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 actually gets her recruited)

– How to reframe pressure as a privilege — not a punishment

– The mindset shift every parent and coach should adopt to reduce anxiety

– What the WIN Method is — and how it gives athletes a clear path forward

Whether your athlete is deep in the process or just getting started, this episode will help her shift from fear to focus — and lead her own journey with courage.

Ready to build a real plan and stop guessing?

Book a WINNERGAME Recruiting Strategy Call → mentalsweetspot.com/winnergame

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:

1. Why coaches actually go quiet
2. How to stay motivated when the inbox is empty
3. And how to stop waiting — and start leading — your recruiting journey

We walk you through our WIN Method™:

🔹 W = Why — Clarity on what your athlete actually wants

🔹 I = Intention — Becoming the kind of leader coaches can’t ignore

🔹 N = Next-Level Habits — Building daily momentum that keeps recruiting moving

This is the same framework we walk families through on the WINNERGAME™ Recruiting Strategy Call — a 30-minute call that turns uncertainty into direction.

Because when your athlete leads the process, they don’t just get seen — they get recruited.

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 successful programs recruit values first, not stats
• The #1 thing players need to hear from parents after games
• How mental performance and leadership actually get kids recruited
• The real toll NIL, early commitments, and the transfer portal are taking
• Why most families are spending money backward — and what to do instead

Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete navigating the recruiting chaos, this episode is your permission to slow down, zoom out, and lead with clarity.