Coaching Up Podcast

Season 2: Episode 9: Catching up with Anthony & Nikki talking about pressure & the youth sports system

In this episode, Anthony & Nikki shine a light on the pressure within sports. From NIL's in the collegiate world to gambling in the NCAA March Madness tournament and how youth sports has become THE player in the sports tourism arena. Thinking about the impact on the mind and body of the athletes...our kids...for their current mental health and future bodies. Let's start the conversations.

Season 2: Episode 8: Chef Lily: Talking all things food, sports, and being a well rounded human with this 11 year old who's doing just that

In this episode, we catch up with Chef Lily and her mom, Colette. In 2020, Lily and her mom started their Instagram page (ChefLilyRocks) to spread Lily's joy of cooking, sports, and positivity to the world. Lily (an 11-year-old out of Bel Air, Maryland) is well known for her delicious brownies for humans and special dog treats for our beloved four-legged friends. Listen in as we catch up with Lily about her thoughts on youth sports, nutrition for athletes, and the success of her soccer team (Old Line Majestics), who were recently named #1 in the country. Our circle is strong here at Coaching Up as Lily and previous guest and friend of the pod, Ryan Morgan, are teammates! 

Season 2: Episode 7: Catching up with Coach Ty Ward, the new Calvert Hall Head Football Coach

In this episode, we get to know Coach Ty Ward, the newly appointed Head Football Coach of Calvert Hall. We talk about his journey so far in coaching, building new programs, change, youth sports from the top down, and more!

Season 2: Episode 6: Talking Nutrition with Lisa Still:Using food as fuel for our bodies

In this episode, we talk with Lisa Still, a health teacher/coach, about taking care of our bodies through nutrition and sleep.  Lisa has taught health at the middle and high school levels, & coached at the college level with Nikki for many years. She has a Bachelors of Science in Community & Health as well as a Masters in Health, Physical Education, & Coaching. She has a passion for people kids about food and how we can use it to fuel our bodies. Listen in as Lisa talks about macros, micros, timing, meal/snack ideas, tips for coaches, parents, and athletes...it's so good!

Season 2, Episode 5: The Journey: managing expectations and celebrating little wins to avoid the trap of big wins falling flat

In this episode, Anthony and Nikki talk about the journey. Inspired by a quote from AJ Brown, a member of the 2024-2025 Super Bowl champion Eagles, we break down how to prepare our mindset to make the best out of the day to day and not just rely on the wins to fill our cup. Listen in as Anthony shares some big moments in his life's journey, past and present, that relate to the topic. From Super Bowl wins to JUCO wins to family dynamics to weight loss to the pope....this one has a little of everything!

Season 4 Episode 4: Catching up with Coach Zach Keesecker talking soccer goalie training and youth sports

In this episode, we speak with Coach Zach Keesecker, co-owner of Protect Your Net LLC, a group focusing specifically on soccer goalie training. Zach grew up in Harford County, playing goalkeeper for C. Milton Wright High School and Towson University. Zach teaches PE at Honeygo Elementary School.  Coach has worked with multiple clubs and keepers of all ages and skill sets in Baltimore and Harford County, MD. Listen in as Zach opens up about why he does what he does, his perspective on youth sports from the eyes of an elementary school teacher, ideas for what we can do to help, and a little of everything in between.

Season 2, Episode 3: Coaches talking about injuries, what's helpful to athletes when injured & what's not!

In this episode, Anthony & Nikki talk about their recent injuries and give some tips on what might be helpful (& not) to athletes in the first few weeks of an injury. As athletes, as coaches, as parents, how can we support each other. Let's start the conversation.

Season 2: Episode 2: Overscheduled: Shining a light on the topic & starting the conversation

In this episode, Anthony & Nikki discuss kids being overscheduled. Each family, each child, is unique but carving in time to shine a light on the topic should be universal. We are starting the conversation here!

Season 2: Episode 1: Anthony & Nikki break down the Netflix documentary on Mark Cavendish: Never Enough. Talking professional athletes, mental health struggles, importance of the right coach, & family

In this episode, Anthony & Nikki catch up a little around the holiday break, Goals for season 2, and unpack the Netflix Documentary Mark Cavendish: Never Enough. Mark Cavendish is a retired , British, professional cyclist who has many accolades including holding the record for most stage wins at the Tour de France (35), achieved across 15 Tours and 17 years (2008-2024). The documentary pulls the curtain back on how hard the life of a professional athlete can be, provides insight into the mental & physical toll, the impact of a coach, and how those supporting in the journey can feel. It can either inspire you to push for more (Nikki) or feel pretty good about where you're at (Anthony). Which side are you on?

Episode 35: Overcoaching: what it is and why we do it

In this episode, Anthony & Nikki talked about the idea of overcoaching: what it is, where it may come from, how it impacts players, and some ideas to help. This episode rounds out season 1 of the podcast so it includes a moment of pause, reflection, & appreciation as we end the year. Excited to kick off season 2 in 2025!