About the Guest(s)This episode of It’s Just Different features Argyle High School’s coaching duo, Head Coach Chance Westmoreland and Assistant Coach Casey Wallis, alongside host Ashley Roberts. Coach Chance Westmoreland has over 23 years of coaching experience and currently leads Argyle’s program while serving as Assistant Athletic Director.

His approach combines discipline, development, and academic balance to cultivate well-rounded student-athletes. Coach Casey Wallis, a former collegiate player at West Texas, brings over a decade of coaching experience and multiple state championships.

She focuses on player growth, motivation, and maintaining the connection between athletes’ personal and athletic development. Together, they reveal what goes into building and sustaining one of Texas’s most consistent high school basketball programs.

Episode Summary

In this episode, host Ashley Roberts visits Argyle High School to dive into the heart of what makes their basketball program thrive. Coach Westmoreland shares how Argyle’s success is deeply rooted in community relationships, trust, and communication — both with parents and athletes.

He explains how the program balances high-level performance with accountability and academic excellence. Coach Wallis offers insight into balancing coaching, family, and mentorship, providing a refreshing look at how female coaches influence program culture and player development.

Throughout the conversation, Ashley draws out lessons every parent of an athlete can learn from — about commitment, teamwork, and creating the right environment for young athletes to grow.

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration between AAU and high school programs is key for player growth and consistency.
• Building trust with parents helps athletes thrive both academically and athletically.
• Success starts with clear communication and intentional coaching at every level.
• Balancing family life and coaching creates more relatable, grounded leaders for athletes.
• A strong community and support system are the foundation for long-term program success.

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About the Guest(s)

Jake Floyd is the head coach at Denton Guyer, leading the school's basketball program to new heights with a strong focus on fostering teamwork, discipline, and skill development. Under his leadership, the team has made significant strides, reflecting a commitment to cultivating a positive and competitive culture within high school sports.

Ashley Roberts is a podcast host renowned for her engaging and insightful interviews focused on sports coaching and athlete development. In this episode, she draws on her experience as a coach to guide the conversation, bringing forward critical insights about navigating competitive sports dynamics at the high school level.

Coach Green is a JV coach and varsity assistant at Denton Guyer, specializing in offensive strategy and giving personalized guidance to players looking to transition to college-level basketball.

Coach Simpson acts as a freshman coach and varsity assistant, focusing largely on defensive strategy and fostering relationship-building among players. She places substantial emphasis on advocating for improvement from good to great defensive performance.

Coach Kelly Folsom is known as the "team mom," providing emotional support and post coaching, contributing significantly to the Varsity's success through a blend of strategic coaching and mentoring.

Episode Summary

In this riveting episode of It's Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts takes us on a deep dive into the heart of high school basketball coaching with the dedicated staff of Denton Guyer. The episode kicks off as Ashley is joined by head coach Jake Floyd and assistants Coach Green, Coach Simpson, and Coach Kelly Folsom, who share their insights on what it takes to transform teenage athletes into successful, college-ready players. Diving into the nuances of basketball coaching, they discuss the pressures of social media, the evolution of gameplay, and the importance of cultivating a supportive and growth-oriented culture among high school teams. Throughout the conversation, Ashley emphasizes the changing dynamics of high school basketball, highlighting teamwork, coaching strategies, and motivation in today’s fast-paced sports environment.

Denton Guyer's staff reveals their successful strategies in fostering team spirit, resilience, and a winning mindset — with a specific emphasis on tailoring roles to individual strengths and creating an environment where every player feels valued and important. This approach not only supports athletic success but also ensures players are equipped with lifelong skills that extend beyond the court.

Key Takeaways

The creation of a positive and competitive culture is vital for success in high school basketball, curated through trust and mutual encouragement among the coaching staff and players.Social media plays an influential role in high school sports today, shaping both opportunities and challenges for athletes.Effective basketball coaching hinges on blending offensive and defensive strategies tailored to individual player strengths and team dynamics. Building a complete coaching staff involves care, commitment, and an open-minded approach to differences in coaching styles and strategies.Parental support and involvement significantly influence the athlete's journey, reinforcing the team culture and supporting individual player development.

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About the Guest(s):

This episode features three powerhouse coaches from North Crowley High School: Coach Shead, Head Coach — a seasoned leader whose passion for excellence and high standards has reshaped North Crowley’s basketball program.

Coach Tory Branch, Associate Head Coach — known for her defensive focus and powerful voice, she brings discipline and intensity to the program.

Coach Jamal Branch, Assistant Coach — a former state champion who leads with competitive fire and specializes in offense and player development.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the It's Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with the coaching staff of North Crowley Girls Basketball to explore what makes their program one of the most respected in Texas.

From their unique “Alamo” mantra to fostering next-level discipline, the staff opens up about their coaching chemistry, high academic standards, and the mental toughness required to compete at the top.

They also dive into how the game is evolving — especially in the girls’ space — and why training with intention (not just cones) is shaping more adaptable, elite athletes. Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear what truly sets North Crowley apart, from family dynamics on staff to how they’re preparing young women to succeed beyond the court.

Key Takeaways:

- Girls' skill development is catching up fast, thanks to access to high-level trainers and intentional reps.

- The “Alamo” mindset instills discipline, accountability, and collective effort — no excuses, just execution.Strong coaching chemistry is built on trust, allowing each coach to lead in their lane with confidence.

- Visibility matters: North Crowley isn’t seeking credit, but they’re ready for recognition.

- Coaching as family comes with challenges, but the unity drives program success.

Episode Summary: In the kickoff episode of the High School Podcast Tour, Ashley Roberts sits down with the coaching staff at Mansfield Summit High School to explore the values, discipline, and relationships that power their girls’ basketball program.

Coach Amy Gillum, Coach Purcell, and Coach Giddings open up about how they’ve built a tight-knit, defense-first culture and why trust, communication, and consistency are the foundation of everything they do.

From balancing AAU relationships to using social media as a tool for exposure, this episode dives into the behind-the-scenes work that shapes great teams and better people.

Whether you're a basketball parent, coach, or athlete, this conversation is full of gems — especially if you're navigating high school hoops, recruiting, and building strong coaching culture.

Key Takeaways:

- A diverse coaching staff brings balance and synergy to the program.

- Defense, discipline, and teamwork are core pillars at Summit.

- Parents and coaches must communicate clearly to best support the athlete.

- Social media is a powerful tool for building exposure when used intentionally.

- A “family feel” culture goes beyond basketball — it’s what builds legacy.

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About the Guest(s):Ashley Roberts is the host of the “It’s Just Different” Podcast and a former junior college basketball player who began her collegiate journey at South Plains Junior College before transferring to the University of Texas.

Now a basketball consultant, speaker, and founder of the Different Community, Ashley uses her platform to educate and empower parents navigating their athlete’s basketball journey — especially those overlooked or misunderstood paths like JUCO.Episode Summary:In this episode, Ashley Roberts sets the record straight about JUCO — and why parents need to stop looking at it as a backup or “less than” option. Sharing her own experience as a JUCO athlete turned D1 graduate, Ashley explains why junior college can be the perfect fit for athletes who need development, more playing time, or a reset.

She breaks down how JUCO events like the Jamboree draw D1 coaches, the difference between going JUCO vs D2, and how ego and misinformation keep parents from seeing JUCO for what it really is — an opportunity.This episode is for any parent who’s wondering if JUCO is “worth it,” any athlete considering their options, and any coach helping a player make the right decision.Key Takeaways:- Junior college provides real opportunities for development, playing time, and visibility- JUCO events like Jamborees are packed with D1 coaches looking for talent- Choosing JUCO doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it can be the smartest move- Many parents reject JUCO out of ego or misinformation- Honest conversations with coaches are essential when mapping out your athlete’s pathJoin the Basketball Parent Community for FREE for 7 days! https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

About the Guest(s):

Ashley Roberts is the founder of the It’s Just Different Podcast and a former University of Texas basketball player. She began coaching varsity basketball at 23, created a successful AAU program, and now leads an empowering movement for parents of girl basketball players.

Through her podcast and community, she guides families through college recruiting, branding, and building opportunities on and off the court.

David Shands is known as the Podcast King and host of the Social Proof Podcast. As a mentor to countless podcasters, including Ashley, he’s helped transform their platforms into impactful media brands.

His insight into entrepreneurship and media makes him one of the most influential voices in the podcasting space.

Episode Summary:

In this special 2-year anniversary episode, the host becomes the guest as David Shands interviews Ashley Roberts about her evolution from D1 athlete to AAU coach to community leader and podcast entrepreneur.

They break down what it really takes to build something from nothing, especially as a Black woman in youth sports and media.Ashley shares how she turned a passion for helping parents and athletes into a full ecosystem — podcast, community, merch, showcases, and live events.

The episode dives deep into the reality of youth sports politics, recruiting red flags, branding for athletes, the role of transfer portals, and what parents need to know today.It’s a transparent, inspiring, and actionable conversation about building legacy, mentorship, and ownership in sports — and how Ashley’s platform is changing the game for girl basketball players and their families.

Key Takeaways:

- You don’t need a huge platform to start — just a clear purpose and consistent value.

- Parents must understand what’s really happening behind the scenes in AAU and college recruiting.

- Social media branding matters more than ever for athletes — visibility creates opportunities.

- Building relationships with the right people can take you further than talent alone.

- Entrepreneurship is possible in youth sports — from running leagues to creating community-driven products.

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About the Guest:

Coach Jazz is an internationally recognized clinician, former college and pro player, and basketball trainer with deep roots in athlete development.

From training with Maya Moore to coaching camps around the world—from Egypt to Australia—Coach Jazz is a master teacher who blends experience, empathy, and strategy to transform the lives of athletes and their families.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the It's Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with the dynamic Coach Jazz for a powerful conversation on athlete development, training philosophies, and the future of youth sports.

Jazz opens up about her own playing career, the lessons she’s learned from training athletes worldwide, and how she's helping shape a better system for both players and parents.

From the debate over cones in training sessions to the mental health of athletes and the rise of women’s basketball visibility, Coach Jazz delivers gems for parents, players, and coaches alike. Whether you’re new to the game or knee-deep in the grind, this episode offers actionable takeaways and honest talk about what really matters in developing complete athletes.

Key Takeaways:

- Hard work + love of the game are the true foundation of elite performance

- Parents must be active participants in their child’s emotional and physical development

- Not all trainers are created equal

– know the difference between skill development and true player development

- Visibility for women’s sports is exploding, and athletes need to be prepared

- Multi-sport athletes can succeed, but they need balance and structure

- Fun matters

– don’t let the pressure kill your athlete’s joy

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Episode Summary

In this solo episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley breaks down how to stop being busy and start being productive—especially during the crucial fall prep period. September and October are “opportunity season,” and Ashley shares exactly what parents and athletes should be focused on right now to get better.

She touches on everything from skill development and weight training to choosing credible showcases and avoiding overpriced camps. Whether you're navigating middle school basketball or prepping for a high school breakout season, this episode gives real, actionable game.

Key Takeaways

- Fall is the best time to train, plan, and gain momentum before spring recruiting.

- Many parents confuse being busy with being productive—learn how to spot the difference.

- Not all coaches and trainers are credible—do your homework before spending money.

- Middle school basketball can either build confidence or break it—parents must guide wisely.

- Start gathering content, relationships, and routines now that pay off in March and beyond.

Helpful Links:

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of the It’s Just Different podcast, Howard Juco Head Coach Al Davis joins Ashley Roberts to break down the real recruiting landscape that many families don’t hear about. From the myths around Division 1 to the overlooked benefits of JUCO programs, this conversation is a must-listen for basketball parents.

Coach Davis shares what he looks for in athletes, how the transfer portal has changed the game, and why realistic expectations can be the key to your athlete’s success. If you're a parent navigating recruiting, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and actionable insight.

Key Takeaways:

- JUCO is not a downgrade. It's a launchpad for many athletes to grow, mature, and earn scholarships to four-year schools.

- Social media creates false expectations. Many athletes are chasing D1 offers without understanding the full picture.

- The transfer portal changed everything. High school recruiting is harder than ever, and families need to adjust their approach.Know what questions to ask.

- Don’t just fall for the name — ask coaches the hard questions about playing time, development, and academics.

- Real development matters. Winning games is great, but preparing your child for life and college success matters more.

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About the Guests:Kelsi Baker is the head girls basketball coach at Mesquite High School and a former standout at Texas Tech. She also works with EYBL and brings over a decade of experience to the game. Episode Summary:In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Kelsi Baker for a real conversation on the evolving landscape of youth basketball. From the tension between AAU and high school coaches to prep schools, college coach engagement, and the deeper challenges of coaching today — nothing is off-limits.This episode dives into the real stories and strategies that shape athlete development and recruitment. If you’re a parent, coach, or player trying to make sense of the system, this is your roadmap. Key Takeaways:- High school and AAU coaches must collaborate for athlete success- Prep schools aren’t always the right fit — know your why- Multi-sport athletes bring versatility but face unique challenges- College coaches want athletes with IQ, character, and grit- Competitive spirit and accountability still matter in today’s cultureHelpful Links:Join the Basketball Parent Community for FREE for 7 days! https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠