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PODCAST

Signed & Ready

Mental Sweet Spot

Signed & Ready is the go-to podcast for college-bound athletes and their families navigating the recruiting process—and preparing to thrive once they get there. Hosted by Alicia Smith, head coach, recruiting mentor, and mental performance expert, this show pulls back the curtain on what really moves the needle in college recruiting: leadership, composure, and confidence under pressure. If you"re a parent wondering how to support your athlete without overstepping—or an athlete who wants to feel

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All Episodes

26:16

5 Fears That Can Keep Talented Athletes From Getting...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/12/30

Fear of failure. Pressure to be perfect. The weight of not letting anyone down.College-bound athletes are under more pressure than ever — and most of it is happening silently, behind the scenes.In this episode, we break down the real mental blocks sabotaging recruiting success — and how to shift from spiraling under pressure to rising through it.You’ll learn:– Why fear of failure kills motivation — and how to rebuild confidence– The difference between perfectionism vs. high standards (and which one

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36:23

How to WIN Recruiting (Even When Coaches Suck at...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/12/23

You’ve emailed, posted, showed up, and stayed visible — but still, it’s crickets.If your athlete is putting in the work and getting nothing but silence in return, this episode is for you.We’re pulling back the curtain on:Why coaches actually go quietHow to stay motivated when the inbox is emptyAnd how to stop waiting — and start leading — your recruiting journeyWe walk you through our WIN Method™: 🔹 W = Why — Clarity on what your athlete actually wants 🔹 I = Intention — Becoming the kind of leader

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34:18

What Families Get Wrong About College Recruiting -...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/12/16

In this episode, we're joined by Jay Paterno — former D1 coach, author, and advocate for the future of college athletics. Son of coaching legend Joe Paterno and author of BLITZED!, Jay brings a rare perspective that bridges tradition and transformation in the world of recruiting.Together, we unpack what most families are missing when it comes to choosing the right school — and why chasing offers, rankings, or money first leads to burnout, disappointment, and regret.You’ll learn:Why the most

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30:23

Why the Way We “Do” Recruiting Is All Wrong

Signed & Ready ·

2025/12/09

Most families approach recruiting like they’re walking up to Lake Michigan with a busted rod, random bait, and zero idea what they’re trying to catch.That ends now.In this episode, we break down the metaphor that’s changing the way families think about recruiting — and explain what it really takes to get seen, get signed, and get what you actually want out of this process.We talk about:Why random exposure isn’t a strategyThe most important (but overlooked) part of your “setup”How to figure out what

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13:24

Recruitment Advice from Former D1 Athletes | Your...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/12/02

What do former Division 1 players really want younger athletes to know?In this episode, we’re passing the mic to the ones who’ve lived it — the workouts, the visits, the pressure, and the growth that comes with being a college athlete.They share what they wish they knew during the recruiting process, including:– What to actually pay attention to on visits– The importance of choosing the school for the school– Why failure isn’t the enemy — it’s the teacher– How to lead your process without losing

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20:25

The Investment No One Talks About — But Every Recruit...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/11/18

We didn’t start this podcast to talk about recruiting.We started it to talk about the real work — the leadership, mindset, and self-trust it takes to show up when the pressure’s on.But recruiting kept coming up.And we realized…It’s not a separate conversation.It’s the same conversation.Because what gets you recruited?Isn’t exposure.It’s identity.In this episode, we’re sharing:– Why we added a recruiting angle to our work– What families miss when they chase visibility instead of readiness– Alicia’s

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20:43

How Well-Meaning Parents Sabotage Recruiting (Without...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/11/11

Most parents think they’re helping.But too often, they’re creating pressure, confusion, and chaos — and it’s costing their daughter opportunities.In this real-talk episode, Mel (current college coach) breaks down what’s really going through a coach’s mind when they watch players... and their parents.👉 What sideline behavior sends red flags👉 The choices that actually support your daughter’s game👉 How to become an asset in the process — not a reason coaches walk awayIf your daughter has big college

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18:52

Why She Chokes When Coaches Are Watching — and How to...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/11/04

She crushes it in practice.Lights it up at local games.But the moment a college coach pulls out a radar gun or sits behind the backstop?It’s like she forgets how to swing.In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly why that happens — and what to do about it.You’ll learn:– The real reason athletes “choke” when it matters– What not to say in those moments– How parents can reduce pressure instead of add to it– Our #1 tool to help players recover in real timeBecause this isn’t about being mentally

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01:53

Welcome to Signed & Ready: Where Confidence Meets...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/10/28

If you're a softball parent, coach or athlete navigating the college recruiting process, you're in the right place.Welcome to Signed & Ready — the podcast where we coach the mental game of recruiting so athletes can lead themselves, play with confidence, and finally get seen for what they’re really capable of.In this trailer episode, host Alicia Smith (head coach, recruiting mentor, and mental performance coach) shares the why behind the podcast, the real edge college coaches are looking for,

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14:26

Exposure to Offers (Pt. 3): The #1 Thing That Gets...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/10/28

Everyone talks about exposure. But if that were the secret, every player with a highlight reel would be signing letters of intent.In Part 3 of our Exposure to Offers series, we reveal the real game-changer: self-leadership.Because coaches aren’t just watching your stats — they’re watching how you carry yourself.In this episode, we break down:What self-leadership actually looks like in athletesHow it impacts offers (even without direct feedback from coaches)The small, incremental actions that make

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14:30

From Exposure to Offers (Pt.1) | Focus On This to...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/10/28

Thousands of softball players spend time, money, and energy trying to get seen — but exposure alone doesn’t get offers. In this episode, we break down why the “spray-and-pray” approach to recruiting is leaving talented athletes stressed, stuck, and overlooked.You’ll learn:Why being seen ≠ getting signedWhat coaches are actually looking for (beyond your stat line)The shift that reduces pressure and puts players back in controlWhether you're early in the process or already talking to coaches, this

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16:02

Strategic From the Stands (Pt. 2): Real Talk on What...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/10/28

The recruiting world can feel like total chaos — and too often, parents are left guessing: Are we doing enough? Are we doing it right? In this episode, we cut through the noise and get real about what actually moves the needle.You’ll hear:✅ The most common traps families fall into (and how to avoid them)✅ What confident, coachable athletes actually do differently✅ How parents can model leadership — even when they feel unsure themselves✅ Why clarity, composure, and presence matter more than a perfect

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15:09

From Exposure to Offers (Pt.2) | Why Resilience...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/10/28

Here’s the truth: coaches don’t recruit highlight reels — they recruit how she carries herself when things get hard.In this episode of Signed & Ready, Coach Mel Rushing and Coach Alicia Smith break down the invisible side of recruiting — the part stats can’t show and exposure can’t guarantee.Because what really gets a player noticed isn’t just talent.It’s presence.It’s leadership.It’s the ability to stay composed, confident, and coachable under pressure.Whether your athlete is just starting to

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22:46

Strategic From the Stands (Pt. 1) | How to Lead Her...

Signed & Ready ·

2025/10/28

Wondering what you can do to help her in this recruiting journey?Worried you won't have the answers?Stressed about her finding the right fit?We've got you.https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/recruitingbootcamp

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00:46

Introducing the Clutch Mentality Bootcamp Podcast

Signed & Ready ·

2025/07/01

Interested in attending the Clutch Mentality Bootcamp but have some questions? This (10 min) series can help you decide!Ready to join? Head to https://www.mentalsweetspot.com/clutchmentality

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28:14

Get Them Mentally Ready for the Day - Rewire App...

Signed & Ready ·

2023/11/13

Imagine being able to screen your girls before practice to get a true idea of what you're going to get out of them that day? Instead of HOPING you notice the signs. Hoping you don't miss one player among 12-30 players. All so you can get the most out of your limited time with them. And what if that process only took a couple minutes using their phones? Oh and THEN what if each player was immediately given a suggested exercise to boost their mental & emotional state for THIS practice. That's what

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33:20

Get Your Team to Bring the ENERGY - w/ David Lindsay

Signed & Ready ·

2023/10/23

Ever look at your team mid-practice (or mid GAME) and think... Are they ALIVE? There are so many things that drain their energy, then before you know it the energy is gone and you might as well call it a day. And if we're honest, we have those days too! Today's guest not only speaks to this topic - he EXUDES energy and positivity! No joke - he had me standing up in Superwoman pose. You ready to get some fantastic nuggets from a world class athlete, dad, and motivational speaker? Listen

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28:28

Case Study: Bootcamp alum & Bowling Green HC Candace...

Signed & Ready ·

2023/08/07

In today's episode, we chat with Bootcamp OG Candace Fenton-Brockbader! You're going to find so many moments in this episode you can relate to. She is a GEM!

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36:02

How Culture Kept Us In Coaching

Signed & Ready ·

2023/07/24

Coaching is hard. You know what I mean. Not the on-field stuff. It's the attitudes... The lack of competitiveness... The people talking smack about how you're doing things. It can be draining. Honestly, that kind of stuff can make you want to quit. Alicia and I have certainly both considered it. Many times. But what keeps us coming back? What keeps us grounded, confident that we're on the right path, and unshakable despite other people's opinions? Hands down, it's Culture. This is what we want for

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31:54

The Top 3 Culture Killers (And How to Deal with Them)

Signed & Ready ·

2023/07/17

Culture can be complicated. You have to get 12-20+ players on the same page, understanding what it takes to achieve the goals they want. As vital as any coach like you knows culture is... it can be difficult to maintain a positive one with so many culture killers out there. But maintaining a strong, supportive culture is honestly THE most important thing we can do for our teams. Today we discuss the top 3 culture killers we've come across through the years, so you can get ahead of them this

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