In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we sit down with Utah Jazz forward George Niang—a seasoned NBA veteran whose journey from Iowa State star to ten-year pro is packed with lessons every athlete should hear.

George opens up about the emotional side of being traded, how to embrace your role without losing your identity, and why simply showing up every day gives you an edge over most. He shares stories from locker rooms with NBA superstars like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green—and what their work ethic taught him about staying ready.

We dive into core E4A principles like Win the Hour, Be Resilient, and Compete Without Contempt, as George shares powerful insights on:

• Why work ethic is a competitive advantage

• Balancing humility with hunger

• The importance of being coachable and consistent

• How a simple high-five or kind word can change someone’s life

• And how to use your SportLight to lift others

This conversation is loaded with wisdom, humor, and heart—and it’s a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and parents alike.

🎧 Listen now, share with a teammate, and remember to keep your eyes up and do the work.

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Especially for Athletes:

• Website: https://e4a.org

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/

• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

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Credits:

Hosted by Dustin Smith & Shad Martin

Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO

This week, we’re joined by Coach Randy Simkins, the head softball coach at Utah Tech University. Coach Simkins is the only college coach in Utah history to lead teams at the JUCO, DII, and DI levels — all from the same office. But his impact goes far beyond wins and titles.

In this episode, Coach Simkins shares wisdom from decades of experience in coaching and recruiting. We talk about what it really means to “compete without contempt,” how women’s sports are evolving, why multi-sport athletes thrive, and what college coaches are actually looking for in today’s high-pressure recruiting environment.

Highlights from the episode:

• The importance of teaching athletes to compete without contempt
• Why multi-sport athletes tend to be more competitive and resilient
• How the rise of travel ball is impacting team culture
• The similarities and differences in coaching women vs. men
• Why college softball is exploding in popularity — and what fans can learn from it
• The advice Coach Simkins gives his own athletes about handling pressure and expectations

This is a powerful listen for parents, coaches, and athletes who want to rise above the noise and focus on what really matters.

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Especially for Athletes:
Website: https://e4a.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #e4apodcast

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

Every athlete has felt it—the quiet voice that says “I don’t belong here.” In this episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, we tackle imposter syndrome head-on and explore the power of self-talk in building unshakable confidence.

Shad shares personal stories, insights from athletes like Tanner Allen and Michael Jordan, and compelling neuroscience that proves what you say to yourself matters. Whether you’re stepping into a bigger role, moving to a new level, or simply trying to believe you’re good enough—this episode is for you.

💬 Highlight Moments:

• A college coach’s tough-love advice that shattered imposter syndrome.
• Neuroscience behind why self-talk rewires your brain and boosts performance.
• Quotes from Venus Williams, Nick Saban, and others on belief, confidence, and mindset.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re good enough to compete—this episode will remind you: You were invited for a reason. Now it’s your turn to believe it.

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Especially for Athletes:

• Website: https://e4a.org

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/

• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

####

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith

Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO