Jon Karcich’s journey through baseball has come full circle — from standout player to respected coach and mentor. After years of competing at a high level, he’s carried those lessons into the dugout, guiding the next generation of athletes with the same discipline, grit, and love for the game that fueled his own career. In this episode, Jon shares how his experiences on the field shaped his coaching philosophy, why building athletes goes hand in hand with building leaders, and what it truly takes to prepare young players for the next level of both sports and life.

Brendan Strait grew up playing sports in Colorado, but instead of chasing a roster spot, he chased the story. 📸 Trading in a jersey for a camera, Brendan carved out a career in sports videography — capturing raw emotion, unforgettable moments, and the real side of athletics.

In this episode, he takes us behind the lens: working with CU Boulder, filming alongside NFL stars like Travis Hunter, and sharing a fresh perspective on how today’s athletes — from pros to youth — connect through the game.

From standing on an MLB mound to competing in the Olympics, Jon Moscot has lived the pressure, mastered the presence, and gained the perspective that only comes from years in the game.

In this episode of Coach & Counselor, the former Cincinnati Reds pitcher and 10-year D1 coach shares his journey—from high-pressure moments under stadium lights to mentoring athletes on confidence, resilience, and leadership.

We dive into:
⚾ How pressure can fuel performance instead of crushing it
🧠 The mental shifts that build lasting confidence
👊 Why presence is a game-changer on and off the field
🎯 The lessons sports teach that carry into life

Whether you’re a coach looking to inspire, a player chasing your next level, or a parent supporting a young athlete, Jon’s insights offer a playbook for success far beyond baseball.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch here on YouTube.

In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Tegan Seyring—former D1 college volleyball player, volleyball coach mentor, and current Success Coach at Operation Player Assist. Tegan brings a powerful blend of experience and insight to the table, sharing what it really looks like to support today’s athletes on and off the court.

We dive into the emotional side of sports—balancing pressure, performance, and mental health—and how coaches can create space for confidence, consistency, and connection.

Whether you're leading a team, raising an athlete, or showing up for your own growth, this episode offers the kind of real talk that sticks.

Building Athletes for the Long Game with Alex DeLaet

In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we’re joined by Alex DeLaet—Instructor, Independent Scout, and Owner of Coach AD Baseball.

Alex shares what it really takes to help athletes grow year after year. From what scouts are looking for, to how coaches can lead with patience and consistency, to why building trust matters just as much as building skills—this conversation is all about the long game.

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how to develop not just better players, but better people.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Pajak, co-founder of Loden Sports and Director of Player & Performance Analytics, to unpack the evolving pressures facing today’s coaches and athletes. With experience working alongside USA Baseball and the Cape Cod League, Matt brings deep insight into how performance data is changing the game—from youth development all the way to the MLB Draft.

We dive into:

• Why the expectation to win is heavier than ever for college coaches

• How data-driven training is redefining talent development

• What parents and coaches can do to help young athletes thrive, not burn out

• The behind-the-scenes trends shaping the future of youth sports

Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this conversation offers real talk on leadership, pressure, and what it really takes to go next-level in today’s game.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Former pro pitcher and youth coach Cephas Howard joins us to unpack what it means to stick with the grind. From tough seasons to breakthrough moments, we dive into how patience, persistence, and presence shape young athletes—and the adults who lead them.Cephas shares personal stories from his playing days, lessons learned the hard way, and how he's now pouring that wisdom into the next generation. If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s worth it, this one’s for you.Tune in for real talk on sports, mentorship, and the moment everything clicks.

🎙️ Episode 2: Brotherhood, Big Dreams, and the Next Chapter with Vaughn Green

In this episode of Coach & Counselor, we sit down with Vaughn Green — a standout high school athlete who’s now stepping into his next challenge at the United States Air Force Academy. Vaughn shares what it meant to build brotherhood with his team, how playing alongside top-tier talent shaped him, and why youth sports are about so much more than just the game.

From the lessons of club baseball to the discipline of basic training, Vaughn’s story is just getting started.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

🎙️ Coach & Counselor | Episode 1: Leadership On and Off the Field with Vince Thompson

In our very first episode, we sit down with Vince Thompson — youth sports coach, Operation Player Assist account executive, and dedicated mentor.

We dive into what it really takes to lead today’s athletes, the stories that shape youth sports, and how coaches can make an impact far beyond the scoreboard. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or someone passionate about youth development, this episode has something for you.

👉 Topics Covered:

• Building leadership skills in young athletes

• Balancing coaching and mentorship

• Stories from the field and life lessons through sports

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

💻 Learn more about Operation Player Assist: [Insert Website Link]

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