In this powerful episode #184 of The BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart sits down with former University of Washington tennis standout Mitch Stewart a 5-star blue chip recruit, NCAA Sweet 16 coach, and recipient of the prestigious ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership Award. From his early days as a top-ranked junior to his evolution as a Division I assistant coach, Mitch shares an inspiring journey marked by grit, growth, and an unwavering love for the game.

More than just trophies and rankings, this conversation dives deep into defining success on your own terms. Mitch opens up about the importance of intensity, gratitude, and the relationships that shape both athletes and coaches. He reflects on the highs and lows of his career including serious injury and recovery and how adversity helped shape the mentor he is today.

Whether you're a competitor, coach, or simply someone chasing purpose, Mitch’s story will remind you that true success is found in the process, not just the result.

Key Themes Covered:

• Turning adversity into strength

• Redefining success through mindset and process

• The impact of mentorship and team culture

• Transitioning from elite athlete to influential coach

• Balancing intensity with respect and humility

Chapters Breakdown:

• 00:00 – Intro to Mitch Stewart

• 04:01 – From Player to Coach

• 07:15 – Discovering Tennis

• 11:11 – Regional Challenges in Development

• 14:29 – The College Recruitment Journey

• 17:41 – Defining Moments in College Tennis

• 20:33 – Modern College Tennis Landscape

• 24:59 – Mentorship & Coaching Philosophy

• 30:14 – Honoring Roots and Community

• 32:39 – Injury, Recovery & Resilience

• 38:17 – College to Pro Transition

• 40:54 – Leadership and the Perfect Season

• 46:55 – Coaching and Player Development

• 52:52 – Building a Legacy through Relationships

• 59:56 – Embracing a New Chapter

Mitch Stewart Career Highlights:

• ITA Northwest Region Arthur Ashe Leadership Award (2018)

• Pac-12 Player of the Week, multiple All-Pac-12 selections

• Wins over Top-25 ranked players including #24 Johannes Schretter (Baylor)

• Career-high ITA singles ranking: #57

• Assistant Coach Roles at Washington, Elon, Arizona, and Denver

• High School 4A State Champion & 4:12 miler in track

Don’t miss this conversation. It’s more than a tennis story it’s a blueprint for high performance, character, and growth on and off the court.

In this episode #183, Kollman Gearhart shares a personal journey of returning to competitive tennis after a long hiatus, highlighting the challenges faced, including a painful injury and unexpected setbacks.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of resilience, the growth that comes from facing difficulties, and the idea that true strength lies in the willingness to try again despite failures.

Kollman encourages listeners to embrace their own challenges and find purpose in their comebacks, reminding them that every setback is an opportunity for growth.

Takeaways

The journey of growth often involves setbacks and challenges.

Embracing competition can push us out of our comfort zones.

The result of a challenge doesn't define our comeback.

Pain can be a necessary part of progress and growth.

Authenticity in facing challenges is crucial for personal development.

It's important to recognize that everyone faces difficulties behind the scenes.

The courage to try again is where true growth happens.

Our current challenges are just a small part of our larger journey.

Every day presents an opportunity to become a stronger version of ourselves.

The only thing that can stop our story is ourselves.

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Setbacks and Challenges

10:04 The Journey of Growth Through Pain

14:31 Finding Purpose in the Comeback

In this episode, Kollman Gearhart reflects on his return to competitive tennis after a six-year hiatus, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to foster personal growth. He shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned about embracing discomfort. The conversation encourages listeners to pursue their passions, take on challenges, and inspire others through their journeys.

Takeaways

It's been six years since I stepped into a competitive arena.

We don't grow in comfort; we grow in the arena.

Discomfort is where true growth is happening.

Chasing comfort can lead to stagnation.

You have to find ways to become incredibly uncomfortable.

Revisit the fire in your life to ignite new growth.

Schedule challenges to push yourself.

Sharing your journey can inspire others.

The first step back into the arena is the hardest.

You're just getting started; it's not about winning.

Sound bites

"We don't grow in comfort."

"Schedule the challenge."

"Share the journey."

tennis, competition, personal growth, discomfort, motivation, overcoming fear, life challenges, self-improvement, coaching, resilience

In this episode #181 of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart interviews professional tennis player Ashley Leahy. From her days as a top-ranked college player at Pepperdine to facing significant setbacks like major surgeries, Ashley shares her journey of persistence, identity, and finding joy both on and off the court.

She discusses the impact of her supportive family, her transformative college experience, and her insights on setbacks and success. The conversation also delves into her volunteer work in Kenya and Uganda, highlighting her well-rounded and service-driven life. Tune in to gain valuable life lessons about dedication, passion, and living a balanced life.00:00 Introduction and Listener Appreciation00:23 Interview with Ashley Leahy: Overcoming Setbacks01:52 Coleman's Personal Journey and Podcast Mission02:40 Ashley Leahy's Early Tennis Journey03:37 Facing Setbacks and Finding New Perspectives07:55 Life Beyond Tennis: Service and Leadership13:15 College Experience and Professional Decisions20:12 Future Aspirations and Personal Reflections35:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart explores the profound impact of self-reflection on personal growth, leadership, and legacy. He discusses how our actions, energy, and mindset shape the world around us, often unbeknownst to us.

Through his personal story of overcoming challenges and his experience as a coach, Kollman emphasizes the significance of being a positive example.

Discover how intentional reflection can lead to meaningful change and how to build habits that reflect strength, grace, and purpose. Join us as we dive deep into the journey of becoming who you were always meant to be.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:06 The Power of Self-Reflection

01:12 Welcome to Season Two

02:09 The Influence of Your Actions

06:04 Personal Stories and Examples

11:18 Reflection for Growth

12:17 Daily Reflection Habits

14:42 The Importance of Positive Examples

17:08 Embracing Reflection as Responsibility

18:30 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart shares his personal experiences with bullying and provides an in-depth look at 'modern bullying' in 2025. Drawing from his journey of losing 100 pounds and turning adversity into strength, Kollman discusses the impact of digital bullying on today's youth and offers practical strategies to combat it.

He presents a three-section framework consisting of mindset, boundaries, and resilience to help both parents and individuals navigate and overcome bullying. Kollman emphasizes the importance of support systems, the need for offline identity, and maintaining self-worth, ultimately aiming to equip listeners with the tools to transform from feeling bullied to being built.

Tune in for an inspiring episode that encourages positive change and resilience in the face of modern challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Call to Action

02:14 Personal Story: Overcoming Bullying

03:56 Modern Bullying: A Parent's Perspective

10:34 Framework for Resilience: From Bullied to Built

12:23 Practical Tips for Parents and Individuals

19:07 A Message to Bullies and Parents

24:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to Season 2 of the BTB Project Eposide #178! Host Kollman Gearhart shares his personal journey from being an overweight child labeled as 'Big Teddy Bear' to becoming a successful Division I tennis player and coach.

This season focuses on helping you unlock your potential, let go of past fears, and take actionable steps towards becoming the strongest version of yourself. With 176 episodes under their belt, Kollman answers key questions about the mission and evolution of the BTB Project, shares inspirational stories, and emphasizes the importance of persistence, identity, discipline, and vulnerability.

Tune in for deep conversations, relatable content, and empowering narratives from elite athletes, underdogs, and everyday warriors. Let's rise and get to work on what we’re built to be. Don't miss this exciting kickoff to an impactful season!

00:00 Introduction: What Are You Built to Be?

00:20 Host's Personal Journey: From Overweight Kid to Purpose-Driven Coach

01:22 Season Two Overview: What's New and Exciting

03:01 The Origin of BTB: Turning Pain into Purpose

05:33 Letting Go: Embracing Strength and Identity

06:57 Why BTB Project? The Mission and Evolution

12:44 Challenges and Vulnerability: The Path to True Strength

18:05 Listener Engagement: Taking Action and Unlocking Potential

22:25 Conclusion: Embrace Your Journey

In this episode of the BTB Project#177, host Kollman Gearhart delves into the theme of identity crises and how to overcome them. He shares personal experiences of having to redefine his identity after transitioning from a high-level tennis player to a sales professional and beyond.

Kollman provides actionable steps for listeners to strip back to their core, reflect on their true selves, ask deeper questions about their purpose, and take meaningful actions aligned with their identity.

The episode encourages listeners to harness their intrinsic purpose and push through challenges to live their best lives.

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

00:22 Welcome to the BTB Project

01:03 Today's BTB Short: Identity Crisis

02:02 Personal Struggles and Growth

07:08 Finding Yourself Again

09:38 Taking Action and Moving Forward

11:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode #176 of the BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart interviews Colorado tennis icon Nathan Gold. Nathan, a high-altitude tennis player with three state championships, discusses his journey, challenges, training regimen, and balancing academics with tennis.

He shares impactful stories about his growth, inspired by his older brothers and mentors, and offers advice for aspiring tennis players. Nathan also talks about his upcoming college tennis career at Cornell University.

This conversation is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of a strong mental game, embodying the spirit of the BTB Project.

00:00 Introduction and Listener Appreciation

00:50 Meet Nathan Gold: Colorado Tennis Icon

03:13 Nathan's High School Journey and Training Regimen

07:41 Balancing Academics and Tennis

16:02 The Importance of Mental Toughness

20:24 Challenges and Triumphs in Colorado Tennis

24:38 The Role of Family and Coaches

32:08 Future Aspirations and Advice for Young Players

50:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the BTB Project #175, Kollman Gearhart delves into the complex topic of imposter syndrome. He provides insights into understanding the phenomenon, sharing personal experiences and practical steps to overcome it.

Listeners are encouraged to identify and combat imposter syndrome through strategies such as naming it, keeping a wins folder, avoiding comparisons, self-coaching, and focusing on proof over perfection. Join Kollman in this motivational journey to break through barriers, embrace your potential, and live your best life despite setbacks.00:00 Introduction and Gratitude00:22 Welcome to the BTB Project01:03 Today's Topic: Imposter Syndrome02:43 Understanding Imposter Syndrome04:14 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Five Steps09:16 Mindset Shift: You Belong Here11:10 Call to Action and Conclusion