Have you EVER made lemonade out of bad lemons in YOUR athletic career?

Welcome to "The Freshman Foundation", a podcast that helps young athletes and their families BE READY for every next step in the game of life.

Today, we host Dr. Empress Rose Green, a former track star turned coach due to a career-ending injury. Now, she's revolutionizing the narrative around sports and entrepreneurship. From her Jamaican spirit and pride in sports to her evolution as an entrepreneur, she shares her story of resilience and adaptation.

Rose offers insights into the sacrifices entrepreneurship demands, and how her sports background instilled in her discipline, mindset, and perseverance. We also discuss the parallels between sports and business: two arenas where significant investments often come without guaranteed success.

So, what was your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Dr. Empress Rose Green?

My biggest takeaway is the power of resilience and unyielding persistence. Life may throw curveballs, and sometimes, it might seem like a dead-end. But as Rose beautifully puts it, "there is always another day, there is always a way out, there is always someone who has it worse." 

The key is to keep going. No matter the circumstances, no matter the setbacks, the focus should always be on moving forward.

I strongly encourage everyone, whether you're an athlete, student, or a professional, to internalize this invaluable lesson of resilience. By maintaining your perseverance in the face of adversity, you can navigate life's challenges and come out stronger.

I want to thank Rose for her kind generosity and the wisdom she shared with The Freshman Foundation Community.

You can follow Rose on Twitter @drempressrose.

To learn how you can BE READY for your next step in the game of life, visit https://michaelvhuber.com.

Thank you for listening. We look forward to welcoming you back for Episode 66!

Curious about how to establish effective communication and strengthen the bond with your teenage athlete?

Welcome to "The Freshman Foundation", a podcast that helps young athletes and their families BE READY for every next step in their athletic journey.

In this episode, we're honored to host Jeanine Mouchawar, a respected life coach dedicated to assisting parents of teenagers. From the significance of emotional regulation to mastering effective communication, Jeanine guides us through the intricate dynamics of parent-teen interactions. 

So, what’s your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Jeanine Mouchawar?

My biggest takeaway is that parents need to shift their approach from a controlling style to one that empowers their teenagers. 

Just as I do, Jeanine encourages parents to foster autonomy and problem-solving skills in their teens, which will equip them for life's challenges. 

Furthermore, she emphasizes open communication lines, where teenagers feel understood and can express their concerns freely.

We're grateful to Jeanine for sharing her wisdom with The Freshman Foundation Community. 

Learn more about her coaching work by visiting her website, https://www.jeaninemouchawar.com/.

You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram @jeaninemouchawarcoaching.

To learn more about how mental performance coaching can help you BE READY for your next step in the game of life, visit https://michaelvhuber.com. 

Thank you for listening to The Freshman Foundation® Podcast. We’ll see you back soon for Episode 65.

Welcome to "The Freshman Foundation", a podcast that helps young athletes BE READY for every next step in the game of life.

How has Andrew Trimble, Founder & CEO of Kairos Sports Tech, gone from the rugby pitch to the CEO's office?

In this episode, we're honored to host Andrew Trimble, a former professional rugby player turned Founder and CEO of Kairos Sports Technology. From overcoming personal challenges to building a successful company, Andrew guides us through his interesting and valuable journey.

So what was your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Andrew?

My biggest takeaway is that the lessons learned on the sports field are not restricted to that realm; they transcend into the business world and beyond. Andrew's journey from overcoming personal hurdles such as shyness and self-doubt, to starting his own company, is a testament to the resilience and determination athletes embody. His approach in cultivating trust and accountability in his team lays the foundation for a thriving venture.

We're incredibly thankful to Andrew for sharing his journey and wisdom with The Freshman Foundation Community.

Learn more about Kairos Sports Technology at https://kairostech.io/. You can follow Andrew on Instagram @andrewtrimble14.

To BE READY for your next step in the game of life, visit https://michaelvhuber.com.

We look forward to welcoming you back soon for Episode 64.

Welcome to The Freshman Foundation®, a podcast that explores the human side of athletes and the real stories behind the glory and the grind.

Our mission is to help young athletes BE READY for every next step in the game of life through  mental performance coaching.

How is John Gallucci helping injured athletes to get back on the field faster?

Ever wondered about the crucial role physical therapy plays in an athlete's journey? 

Today, we're privileged to host John Gallucci, a renowned physical therapist and entrepreneur who's transforming lives in the athletic world. From the significance of preconditioning to the art of choosing the right therapist, John takes us behind the scenes of physical therapy and shares his entrepreneurial journey. 

So, what was your biggest takeaway from my conversation with John Gallucci?

My biggest takeaway is the undeniable importance of an athlete’s preconditioning. The right preconditioning program, as emphasized by John, can make a significant difference in an athlete's performance, health, and career longevity. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all strategy. The duration and intensity of preconditioning should be tailored to the individual athlete's needs and the demands of their particular sport.

I encourage all athletes, whether at the early stage or professional level, to embrace preconditioning as a vital part of their training regimen. By investing time and effort into this often-overlooked aspect of preparation, you can significantly reduce your risk of injuries and enhance your performance on the field.

I want to thank John for his kind generosity and the wisdom he shared with The Freshman Foundation Community.

You can learn more about John's work and his contributions to the field of physical therapy by visiting his website at https://www.jagonept.com/

To learn how you can BE READY for your next step in the game of life through mental performance coaching, visit https://michaelvhuber.com.

Thank you for listening. We’ll see you back soon for Episode 63!

Welcome to "The Freshman Foundation", a podcast that explores the human side of athletes and the real stories behind the glory and the grind.

Our mission is to help young athletes BE READY for every next step in the game of life.

How is Amy Bryant Uncovering The Secret to Winning the College Recruitment Game?

In our latest episode, Episode 61, we bring you a conversation with Amy Bryant, a college recruitment advisor. She's been on a quest to redefine the narrative around college recruitment. From the euphoria of acceptance to the anxiety of decision-making, from societal expectations to personal aspirations, we're going beyond the recruitment process to explore the real experiences of students and the individuals who guide them.

Stay tuned for a journey filled with revelation, introspection, and a heartfelt exploration of the less-discussed aspects of the college recruitment process.

So, what was your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Amy Bryant?

My biggest takeaway is the understanding that students must prioritize their values, goals, and desires during the college recruitment process. Societal pressures and expectations can sometimes mislead students into making choices that aren't the best fit for them. So, it's critical to identify what you truly want from your college experience.

My advice to students embarking on this journey is to start early. Understand your priorities and let them guide you through the process. Invest time in recognizing your aspirations and matching them to the right college for you. This proactive approach will not only make the recruitment process smoother, but also pave the way for a successful college experience.

I want to thank Amy for her kind generosity and the wisdom she shared with The Freshman Foundation Community.

You can learn more about Amy on her website at https://bryantcollegecoaching.com.

To learn how you can BE READY for the next step in your athletic journey, visit https://michaelvhuber.com.

Thank you for listening. We’ll see you back soon for Episode 62!

Welcome to "The Freshman Foundation", a podcast that explores the human side of athletes and the real stories behind the glory and the grind.

Our mission is to help young athletes BE READY for every next step in the game of life.

How is Tyler Seward creating a safe place for young athletes to discuss mental health?

Have you ever felt like you're seen as a performer first and a person second? Where your worth depends on your results rather than who you truly are?

In Episode 60, we talk to Tyler Seward, a former athlete turned entrepreneur who is on a mission to reshape the narrative. From the highs of victory to the lows of injury, from the pressures of performance to the challenges of balancing sport with life, we're going beyond the game to uncover the real experiences of athletes and the people who guide them.

So, what was your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Tyler Seward?

My biggest takeaway is that the identity of an individual extends far beyond their athletic prowess. Athletes are multifaceted beings, capable of much more than just their sports-related accomplishments. The pressure to perform and the eventual inevitability of retirement can bring about an emotional turmoil that is often hard to navigate. The antidote, it appears, is to seek fulfillment in diverse pursuits beyond the athletic field.

I urge budding athletes to reflect on their passions outside the sporting arena and dedicate time and energy towards nurturing those interests. Having such external interests not only enriches your life presently but also cultivates a groundwork for meaning and contentment in your life beyond sports.

I want to thank Tyler for his kind generosity and the wisdom he shared with The Freshman Foundation Community.

You can learn more about The Life Play by visiting their Instagram page and YouTube channel.

To learn how you can BE READY for your next step in the game of life, visit https://michaelvhuber.com.

Thank you for listening. We’ll see you back soon for Episode 61.

What did lacrosse teach Dan Soviero about being a successful entrepreneur?

I’ve been doing this podcast for over two years and one of the themes that continues to shine through is that entrepreneurship mirrors sports. Athletes and entrepreneurs both take significant emotional risks to pursue outcomes that are not guaranteed. This requires both to develop resilience to continue on their respective missions.

My guest in this episode, Dan Soviero, is a former college lacrosse player and owner of Signature Lacrosse, among other successful businesses. 

In Episode 59, Dan shares how his athletic journey shaped his desire to be an entrepreneur, how he left college to start his first business, and how his mission to serve others is still as strong as ever today.

So, what’s your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Dan Soviero?

My biggest takeaway is that there are opportunities to find purpose beyond sports. Retirement can be a source of great stress and negative emotions. However, finding a clear purpose beyond sports can help athletes move forward in a purposeful and productive way.

My suggestion to young athletes is to think about what makes you happy outside of sports and invest some time in those activities NOW. Having something to enjoy outside of sport will make your life easier and plant the seeds for a life of purpose down the road.

I want to thank Dan for his kind generosity and the wisdom he shared with The Freshman Foundation Community.

You can learn more about Dan’s businesses by visiting his websites at https://signaturelocker.com, https://signaturelacrosse.com, and https://10xlax.com.

To learn how you can BE READY for your next step in the game of life, visit https://michaelvhuber.com.

Thank you for listening. We’ll see you back soon for Episode 60!

How is Nick Camilleri using his experiences to develop elite baseball players?

I have spent more than 30 years around the game of baseball as a player, coach, and fan. I’m comfortable in saying that anyone who has ever played at a high level falls in love with the game. However, not every good player can be a good coach. Coaching baseball takes empathy and patience in addition to having knowledge of the game.

My guest in this episode, Nick Camilleri, is the owner of Camilleri Baseball in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Nick is a former college baseball player who has made coaching rising baseball players his life’s work.

In Episode 58, Nick shares about his own experiences finding the right fit as a college baseball player and how he has used those experiences to mentor young players hoping to reach the same level.

So, what’s your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Nick Camilleri?

My biggest takeaway is that being a good coach isn’t just about knowledge of your sport. It’s about being able to apply that knowledge to the needs of the athletes that you are coaching. Further, coaches don’t need years of experience to be good at their job if they have the right perspective.

My suggestion to coaches is use your playing experiences to best serve your players, but not make it about you. This is very challenging for many coaches, including myself. However, if the intention is to serve the athlete, then they will get better.

I want to thank Nick for his kind generosity and the wisdom he shared with The Freshman Foundation Community.

You can learn more about Nick at https://www.camilleri-baseball.com/.

To learn how mental performance coaching can help your mind work FOR you rather than against you, visit https://michaelvhuber.com.

Thank you for listening. We’ll see you back soon for Episode 59!

How has Dan Clouser found his passion beyond the diamond?

As we get older, we learn that life is more about the journey than the destination. This isn’t always the case when we are in our younger years when chasing our goals often means we are hyper-focused on outcomes. One of my great joys in life is helping young people appreciate the journey while pursuing their dreams.

My guest in this episode, Dan Clouser, invested over 30 years in building the Berkshire Baseball & Softball Club, which later became the BIG Vision Foundation. Dan mentored young athletes with the purpose of developing successful adults. In his second act of life, Dan is getting the opportunity to see how the seeds he planted in his first act are growing.

In Episode 57, Dan shares how he has transitioned into truly enjoying his journey as an author, podcast host, and full-time nomad. Dan shares how he transitioned from his first passion in life to his new passion.

So, what’s your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Dan Clouser?

My biggest takeaway is that investing in young people pays dividends that we often don’t fully realize. Appreciating the coaching journey is the recipe for having the greatest impact on young athletes.

My suggestion to coaches is make your best effort to coach the person, not the game. All of us are competitive and want to win. However, we can often lose sight of the long-term impacts we have on young athletes through our actions.

I want to thank Dan for his kind generosity and the wisdom he shared with The Freshman Foundation Community.

You can learn more about Dan at https://journeyofmymothersson.com/.

To learn how mental performance coaching can help your mind work FOR you rather than against you, visit https://michaelvhuber.com.

Thank you for listening. We’ll see you back soon for Episode 58!

How is Marcos Baugh willing his vision for Urban Golf Club into existence?

It’s been said that sports are a vehicle for building character. Perhaps no sport exemplifies this more than golf. Anyone who has ever played golf knows how challenging it can be. Improvement is always possible, but it requires tremendous persistence. Ultimately, golf teaches three of the most valuable character traits known to man - patience, humility, and accountability.

My guest in this episode, Marcos Baugh, is founder of Urban Golf Club, a not-for-profit organization that teaches golf and financial literacy in Boston. 

In Episode 56, Marcos shares how his experiences working as a caddy at a Boston country club through his teenage years led him to imagine and bring to life Urban Golf Club. Marcos discusses his passion for teaching young people life skills that extend far beyond golf and his vision for growing the organization well beyond the borders of Boston.

So, what’s your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Marcos Baugh?

My biggest takeaway is that Urban Golf Club’s core values of patience, humility, and accountability are critical to success in golf, sports and life, in general. Taking on the greatest challenges and making ourselves very uncomfortable is what generates the greatest growth. In that sense, golf is a microcosm of life. Marcos is doing great work helping young people build these traits.

My suggestion to young athletes is to gravitate towards those coaches, mentors, and friends that challenge you to your best even if you don’t always like what they have to say. Being able to look in the mirror and acknowledge what you see with complete honesty is a sign of great character.

I want to thank Marcos for his kind generosity and the wisdom she shared with The Freshman Foundation Community.

You can learn more about Marcos and Urban Golf Club by visiting their website https://www.urbangolfclub.org/ and their Instagram page @urbangolfclub.

To learn how mental performance coaching can help your mind work FOR you rather than against you, visit https://michaelvhuber.com.

Thank you for listening. We’ll see you back soon for Episode 57!