Riley Hnatyshyn is a Division I golfer at Louisiana Tech University and one of the brightest young leaders in collegiate golf. A former Louisiana Junior Golf Tour Player of the Year and state champion, Riley has built his game — and his life — around discipline, composure, and perspective. In this conversation, he opens up about the mental side of competition: how athletes can manage pressure, seek support, and find purpose beyond performance. His story reminds us that mastering the game starts with mastering yourself.

For Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Luke Goodgion, baseball wasn’t just a game — it was his identity. Then came the injuries, the surgeries, and the silence that tests every athlete’s resolve. In this episode, Luke shares how he rebuilt through resilience, redefined success beyond stats, and found purpose in mentoring others to do the same.

State champion. Record holder. Division I softball standout at BYU and Louisiana Tech. 💪 Alexis Gilio knows the pressure, the grind, and the growth that come with competing at the highest level — especially as a woman in sports. In this episode, she shares the secret every great athlete knows (but nobody talks about): mindset is everything. From confidence to composure, Alexis reveals how emotional strength and self-awareness can turn potential into power — on and off the field.
#CoachAndCounselor #WomenInSports #AthleteMindset #Leadership #Softball

Former pro basketball player and record-setting Fresno Pacific standout Jordan Wild joins Coach & Counselor to unpack what it truly means to compete — not just to win, but to lead with character. From battling on the court to mentoring the next generation, Jordan shares lessons on mindset, emotional control, and transforming intensity into impact.

🎧 Coach & Counselor — where mindset meets the game.
#CoachAndCounselor #Basketball #Leadership #AthleteMindset #Coaching #YouthSports

Former Division I player Krystal Anthony brings a powerful mix of coaching insight, recruiting knowledge, and real talk about the mental side of the game. From guiding travel teams to mentoring the next generation of athletes, Krystal shares lessons on leadership, mindset, and keeping softball’s true spirit alive. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player — this one’s packed with perspectives you can take straight to the field.

Is youth baseball losing its way? Dayton Classics Director & Recruiting Coordinator Gregg Beemer shares his powerful perspective on how rising costs, tournament culture, and shifting priorities are impacting the game—and what it takes to bring baseball back to its roots.

👉 Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of the sport!
🎙️ Full episode out now on the Coach & Counselor Podcast.
⚾ Subscribe for more stories from the leaders shaping youth sports.

This week on the Coach & Counselor podcast, we sit down with Ava Kuszak, a multi-sport athlete best known for her impact on the diamond as a Division I softball player at the University of Nebraska. Ava shares her journey through softball and soccer, how she’s embraced the mental side of the game, and why her love for sports continues to fuel her competitive spirit.

Tune in as host Tony Gilio unpacks Ava’s story of passion, resilience, and what it truly means to play for the love of the game.

🔗 Subscribe for more conversations with athletes and coaches shaping the future of youth sports.

Randy Gale — veteran softball coach, instructor, and Commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Fast Pitch League — has dedicated over 20 years to shaping athletes and programs across Colorado. Known for his passion, integrity, and commitment, Randy’s influence extends far beyond the wins and losses.

In this episode, he shares his perspective on leadership, mentorship, and the lasting impact coaches can have on young athletes. From building programs to building character, Randy’s story is a powerful reminder of why coaching matters.

🎧 Tune in for insights every coach, parent, and athlete can take to heart.

Dan Medina — often called “Mr. Denver” in the Colorado baseball and softball world — joins Coach & Counselor to share his passion for developing players into leaders. With decades of experience across high school, club, and collegiate programs, Dan’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses. In this episode, he opens up about mentorship, culture, and the responsibility coaches have in shaping young men and women both on and off the field.

🎧 Tune in for insights every coach, parent, and athlete can take to heart.

What does it take to lead at the highest level? 🏉 Dave Hodges — USA Rugby Hall of Famer, longtime captain of the Eagles, and professional player in Wales — joins the Coach & Counselor Podcast to break down the connection between grit, leadership, and rugby.

From captaining the U.S. Men’s National Team 28 times to mentoring athletes across multiple sports, Hodges shares lessons on toughness, culture, and building leaders who can handle pressure on and off the field.

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode is packed with insights on how rugby’s demands translate into real-world leadership.

🎧 Tune in now to learn why leadership is earned, not given.

#Sportspod #Rugby #Leadership #YouthSports