The Class Athlete

By Patrick Sirmeyer

The Class Athlete Podcast is hosted by the founder of The Class Athlete youth sports athletic league, Roy Bova along with Co-host Patrick Sirmeyer. Roy has over 20 years of experience in running and... more

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FAQs about The Class Athlete:

How many episodes does The Class Athlete have?

The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.

The Class Athlete episodes:

October 13, 2025 Interview with former class athlete player and now social influencer “DREAM”
Summary
In this episode of the Class Athlete Podcast, hosts Roy Bova and Patrick Sirmeyer sit down with YouTube sensation Dream, who shares his journey from a creative child to a successful content creator with over 33 million followers. Dream discusses his early interests in writing and coding, his decision to pursue YouTube full-time, and the impact of youth sports on his personal development. He emphasizes the importance of initiative, drive, and learning from uncomfortable situations. The conversation also touches on the growth of Class Athlete, Dream's future plans, and the balance between work and life as a content creator.

Takeaways
Dream's journey began with a passion for creativity.
He transitioned from coding to YouTube after realizing his potential.
Youth sports played a significant role in shaping his character.
Dream emphasizes the importance of initiative and drive in success.
He learned to embrace uncomfortable situations for personal growth.
The impact of community and teamwork is crucial in development.
Dream's future plans include globalizing his content and making it accessible.
He works long hours but finds joy in his work.
Connecting with fans is a rewarding aspect of his fame.
Dream believes anyone can monetize their passion if they truly love it.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dream's Journey
01:09 The Creative Spark: Early Influences
05:14 Transitioning to YouTube: Taking the Leap
07:11 Education vs. Self-Learning: A Personal Choice
09:33 The Role of Youth Sports in Personal Development
13:11 Embracing Uncomfortable Situations
17:09 Memorable Moments in Youth Sports
19:33 Class Athlete's Growth and Community Impact
24:08 Future Aspirations and Global Reach
24:43 Innovative Technology and Entertainment
25:28 Work-Life Balance and Commitment
27:33 Gaming and Virtual Reality
29:30 The Impact of Content Creation
31:37 The Journey of a Creator
33:13 Social Interactions and Recognition
35:16 Sports Trivia and Personal Interests

...more
41min
October 01, 2025 The Future of Football is Female
Summary
In this episode of the Class Athlete Podcast, hosts Patrick Sirmeyer and Roy Bova discuss the exciting launch of a new girls' flag football league. They explore the growth of flag football as a sport, particularly for females, and share insights from the first game night experience. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, coaching strategies, and future expansion plans for the league. The hosts also touch on the positive feedback from parents and players, emphasizing the league's potential to grow and thrive in the coming seasons.

Takeaways
Flag football is now a sanctioned sport for high school girls.
The first night of games had 14 teams and 120 girls participating.
Community support was strong, with many parents cheering for the girls.
The league aims to run three seasons a year, with a goal of 200 participants in January.
Innovative rules were implemented to help new players succeed.
The atmosphere during the games was described as goosebump-inducing.
Roy Bova emphasized the importance of having balanced teams with quarterbacks.
Future plans include expanding to a coed league on Friday nights.
The league has received positive feedback from parents regarding scheduling.
Roy aims to involve high school coaches to enhance the league's growth.

Sound bites
"The atmosphere was awesome."
"I think it would be easy."
"It was a goosebump feeling."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Class Athlete Podcast
02:53 The Rise of Girls' Flag Football
05:52 Coaching and Community Engagement
08:39 Game Night Experience and Atmosphere
11:48 Innovations in League Structure
14:43 Future Growth and Expansion Plans
17:47 Feedback and Community Involvement
20:57 Trivia and Closing Thoughts
...more
28min
September 05, 2025 Gamify the Grind: Coach Tony Mehlich on Youth Sports Done Right
Summary
In this episode of the Class Athlete Podcast, host Patrick Sirmeyer interviews Tony Mehlich, a seasoned baseball coach with a rich background in youth sports. They discuss the importance of fostering a positive sports experience for children, the impact of mentorship in youth sports, and the evolving landscape of sports specialization and recruitment. Tony shares insights on coaching philosophies, the significance of analytics in recruiting, and practical advice for making practices engaging and fun for young athletes. The conversation highlights the value of patience in the recruitment process and the importance of building confidence in young players.
Takeaways
Tony Mehlich has over 200 wins as a head coach.
The importance of mentorship in youth sports is crucial.
Dual sport athletes can benefit from diverse experiences.
Coaches should focus on individual skill development.
Patience is key in the recruitment process for high school athletes.
Analytics play a significant role in modern baseball recruiting.
Making practice fun can enhance children's love for the sport.
Errors in games should be viewed as coaching opportunities.
Building confidence in young athletes is essential for their growth.
The recruiting landscape has shifted to later years in high school.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Class Athlete Podcast and Guest Introduction
03:27 Tony Mehlich's Background and Coaching Journey
06:47 The Impact of Roy Bova and Class Athlete on Families
09:29 Navigating Youth Sports: The Importance of Experience
12:46 Advice on Specialization in Sports
15:38 Coaching Priorities for Youth Sports
18:45 Understanding the Recruiting Landscape for High School Athletes
23:29 The Journey of Growth in Sports
25:00 The Role of Analytics in Player Evaluation
29:04 Making Practice Fun for Young Athletes
36:15 The Importance of Gamification in Sports Training
40:38 The class athlete outro music.mp3
...more
41min
August 15, 2025 E39 - 2025 - You got cooked! Summer league stories with John Mulholland
Summary
In this episode, hosts Roy and Patrick welcome Coach John, who shares his journey and experiences in youth sports. They discuss the importance of sportsmanship, the challenges faced during the summer basketball league, and the need for coaches and parents to support young athletes. The conversation highlights the significance of creating a positive environment for kids in sports, focusing on fun and development rather than just competition. They also touch on future plans for expanding programs and engage in a light-hearted trivia segment.
Takeaways
The importance of creating a positive environment in youth sports.
Sportsmanship should be prioritized over competition.
Coaches and parents need to support kids' development.
Every child should have the opportunity to play and enjoy sports.
Building resilience in young athletes is crucial for their growth.
Communication between coaches, parents, and referees is essential.
Fun should be the primary focus in youth sports.
Inclusion and expansion of programs are vital for community engagement.
Refereeing youth sports can be challenging due to close parent involvement.
Encouraging kids to learn from their mistakes is key to their development.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings
02:54 Introducing Coach John: A New Addition
06:02 Reflections on Summer Basketball League
08:46 The Importance of Youth Sportsmanship
11:58 Advice for Coaches and Parents
15:05 Building Confidence in Young Athletes
17:55 The Role of Referees in Youth Sports
20:48 Future Plans for Class Athletes
23:46 Trivia Time: NFL and College Football Records
...more
31min
July 28, 2025 E38 - 2025 - The day I stopped coaching the joy out of my kid - guest Joey Elston
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Patrick Sirmeyer and Joey Elston delve into the complexities of youth sports, discussing the balance between competition and development, the challenges of parenting young athletes, and the importance of fostering a love for the game. They share personal anecdotes about coaching experiences, the pressures of youth sports, and the significance of creating a supportive environment for children to thrive. The discussion also touches on the transition from recreational to competitive sports and the impact of family dynamics on young athletes' experiences.
Takeaways
Youth sports can be fun but often lead to overcommitment.
Finding balance is crucial for families involved in sports.
Coaching experiences can teach valuable lessons about development.
Winning should not overshadow the importance of skill growth.
Parents need to learn when to step back and let kids play.
The transition to competitive sports can be challenging for families.
It's important to create a supportive environment for young athletes.
Kids need to experience both winning and losing to grow.
Engaging in sports should be about enjoyment, not just competition.
Parents should model healthy habits and interests outside of sports.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Youth Sports Dynamics
06:02 Navigating Youth Sports Commitments
11:56 Lessons from Coaching Youth Baseball
17:46 Transitioning to Competitive Baseball
23:50 Balancing Family Life and Sports
29:47 Finding Joy in the Game
31:45 Navigating Youth Sports and Parental Expectations
35:53 The Balance of Play and Competition
44:27 The Importance of Hard Work and Commitment
51:32 Reflections on Childhood and Modern Parenting
56:26 Creating Opportunities for Youth Engagement
...more
1h 3min
July 22, 2025 E37 - 2025 - The Class Athlete with Sean McMullen
Summary
In this episode of the Class Athlete Podcast, hosts Patrick Sirmeyer and Roy Bova welcome Sean McMullen, a dedicated youth sports coach with a rich history in the Class Athlete league. The conversation covers Sean's journey from player to coach, the life lessons learned through sports, and the importance of fostering a positive environment for all players. They discuss accountability, sportsmanship, and the impact of attitude and effort in youth sports. Sean shares memorable coaching moments and his aspirations for future tournaments, emphasizing the significance of building lasting friendships and a supportive team culture.
Takeaways
Making lifetime friendships is crucial in youth sports.
Accountability learned in sports translates to adulthood.
Effort and attitude can outweigh skill in sports.
Supporting all players fosters a positive environment.
Sportsmanship is a key value in competition.
Coaching younger players requires a different approach.
Building confidence in players is essential for their growth.
Communication with parents is vital for coaching success.
Memorable moments in coaching can be deeply rewarding.
The importance of creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for kids.
Sound Bites
"I think just making lifetime friendships."
"I can't wait to meet you face to face."
"I took over coaching U-15 soccer."

Chapters
00:00 Summer Sports Update
04:45 Introducing Sean McMullen
05:06 Sean's Journey in Youth Sports
06:45 Life Lessons from Youth Sports
09:36 Coaching Philosophy and Accountability
10:26 The Importance of Attitude and Effort
18:21 Supporting All Players
19:41 Hiring for Attitude vs. Skill
24:27 Memorable Coaching Moments
26:01 Sportsmanship in Competition
30:50 Trivia Time: World Cup Soccer
...more
37min
July 15, 2025 E36 - The Class Athlete - Get Ready for All Girls Flag Football in the fall of 2025
In this episode of the Class Athlete Podcast, hosts Patrick Sirmeyer and Roy Bova dive into the exciting developments in youth sports, with a special focus on the burgeoning Girls' Flag Football League. Discover how this new league is empowering young athletes, fostering community spirit, and redefining opportunities for girls in sports. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of launching this initiative and the impact it's having on the local sports landscape. Tune in to hear inspiring stories and insights from the field. #GirlsFlagFootball #YouthSports #CommunityImpact
...more
34min
May 09, 2025 Brains & Baseball with Founder - David Pringle
Summary
In this episode of the Class Athlete Podcast, Patrick Sirmeyer and David Pringle discuss the often-overlooked aspects of youth sports, particularly the importance of emotional regulation and mental resilience in young athletes. They introduce Pringle's new initiative, Brains and Bases, aimed at helping children develop their mental skills alongside their physical abilities. The conversation emphasizes the role of parents in supporting their children's sports journey, the differences between training and game time, and the impact of modern society on youth athletes. They also promote an upcoming local sports event and highlight the need for community engagement in youth sports development.

Takeaways
Regulating the emotions of young athletes is crucial.
Parents often focus on skill development over emotional health.
Confidence and mental resilience are key to success in sports.
Brains and Bases aims to fill the gap in mental training for athletes.
Modeling positive behavior is essential for parents.
Kids today struggle with failure due to societal pressures.
Timing in sports is more important than sheer effort.
Enjoying the game is vital for young athletes.
Community support is necessary for youth sports initiatives.
Building connections and relationships is fundamental for growth.

Sound Bites
"Modeling behavior is key for parents."
"We need to prepare their minds."
"Baseball is a game of chess."
"It's about grit and determination."
"Kids need to learn from failure."
"We need to enjoy the game."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Youth Sports Development
03:03 The Importance of Emotional Regulation in Young Athletes
05:55 Building Confidence and Mental Resilience
08:48 Introducing Brains and Bases: A New Initiative
12:05 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports
15:04 Training vs. Game Time: Understanding the Differences
17:58 The Impact of Modern Society on Youth Athletes
21:00 Promoting Local Sports Events
23:52 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement
...more
35min
April 14, 2025 Developing healthy habits in children through proper exercise & diet
Summary
In this episode of the Class Athlete Podcast, hosts Patrick Sirmeyer and Roy Bova welcome Amy Cheek, a fitness instructor with a background in sports science, to discuss her new initiative, C3 Fit, aimed at promoting youth fitness. Amy shares her journey from athletic training to group fitness instruction, emphasizing the importance of instilling healthy habits in children. The conversation explores the structure of her classes, the significance of community and nutrition, and the challenges of youth inactivity in today's digital age. Amy's passion for helping kids build confidence and enjoy physical activity shines through as she discusses her vision for C3 Fit and the positive impact it can have on the community.

Takeaways
Amy Cheek has a background in sports science and fitness.
C3 Fit aims to instill healthy habits in youth.
Classes are designed to be fun and engaging for kids.
Gamification is key to keeping children involved in fitness.
Nutrition education is crucial for growing bodies.
C3 Fit focuses on building confidence and community.
The program caters to both athletes and non-athletes.
Youth inactivity is a growing concern in today's society.
Amy's classes are structured to include warm-ups, games, and strength training.
The importance of movement for overall health is emphasized.

Sound Bites
"Gamifying everything keeps them involved."
"It's been so rewarding."
"We need to be fueling them properly."
"I hope to fill that void."
"Confidence is so important."
"It was an unforgettable experience."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to C3 Fit and Guest Background
04:30 Amy Cheek's Journey in Fitness and Youth Sports
07:28 Vision for C3 Fit and Ideal Clientele
11:21 Class Structure and Gamification of Fitness
15:42 Community Impact and Nutrition Awareness
19:39 Statistics on Youth Activity and Screen Time
20:30 Building Confidence and Community in Youth Fitness
24:10 Experiences at the Final Four Championship
28:09 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations
...more
34min
February 27, 2025 Exciting new growth & expansion at Class Athlete
Summary
In this episode of the Class Athlete Podcast, hosts Patrick Sirmeyer and Roy Bova discuss the latest developments in youth sports, including updates on soccer and flag football leagues, the dynamics of parent involvement, and exciting plans for future tournaments and leagues. They also delve into the importance of creating a special needs league, the implementation of bracketed leagues for skill levels, and the overall focus on youth development and community engagement.

Takeaways
Roy shares insights on the growth strategies for the league.
The importance of parent involvement in youth sports is emphasized.
Upcoming Friday night flag football league plans are discussed.
Tournaments are seen as a great way to engage families and players.
Bracketed leagues will help separate skill levels for fair competition.
Coaching new players is seen as a rewarding experience.
The need for a special needs league is highlighted as a community initiative.
Roy expresses the desire to create more clinics and camps for skill development.
The conversation touches on the dynamics of youth sports and parent behavior.
Future plans include expanding opportunities for girls in flag football.

Sound Bites
"We want to find out who's interested."
"It's our biggest winter ever."
"We want to do more of those things."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Growth Strategies
03:57 Youth Sports Dynamics and Parental Involvement
09:49 Upcoming Friday Night League Plans
13:10 Tournaments and Community Engagement
16:59 Bracketed Leagues for Competitive Balance
23:58 Understanding Skill Levels in Youth Sports
29:03 The Importance of Coaching Fundamentals
33:26 Creating Opportunities for Special Needs Athletes
34:36 Innovative Ideas for Youth Sports Leagues
39:33 Engaging in Community and Sports Trivia
42:12 The class athlete outro music.mp3

Keywords
youth sports, coaching, special needs league, flag football, soccer, tournaments, youth development, community engagement, bracketed leagues, parent dynamics

...more
43min

FAQs about The Class Athlete:

How many episodes does The Class Athlete have?

The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.