Podcast Recap: Voices From the Field, Episodes 25–28

Fresh Takes, Bold Voices, and Real Tools for Athletes

Extra Inning Softball’s Voices From the Field podcast continues to deliver honest, actionable, and inspiring conversations for players, parents, and coaches. From mental toughness to recruiting strategy, each episode offers real-world insight from leaders shaping the future of softball—and sports at large.

The latest lineup of guests is no exception. With experts in athlete psychology, recruiting, and mentorship, Episodes 25–28 go deep into the mindset, preparation, and personal growth behind athletic success.

Missed a moment? Catch up on all four episodes here:

➡️ Building Confident Competitors w/ Coach Bre – View HERE
➡️ Mastering Your Recruiting Journey w/ Andrea Duva – Listen HERE
➡️ The Mind Behind Performance w/ Dr. Jim Taylor – Tune In HERE
➡️ Rylie Walker’s Journey On & Off the Field – Listen HERE

Episode 25: Coach Bre on Confidence and Communication
Listen Now: Building Confident Competitors – Ep 25

Coach Bre—mental performance coach and co-founder of The Elite Competitor—joins Carie Dever-Boaz and Katie Lively to talk about what it really takes to help athletes build confidence. With four state championships to her name and years of coaching middle and high school girls, Coach Bre shares critical insights on the emotional side of performance.

She offers tools for:

• How parents can talk to athletes after a rough game

• Navigating personality clashes with coaches

• Encouraging without micromanaging

• Communicating support in ways athletes actually hear

Whether you’re raising a rising star or coaching one, this episode provides a toolkit for keeping confidence intact—even when the game doesn’t go as planned.

Episode 26: Andrea Duva on the Recruiting Process
Listen Now: Mastering Your Journey – Ep 26

Andrea Duva, National Scouting Director at CSA PrepStar and a former Division I tennis player, takes listeners inside the world of college recruiting. Her experience helping thousands of student-athletes get noticed by college programs brings unmatched clarity to a process often filled with confusion.

She breaks down:

• The biggest recruiting mistakes families make

• What athletes can do to stand out online and at events

• How CSA PrepStar’s Prospect Clearinghouse works

• Why options and planning matter more than early commitments

This episode is packed with value—especially for families navigating emails, showcases, highlight videos, and the constant pressure to “get seen.”

Episode 27: Dr. Jim Taylor on Mental Training for Athletes
Listen Now: The Mind Behind Performance – Ep 27

What does mental training really mean—and how do you do it? Dr. Jim Taylor, internationally known sport psychologist and author of 18 books, joins Voices From the Field to explore how mindset can make or break performance.

With clients ranging from Olympians to youth athletes, Dr. Taylor outlines:

• How to prepare mentally for high-stakes moments

• What separates great athletes from good ones

• Why visualization, self-talk, and breathing matter

• How coaches and parents can reinforce mental skills

From travel ball tournaments to national championships, this episode delivers practical tools that every softball player—and supporter—can use.

Episode 28: Rylie Walker’s Story of Faith and Fight
Listen Now: On & Off the Field – Ep 28

In one of the podcast’s most personal episodes yet, Extra Impact Ambassador Rylie Walker shares her journey through softball, faith, adversity, and leadership. As a standout athlete balancing high expectations with personal purpose, Walker’s story is both vulnerable and empowering.

She talks about:

• Her softball beginnings and biggest lessons

• How faith shapes her decisions and calms her nerves

• Overcoming self-doubt and staying grounded

• Preparing for recruiting with intention

• Encouraging younger players to lead with kindness

Rylie’s episode reminds us that playing with heart goes far beyond the diamond. It’s about showing up for yourself, your team, and your future.

The Big Picture: Why These Conversations Matter

Episodes 25–28 of Voices From the Field prove once again that softball is more than a sport—it’s a training ground for life. Whether it’s a parent learning how to offer better support, a coach looking to inspire the full athlete, or a player seeking strength in adversity, each guest brings something invaluable to the conversation.

This podcast isn’t just about stories. It’s about strategies. It’s about transformation. And most of all, it’s about community.

Don’t miss what’s next. Follow Voices From the Field on Spotify and keep showing up for the conversations that move softball forward.
Listen on Spotify – Extra Inning Softball

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