When The Cleats Come Off

What does it take to become one of the most consistent hitters in college softball history?

All-American Rachel Becker shares the mindset, preparation, and daily habits that helped her become a record setting player and one of the toughest outs in the game. From navigating the transfer portal and adapting to new environments to handling pressure on the biggest stages in softball, Rachel offers valuable insight for players, parents, and coaches alike.

Whether you're striving to become a more confident hitter, looking to maximize your potential as an athlete, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at the life of what it takes to become a professional softball player, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Where Rachel’s love for the game started being from the Midwest

• A bit of insight into her recruiting journey

• The decision to enter the transfer portal and join the Cowgirls and how her game elevated playing for Kenny Gajewski

• Physical and mental routines and preparation she uses to find consistent performance

• The tough transition of becoming a professional softball player

• Leadership, humility, and staying grounded through success

• How her competitive mentality is her greatest asset in the box and more!

🔗 Follow Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.becker15

Follow the AUSL all summer - https://theausl.com/

Learn more about Curve Sports - https://curvesports.com/

✨ Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Let us know inside the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684

Tag @whenthecleatscomeoff on Instagram and share your biggest takeaway!

If this episode made you think differently about your mindset:

⭐ Leave a quick review

🎧 Follow the show for more mental game tips

📩 Share it with a teammate or coach who needs this message

If you liked this episode, check these out, too:

Ep. 9 - Athletes Unlimited Softball, Owning Your Swing, and Dealing with Internet “Trolls” with All-American and Professional Softball Athlete Sam Fischer - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/51258a10-f398-4c5c-9d65-4e925a6d1871/

Ep. 40 - Kendall Burton: “The toughest out” - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/35e09eca-982c-4b3b-8402-0ddfc89da9c4/

Ep. 51 - Cat Osterman - Greatness has no age limit - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/54421629-6a6c-40f0-bf4b-1afed125808b/

Ep. 161 - How to consistently add mental toughness to your training - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4602f83f-e826-4c14-870c-2a084f787a25/

Purchase some WTCCO Swag! - https://ashley-b-training.myshopify.com/collections/new-when-the-cleats-come-off-collection

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Join me for a jam-packed episode to get you ready and excited for what’s to come in the 2026 WCWS as I give an extensive breakdown each team, some fun stories behind them and, most importantly, how to not just be a FAN while watching, but how to learn THE MOST while watching these prime-time showdowns. And yes, as requested, I share a little bit of my controversial take on the drama that went down at Super Regionals with Texas Tech and Florida. You won’t want to miss it!

🔗 Follow all things WCWS here:

✨ Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Let us know inside the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684

Tag @whenthecleatscomeoff on Instagram and share your biggest takeaway!

If you enjoyed this episode:

📩 Share it with a teammate or coach who you think would love it

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274

🎧 Follow the show for more fun: @whenthecleatscomeoff and @ashleybtraining

If you liked this episode, check these out, too:

Ep. 146 - Patrick Murphy: Building leaders and a Championship Culture - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a3d2afbb-4a22-4c85-9ebe-90f384d2e3e7/

Ep. 14 - Part 2 - Softball is More Than Just a Game with HOF Coach Sue Enquist - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/60bc88f1-ff79-4419-aa3e-9949f65ce68a/

Ep. 91 - 5 Ways to Grow Your Game While Watching the WCWS - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/82c8f749-f390-4091-86c9-fe0cb74972d0/

Ep. 186 - 6 mentalities to help you stand out this summer (inspired by the WCWS) - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4d838666-22f9-4bbf-8f9f-a3742c44e0c8/

Ep. 17 - Playing for HOF Coaches and Building a Competitive Fire - Part 1 with 2x All-American and Pro Athlete Kiki Stokes- https://player.captivate.fm/episode/145c73dc-225d-4b5f-9834-b27068f6040b/

Follow all things Ashley B Training:

Website - ashleybtraining.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining

This week on When the Cleats Come Off, UCLA star Jordan Woolery joins the show to talk about what’s fueled her dominance at the plate, how she’s learned to play with freedom and joy, and the mindset behind one of the biggest seasons of her career. Jordan opens up about confidence, pressure, preparation, and soaking in every moment of her senior postseason run before stepping into the professional softball world this summer.

🔗 Follow Jordan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanwooleryy/

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• What the heck is bruin magic and what we can expect from the bruins this 2026 post season

• Why she doesn’t care about numbers and stats and how she’s able to keep hitting simple
• How she identifies herself as a hitter and is able to play at her strengths
• How much of an impact playing with Megan Grant has had on her
• What is her 2-strike approach and why she actually LIKES having 2 strikes — I LOVE THIS TAKE
• How she’s able to play with so much joy and not take herself too seriously

Jordan’s current 2026 accolades (and counting!):

• 2026 Big Ten Player of the Year
• First-Team All-American in 2025
• 2023 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year
• Top-25 finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award
• Hit 33 home runs in 2026 while batting over .500
• Nation’s leader in RBIs
• Became one of only a handful of players in NCAA history to record 30+ home runs and 100+ RBIs in a single season
• Part of the first teammate duo in NCAA softball history where both players hit 30+ home runs in the same season alongside Megan Grant
• Ranked among the nation’s leaders in batting average, slugging percentage, home runs, RBIs, and total bases
• Former top-3 overall recruit nationally coming out of high school

✨ Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Let us know inside the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684

Tag @whenthecleatscomeoff on Instagram and share your biggest takeaway!

If this episode made you think differently about your mindset:

⭐ Leave a quick review

🎧 Follow the show for more mental game tips

📩 Share it with a teammate or coach who needs this message

If you liked this episode, check these out, too:

Ep. 13 - Softball is more than just a game with HOF Coach Sue Enquist (Part 1 of 2)- https://player.captivate.fm/episode/abad8344-cb63-4808-841c-438316e81ce8/

Ep. 31 - Natasha Watley: The Art of Slapping - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a75e6c1b-05af-45b7-9568-8be1bb395590/

Ep. 64 - Gratitude and a few hitting tips - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/16b9b62e-9a1a-42ab-b3e9-887bebf3fb4c/

Ep. 187 - Hitting Mentality Do’s and Don’ts - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c1bfa430-8c02-415c-a43a-74798ed8ddac/

Season 5 gave us 18 guests and a whole lot of “wait…that’s really good” moments. So for this finale, I’m bringing those highlights back — the motivation, the coaching nuggets, the practice ideas — all the stuff you’ll want in your back pocket this offseason.

Join us for the Mental Edge Experience in Michigan Jan 17th, 2026 here! - http://www.fearlesswarriorprogram.com/a/2148211589/4omeRLtk 

Check out our WTCCO merch store: https://ashley-b-training.myshopify.com/collections/new-when-the-cleats-come-off-collection 

Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684

Honorable Mention Episodes:

Ep. 222: 10 minute post-game reflection episode  - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000713420780 

Ep. 228: Erin Coffel: Even the best get BETTER - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000719776038 

Ep. 221: Bluey Episode: Cricket - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000712428011  

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Follow all things Ashley B Training:

Website - ashleybtraining.com 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

Let’s talk practical hitting tools: what’s working, why it’s working, and how you can use these concepts to help hitters find better timing, barrel feel, and confidence—without getting lost in mechanics.

Direct link to my Amazon Storefront - https://www.amazon.com/shop/ashleybtraining?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_BJHK91BNQSJYEASC9MZM 

VUK Grips: Use code ASHLEY for their best deal -  https://vukgripz.com?bg_ref=MSpGpaTqlC

ZVTee: INSANE DEAL $75 off thru the Holidays! (CODE: ABT in the future!) - https://www.zvtee.com/

Miller Mat: Use code ASHLEY for 15% off! - https://themillermat.com/ 

CamWood Bats: Use code ABTRAIN for 20% off! - https://camwoodbats.com/products/softball-custom-hands-speed-trainer 

Similar episodes from When the Cleats Come Off:

Ep. 60 - Rachel Folden: How to master your swing and build a great relationship with your athlete - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/085128cf-72c0-49ca-8085-703936c1c402/ 

Ep. 159 - Make the most of your off season by doing this - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d8c823d0-a315-49f7-9011-bf18e763b250/ 

Ep. 114 - Chris Vasami: Make the MOST of this off-season - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9e602311-a8cf-4365-a33e-0f874e9d736a/ 

Ep. 236 - Rob Crews: Building a COMPLETE hitter - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/257fb3dc-900a-4b92-8c69-a04947e79df3/ 

Head to the Ashley Burkhardt Training website - ashleybtraining.com 

Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining

In this episode, Ashley sits down with mental skills coach, Amanda Shaefer, to explore three science-backed tools that can transform your mental game: body mirroring, gratitude, and visualization.

You’ll learn how to build stronger connections through body language, rewire your brain through gratitude, and mentally prepare for success before it even happens.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this conversation will help you play — and live — with more focus, confidence, and calm.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

    •    How body mirroring builds trust and confidence

    •    The science of gratitude and its impact on mindset

    •    Why visualization activates the same pathways as physical practice

    •    Simple ways to make these tools part of your daily routine

💡 Your Mental Challenge This Week:

1️⃣ Mirror someone’s body language and notice the shift.

2️⃣ Write down 3 things you’re grateful for.

3️⃣ Visualize your next moment of success before it happens.

Small shifts = big results. 💪

🔗 Connect with Amanda: https://www.facebook.com/fearlessfastpitchmentaltraining

🌐 Website: https://www.fearlesswarriorprogram.com/

📸 Instagram: @fearlessfastpitch

✨ Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Which of the three — body mirroring, gratitude, or visualization — are you going to try first?

Let us know inside the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Tag @ashleybtraining on Instagram and share your biggest takeaway!

If this episode made you think differently about your mindset:

⭐ Leave a quick review

🎧 Follow the show for more mental game tips

📩 Share it with a teammate or coach who needs this message

Past episodes with Amanda:

Ep. 10 - How to create a “mental edge” with Fearless Fastpitch Founder Amanda Schaefer - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/304c6bde-2880-4bc8-b7d4-26ec40f40588/ 

Ep. 152 - Gaining the mental edge as a hitter: Recording from the Fearless Warrior Podcast w/ Mental Performance Coach, Amanda Schaefer - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c3332097-04b1-46ae-9194-55ee630f10b5/ 

Ep. 162 - Conquer your BIGGEST fear…and a BIG announcement! - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bdf014fe-d735-4522-bced-b78ad4a61f13/

This MLB post season was the ABSOLUTE epitome of insane! Let’s recap the highlights of the wildest Game 7 probably EVER from team culture, CLUTCH defense and big hits and, most importantly, selflessness beyond measure!

Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Similar episodes from When the Cleats Come Off:

Ep. 240 - Chris Vasami: How to find your non-negotiables as a player and leader - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/794d6d36-8400-4302-a125-08953739c1d3/ 

Ep. 11 - How to be your BIGGEST critic and your BIGGEST fan with Phillies Mental Skills Coach Hannah Huesman - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1a44bdf7-e580-4c39-b0e1-312ce84c8c65/ 

Ep. 202 - Why I LOVE MLB Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki…and why you should too! - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7a476523-1512-46da-973f-8176c39d61f4/ 

Ep. 60 - Rachel Folden: How to master your swing and build a great relationship with your athlete - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/085128cf-72c0-49ca-8085-703936c1c402/ 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

In this episode with popular guest of the show, Chris Vasami, we touch on Shohei Ohtani’s breakout game 3 of the 2025 World Series, and we go into all things player and human development, from how to get the most out of yourself and those around you, how to keep your circle of influence small but strong and also how to attack some of our biggest fears as players.

Follow Chris on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisvasami/

Check out Chris’ website - https://www.vasamitraining.com/

Download Chris’ FOCUS PDF - https://files.captivate.fm/library/eeadc6ae-189f-4d60-8d20-eeda956f93f4/Vasami-Document-Front.pdf

Similar Episodes of When the Cleats Come Off:

Ep. 15 - Overcoming adversity with former Pro baseball player Chris Vasami - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww95cDFKIOE&t=398s 

Ep. 50 - Chris Vasami: 5 Hitting Myths - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U-UzSLQp10&t=1892s 

Ep. 114 - Chris Vasami: Make the most of this off-season - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9e602311-a8cf-4365-a33e-0f874e9d736a/ 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

You know that teammate who just makes you a better person and competitor JUST by being around them? 2x National Champ at the University of Florida (and my pro teammate) Lauren Haeger was that for me. Learn how she helped me level up MY game during a time I needed it most in this episode!

Get $10 off ABT and podcast merch! - https://ashley-b-training.myshopify.com/discount/podcast10 

Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Episodes mentioned in this podcast:

Ep. 57 - Lauren Haeger:Coaching travel ball, playing with confidence and pro experience - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/16dba9c6-f6e6-4111-9a4c-53a48733b4f4/ 

Ep. 25 - Amanda Scarborough: How to become a more confident pitcher - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/78faecde-88c1-4bdf-b2ac-c7fa8dd8898d/ 

Ep. 170 - Kevin Hinde: Breaking the stigma of travel ball - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/36ee63b6-a06d-4ac2-879d-6c5827a891d8/ 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

Learn how taking your nutrition, stretching/mobility, and sleep more seriously will help give you an ultimate edge on the field. I don’t care how old you are, if you aren’t intentional about taking care of YOU, you won’t be able to be at your best as often as you want to be.

Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Learn more about the Virtual Hitting Academy - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 

Episodes mentioned in this podcast:

Ep. 22 - How What You Eat Affects Your Performance with Non-Diet Dietitian Katie Hake - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/eb428627-b23d-408b-9a41-a11f7ad8c757/ 

Ep. 141 - Kaitlyn McNally: Maximize performance through nutrition - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c749c6e5-6eb5-4efe-8dd9-e9bc7fef0e97/ 

Ep. 44 - Katie Spada: How food can work FOR us and not against us! - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/13c833b8-da15-4d4d-b46e-1c38571631df/ 

(Ep. 106 - Jennifer Schwartz: Injury prevention and active recovery techniques) -  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b1851732-16e3-41da-8a15-712e24c5215b/ 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining