The Love of the Game- Ava Kuszak

This week on the Coach & Counselor podcast, we sit down with Ava Kuszak, a multi-sport athlete best known for her impact on the diamond as a Division I softball player at the University of Nebraska. Ava shares her journey through softball and soccer, how she’s embraced the mental side of the game, and why her love for sports continues to fuel her competitive spirit. Tune in as host Tony Gilio unpacks Ava’s story of passion, resilience, and what it truly means to play for the love of the game.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/63ci1f9-sDU?si=wVnQOnRLUPeYHjp8

🔗 Subscribe for more conversations with athletes and coaches shaping the future of youth sports.

Coaching with Heart and Purpose: Randy Gale

Randy Gale — veteran softball coach, instructor, and Commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Fast Pitch League — has dedicated over 20 years to shaping athletes and programs across Colorado. Known for his passion, integrity, and commitment, Randy’s influence extends far beyond the wins and losses. In this episode, he shares his perspective on leadership, mentorship, and the lasting impact coaches can have on young athletes. From building programs to building character, Randy’s story is a powerful reminder of why coaching matters.

🎧 Tune in for insights every coach, parent, and athlete can take to heart.

Watch on You tube Here: https://youtu.be/NRj-TM9h7Dk?si=m0OofqLDdstzggb6

Episode 11-Denver’s Coach of Coaches: Dan Medina

Dan Medina — often called “Mr. Denver” in the Colorado baseball and softball world — joins Coach & Counselor to share his passion for developing players into leaders. With decades of experience across high school, club, and collegiate programs, Dan’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses. In this episode, he opens up about mentorship, culture, and the responsibility coaches have in shaping young men and women both on and off the field. 🎧 Tune in for insights every coach, parent, and athlete can take to heart.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/XU65y9whpwU?si=X1t0Kcp7rWetEeSY

Grit, Leadership, Rugby: Dave Hodges

What does it take to lead at the highest level? 🏉 Dave Hodges — USA Rugby Hall of Famer, longtime captain of the Eagles, and professional player in Wales — joins the Coach & Counselor Podcast to break down the connection between grit, leadership, and rugby. From captaining the U.S. Men’s National Team 28 times to mentoring athletes across multiple sports, Hodges shares lessons on toughness, culture, and building leaders who can handle pressure on and off the field. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode is packed with insights on how rugby’s demands translate into real-world leadership. 🎧 Tune in now to learn why leadership is earned, not given. #Sportspodcast #Rugby #Leadership #YouthSports

Watch here: https://youtu.be/Rd5ecpdI9E8?si=cc-YsKWelMzSkVjO

Episode 9-Turning Experience Into Impact: Jon Karcich’s Perspective

Jon Karcich’s journey through baseball has come full circle — from standout player to respected coach and mentor. After years competing at a high level, he’s carried those lessons into the dugout, guiding the next generation of athletes with the same discipline, grit, and love for the game that fueled his own career. In this episode, Jon shares how his experiences on the field shaped his coaching philosophy, why building athletes goes hand in hand with building leaders, and what it truly takes to prepare young players for the next level of both sports and life.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/x2aNULFPOmw?si=_3AtKz0o7x2KAfts

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