What does it really take to become the best version of yourself as an athlete? In this episode of The Coach & Counselor, former MLB outfielder and Colorado Rockies first-round draft pick Choo Freeman shares the lessons that shaped his journey from a multi-sport high school standout to the Major Leagues and now influence theContinue reading “Becoming the Athlete You’re Meant to Be”
Category Archives: Coach & Counselor Podcast
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 ColoradoContinue reading “The Baseball Development Trap”
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 chapterContinue reading “Built for What’s Next: Rugby, Coaching & Growth”
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 5Continue reading “The Future of College Baseball Just Changed Forever ⚾”
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 ofContinue reading “From National Champion to Building the Future of Softball | Kevin Blaskowski”
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 candidContinue reading “The Reality Gap: What Every Athletic Leader Needs to Hear”
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 hisContinue reading “Are We Ruining Youth Sports? Why Today’s Athletes Are Burning Out”
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 fromContinue reading “Everyone Wants the Shot. Few Want the Work.”
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, notContinue reading “Raising Competitors, Not Just Athletes”
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,Continue reading “Beyond the Jersey: What Truly Builds Great Athletes”
Tony Gilio 