Episode 8: Energy. Emotion. Excellence. — Brendan Strait’s Sports Storytelling

Brendan Strait grew up playing sports in Colorado, but instead of chasing a roster spot, he chased the story. 📸 Trading in a jersey for a camera, Brendan carved out a career in sports videography — capturing raw emotion, unforgettable moments, and the real side of athletics. In this episode, he takes us behind the lens: working with CU Boulder, filming alongside NFL stars like Travis Hunter, and sharing a fresh perspective on how today’s athletes — from pros to youth — connect through the game.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/m_kTfhIrZ0c?si=ufh33a_pl_IFpcjB

Episode 7- Pressure, Presence & Perspective: Inside Jon Moscot’s Playbook

From standing on an MLB mound to competing in the Olympics, Jon Moscot has lived the pressure, mastered the presence, and gained the perspective that only comes from years in the game. In this episode of Coach & Counselor, the former Cincinnati Reds pitcher and 10-year D1 coach shares his journey—from high-pressure moments under stadium lights to mentoring athletes on confidence, resilience, and leadership. We dive into: ⚾ How pressure can fuel performance instead of crushing it 🧠 The mental shifts that build lasting confidence 👊 Why presence is a game-changer on and off the field 🎯 The lessons sports teach that carry into life Whether you’re a coach looking to inspire, a player chasing your next level, or a parent supporting a young athlete, Jon’s insights offer a playbook for success far beyond baseball. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch here on YouTube.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/AOEVUB7NxVE?si=pIRpia1ifO4dLaoh

Episode 6: Let’s Talk Mental Health, Motivation & Volleyball with Tegan Seyring

Aug 8, 2025 In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Tegan Seyring—former D1 college volleyball player, volleyball coach mentor, and current Success Coach at Operation Player Assist. Tegan brings a powerful blend of experience and insight to the table, sharing what it really looks like to support today’s athletes on and off the court. We dive into the emotional side of sports—balancing pressure, performance, and mental health—and how coaches can create space for confidence, consistency, and connection. Whether you’re leading a team, raising an athlete, or showing up for your own growth, this episode offers the kind of real talk that sticks.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/YMfvt2w1Z6c?si=upo8dnV7ppjHeKDv

Episode 5-Building Athletes for the Long Game with Alex DeLaet

Building Athletes for the Long Game with Alex DeLaet In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Alex DeLaet—Instructor, Independent Scout, and Owner of Coach AD Baseball. Alex shares what it really takes to help athletes grow year after year. From what scouts are looking for, to how coaches can lead with patience and consistency, to why building trust matters just as much as building skills—this conversation is all about the long game. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how to develop not just better players, but better people.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/mJcZzECi1Bo?si=neoJ4Sbh6QaVTh9p

Episode 4: Performance and Pressure: Matt Pajak on Coaching Today’s Athletes

July 25 2025

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Pajak, co-founder of Loden Sports and Director of Player & Performance Analytics, to unpack the evolving pressures facing today’s coaches and athletes. With experience working alongside USA Baseball and the Cape Cod League, Matt brings deep insight into how performance data is changing the game—from youth development all the way to the MLB Draft. We dive into: Why the expectation to win is heavier than ever for college coaches How data-driven training is redefining talent development What parents and coaches can do to help young athletes thrive, not burn out The behind-the-scenes trends shaping the future of youth sports Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this conversation offers real talk on leadership, pressure, and what it really takes to go next-level in today’s game. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/IF5SxUsHedM?si=lugLMLD5fJC4mB6H

Episode 3: Cephas Howard: Sports, Struggles, and the Snap Moment

July 18th 2025

Former pro pitcher and youth coach Cephas Howard joins us to unpack what it means to stick with the grind. From tough seasons to breakthrough moments, we dive into how patience, persistence, and presence shape young athletes—and the adults who lead them. Cephas shares personal stories from his playing days, lessons learned the hard way, and how he’s now pouring that wisdom into the next generation. If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s worth it, this one’s for you. Tune in for real talk on sports, mentorship, and the moment everything clicks.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/PSm5dnwcA-8?si=tvmnaYClnzunD9Ar

Episode 2: Coach & Counselor -Coach & Counselor July 4th 2025

🎙️ Episode 2: Brotherhood, Big Dreams, and the Next Chapter with Vaughn Green In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we sit down with Vaughn Green — a standout high school athlete who’s now stepping into his next challenge at the United States Air Force Academy. Vaughn shares what it meant to build brotherhood with his team, how playing alongside top-tier talent shaped him, and why youth sports are about so much more than just the game. From the lessons of club baseball to the discipline of basic training, Vaughn’s story is just getting started. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/1duxmSp9iKI?si=s45MhJkiRk78vy8f

Episode 1: Coach & Counselor- Vince Thompson June 27 2025

🎙️ Coach & Counselor | Episode 1: Leadership On and Off the Field with Vince Thompson In our very first episode, we sit down with Vince Thompson — youth sports coach, Operation Player Assist account executive, and dedicated mentor. We dive into what it really takes to lead today’s athletes, the stories that shape youth sports, and how coaches can make an impact far beyond the scoreboard. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or someone passionate about youth development, this episode has something for you. 👉 Topics Covered: Building leadership skills in young athletes Balancing coaching and mentorship Stories from the field and life lessons through sports 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/yPjgvJokIIk?si=fa5BP5uKvmzd3rBm

90th Percentile: Tony Gilio of Operation Player Assist: March 21st 2025

On this week’s episode of the 90th Percentile hosts Geoff Pontes and Matt Pajak welcome Tony Gilio of Operation Player Assist. Operation Player Assist helps teams and families supplement some of the high costs associated with travel ball.

Listen Here: https://t.co/Ck0NLZgPWi

(2:00) Sandwich talk, best sandwich chain and Portillo’s Italian Beefs.

(7:00) Exposure Funnel’s impact on opportunities

(11:00) Rising costs of youth sports for coaches and players.

(18:00) Operation Player Assist and what they provide.

(24:00) Ramp up and lead time for the program.

(29:00) Ease of the platform.

(31:00) Success of the platform

operationplayerassist.com

CAUGHT UP W/ Randy Kaye 048 Apr 18, 2025

Former college and pro baseball player Tony Gilio shares the story behind Operation Player Assist, a platform designed to help athletes and families handle the rising costs of youth sports. From building a backyard batting tunnel to coaching D1 athletes (his own kids), Tony dives into parenting, coaching, fundraising, and why access to sports is more important now than ever. Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or a player navigating the travel ball world—this conversation will hit home.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/98v77jtGZ_M?si=rSHwD-ppaqBTkNGy

Website: https://www.operationplayerassist.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?… Twitter: @OpPlayerAssist Instagram: @operation_player_assist https://meetings.hubspot.com/tgilio