Players everywhere are struggling with inconsistency, confidence, and slow development — and most of it has NOTHING to do with talent. In this solo episode, Ashley breaks down the 5 biggest reasons young hoopers stop improving and what parents must do differently before AAU season.Whether you’re a parent trying to guide your athlete or a player trying to stand out, these lessons will change how you train, compete, and grow.

Key Takeaways:

• Why players stay stuck despite training

• The attitudes that kill confidence without anyone noticing• The real role parents play in development

• How to study film the right way

• The habits that separate “average” athletes from the ones who rise

About Ashley

Ashley Roberts is a former college hooper, mentor, and creator of the It’s Just Different Podcast. She helps parents and athletes navigate youth basketball, recruiting, AAU decisions, and the mental side of the game with honesty and real-world experience.

Resources for Parents & PlayersJoin the Basketball Parent Community (FREE 7-day trial):

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Download the FREE Guide to Save Money, Time & Stress:

https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe

Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit (Your full roadmap):

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/product-page/basketball-parent-toolkit

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About the Guest(s):

Jordan Jackson and Gigi Banks are top high school basketball recruits out of St. James. Jordan is committed to the University of Maryland, while Gigi is exploring programs that align with her growth and style. Both bring unique insights from national competitions like Hoopfest and share strategies for balancing athletics, academics, and NIL opportunities.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley dives into elite high school basketball with Jordan Jackson and Gigi Banks. They discuss Texas vs DMV basketball culture, the benefits of prep school athletics, and navigating the intense schedule and exposure that comes with high-level competition.

The conversation also explores choosing the right college program, factoring in playing style, coaching philosophy, and personal growth opportunities. Jordan talks about her journey to Maryland, while Gigi shares her process for finding the ideal fit. Additionally, they discuss balancing NIL opportunities, recovery strategies, and the importance of family and community support in a young athlete’s development.

Key Takeaways:

- Prep schools offer rigorous schedules and resources that prepare athletes for college-level competition.

- Choosing the right college program requires consideration of fit, coaching style, and growth potential.

- Recovery and physical wellness are critical to maintaining peak performance.

- NIL opportunities must be balanced with authentic passion for the sport.

- Family and community support play a crucial role in an athlete’s journey.

Resources for Parents & PlayersJoin the Basketball Parent Community (FREE 7-day trial):

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Download the FREE Guide to Save Money, Time & Stress:

https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe

Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit (Your full roadmap):

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/produc...

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About the Guest(s)

Kaleena “Special K,” Tati Griffin, and Chloe Jenkins are top recruits out of Ontario Christian High School in California.

-Kaleena Smith, the #1 ranked player in the Class of 2027, sets the tone every time she steps on the court. A true floor general and proven scorer, she leads with IQ, confidence, and a competitive edge that elevates everyone around her.

- Tati Giffin is a gold medalist and the #1 ranked player in the Class of 2028. Her decision-making under pressure is years ahead of her age, making her one of the most composed young guards in the country.

- Chloe Jenkins, a 6'0 freshman combo guard, has already made her mark as a fierce rebounder and relentless competitor. She thrives in high-pressure situations and plays with the kind of intensity coaches dream about.

Together, they represent the future of women's basketball: talented, dynamic, and hungry.

Episode Summary

In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with three top recruits— Special K, Tati Griffin, and Chloe Jenkins out of Ontario Christian, to talk about the real experiences behind today’s basketball culture.

The conversation provides serious insight as the players compare AAU and school ball, break down their pregame routines, discuss the realities of recruitment, and open up about the pressures young athletes face on social media.

From dealing with injuries to growing as leaders and teammates, this episode gives a raw look into what it takes to thrive as a young athlete today.Their stories bring listeners behind the curtain of elite competition, offering an honest perspective on preparation, team dynamics, and mental toughness. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or young athlete, this episode is full of wisdom, connection, and inspiration.

Key Takeaways

- AAU vs. School Ball — Different vibes, different chemistry, and different expectations.

- Recovery Matters — Epsom baths, PT, treatments, and consistency are key to staying healthy.

- Handling Pressure — Each guest shares their mental reset routine before big games.

- Life Balance — Young athletes talk honestly about juggling sports, school, and social life.

- Recruitment Insight — Genuine relationships with coaches matter more than constant communication.

Resources for Parents & Players

Join the Basketball Parent Community (FREE 7-day trial):

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Download the FREE Guide to Save Money, Time & Stress:

https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe

Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit (Your full roadmap):

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/product-page/basketball-parent-toolkit

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code “Podcast” for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

About the Guest

Shaitece Trigg is a seasoned sports psychology specialist with over eight years of experience helping athletes, teams, and coaches reach their highest potential.

With a focus on mental performance, Shaitece supports high-level athletes by applying therapeutic practices from the field of sports psychology.

She is the founder of Shift Performance, a company dedicated to securing happiness and facilitating positive transitions for athletes.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with sports psychology specialist Shaitece Trigg to explore the mental challenges athletes face and how parents can best support their children through the ups and downs of competitive sports.

From performance anxiety to dips in confidence, Shaitece breaks down the mental patterns that impact athlete performance and the core strategies that can help. Ashley and Shaitece discuss the importance of mental performance coaching, why athletes struggle with pressure, and how parents can shift from critics to true supporters in their child’s athletic journey.

The conversation also dives into athlete identity, what happens when kids tie their self-worth entirely to sport, and how expanding that identity can build healthier, more resilient young people. This is a powerful episode for any parent looking to understand what their child is feeling, thinking, and battling behind the scenes.

Key Takeaways

• Performance Anxiety & Confidence: Athletes often experience game-day paralysis due to fear, anxiety, or low confidence.
• Parental Influence: The way parents engage with their children after practices and games shapes athletic identity and performance.
• Value of Mental Coaching: Mental performance work helps athletes manage stress, build confidence, and unlock their full potential.
• Understanding Identity: Encouraging athletes to develop interests and identity beyond their sport supports healthier self-esteem.
• Communication Matters: Open, supportive conversations help parents better understand their child’s needs and athletic experiences.

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About the Guest(s):

Coach Eubanks and Coach Sutton lead the Red Oak Lady Hawks with a shared vision: pushing their athletes beyond district success to compete at the state level. Coach Eubanks, the head coach, instills grit and determination, while Coach Sutton complements the program with discipline and a focus on team camaraderie.

Together, they emphasize conditioning, skill growth, spiritual grounding, and creating a family-like culture that develops champions on and off the court.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the It’s Just Different podcast, Coach Eubanks and Coach Sutton take us inside the Red Oak Lady Hawks program. They share their approach to building a championship-level team through discipline, spiritual grounding, and a strong, cohesive culture.

Listeners will learn how these coaches balance on-court strategy, community support, and player development, while also adapting to the evolving, positionless style of modern basketball.

From nurturing confidence in individual roles to establishing a culture that spans middle and high school programs, this episode offers a full view of what makes Red Oak’s program unique.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual Beliefs: The team prays on Mondays to foster focus, fearlessness, and purpose in their play.

- Role Clarification: Clear role definitions ensure each athlete contributes effectively to team goals.

- Cultural Evolution: Adapting to modern, positionless basketball while strategically using traditional positions.

- Program Consistency: Building a consistent basketball culture from middle school through high school is key to long-term success.

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About the Guest(s)This episode of It’s Just Different features Argyle High School’s coaching duo, Head Coach Chance Westmoreland and Assistant Coach Casey Wallis, alongside host Ashley Roberts. Coach Chance Westmoreland has over 23 years of coaching experience and currently leads Argyle’s program while serving as Assistant Athletic Director.

His approach combines discipline, development, and academic balance to cultivate well-rounded student-athletes. Coach Casey Wallis, a former collegiate player at West Texas, brings over a decade of coaching experience and multiple state championships.

She focuses on player growth, motivation, and maintaining the connection between athletes’ personal and athletic development. Together, they reveal what goes into building and sustaining one of Texas’s most consistent high school basketball programs.

Episode Summary

In this episode, host Ashley Roberts visits Argyle High School to dive into the heart of what makes their basketball program thrive. Coach Westmoreland shares how Argyle’s success is deeply rooted in community relationships, trust, and communication — both with parents and athletes.

He explains how the program balances high-level performance with accountability and academic excellence. Coach Wallis offers insight into balancing coaching, family, and mentorship, providing a refreshing look at how female coaches influence program culture and player development.

Throughout the conversation, Ashley draws out lessons every parent of an athlete can learn from — about commitment, teamwork, and creating the right environment for young athletes to grow.

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration between AAU and high school programs is key for player growth and consistency.
• Building trust with parents helps athletes thrive both academically and athletically.
• Success starts with clear communication and intentional coaching at every level.
• Balancing family life and coaching creates more relatable, grounded leaders for athletes.
• A strong community and support system are the foundation for long-term program success.

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About the Guest(s)

Jake Floyd is the head coach at Denton Guyer, leading the school's basketball program to new heights with a strong focus on fostering teamwork, discipline, and skill development. Under his leadership, the team has made significant strides, reflecting a commitment to cultivating a positive and competitive culture within high school sports.

Ashley Roberts is a podcast host renowned for her engaging and insightful interviews focused on sports coaching and athlete development. In this episode, she draws on her experience as a coach to guide the conversation, bringing forward critical insights about navigating competitive sports dynamics at the high school level.

Coach Green is a JV coach and varsity assistant at Denton Guyer, specializing in offensive strategy and giving personalized guidance to players looking to transition to college-level basketball.

Coach Simpson acts as a freshman coach and varsity assistant, focusing largely on defensive strategy and fostering relationship-building among players. She places substantial emphasis on advocating for improvement from good to great defensive performance.

Coach Kelly Folsom is known as the "team mom," providing emotional support and post coaching, contributing significantly to the Varsity's success through a blend of strategic coaching and mentoring.

Episode Summary

In this riveting episode of It's Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts takes us on a deep dive into the heart of high school basketball coaching with the dedicated staff of Denton Guyer. The episode kicks off as Ashley is joined by head coach Jake Floyd and assistants Coach Green, Coach Simpson, and Coach Kelly Folsom, who share their insights on what it takes to transform teenage athletes into successful, college-ready players. Diving into the nuances of basketball coaching, they discuss the pressures of social media, the evolution of gameplay, and the importance of cultivating a supportive and growth-oriented culture among high school teams. Throughout the conversation, Ashley emphasizes the changing dynamics of high school basketball, highlighting teamwork, coaching strategies, and motivation in today’s fast-paced sports environment.

Denton Guyer's staff reveals their successful strategies in fostering team spirit, resilience, and a winning mindset — with a specific emphasis on tailoring roles to individual strengths and creating an environment where every player feels valued and important. This approach not only supports athletic success but also ensures players are equipped with lifelong skills that extend beyond the court.

Key Takeaways

The creation of a positive and competitive culture is vital for success in high school basketball, curated through trust and mutual encouragement among the coaching staff and players.Social media plays an influential role in high school sports today, shaping both opportunities and challenges for athletes.Effective basketball coaching hinges on blending offensive and defensive strategies tailored to individual player strengths and team dynamics. Building a complete coaching staff involves care, commitment, and an open-minded approach to differences in coaching styles and strategies.Parental support and involvement significantly influence the athlete's journey, reinforcing the team culture and supporting individual player development.

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About the Guest(s):

This episode features three powerhouse coaches from North Crowley High School: Coach Shead, Head Coach — a seasoned leader whose passion for excellence and high standards has reshaped North Crowley’s basketball program.

Coach Tory Branch, Associate Head Coach — known for her defensive focus and powerful voice, she brings discipline and intensity to the program.

Coach Jamal Branch, Assistant Coach — a former state champion who leads with competitive fire and specializes in offense and player development.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the It's Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with the coaching staff of North Crowley Girls Basketball to explore what makes their program one of the most respected in Texas.

From their unique “Alamo” mantra to fostering next-level discipline, the staff opens up about their coaching chemistry, high academic standards, and the mental toughness required to compete at the top.

They also dive into how the game is evolving — especially in the girls’ space — and why training with intention (not just cones) is shaping more adaptable, elite athletes. Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear what truly sets North Crowley apart, from family dynamics on staff to how they’re preparing young women to succeed beyond the court.

Key Takeaways:

- Girls' skill development is catching up fast, thanks to access to high-level trainers and intentional reps.

- The “Alamo” mindset instills discipline, accountability, and collective effort — no excuses, just execution.Strong coaching chemistry is built on trust, allowing each coach to lead in their lane with confidence.

- Visibility matters: North Crowley isn’t seeking credit, but they’re ready for recognition.

- Coaching as family comes with challenges, but the unity drives program success.