From having no college offers to walking on at a Division II program, to becoming a top performer at Weber State and earning his shot in the NBA G League, Blaise shares the mindset that changed everything. This conversation dives into: The difference between hearing coaching and actually applying it Why being coachable, adaptable, and ready matters more than skill What separates athletes when everyone is talented The reality of the G League and chasing the NBA Lessons on discipline, resilience, and long-term growth Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode gives a real look at what it takes to grow, develop, and stand out in today’s game.

🎧 Listen to the full episode and tap into a mindset that goes beyond sports. https://youtu.be/w5tsWikA7Lo?si=jp9RQCXQV4Ydom-W

👇 Drop a comment: What’s one mindset shift that helped you grow?

#CoachAndCounselor #BlaiseThreatt #AthleteMindset #Basketball #NBAGLeague #PersonalGrowth #Leadership

The “Normal” Path in Sports… Is Why Most Athletes Struggle: Trey Woosley

Most athletes are told there’s a “right way” to make it play year-round, get exposure, and commit early. But what if that path is actually holding them back? In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we sit down with Trey Woosley, a former professional baseball player, Division I athlete, and current athletic director and high school coach in Colorado, to break down what the journey really looks like. From navigating junior college, D1, and NAIA baseball to earning a shot in pro ball, Trey has lived the path most athletes never fully understand. Now, he’s helping the next generation do it better. In this conversation, we cover: The truth about recruiting and exposureWhy the junior college route can be a game-changerWhat actually matters to coachesThe reality behind playing time and “favorites.”How mindset and environment shape development If you’re an athlete, parent, or coach trying to navigate the next level, this is a perspective you don’t hear often, but need to. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on coaching, development, and performance. #sports #recruiting #baseball #athletes #coaching #mindset #sportsparent #podcast #development

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/S3zGtfdAiu8?si=Fywxu5fLpAGde01n

Why High Performance Doesn’t Equal Fulfillment

This week on Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Sheri Riley, founder of Exponential Living, peak performance coach, and trusted advisor to elite athletes, executives, and global organizations.
After achieving her dream career in the music industry, Sheri found herself successful but unfulfilled. That turning point led her to uncover a powerful truth: success without personal development isn’t sustainable.
In this episode, we dive into what’s really missing behind high performance, why so many athletes and high achievers struggle with confidence, communication, and self-worth despite external success.
We explore the difference between drive and confidence, the dangers of relying on validation, and how constant connectivity is quietly breaking down real communication.
This conversation goes beyond sports; it’s about building people, not just performers, and learning how to show up fully in every area of life.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/PDdOiheTFJk?si=DUy-hm4fTPvh4GxN

The Coach Behind the Coach: The Hidden Side of Leadership

After coaching at elite high schools and the collegiate level, including multiple championship runs and NCAA tournament appearances, Cooper saw a gap in the game—there was support for athletes, but almost none for the coaches leading them. Today, he works with coaches across multiple sports, helping them manage pressure, lead with clarity, and build success that actually lasts.

But for Cooper, coaching has never just been about results.

In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, we dive into what it really means to perform at a high level as a leader—from navigating burnout, imposter syndrome, and isolation, to building systems that allow coaches to show up present, confident, and in control.

We also explore the hidden side of coaching, the realities of leadership in today’s game, and why separating identity from wins and losses is critical for long-term success.

If you’re a coach, athletic director, or leader operating in a high-pressure environment, this episode offers a perspective you don’t often hear—but one that can change how you lead and live.

🎙️ Subscribe to The Coach & Counselor for more conversations on coaching, leadership, and high performance.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/Bcp_JQTxcAA?si=Dvok84SybkvI4aAn

Be the Voice That Builds Better Athletes | Why Confidence Isn’t Built by Accident- Ashlie Rowley

Ashlie Rowley, former University of Florida catcher and team captain, has spent more than 20 years developing athletes across every level of the game—from youth softball to collegiate competition and beyond.
After her playing career, she went on to coach at the University of Tennessee, contributing to a Women’s College World Series run and earning recognition as part of an SEC and regional coaching staff of the year. Today, she is the founder of Colorado Softball Academy, CSA Foundation, and Futures Fastpitch, while also serving as a high school head coach and leading the softball division at PitchCom, where she works to grow the game through innovation and athlete development.
But for Ashlie, coaching has never been just about performance.
In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, we dive into what it truly takes to develop athletes in today’s game—from navigating recruiting and the realities of injuries, to building confidence, accountability, and resilience that lasts beyond the field. Ashlie shares her philosophy on developing the whole athlete and the responsibility coaches and parents carry in shaping that journey.
We also explore the evolving landscape of youth and college softball, the impact of the transfer portal and NIL, and how to create environments that challenge athletes while still supporting their growth as people.
If you’re a coach, parent, or athlete who cares about mindset, leadership, and building better athletes on and off the field, this episode is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.
🎙️ Subscribe to The Coach & Counselor for more conversations on coaching, leadership, and athlete development.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/w83rF9Hb2WY?si=sNK8vhBeO0CmRnzT

You’re More Than Your Sport: Mental game & Confidence

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You’re More Than Your Sport: Mental game & Confidence

In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, we sit down with Camryn Cottrell, head coach of Blackfoot High School girls soccer in Idaho, AYSO coach and administrator, and a mentor working across youth, club, and high school soccer. Camryn started coaching at just 13 years old and, after a career-ending knee injury, shifted her focus to developing athletes from the sidelines. Today, she’s passionate about helping athletes grow not just physically but mentally and emotionally. In this conversation, we cover: Why mindset is the most overlooked skill in soccer The difference between recreational, club, and high school development Challenges facing female athletes (confidence, identity, mental health) What parents and coaches often misunderstand about playing time and development How to support athletes beyond performance The importance of identity outside of sports This episode is for coaches, athletes, and parents who want to better understand how to develop confident, resilient, and well-rounded athletes. 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations on coaching, leadership, and athlete development.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/E7ayyXkHl8Y?si=oqmwlNxhbhVvCuyT