What is the best way to physically and mentally prepare for preseason? What should you expect? How can you stand out?

In today’s episode, I welcomed Kayla Mitchell to the show! Kayla is a Graduate Assistant Coach for Murray State, the host of the podcast “Zooming with Kaymitch,” and a former college hooper at Lamar University and Central Arkansas University. You can connect with her on Instagram @realkaymitch.

As we approach the new school year, college athletes—especially basketball players—are preparing for preseason and the challenges ahead. This episode dives deep into how to get ready mentally and physically for both preseason and the season itself.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

1. The Role of Preseason: Setting the tone for the season, the transition from player to coach, balancing the physical and mental demands.

2. Confronting the Unknown: Strategies for coping with anxiety, overcoming the discomfort of conditioning and difficult workouts, dealing with new faces and unknown circumstances.

3. Standing Out and Being Your Best: What catches a coach’s eye during preseason, the importance of conditioning, communication, grit, and effort, advice for players entering a new season.

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Join us for this insightful conversation, and don’t forget to share this episode with anyone who may need it! Please leave a rating, follow the podcast ⁠@livewithgracepodcast⁠, and stay connected with Kayla Mitchell ⁠@realkaymitch⁠ on IG and TikTok.

Also, find the store and all products/resources connected to Live with Grace at ⁠this link.⁠ I appreciate you all!

How do athletes adjust to the next level? How do professionals deal with the pressure to perform-- especially in a foreign country?

In Part 2 of our conversation with Antoinette Bannister (AB), a seasoned professional basketball player, we focus on the challenges and experiences that come after signing a contract. Antoinette discusses how she manages the pressure to perform, especially when financial stability is on the line, and shares her strategies for adjusting to new cultures, languages, and environments.

We also explore the emotional aspects of playing overseas, including dealing with loneliness, adapting to new places, and navigating the uncertainty of trades and team changes. Antoinette's insights provide a candid look at what it takes to thrive in the unpredictable world of international basketball.

Do you have what it takes to play a sport professionally? Do you have aspirations to hoop overseas?

Today on the show, we’re excited to welcome Antoinette Bannister, known as AB, a dynamic professional basketball player with a diverse international career. From playing in Portugal, Mexico, Kosovo, Albania, Nicaragua, Kenya, Egypt, and beyond, to representing the Jamaican National Team since 2018, Antoinette has built an impressive resume both on and off the court. A Jacksonville, FL native, she also had a standout career in Division 1 basketball at North Carolina, Florida, and East Carolina University.

In this episode, we delve into Antoinette’s journey and expertise in navigating the professional sports world:

TOPIC 1: Networking/Connections/Communication

• ​Discover how AB navigated the process of signing her first pro contract.
• ​Gain insights into effective communication with teams and agents from someone who’s been through it all.

TOPIC 2: Signing Contracts

• ​Learn how to identify good opportunities and avoid potential pitfalls when playing overseas.
• ​Get valuable advice on staying safe and ensuring a comfortable situation in unfamiliar environments.

Tune in for a deep dive into the realities of professional basketball abroad and hear firsthand from a seasoned pro about what it takes to succeed in this competitive field.

Stay connected with AB on Instagram @LowLifeAB33

Today on the Live with Grace podcast, we're joined by P'hariz Watkins, the D1 Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Northwestern State University. P'hariz brings a wealth of experience, having served as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the renowned Tennessee Lady Volunteers and working with USA Basketball. With five years of college play under his belt, he holds a Bachelor's degree from Heidelberg University and a Master's Degree from Adrian College.

In this episode, we delve into P'hariz's journey, discussing his impactful role at USA Basketball, his transition from player to D1 Coach, and valuable advice for aspiring coaches. We also explore P'hariz's deep faith and enduring gratitude that shape his approach to life and coaching.

Connect with P'hariz on Instagram and X: @iampharizwatkins and @PharizWatkins. Follow the Live with Grace podcast on Instagram: @livewithgracepodcast.

Leave a comment, drop a review/rating, and reach out to let us know your thoughts. Thank you all for listening! - GB♡

Welcome back to the Live with Grace Podcast! This episode is a reflection on the journey so far, a look into the future, and a reminder to give yourself grace along the journey.

- GB

In this episode of the Live with Grace Podcast, I reunited with Camille Hobby, my former high school basketball teammate and recent graduate player from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Camille shares her inspiring journey from playing at NC State to Illinois, discussing her faith, overcoming challenges, maintaining love for the game, and advice for aspiring athletes. Join us as we explore her experiences, lessons learned, and her exciting transition to professional basketball.

Follow Camille: @Hoopergirl41 https://www.instagram.com/hoopergirl41/

Follow the Podcast: @LivewithGracePodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/livewithgracepodcast/

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:32 Rapid Fire Questions

03:58 What inspired you to play basketball?

06:27 Overcoming Challenges and Doubt from Naysayers; How Camille Developed Self-Belief and Confidence

07:52 Strong Faith

09:36 Advice to Other Athletes Challenges and/or Transferring Schools

12:40 How to Maintain Love for the Game

15:40 Lessons from Experience Playing at NC State and Illinois

19:43 How to Stop Negative Thoughts

20:28 Lessons from Experience Playing at Allen D. Nease in High School

22:38 Advice to Incoming College Athletes on Dealing with Coaches

26:59 Learning Self Expression/Advocacy Through College Athletics

28:52 Transitioning to Next Chapter: Professional Basketball

29:32 Closing

Welcome to the Live with Grace Podcast as I discuss my candid thoughts about body image, my personal struggles with body image, and strategies/mindset tips I've learned to form a healthy body image that lasts... even through changing seasons of life.

Intro: Navigating Body Image as a Student-Athlete and Woman

Pt. 1 : Struggles with Body Image as an Athlete

Pt. 2: Forming a Positive Body Image that Lasts

Please share and leave a review/rating if this helped you!

Thank you all for listening.

-GB