Student Athlete Performance

🏈 What makes a great leader? How do you balance leadership, discipline, and success as an athlete?

 

In Episode 17 of the podcast, Nick Lemke sits down with Jim Shapiro, head football coach at King’s High School, to dive into the key aspects of leadership, team-building, and discipline in sports.

With decades of experience leading multiple playoff teams and working with high school athletes, Jim shares his approach to leadership and development—both on and off the field.

 

🔥 Key Takeaways:

Leadership Through Service: Learn why real leadership is about serving others and setting the example for your teammates.

Discipline in the Details: Discover how attention to small, daily habits can translate into long-term success.

Love vs. Fear in Coaching: Jim explains how motivating athletes with love instead of fear builds stronger teams and better players.

Winning the Day: Focus on what you can control and give your best effort in every moment to become the best version of yourself.

 

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode provides valuable insights into what it takes to build strong teams and successful athletes.

 

Follow Jim Shapiro:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jimshapiro/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jim.shapiro.10

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jimshapiro

 

Follow Nick Lemke:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickLemkeRD

Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd

 

🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for more episodes taking your game to the next level.

I never thought I would record this episode.

 

In Episode 16 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, we address an issue affecting athletes at all levels: mental health and suicide. Whether it's pressure, stress, bullying, trauma or self-destructive behaviors like drugs and alcohol, these silent struggles are too often overlooked in the athletic community... until it's too late.

 

I share my own story of battling depression and suicidal thoughts as a kid, overcoming loss, and the tragic reality that many of us are silently suffering. This episode is a call to seek help, find support, and understand that you’re not alone. And yes, dudes, that means you too.

 

If you or someone you know needs help, here are resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Substance Abuse Helpline (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Support): 1-866-488-7386

For those struggling with sexual abuse, I highly recommend listening to the podcast: Life with Laura, where my friend Laura shares her own healing journey.

 

Follow Nick Lemke:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickLemkeRD

Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd

 

🎧Stay tuned for more solo episodes on how to elevate your game through diet as an athlete.

Do you want to know what it takes to become a champion? 💪

 

In Episode 15 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, host Nick Lemke speaks with Marc Wiese, head baseball coach at Puyallup High School and co-owner of New Level 360. With over 500 career wins and multiple state championships, Marc shares what it takes to elevate your game to the next level.

From developing mental toughness to refining your athleticism, Marc offers invaluable advice drawn from his 30+ years of experience coaching elite athletes, including MLB players Levi Jordan and Adam Cimber.

 

🔥 Key Takeaways:

🏆 Championship Mindset: Marc emphasizes the importance of hard work, toughness, and a relentless desire to improve.

💪 Athleticism Matters: Discover why developing athleticism, not just baseball skills, is key to long-term success.

⚖️ Balance in Sports: Learn how to balance playing multiple sports with baseball training to become a well-rounded athlete.

🧠 Mindset & Mental Toughness: Marc explains why resilience, a short memory, and mental toughness are essential in the high-pressure world of competitive baseball.

 

This episode is packed with valuable lessons for athletes, coaches, and parents alike, offering strategies to help players achieve their full potential.

 

Follow Marc Wiese:Instagram: www.instagram.com/wiesebaseballacademy/Facebook: www.facebook.com/marc.wiese.925New Level: www.instagram.com/newlevel360/

Follow Nick Lemke:Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdFacebook: www.facebook.com/NickLemkeRDTwitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd

 

🎧 If you like the podcast, please drop us a review and share it with your friends!

Are you ready to hear an inspiring story of resilience, discipline, and transformation? 🏀

 

In Episode 14 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, host Nick Lemke chats with Maddy Weaver, a standout college basketball player at Chaminade University in Hawaii.

Maddy shares her journey from being a competitive swimmer to discovering her passion for basketball. Her story is one of grit, overcoming challenges, and mastering new skills in pursuit of her athletic dreams.

 

🔥 Key Takeaways:

🌊 Switching Sports: Maddy reveals the mental and physical challenges she faced while transitioning from swimming to basketball.🏀 Relentless Practice: Learn how Maddy dedicated herself to improving her basketball skills by putting in countless hours of extra practice.🥗 Nutrition and Energy: Discover how Maddy’s focus on nutrition helped fuel her performance on and off the court.🎯 Balancing Life as a Student-Athlete: Maddy shares her tips on managing school, training, and social life while striving for success in college sports.

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a coach, or someone passionate about sports, this episode offers valuable insights into developing a strong work ethic and achieving your goals.

 

 

Follow Maddy Weaver:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/maddy_weaver1226

 

Follow Nick Lemke:Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdFacebook: www.facebook.com/nicklemkerdTwitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd

 

🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for more inspiring stories and insights. Don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow athletes and coaches!

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of elite baseball player development? ⚾

 

In Episode 13 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, host Nick Lemke sits down with Ronnie Bernick, a seasoned baseball coach and the founder of Hot Corner Athletics. Ronnie shares his insights on what it takes to develop baseball players who can perform at the highest levels. From youth leagues to advanced training techniques, Ronnie’s expertise offers a comprehensive guide to baseball success.

 

🔥 Key Takeaways:

Foundations of Baseball Excellence: Learn the essential skills and mindset that every elite player must develop.

Training Techniques: Discover advanced training methods that help players refine their skills and excel on the field.

Building a Winning Mentality: Ronnie shares how mental toughness and focus are crucial in shaping a player's career.

Youth to Pro: Insights on guiding young players from their first game to their professional aspirations.

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or aspiring player, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you elevate your game.

 

Follow Ronnie Bernick:

Facebook: Ronnie Bernick

Instagram: @ronniebernick

Twitter: @RonnieBernick

Hot Corner Athletics: Instagram

 

Follow Nick Lemke:

Instagram: @nicklemkerd

Facebook: Nick Lemke RD

Twitter: @nicklemkerd

YouTube: Nick Lemke RD

 

🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast and share this episode with your fellow athletes, coaches, and anyone passionate about baseball!

What does it take to get noticed by an MLB scout? 🎯

In Episode 12 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, host Nick Lemke sits down with Nate Metzger, a scout for the Chicago Cubs, to dive into the world of Major League Baseball scouting.

With his extensive background as both a college coach and an MLB scout, Nate shares invaluable insights on what it really takes to stand out in the eyes of professional scouts.

 

🔥 Key Takeaways:

Tools Over Performance: Learn why raw tools often outweigh performance when it comes to getting drafted.

The Importance of Size: Discover how physical attributes like height and strength can influence your chances of being scouted.

Wired Different: Understand why athletes who are "wired different" have the best chance of making it to the big leagues.

Visibility & Self-Promotion: Find out the fine line between being proactive and overdoing it on social media.

 

Whether you're an aspiring pro or just curious about the inner workings of MLB scouting, this episode is packed with valuable advice and real-world examples.

 

Contact Nate Metzger:

Email: [email protected]

Follow Nick Lemke:

Instagram: @nicklemkerd

Facebook: Nick Lemke RD

Twitter: @nicklemkerd

YouTube: Nick Lemke RD

 

🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for more expert insights and advice to help you reach your athletic potential. And don't forget to share this episode with teammates and coaches who might benefit from these professional insights!

Do you know what it really takes to get recruited by a college sports program in the new landscape of the transfer portal? 

 

In Episode 11 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, Nick sits down with Corey Else, Oklahoma State Director of National Scouting Report (NSR) and owner of Pro Day Athlete Development. Corey brings a wealth of knowledge about the recruiting process, sharing essential strategies for standing out to college coaches and securing your spot on a collegiate team.

 

Key Takeaways:

Consistency is King: Learn why maintaining consistent habits in training, nutrition, and performance is crucial to getting noticed by scouts in 2025 and beyond.

Navigating the Four Stages of Recruiting: Corey breaks down the four critical phases of college recruitment, guiding you from initial identification to receiving that coveted offer.

Strategic Relationship Building: Discover how to effectively build and maintain relationships with college coaches to keep yourself top of mind.

Social Media Savvy: Uncover how your online presence can either help you shine or hold you back in the recruiting process.

Don't miss out on Corey's expert insights into navigating the highly competitive world of college recruiting. Whether you're an athlete aspiring to play at the next level or a parent looking to guide your child through the process, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you achieve your goals.

 

Follow Corey:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/corey.else.3

Twitter: www.twitter.com/CoreyElse_NSR

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nsr_college_scout/

Pro Day Athlete Development: www.facebook.com/ProDayAthlete

Follow Nick:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicklemkerd

Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nicklemkerd

 

🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for more episodes designed to help you reach your full potential. Don’t forget to share this episode!

 

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction00:52 The Role of NSR in College Recruiting02:15 Pro Day Athlete Development and Its Impact04:20 The Importance of Consistency in Athletic Development07:03 Breaking Down the Four Stages of Recruiting09:24 Why Metrics Matter in Recruitment11:09 Building Relationships with College Coaches17:03 Challenges and Changes in the Recruiting Landscape23:59 Key Characteristics College Coaches Look For28:46 Final Thoughts and How to Reach Corey Else35:57 Conclusion

Work ethic is the key attribute that separates those who succeed from those who don't. 💪

 

In Episode 10 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, Nick Lemke sits down with Michael Holochuck, the Head Baseball Coach at Bishop Gorman High School in Tyler, Texas. With extensive coaching experience at both the youth and college levels, Michael shares valuable insights on what it takes to excel in baseball.

 

Key Takeaways:

Work Ethic is Key: Discover why just talking about your goals isn't enough—it's the work behind the scenes that truly counts.

Early Development: Learn how the influence of parents and coaches plays a big role in shaping an athlete’s work ethic.

Balancing Sports and Practice: Understand the challenges of balancing multiple sports and activities, and why athletes should prioritize practice over games.

Growth Mindset: Find out why adopting a growth mindset and putting in the hard work is essential for success.

 

Don’t miss Michael's advice on navigating the demanding world of high school and college baseball. Whether you're an athlete or a parent, this episode offers practical strategies to help you achieve your goals.

...

Follow Michael:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/michael.holochuck

Dallas Patriots: www.facebook.com/DallasPatriotsOfficial

...

Follow Nick:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicklemkerd

Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nicklemkerd

 

🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for more episodes designed to help you reach your full potential. Don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow athletes and parents!

 

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction00:21 Key Attributes of Work Ethic01:51 Shaping Work Ethic in Early Development03:26 Balancing Multiple Sports and Prioritizing Practice08:08 Challenges of Increased Baseball Opportunities09:24 The Value of Games and Practice14:28 The Importance of Shutting Up and Working19:12 Advice for Athletes21:27 How to Reach Out to Michael22:21 Conclusion

Want to learn how to get recruited as a college athlete?

 

Tune in to hear expert advice from Tommy Davis, president of Total Sports Recruiting and former Red Sox pitcher. With over 35 years of coaching experience, Tommy shares invaluable tips on how to get noticed by college coaches, what your social media and email communications should look like, and the key steps to making your athletic dreams a reality.

 

Key Takeaways:

Get Noticed: Learn the importance of getting your information to coaches and being in front of them at the right events.

Honest Self-Assessment: Understand the importance of being realistic about your athletic level and finding the right fit.

Effective Communication: Discover the dos and don’ts of email communication and social media presence.

Early Preparation: Start early and build good habits to increase your chances of success.

Join us as Tommy Davis provides practical advice and strategies to help you navigate the recruiting process and achieve your goals.

 

Follow Tommy Davis:

Twitter

Facebook

...

Follow Nick Lemke:

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

 

Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for weekly episodes that help you reach your potential. Don’t forget to share this episode with your athlete friends!

Want to learn how to prevent injuries and improve performance as a pitcher? Tune in to hear Dr. Kevin McGovern’s expert advice on keeping your arm healthy and throwing with more velocity and command!

 

Did you know that 60% of all Tommy John surgeries occur in adolescents aged 12 to 17?

In Episode 8, Nick interviews Dr. Kevin McGovern, a sports physical therapist specializing in injury prevention and performance improvement for pitchers. Dr. McGovern emphasizes the importance of addressing issues early to ensure longevity in the sport. He identifies overuse, bad mechanics, and excessive exposure to social media as the main causes of injuries in young pitchers.

Dr. McGovern discusses the critical role of proper mechanics, including scapular depression and a well-performed squat, in preventing injuries and excelling in the sport. He shares his insights on how pitchers can stay healthy, avoid common mistakes, and build a sustainable athletic career.

Key Takeaways:

Early Issue Detection: Preventing injuries in pitchers requires addressing issues early and focusing on proper mechanics.

Main Injury Causes: Overuse, bad mechanics, and excessive exposure to social media are the main causes of injuries in young pitchers.

Alarming Injury Rates: 60% of all Tommy John surgeries occur between the ages of 12 and 17.

Master Key Movements: Mastering the squat and scapular depression movements can significantly improve a pitcher's ability to stay healthy and excel in the sport.

This week, focus on mastering your squat and scapular depression movements. Reach out to Dr. McGovern if you want to make sure you are doing it right. 

 

Follow Dr. Kevin McGovern:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinjmcgovern

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkevinjmcgovernpt/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMcGovernPT

...

Follow Nick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicklemkerd/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicklemkerd

 

Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for weekly episodes that help you reach your potential. Don’t forget to share this episode with your pitcher friends!