🏅 SEASON 2 RECAP IS LIVE! 🏅
From building culture and fueling confidence to leading with faith — Season 2 of *Focus, Faith & Fueling: The Winning Edge Podcast* brought *A Coach’s POV* straight to athletes, parents, and teams everywhere.
🎧 Catch highlights from every conversation — featuring stories of mentorship, mindset, and mission from some of the best in the game.
If you believe sport is more than a scoreboard, this one’s for you.
🚀 Watch + listen on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
📍 Recap now at SPAN Athletics.
#FocusFaithFueling #SPANathletics #CoachesPOV #AthleteMindset #FaithInSports #TheWinningEdgePodcast
Learn how to coach young athletes with ADHD using structure, music, nutrition, and mental toughness strategies to boost focus, confidence, and academic success. This episode dives into practical strategies for parents and coaches to build skills, confidence, and mental toughness while honoring each child’s unique wiring.
In this conversation, Stacy & Lindsay unpack what it really takes to coach young athletes with ADHD from the ground up, on and off the field. They speak with guest coach and parent, Margaret Ploch Fritz, to explore how structure, routines, and clear expectations can support both athletic performance and academic success, especially for kids who think and learn differently. The episode also highlights the power of music, cross-training, and targeted nutrition to improve focus, resilience, and overall athlete development.
Listeners will hear personal stories and practical strategies for recognizing different learning styles, managing energy, and turning ADHD traits into strengths in sport. Whether you are a coach, parent, or practitioner, you will walk away with tools to build mental toughness, reduce frustration, and help young athletes with ADHD perform at their potential.
Key topics covered
• Why coaching ADHD athletes “from the ground up” leads to better skill development and long-term confidence.
• How ADHD can show up differently in young athletes and why one-size-fits-all coaching fails.
• The role of structure, routines, and clear expectations in both classroom focus and sports performance.
• Understanding and coaching to different learning styles: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and mixed.
• Using music intentionally to boost attention, rhythm, and learning during practice and training.
• Building mental toughness through progressive challenges, feedback, and safe opportunities to fail forward.
• Why nutrition matters for ADHD symptoms, injury prevention, and recovery in growing athletes.
• Benefits of cross-training for movement quality, coordination, and more well-rounded athletes.
• Outdoor play, unstructured movement, and sport as healthy outlets for ADHD energy and emotion regulation.
• How parents and coaches can set high expectations while staying supportive, patient, and strengths-focused.
Top takeaways for listeners
• Develop the athlete, not just the sport skill. Focus on movement quality, coordination, and fundamentals before specializing or chasing early performance.
• ADHD is not one-size-fits-all. Symptoms and strengths show up differently in every child, so coaching and communication must be individualized.
• Structure is supportive, not restrictive. Clear routines, consistent practice times, and predictable expectations can dramatically improve both schoolwork and sports behavior for kids with ADHD.
• Coach to learning styles. Visual demos, short verbal cues, hands-on practice, and repetition help neurodivergent athletes absorb and retain skills.
• Music can be a coaching tool. Rhythm, playlists, and background music can increase focus, motivation, and enjoyment in training sessions.
• Mental toughness is built over time. Facing age-appropriate challenges, managing frustration, and learning to “try again” are key to resilience.
• Nutrition is performance and brain fuel. Balanced meals, adequate protein, complex carbs, and limiting added sugars support attention, mood, and injury prevention in kids with ADHD.
• Cross-training creates durable athletes. Mixing sports and movement patterns helps prevent overuse injuries and supports whole-athlete development.
• Outdoor activity is medicine. Unstructured play and time outside can help regulate mood, energy, and ADHD symptoms.
• High expectations + support = growth. When adults believe in athletes, set clear standards, and offer patient guidance, kids with ADHD can excel in sport and beyond.
Keywords: coaching, parenting, youth sports, athlete development, teamwork, communication, success, resilience, accountability, sportsmanship
Summary: In this conversation, Kurt Kristynik shares insights on the vital relationship between coaches and parents in youth sports. He emphasizes the importance of supporting the whole athlete, recognizing individual differences among children, and the common pitfalls parents face in their desire to help. The discussion also covers the role of communication, the responsibilities of coaches, and the shift in dynamics as athletes transition to high school sports. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the need for parents to define success beyond statistics and to foster accountability and resilience in their children.
Takeaways:
• Be a fan of the entire team.
• Support your child as a whole person.
• Parents should avoid coaching during games.
• Understand the coach's preparation and responsibilities.
• Encourage effective communication between players and coaches.
• Recognize individual differences in children.
• Teach accountability and resilience through sports.
• Define success beyond athletic statistics.
• Foster teamwork and good sportsmanship.
• Support your child's goals, not your own aspirations.
Keywords: select baseball, youth sports, athlete development, parental support, nutrition, burnout, resilience, early specialization, youth athletics, coaching
Summary: In this episode, the hosts discuss the competitive world of select baseball, focusing on the culture, the impact of early specialization, and the crucial role of parents in supporting young athletes. They explore the importance of nutrition, preventing burnout, and learning from failure, emphasizing that sports should be a passion driven by the child rather than parental pressure. The conversation culminates in advice for parents navigating the complexities of youth sports.
Takeaways:
• Select baseball is highly competitive and requires significant commitment.
• The culture of select baseball in Houston is unique and intense.
• Early specialization in sports can have both benefits and drawbacks.
• Parents should support their child's passion for sports, not impose their own dreams.
• Burnout in young athletes often stems from parental pressure and lack of balance.
• Nutrition plays a critical role in an athlete's performance and recovery.
• Failure in sports is a learning opportunity that builds resilience.
• Teamwork and sacrifice are essential components of success in sports.
• Parents should focus on the long-term development of their child as an athlete.
• It's important for parents to recognize their child's individual journey in sports.
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Brooke Brittain, a powerhouse of discipline and resilience. From her time as a Sergeant First Class in the Army Reserves to her role as a head basketball coach, Brooke shares her journey of leadership and grit. Discover how her military experiences shaped her coaching philosophy and learn about her unique approach to building a winning culture both on and off the court. Tune in to hear Brooke's insights on resilience, leadership, and the power of setting "God-sized goals."
#Leadership #Resilience #Coaching
Keywords: Brooke Brittain, resilience, leadership, coaching, Army Reserves, basketball, empowerment, God-sized goals, team culture, military experience
Takeaways:
In this inspiring episode, Coach Donald Lawrence delves deep into the process of turning life's challenges into powerful opportunities for personal growth and transformation. Drawing from his coaching experiences, Coach Lawrence emphasizes that adversity is not the end of the road but rather the beginning of self-discovery and resilience. The conversation is woven with stories and practical advice, guiding listeners to harness setbacks and use them as stepping stones on the path to greater achievement and self-leadership.
Listeners are encouraged to embrace the value of consistent follow-through, reminding us that small, steady actions often carry us through difficult times and lead to significant change. The episode offers strategies for staying committed even when progress seems slow, reinforcing the idea that perseverance in adversity builds lasting character. Coach Lawrence shares real-life examples and motivational sound bites that highlight the importance of resilience—staying persistent, focused, and optimistic no matter what obstacles lie ahead.
A key theme throughout is the practice of celebrating milestones and achievements, big or small. Coach Lawrence underscores that taking time to recognize and honor progress fuels further motivation and fosters a positive mindset. Listeners will leave with practical tips for cultivating resilience, maintaining momentum, and finding joy in the journey.
What You'll Learn
How to transform setbacks into genuine opportunities for personal development and leadership by shifting your perspective and taking proactive steps.
Why follow-through and everyday consistency are non-negotiable qualities for long-term success and personal fulfillment.
Concrete ways to develop greater resilience, combat discouragement, and keep pushing forward through tough circumstances.
The critical importance of pausing to celebrate victories—no matter the size—as a tool for building confidence and sustaining energy.
If you're looking to boost your growth mindset, improve your ability to bounce back from adversity, or simply find practical encouragement for the road ahead, this episode offers actionable inspiration you can use right away.
In today's dynamic world of sports coaching, SPAN Athletics brings together Coach Lindsay Patrick and Athletic Director Taryn Floyd from Fort Dorchester, South Carolina, for a deep dive into the realities and rewards of coaching modern athletes. This episode, “Coaching Through Change: Leading with Adaptability and Balance,” explores key challenges faced by sports coaches—including evolving athlete needs, effective communication with parents, staff collaboration, and adapting to changing training techniques and rules. The conversation also highlights crucial topics in sports nutrition, optimizing athlete performance, and building mental resilience for both coaches and athletes.
Listeners will gain insights on balancing career and family life, preventing coaching burnout, and maintaining a healthy mindset in a competitive environment. The hosts address the impact of rapid societal changes on youth sports, the importance of ongoing education, and strategies for successful recruiting and leadership in athletic programs. Both Lindsay and Taryn share actionable advice for sports professionals, parents, and athletes, covering practical approaches to fostering growth, athlete wellbeing, motivation, and long-term development.
Whether you are a youth sports coach, sports nutritionist, athletic director, or passionate parent committed to the well-being of athletes, this episode delivers expert perspectives, practical strategies, and empowering mindset tips that optimize performance on and off the field. Tune in for evidence-based recommendations on managing change, building effective teams, and supporting athlete development in today’s fast-moving sports landscape.
Episode Overview
Join hosts Stacy and Lindsay and they sit down with Christopher Ortiz—educator, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach, and advocate for youth development. In this insightful episode, they dive deep into how compassion and character are just as critical as achievement in both schools and sports. Ortiz explains how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can act as a powerful habit to nurture resilience, creative problem-solving, and lasting personal growth in young people.
Listeners will discover the impact of integrating movement and martial arts into education, learn how supportive parenting empowers children’s sports journeys, and explore the lifelong benefits of athletic participation. Ortiz’s stories and strategies highlight the enduring power of empathy, the importance of supporting kids’ passions, and the invaluable life lessons learned far beyond the game.
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Top Takeaways
• Empathy and kindness are essential building blocks in both sports and education.
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers tools for resilience, growth, and coping with setbacks.
• Every success story includes obstacles—embracing the journey is what matters.
• Active movement sparks learning; incorporating it transforms classrooms.
• Introducing Jiu Jitsu into schools helps students develop focus and character.
• Facing adversity in sports shapes young people’s outlook and skills for life.
• Parents play a vital role by encouraging self-discovery and ownership, not just pursuing their own dreams through their children.
• Every young athlete deserves a supportive environment and community.
• Equity in youth sports is crucial—every child deserves a chance to play.
• The bonds and lessons forged in sports last a lifetime.
Keywords
education, coaching, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, youth sports, empathy, character, mindset, adversity, self-worth, parenting
Connect & Subscribe:
Follow The Winning Edge: Focus, Faith, & Fueling Podcast on YouTube and Spotify for more conversations that challenge, inspire, and equip you to lead with purpose—on and off the field. Or engage with us at @SPAN_Athletics on all of our social channels.
Description:
In this episode of The Winning Edge Podcast, Stacy and Lindsay sit down with youth hockey coach Nick Giondfriddo to talk about what it really takes to lead young athletes. From building trust and accountability to setting unshakable standards, Coach Giondfriddo shares his approach to developing not just skilled players—but confident, resilient leaders for life. Nick opens up about how mental toughness is shaped in everyday moments, why leadership starts with ownership, and the lessons he hopes every athlete carries long after the final buzzer. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or play, this conversation will leave you inspired to go all in for your team and your purpose.
What You’ll Learn:
• How mindset and nutrition shape athletic performance
• Why trust is the foundation of every successful team
• The power of holding a consistent standard
• How to teach accountability in high-pressure moments
• Why leadership and connection matter more than trophies
• What it means to leave a legacy that lasts beyond the game
Key Quotes:
• “If you don’t have trust, you don’t have a team.”
• “The standard is the standard—and that doesn’t change.”
• “It’s not about banners on the wall; it’s about who they become.”
Episode Keywords: coaching, youth sports, team culture, trust, accountability, mental toughness, player development, hockey, leadership, athlete mindset
Connect & Subscribe:
Follow The Winning Edge: Focus, Faith, & Fueling Podcast on YouTube and Spotify for more conversations that challenge, inspire, and equip you to lead with purpose—on and off the field. Or engage with us at @SPAN_Athletics on all of our social channels.
This episode of the SPAN Athletics Coaches POV PodcastSeries features a heartfelt conversation with Lauren Reid, a passionate mom, wife, and celebrated softball coach who has impacted generations of girls in her rural Texas hometown. Host Lindsay explores Lauren’s coaching milestones, her commitment to community, and how faith, tradition, and resilience shape both her career and the student-athletes she serves.
Featured Guest
Lauren Reid: Former varsity softball head coach (9 years), member of the 100 Wins Coaching Club (103 wins), Coaching Staff of the Year honoree, founder of the Texas Hold’em select softball team, special education teacher, and devoted mom and mentor.
Key Topics & Highlights
Lauren’s Coaching Journey:
Transitioned from standout playerto coach, inspired by a desire to give back to her hometown and to stay involved with the sport she loves after deciding not to play in college. Highlights of her coaching career include a remarkable 26-1 season, an undefeated district run (9-0), a 16-game win streak, and deep playoff success that energized the entire community.
Community and Youth Engagement:
Lauren and her husband created the Texas Hold’em tournament team to bridge gaps in player development, attract more girls to local softball, and create a high-quality, year-round training environment, especially for their daughters and local talent. Discusses the power of small-towncommunity support, from raucous crowds to rallying together through tragedy and loss.
Fostering Teamwork & Relationships:
Lauren shares practical strategies for nurturing positive communication, instilling accountability, and handling inevitable team conflicts. Reflects on how coaching both her children and countless others cemented a culture of family and togetherness, extending beyond the field to weddings, life events, and lasting friendships.
Adapting Coaching & Teaching:
Her experience in special education helped shape her individualized approach: meeting every athlete where they are, much like supporting diverse learners in the classroom. Emphasizes that supporting athletes goes far beyond wins—coaches serve as parents, mentors, and role modelsinvested in their players’ goals, challenges, and successes.
Tradition and Family Legacy:
Shares the pride and emotion of watching her own daughters compete on the same field she and her sister once did, highlighting deep roots and the enduring role of tradition in Alto athletics.
Coping with Loss & Building Resiliency:
Offers a moving account of guiding her community through unimaginable tragedies, highlighting the profound impactof collective support and faith during moments of grief and adversity.
Balancing Coaching, Teaching, and Motherhood:
Details the realities of rural coaching—serving as field maintenance crew, bus driver, and mother figure—and the life lessons her daughters and players gained by witnessing her hard work and dedication.
Emotional Endings and Lasting Impact:
Discusses the bittersweet experience of stepping away from high school coaching, preparing for her last home game, and the ongoing relationships with former players that define hertrue “wins.”
Redefining Winning:
Lauren reveals how her definition of success evolved, from scoreboard victories to measurable personal and team growth, goal-setting, and lifelong impact on her athletes.
Connect
Learn more about the SPAN Athletics mission, upcomingpodcast episodes, and community engagement at www.spanathletics.com
Follow along for more Coaches POV interviews andstudent-athlete spotlights.
Call to Action
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share.For more stories on the power of coaching, community, and youth sports, subscribe to the SPAN Athletics podcast series.
Have a coach or athlete you’dlike to nominate? Reach out via our website at info@spanathletics.com or via our social channels.
Season 2 of The Winning Edge Podcast with Stacy & Lindsay, “The Coaches Point of View,” offers an inspiring exploration into the leadership and mentorship of top coaches who prioritize faith first in their approach to sports, featuring honest, practical conversations about guiding athletes to success while nurturing their spiritual growth and character; with candid interviews and scripture-rooted wisdom, this season delivers actionable strategies and heartfelt testimonies on building resilient teams and developing faith-driven leaders, serving as a valuable resource for coaches, parents, and communities seeking to create a lasting impact through a Christ-centered coaching.
This conversation features the dedicated coaching staff at Rowe Middle School in Cypress, Texas, who emphasize the importance of developing student-athletes not just in sports, but in character, teamwork, and academics. The coaches their motto, 'Rowe, let's row,' which symbolizes unity and teamwork. They share insights on the unique challenges faced in a Title I school, the significance of balancing academic success with athletic participation, and the vital role of mentorship in shaping young individuals. The discussion highlights the ripple effect of sports on school culture and the importance of engaging families in the development of student-athletes.
Keywords: Coaches Point of View, Rowe Middle School, football coaching, teamwork, Title I schools, student-athlete development, academic success, mentoring, sports culture, community engagement, youth sports
Keywords: mentorship, sports, youth athletes, coaching, personal growth, resilience, faith, confidence, transition, encouragement
Summary: In this episode of the Winning Edge Podcast, host Stacy and guest Andy Williams, ex collegiate and professional baseball player, discuss the profound impact of mentorship on athletes both on and off the field. They explore the importance of personal relationships, the transition from high school to college sports, and the role of coaches as mentors. The conversation highlights the challenges of faith-based mentorship, the gaps in youth sports, and the significance of encouragement and resilience in building confidence among young athletes. Ultimately, they emphasize that mentorship is a long-term commitment that shapes not only athletic performance but also personal growth and character development.
Takeaways
Keywords: coaching, athlete development, weight room culture, leadership, team dynamics, youth sports, coaching strategies, building relationships, self-reflection, sports mentorship.
Summary: In this episode of the Winning Edge podcast, hosts Stacy and Lindsay engage with David Raffield, a retired high school football coach known for his impactful coaching career in Texas. Kicking off their "Coaches Point of View" Series they discuss the importance of building a strong culture within sports teams, particularly through the weight room, and how this environment fosters teamwork, accountability, and personal growth among athletes. Raffield shares his insights on coaching strategies, the significance of self-reflection, and the necessity of establishing meaningful relationships with athletes. The conversation highlights the broader impact coaches have on their players' lives, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and the lasting legacy of coaching.
Takeaways:
Guest Bio: Daniel Champagne is an athlete and faith leader whose testimony centers on finding true identity in Christ, rather than in athletic performance or worldly accolades.
Christian Identity for Athletes: Daniel shares how athletes often grapple with their worth being tied to wins, stats, or outside recognition. Through personal stories, he reveals that letting Christ define identity brings peace, resilience, and joy regardless of outcomes, emphasizing that who we are is fully reliant on what Christ has accomplished.
Victory in Christ—Beyond Sports: Theconversation explores how “Victory” in God’s eyes isn’t measured by medals or scores, but by faithfulness, transformation, and character—shaped by trusting God in both triumphs and challenges. Lindsay and Stacy discuss how athletes, parents, and coaches benefit from anchoring their mindset in what God says about them.
Living Out Faith—On and Off the Field: Daniel discusses living boldly for Christ during competition, focusing on using one’s gifts for God’s glory and competing “free” from fear or perfectionism. Examples are shared about praying as teams, encouraging others, and making faith part of athletic culture.
Actionable Takeaways:·
Closing Remarks: Listeners are encouraged to embrace who God says they are as athletes and individuals. Faith, focus, and fueling are intertwined and vital for victory in life. Theepisode closes with resources for staying connected to the SPAN community, plus a prayer for athletes to compete free from anxiety and live out their calling with courage and joy.
This episode explores the tension between feeling a callingand not knowing the exact path forward, emphasizing the role of faith and obedience when answers aren't clear. Using biblical stories—like Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and the disciples—the hosts highlight how faith often requiresaction without full certainty, trusting that each next step will be guided by God. The personal story about Lindsay’s son’s baseball practice demonstrates how embracing discomfort leads to personal growth; while settling for comfortoften means falling short of one’s true potential.
The conversation transitions to a preview of a new seriesfocusing on youth sports through the lens of coaches. The series aims to help parents, athletes, and aspiring coaches understand the crucial perspective coaches bring to youth development. Future segments will cover the coach’s role, overcoming common challenges, building trust, effective communication, and the importance of mentoring that goes beyond sports.
Listeners are reminded that while the game matters, the real transformation comes from the journey.
Key Points
· Faith and obedience are more important than having a complete plan.
· Growth happens outside the comfort zone; settling leads to missed opportunities.
· God expects trust step-by-step, not a perfect roadmap.
· Join us as we embark on a NEW series where will spotlight great coaches - in what we are calling "The Coach’s POV", emphasizing the impact of great coaches to our athletes and sports.
In this episode of the Winning Edge podcast, hosts Stacyand Lindsay discuss the inherent leadership qualities of young athletes. They explore the dual nature of athletic leadership, emphasizing the pressures athletes face and the importance of developing mental and emotional skills. Theconversation highlights how leadership influences team dynamics, the role of coaches in fostering leadership, and the significance of communication and accountability. They also delve into the mental and emotional aspects of leadership, the importance of reflection and decision-making, and the need for athletes to recognize their influence both on and off the field.
Takeaways
In this episode, hosts Stacy and Lindsay are joined by Roberta Anding, a prominent sports dietitian, to delve into how puberty, body image, and nutrition intersect to shape the experiences of young athletes. The conversation highlights the unique challenges adolescents face as their bodies change and how crucial it is to approach these topics with sensitivity and support.
Roberta explains that puberty has varying effects on growth in boys and girls and underscores why it's important for parents and coaches to use positive, encouraging language around young athletes. The discussion stresses that athletes' self-esteem is deeply influenced by the words and attitudes of trusted adults.
The podcast also covers the importance of good sports nutrition, suggesting that young athletes should listen to their hunger cues and focus on a balanced diet that fuels both performance and overall health. Roberta cautions against the use of growth hormone, noting its risks and the need for careful consideration.
Enjoying food—not just seeing it as fuel—is presented as key for mental wellness, as is fostering a healthy and balanced relationship with eating. The hosts and guest also reflect on how faith and community can provide much-needed support as young athletes manage both their sports journeys and personal growth.
In episode 17 of The Winning Edge Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Stacy sit down with Leslie J. Bonci—renowned registered dietitian, sports nutrition specialist, and co-founder of Performance365. Leslie brings decades of experience working with NFL teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, as well as a passion for busting nutrition myths and empowering athletes at every level.
This episode focuses on football nutrition—an especially relevant topic given football’s popularity in Texas. Leslie delves into practical advice for football players, coaches, and parents, answering common questions about:
Leslie draws from her extensive experience to dispel nutrition myths, offering actionable advice and stressing that food should always bring comfort and support—not stress—to young athletes’ lives. Empowering kids with food choices, she argues, is a cornerstone for health, confidence, and long-term athletic success.
Episode Summary:
In this illuminating episode of Focus, Faith & Fueling: The Winning Edge Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Stacy are joined by renowned sports dietitian Tony Castillo to dive deep into the science and significance of hydration for athletes. Together, they unpack how hydration impacts performance and overall well-being, teaching listeners Tony’s practical ‘What’ method for assessing hydration needs and the vital role of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The discussion highlights the risks of energy drinks, the benefits of prioritizing whole foods over supplements, and why understanding signals like urine color and thirst is key to healthy hydration. Faith and the importance of community support are also woven throughout, with valuable insights for athletes and parents alike to optimize health, performance, and mental resilience. Filled with actionable tips, this episode empowers listeners to make informed choices on and off the field.
Takeaways
Sound Bites:
"Your pee is your report card."
"Hydrate or die-drate!"
In this special episode of Focus, Faith & Fueling: The Winning Edge Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Stacy flip the script and welcome their 11-year-old sons to the mic for a heartwarming and eye-opening conversation about sports, faith, and family.
The boys share what they love (and don’t love) about playing sports, their favorite moments, and how their faith influences their attitude on and off the field—including their favorite Bible verses. They talk about what it really means to be a good teammate and offer honest advice for parents: “Your job is to cheer and support, my coach’s job is to coach.” Filled with wisdom, laughter, and candid moments, this episode offers a fresh perspective from young athletes and delivers meaningful messages to parents navigating sidelines and life lessons alike.