In this week’s Especially for Athletes podcast, former University of Utah tight end Cole Fotheringham shares how a simple shift in mindset—seeing your opponent as your “dance partner”—can unlock your best performance and change the way you compete. He opens up about overcoming fear-based thinking from coaches, parents, and within himself, and how learning to play free instead of fearful transformed both his game and his growth. If you’ve ever overthought failure, struggled with pressure, or wanted to compete with more confidence and purpose, this episode will challenge and inspire you to see the game—and your life—differently.

Key Takeaways:

Your opponent is your partner in growth.

• Your opponent is your "dance partner"- When you stop seeing opponents as enemies and start seeing them as the reason you improve, competition becomes a tool—not a threat.
• Fear is a terrible fuel source- Whether it comes from coaches, parents, or within, fear leads to overthinking and tight play—confidence and freedom lead to your best performance.
• Focus on what you can control—yourself. Comparison, stats, and outcomes pull you out of the moment; your effort, mindset, and preparation keep you grounded and effective.
• Adversity is not something to escape—it’s something to use. Growth comes from staying, adjusting, and pushing through hard situations—not always taking the easier path.
• You play your best when you’re present, not in your head. The more you let go of past mistakes and future worries, the more you can perform freely and fully in the moment.

Podcast Timestamps:

0:16 – Introduction & Cole Fotheringham’s Background
3:41 – Current Situation, Injuries & Staying Ready
4:15 – Compete Without Contempt (Phil Jackson “Dance Partner” Quote)
7:16 – The Sportlight: Pressure, Recognition & Social Media
10:01 – Mental Health & Pressure in Sports 13:16 – Adversity, Transfers & Choosing the Hard Path
16:16 – Resilience Through Injuries & Mental Growth
18:36 – Playing Free vs Playing in Fear 23:16 – Overthinking, Comparison & Being Present
27:46 – How to Get Out of Your Head (Flow State)
30:16 – Fear-Based Coaching vs Love-Based Coaching
33:46 – Creating a Healthy Team Culture
37:46 – Parenting & Coaching Without Fear
40:06 – Don’t Let Fear Be Your Fuel
42:06 – Overthinking Worst Case vs Best Case
43:01 – Final Thoughts & Closing Message

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Shad Martin
Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO