In this inspiring episode of I Am Mentally Tough, host Gladine Frasso sits down with Coach Jaye, founder of the Next Level Warriors AAU basketball program, to explore what it really takes to build a youth sports program that goes beyond the game.

Coach Jaye shares her personal journey from growing up in a small town in Pittsburgh to launching and sustaining a successful basketball organization that emphasizes not just athletic performance, but holistic development. From foundational skill-building to handling criticism and creating strong relationships with families, Coach Jaye offers powerful insight into what it means to lead with purpose and resilience.

Listeners will walk away with practical wisdom on how to lead young athletes with intention, develop a winning mindset, and build a legacy rooted in service and strength.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What it takes mentally and emotionally to start and grow an AAU basketball program.
• The importance of foundational skills in sports and life.
• How to build trust and strong relationships with parents and players.
• How to turn losses into lessons and stay motivated through adversity.
• Ways to manage external criticism and stay aligned with your purpose.
• The value of offering holistic support to athletes—including nutrition, public speaking, and personal development.

Top Takeaways:

• Foundational skills are the building blocks for long-term success—on and off the court.
• Relationships with parents and players are essential to sustaining a youth program.
• Getting your “butt kicked” can be a valuable learning moment.
• Leaders must tune out external noise and stay committed to their mission.
• Holistic development (beyond athletics) helps young athletes thrive in all areas of life.

Coach Jaye’s story proves that great coaching changes lives. Her blend of tough love, practical support, and long-term vision offers a roadmap for anyone committed to developing young people.

🎧 Tune in now to hear Coach J’s remarkable story and learn how to lead young athletes with grit, grace, and purpose.

Visit Coach Gladine’s Website ⁠⁠⁠HERE.⁠⁠⁠

Follow Gladine on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Twitter.⁠⁠⁠

Want Gladine to work with your athlete or team? Click ⁠⁠⁠HERE.⁠⁠⁠

Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click ⁠⁠⁠HERE.⁠⁠

Stay in Touch with Coach Jaye and Next Level Warriors Basketball. Visit Coach Jaye’s Website HERE.⁠⁠⁠

Follow Next Level Warriors on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter.

Credit: Intro and Outro “Aurora” by Jeff Kaale

In this powerful episode of I Am Mentally Tough, host and Mental Toughness Coach Gladine Frasso is joined by licensed professional counselor Antonio Bolden to explore the transformative role of mindfulness in athletic performance and personal development.

Together, they break down what mindfulness really means, how it differs from meditation, and why it’s essential for athletes to practice awareness without judgment—especially in high-pressure situations. Antonio shares practical tools and mindset shifts that help athletes let go of mistakes, stay present, and protect their mental well-being by detaching identity from performance.

This episode is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and anyone who wants to unlock peak performance through emotional awareness, self-regulation, and purpose-driven action.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What mindfulness is (and how it differs from meditation)
• How mindfulness improves emotional regulation and focus
• The importance of acceptance in moving on from mistakes
• Why detaching your identity from your performance matters
• How to use mindfulness to enter a flow state
• Techniques for managing external pressure and distractions
• How values play a role in staying mentally grounded

Top Takeaways:

• Mindfulness is about being present without judgment.
• Awareness improves emotional control and mental clarity.
• Acceptance helps athletes move forward instead of fixating on past mistakes.
• Detaching identity from performance protects long-term mental health.
• Mindfulness is a way of living; meditation is one tool to get there.
• Breath control is a simple, powerful way to regulate emotions in the moment.
• Mindfulness can counteract distractions from outside expectations and pressure.
• Identifying personal values helps athletes stay anchored and perform with purpose.

🎧 Listen now to learn how mindfulness can help athletes train the mind like they train the body—intentionally, consistently, and with purpose.

Visit Coach Gladine’s Website ⁠⁠HERE.⁠⁠

Follow Gladine on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Twitter.⁠⁠

Want Gladine to work with your athlete or team? Click ⁠⁠HERE.⁠⁠

Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click ⁠⁠HERE.⁠

Follow Antonio Bolden on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Visit Antonio Bolden's Website Here

Antonio Bolden's Email: [email protected]

Credit: Intro and Outro ⁠“Aurora”⁠ by Jeff Kaale

In this insightful episode of I Am Mentally Tough, hosts Coach G (Gladine Frasso) and Coach David Anderson take a closer look at the current state of AAU basketball. They discuss the growing challenges athletes face with commitment, consistency, and the often-missed connection between talent and purposeful training.

The conversation explores how complacency can hold young athletes back, why basketball IQ is just as important as physical skills, and what it means to truly develop as a player. Coach G and Coach David offer guidance on how athletes can rise above distractions, stay focused, and approach the game with a mindset built for long-term success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The challenges athletes face in AAU basketball today.
• Why commitment and consistency are critical for growth.
• How a disconnect between athletes and their training can hinder development.
• The role of coaches in motivating and guiding young players.
• Why developing basketball IQ is essential.
• How mental toughness separates good players from great ones.

Top Takeaways:

• Focused training matters more than flashy moves—quality over quantity.
• Athletes must commit to the process, not just the outcome.
• Complacency is a silent killer of potential—stay hungry and curious.
• Coaches have a responsibility to build relationships that challenge and inspire.
• Developing basketball IQ helps athletes make smarter decisions on and off the court.
• Mental toughness is about being different—choosing discipline, focus, and resilience every day.

🎧 Listen now for practical advice and tough love from two coaches who care deeply about helping athletes unlock their full potential.

Visit Coach Gladine’s Website ⁠HERE.⁠

Follow Gladine on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Twitter.⁠

Want Gladine to work with your athlete or team? Click ⁠HERE.⁠

Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click ⁠HERE.⁠

Credit: Intro and Outro ⁠⁠“Aurora”⁠⁠ by Jeff Kaale

In this episode of I Am Mentally Tough, host Gladine Frasso welcomes Coach Bianca Campbell for a powerful conversation on the role of mindfulness in sports. Together, they unpack how mindfulness helps athletes stay grounded in the present moment, reach peak performance, and recover from setbacks with greater resilience.

Coach Campbell breaks down the true meaning of mindfulness, dispelling common myths—like the idea that mindfulness is soft or passive—and explains how legendary and elite athletes are using it to elevate their game.

The discussion dives deep into topics like emotional regulation, self-compassion, non-judgmental performance evaluation, and how mindfulness strengthens mental toughness. Coach Campbell also offers practical techniques that coaches and athletes can integrate into training and team culture, as well as reflections on the lifelong journey of self-discovery through mindfulness.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What mindfulness really is and how it benefits athletic performance.
• How flow state helps athletes perform at their highest level.
• Why emotional awareness and self-compassion matter in sports.
• How mindfulness helps with emotional regulation and mental recovery.
• Tips for integrating mindfulness into training and team culture.
• How to use language that reduces emotional attachment and anxiety

Top Takeaways:

• Mindfulness is the ability to pay attention on purpose.
• Flow state is the optimal performance zone, achievable through mindfulness.
• Self-compassion and non-judgment improve an athlete’s ability to bounce back from setbacks.
• Emotional regulation leads to better decision-making and mental clarity during competition.
• Coaches should model mindfulness to create mentally strong teams.
• Using neutral, fact-based language can reduce stress and enhance focus.
• Mindfulness allows athletes to respond rather than react to challenges.
• Embracing emotions—rather than ignoring them—builds long-term mental strength.
• The journey through mindfulness is continuous and deeply transformative.

Mindfulness isn’t just a trend—it’s a mental toughness superpower. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone striving for peak performance, learning to harness mindfulness can unlock greater focus, resilience, and emotional mastery.

🎧 Listen now to discover how mindfulness can be the game-changer in sports performance and personal growth.

Visit Gladine’s Website HERE.

Follow Gladine on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Want Gladine to work with your athlete or team? Click HERE.

Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click HERE.

Visit Coach Bianca's website HERE.

Follow Coach Bianca on Instagram

Credit: Intro and Outro ⁠⁠“Aurora”⁠⁠ by Jeff Kaale

In this episode, Coaches Gladine Frasso (Coach G) and David Anderson dive into the current culture of youth sports, with a particular focus on AAU basketball.

They discuss the growing trend of athletes frequently switching teams, the challenges of building meaningful connections, and the critical role parents play in their children’s athletic development.

The conversation also covers the pressures young athletes face, the importance of loyalty, and the impact of promises made by coaches.

Additionally, they explore how athletes can grow by learning the game, adapting to new roles, and embracing challenges. The episode concludes with insights into the evolving landscape of college basketball and the implications of the transfer portal.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Why athletes are increasingly hopping from team to team in youth sports, particularly in AAU basketball.

• The importance of building strong connections and fostering loyalty in a competitive sports environment.

• How parents can positively influence their children’s athletic journeys without adding undue pressure.

• The challenges athletes face, including managing expectations and adapting to new roles.

• Why being challenged and learning the game are essential for long-term growth and success.

• Insights into the changing dynamics of college basketball and the impact of the transfer portal.

Top Takeaways:

• Team-Hopping is a Growing Trend: Athletes often switch teams in search of better opportunities, but this can hinder the development of loyalty and deep connections.

• Parents Play a Crucial Role: Parents should support their children’s athletic journeys by encouraging growth and resilience, rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

• Loyalty Matters: Building trust and loyalty within a team can lead to more meaningful development and success.

• Adaptability is Key: Athletes must learn to adapt to new roles and challenges to grow both on and off the court.

• Promises Aren’t Always Kept: Young athletes and their families should be cautious of empty promises made by coaches and prioritize long-term development over short-term gains.

• College Basketball is Evolving: The transfer portal has changed the game, creating both opportunities and challenges for athletes navigating their collegiate careers.

This episode is a must-listen for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to better understand the complexities of youth sports culture and how to navigate them for long-term success. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice!

In this episode of I Am Mentally Tough podcast, host Gladine Frasso sits down with basketball skills and development trainer, Coach Dana, to discuss the crucial role of mental skills in an athlete's development.

They dive into the impact of social media on young athletes, how it can create unrealistic comparisons, and why selecting a trainer should be based on fit rather than social media popularity.

Coach Dana also emphasizes the importance of transparency in training and shares key advice for athletes on staying focused on their personal development.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The role of mental skills in sports and athlete development.
• How social media influences young athletes and their mindset.
• Why choosing a trainer should be based on fit and expertise rather than social media popularity.
• The importance of transparency in training and athlete growth.
• Practical advice for young athletes to navigate social media and stay focused

Top Takeaways:

• Social media can create unrealistic comparisons, leading athletes to focus on hype instead of growth.
• Choosing a trainer should be based on personal fit and development needs, not just their online following.
• Transparency and honesty in training are essential for long-term success.
• Young athletes must stay focused on their journey and avoid distractions from social media trends.

This episode is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and parents who want to better understand the intersection of mental toughness, social media, and athlete development.

Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration!

Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click HERE

Credit: Intro and Outro ⁠⁠“Aurora”⁠⁠ by Jeff Kaale

In this episode, Mental Toughness Coach, Gladine Frasso (Coach G.) and WNBA Skills and Development Coach David Anderson dive deep into the critical topic of emotional control in high-pressure situations. Drawing from years of experience coaching athletes at every level—from middle school to the WNBA—they discuss common negative emotions that arise during competition, how these emotions affect performance, and actionable strategies to help athletes bounce back stronger. They go over:

1. Common Negative Emotions in Athletes:

   • Self-doubt, frustration, and loss of confidence after failure.
   • The social pressure of failing in today’s digital age and how it affects mental resilience.

2. Impact of Emotional Reactions on Teams:

   • How negative gestures and frustration can disrupt team dynamics.
   • The ripple effect of poor emotional control from team leaders to teammates.

3. Coaching Insights and Strategies:

   • Why situational practices are key to preparing athletes for high-pressure scenarios.
   • The importance of "palms down" as a physical cue to calm emotions and refocus.
   • How to address emotional outbursts without discouraging players.

4. Dealing with Highly Emotional Athletes:

   • Techniques to help athletes manage pregame anxiety and frustration after mistakes.
   • How to emphasize effort, resilience, and positivity to build mental toughness.

5. Spotlight on Success:

   • Shoutout to Lainie Grant, University of North Carolina point guard, who exemplifies resilience and emotional control as a young athlete thriving on the national stage.

Have a Question or Topic Suggestion? Email us at [email protected]

Follow Coach G on her Instagram HERE

Follow Coach David on his Instagram HERE

Credit: Intro and Outro ⁠⁠“Aurora”⁠⁠ by Jeff Kaale

In this episode of I Am Mentally Tough, we tackle an essential and often controversial topic: “Tough Love or Too Far?” As a Mental Toughness coach, I’ve seen firsthand the impact a coach’s approach can have on an athlete’s mindset, performance, and overall well-being.

We’ll explore:

• What tough love truly means in coaching.
• The fine line between motivating athletes and pushing them too far.
• The red flags of coaching gone wrong.
• Practical tips for coaches to maintain a balance of high standards and respect.

With insights from coaching legends like John Wooden and Gregg Popovich, as well as research-backed data, this episode provides valuable tools for coaches, athletes, and parents alike. Whether you’re in the gym, on the court, or in the stands, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Defining Tough Love: How high expectations and accountability build mental toughness.
2. When It Crosses the Line: Recognizing the signs of verbal, emotional, and physical abuse in coaching.
3. The Science of Tough Love: Stats on how supportive coaching impacts athletes’ performance and mental health.
4. How to Strike the Right Balance: Practical tips for coaches to lead with both toughness and empathy.
5. Red Flags for Parents and Athletes: When it’s time to address a coach’s behavior.

Follow Coach G. on Instagram HERE

Follow Coach David on Instagram HERE

Download FREE Confidence guide HERE

Credit: Intro and Outro ⁠⁠“Aurora”⁠⁠ by Jeff Kaale

In this episode of the I Am Mentally Tough podcast, we sit down with Aisha Foy, a renowned NIL consultant, to explore the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for athletes. Aisha shares invaluable insights on how athletes can leverage their personal brand not only for financial gain but also for personal development. She emphasizes the importance of documenting their journey, managing their online presence, and mastering public speaking to maximize NIL potential.

Aisha also breaks down the differences between collective NIL money and personal brand value, offering examples from well-known athletes like Armando Bacot. Whether you’re a high school athlete or playing at the college level, Aisha provides actionable strategies to help athletes at all stages secure NIL deals and build lasting, marketable brands.

Key Takeaways:

• NIL is more than just about making money—it's about fast-tracking life skills like personal branding, communication, and professionalism.
• Documenting your journey on social media is key to building an authentic personal brand.
• High-profile athletes have different NIL earning opportunities, but all athletes can maximize their brand value by being genuine and intentional.
• Building a brand takes confidence and the ability to tell your story authentically, which can open doors beyond sports.
• Public speaking and being comfortable on camera are essential skills for promoting yourself and securing deals.

Aisha Foy is an NIL consultant helping athletes unlock their potential and create powerful personal brands. She is also the author of Success is My Major and provides free resources for athletes and parents looking to navigate the NIL landscape. Find her book and more information about her services on her websiteFollow Aisha Foy on Instagram

Follow Gladine Frasso on Instagram

Follow Coach David Anderson on Instagram

Work one on one with Coach G. to build your Mental Toughness

Credit: Intro and Outro ⁠⁠“Aurora”⁠⁠ by Jeff Kaale

In this episode of the I Am Mentally Tough podcast, hosts Gladine Frasso (Coach G.) and Coach David Anderson dive into the essential role that role players have in basketball, whether they start on the court or come off the bench. They discuss the importance of embracing one's role, the mental toughness required to handle not getting much playing time, and the influence of parental expectations on athletes’ performances.

By focusing on factors within their control and fostering a team-oriented mindset, athletes can strengthen their mental resilience and contribute positively to their team. The episode wraps up with a special announcement about upcoming group coaching sessions designed to build mental toughness in athletes.

Key Discussion Points:

1. The Importance of Role Players

2. Challenges Faced by Role Players

3. Parental Influence

4. Reframing the Bench Role

5. Mental Toughness and Role Acceptance

6. Coaches' Role in Managing Expectations

7. Parental Support and Mental Health

8. Building Mental Resilience

Coach G. will be launching her 8 week Mental Toughness Group Coaching program early November. Make sure you’re on her email list so that you’re the first to know when it goes live. Join here email list HERE

Learn the 6 reasons why your athletes are lacking confidence and what they can start doing now to overcome them. Get the free guide HERE

Follow Coach G. on Instagram HERE

Follow Coach David Anderson HERE

Credit: Intro and Outro ⁠⁠“Aurora”⁠⁠ by Jeff Kaale