Fighting For Overtime: Addressing Anxiety and Achievements in Youth Sports

What if the biggest lesson from winning a world championship had very little to do with winning?

On this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Tony Cutillo sits down with Danny Boehle, Coach of the 2023 El Segundo Little League World Series championship team and author of Second to None.

Danny takes us behind the championship run and into the culture that helped make it possible. We talk about coaching with love, building selfless teammates, handling failure, developing resilience, and creating a community where every young athlete feels valued. His supportive messages to his players gained national attention during El Segundo’s run, but the philosophy behind those moments started long before Williamsport.

The conversation also goes beyond baseball and tackles some of the biggest questions facing youth sports today: Are adults becoming too focused on rankings, showcases, recruiting and scholarships? Are we taking away opportunities for kids to develop resilience? How should parents handle playing time and disagreements with coaches? And have we blurred the line between supporting our kids’ dreams and making those dreams our own?

Second to None may tell the story of a championship team, but this conversation is about something much bigger: the kind of experience we want youth sports to be for our kids.

For more information visit: www.coachdb.guru

Fighting For Overtime is dedicated to making youth sports better through authentic conversations that inspire athletes, parents, coaches, and communities to put development, mental well-being, and character first.

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately ([email protected]). Remember, you are not alone! 

Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ

About Fighting For Overtime

In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

In this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Tony Cutillo sits down with Jason D'Rocha, VP and Growth Coach at Sportball, to challenge the traditional youth sports mindset. Together, they explore why the future of youth athletics isn't about trophies, rankings, or scholarships—it's about helping kids build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of movement.

Jason explains how Sportball's fun-first, non-competitive approach is helping children develop essential physical literacy while creating positive experiences that keep them engaged in sports for years to come. The conversation also tackles why nearly 70% of kids leave organized sports by age 13, the dangers of early specialization, and how today's youth sports culture often places adult expectations ahead of children's development.

The discussion goes beyond the field, highlighting how sports shape a child's identity, the importance of inclusion through adaptive programming, and why participation—not winning—is one of the greatest gifts sports can provide.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, or youth sports advocate, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how we can create healthier, happier, and more impactful sports experiences for every child.

Follow Sportball and all it's programs HERE: www.sportball.com

Fighting For Overtime is dedicated to making youth sports better through authentic conversations that inspire athletes, parents, coaches, and communities to put development, mental well-being, and character first.

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately ([email protected]). Remember, you are not alone! 

Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ

About Fighting For Overtime

In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

Fighting For Overtime welcomes one of the biggest names in American soccer, U.S. Men's National Team Star Tyler Adams, for an honest conversation every athlete, parent, and coach needs to hear.

From the rising costs of youth soccer to the pressure of elite competition, Tyler shares his perspective on making the game more accessible, avoiding burnout, and why young athletes shouldn't give up simply because they're not the best player on the field today. He opens up about the value of patience, resilience, and trusting the process over chasing instant success.

Whether you're raising the next athlete, coaching a team, or navigating your own sports journey, this episode is packed with real-world advice from someone who's lived it at the highest level.

In this episode:

Fighting For Overtime is dedicated to making youth sports better through authentic conversations that inspire athletes, parents, coaches, and communities to put development, mental well-being, and character first.

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately ([email protected]). Remember, you are not alone! 

Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ

About Fighting For Overtime

In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

What’s really going wrong in youth sports today?

On this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Tony Cutillo is joined by LaQuan Stallworth, a Hall of Fame player turned coach, to break down the realities athletes, parents, and coaches are facing right now.

From her journey through elite competition to coaching today’s generation, LaQuan shares real insight on development, pressure, and what it truly takes to succeed.

This episode covers:

If you're involved in youth sports in any way — this conversation is for you.

Follow LaQuan on IG HERE: www.instagram.com/lqstallworth/

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately ([email protected]). Remember, you are not alone! 

Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ

About Fighting For Overtime

In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

Winning isn’t just built on talent — it’s built on culture, leadership, and consistency.

On this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Tony Cutillo sits down with Jason Scanlon, a husband, father of five, and one of the most respected youth soccer coaches in the Bucks County area.

Jason’s coaching journey spans:

8 years at Nativity of Our Lord School (3 AOP Championships)

9 years coaching girls travel soccer with Warminster Soccer Club

6 years as President of Warminster Soccer Club

Varsity Girls Head Coach at Villa Joseph Marie, finishing his first season 12–7–1 and winning a District Championship

In this episode, we go beyond the scoreboard and dive into:

⚽ What it really takes to build a winning culture

Jason shares real insights from the sidelines — from grassroots soccer to championship moments — and why doing things the right way still matters more than anything.

If you’re a parent, coach, or young athlete, this is a must-listen episode packed with value, perspective, and truth.

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately ([email protected]). Remember, you are not alone! 

Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ

About Fighting For Overtime

In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

#FightingForOvertime #YouthSports #GirlsSoccer #SoccerCoaching #HighSchoolSoccer #WarminsterSoccer #VillaJosephMarie #CoachingLeadership #YouthAthletes #BucksCountySports #StudentAthletes #SportsParents #CoachingCulture

The college football recruiting journey is far more complicated than most families realize.

On this episode of Fighting For Overtime, host Tony Cutillo sits down with Tonja Pacheco, the creator of Football Mom 2027, to break down the real work behind getting athletes noticed.

After losing her husband and raising five children, Tonja turned her focus toward helping her son chase his dream of playing Division I football. Along the way, she discovered just how confusing, expensive, and often misleading the recruiting landscape can be for parents and athletes.

Through her platform Football Mom 2027, Tonja now shares the lessons she learned navigating the process—from social media strategy and exposure to avoiding recruiting scams and understanding how college coaches actually evaluate prospects.

In this episode, we discuss:

🏈 The real role parents play in recruiting

Tonja also explains how consistent content, coach engagement, and strategic networking helped put her son on the radar of major college programs. This conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the recruiting process from a parent who is living it every day.

If you’re a parent, athlete, or coach navigating youth sports recruiting, this episode is packed with insight.

Follow Tonja on X: fbmom2027

Follow on IG: footballmom2027

Follow on the web: https://footballmom2027.com/www.footballmom2027.com

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately ([email protected]). Remember, you are not alone! 

Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ

About Fighting For Overtime

In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

#FootballRecruiting #YouthSports #FootballMom2027 #CollegeFootballRecruiting #StudentAthlete #RecruitingTips #D1Football #HighSchoolFootball #AthleteDevelopment #SportsParents #FootballJourney #NIL #RecruitingProcess #TonyCutilloShow #FightingForOvertime

On this episode of The Fighting For Overtime Podcast, Coach Tony sits down with Brea Ferraro, the Head Coach and newly appointed President of Lions Fastpitch Softball, to talk about the real world of youth sports, coaching, and developing confident athletes on and off the field.

Brea has lived every angle of the game, starting as a player in the organization her father helped build, growing into a coach, and now stepping into leadership as president. Her mission is simple: build competitive teams while creating a positive, supportive environment where athletes grow not just as players, but as people.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of modern youth sports; from the rising costs and burnout risks to the pressure athletes face from social media, recruiting expectations, and year-round competition.

Brea shares why attitude and body language matter just as much as talent, and how college coaches often notice the players who support their teammates and carry themselves the right way.

Tony and Brea also discuss:

Why confidence and team support start at practice

The importance of celebrating small wins for young athletes

Managing burnout in year-round travel sports

The rising cost of youth athletics

Why smaller organizations can provide huge opportunities

How coaches can create environments where players love coming to practice

At its core, this episode is about remembering what youth sports should really be about — growth, memories, teamwork, and building strong young leaders.

If you're a player, parent, or coach navigating youth sports today, this conversation is packed with real insight.

Follow Lions Fastpitch on FB Here: www.facebook.com/LionsFastpitch

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately ([email protected]). Remember, you are not alone! 

Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ

About Fighting For Overtime

In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

#FightingForOvertime #YouthSports #FastpitchSoftball #SoftballLife #TravelSoftball #CoachingLife #WomenInSports #YouthSportsPodcast #SoftballCoaching #AthleteDevelopment #GirlsSports #TeamCulture #SportsParenting

History was made at William Tennent High School — and Avery Kocur was right at the center of it.

On this episode of Fighting For Overtime, we sit down with Avery, one of only two players in the last 34 years to score 1,000 points for William Tennent, while helping lead the Panthers to their first Freedom Division title in 38 years. Her journey is a powerful example of what happens when passion, discipline, and belief come together.

What makes Avery’s story even more remarkable? She knew as early as 6th grade that basketball was the sport she wanted to pursue — and she never looked back. From youth gyms to historic milestones, Avery shares the work, mindset, and moments that shaped her path.

Now, she’s taking the next step with the Holy Family Tigers, continuing a journey built on dedication, family support, and a relentless love for the game.

In this episode we dive into:

• The grind behind becoming a 1,000-point scorer

Fighting For Overtime highlights the real stories behind youth sports — the perseverance, the sacrifices, and the moments that shape athletes far beyond the scoreboard.

If you care about youth sports, leadership, and the mindset it takes to reach the next level, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately ([email protected]). Remember, you are not alone! 

Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ

About Fighting For Overtime

In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

Youth sports are changing fast! There's more pressure, earlier specialization, and kids feeling college-level stress before they even hit middle school. But what if training didn’t revolve around wins, rankings, or chasing scholarships? What if it actually built confidence, character, and long-term growth?

In this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with Jake Kirsch, Senior Director at ETS Performance and former Division I football player, to break down what healthy youth development should look like today. Jake helps lead programs that train thousands of young athletes nationwide, alongside pros like Adam Thielen, and he’s on a mission to redefine performance training from the ground up.

Together, we dive into:

As a former D1 athlete, Jake shares personal experiences with pressure, expectations, and what he wishes he knew before entering high-level sports — plus how ETS builds environments where kids feel safe, supported, and excited to grow. This isn’t just about producing better athletes… it’s about raising stronger humans.

***Follow Jake and all of his training HERE: www.linktr.ee/coachjakekirsch

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately ([email protected]). Remember, you are not alone! 

Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ

About Fighting For Overtime

In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

#YouthSports #ETSPerformance #MentalHealth #ConfidenceBuilding #YouthAthleteDevelopment #FightingForOvertime #SportsParenting #AthleteMindset #BurnoutPrevention #PositiveCoaching

How can today’s teens truly thrive in a world filled with pressure, performance, and constant comparison?

In this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with Sophia Vale Galano, Author of "Calming Teenage Anxiety," to explore the roadmap to helping teens not just survive — but thrive.

From managing stress to finding balance, Sophia shares how parents, coaches, and mentors can create a safe space for young people to grow with confidence and calm. We touch on...

Recognizing the early signs of anxiety

Understanding the pressures teens face today — on and off the field

Building healthy communication between parents and teens

The role of youth sports in shaping mental resilience

Creating a roadmap for teens to thrive emotionally and mentally

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, this conversation offers powerful insights into how to help teens perform — and live — at their best. 

***Follow her work and get the book here: www.linktr.ee/Sophiavalegalano

#MentalHealthAwareness #YouthSports #TeenAnxiety #ThrivingTeens #FightingForOvertime #Parenting #Resilience #Wellness #MindsetMatters #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately ([email protected]). Remember, you are not alone! 

Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ

About Fighting For Overtime

In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.