Episode 17

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Published on:

5th May 2025

What Can Youth Athletes Learn from Shedeur Sanders Fall Down the NFL Draft

In this episode of 'Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations,' host Valerie Alston delves into Shedeur Sanders' surprising slide to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft, offering lessons for young athletes and their parents. Despite being a once-projected top 10 pick, Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, sparking discussions on humility, resilience, and character. The episode highlights the importance of preparation, managing public perception, maintaining composure, and having a robust support system. Alston provides actionable insights and conversation prompts aimed at improving mental toughness, confidence, and personal growth for aspiring athletes.

00:00 Introduction to Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft Journey

01:30 Lessons in Humility and Preparation

05:15 The Importance of Resilience

06:40 Character and Teamwork Beyond Performance

08:04 Managing Public Perception

09:47 The Value of Support Systems

13:00 Conversation Prompts and Closing Remarks


Discussion questions:

1. Shedeur Sanders was projected as a top pick but fell to the fifth round. How do you think he felt during that experience, and how might you handle unexpected setbacks in your own life?

2. How can you differentiate between being confident and being humble, and why is that distinction important?

3. After being drafted, Sanders expressed gratitude and a desire to prove himself. How can adopting a mindset of gratitude and determination help you grow, even when things don't go as planned?

4. What steps can you take to ensure you're not only skilled but also prepared and respectful in your endeavors?"



Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.

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For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology

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Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: valerie.alston@valstoncoaching.com

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About the Podcast

Car Ride Conversations For Sports Families
Conversation prompts for building mentally tough young athletes while you drive
The ultimate podcast for parents, coaches, and young athletes who want to unlock the secrets to mental toughness, confidence, and resilience. Whether you're on your way to practice, a big game, or just tackling the daily grind, these bite-sized episodes are designed to spark meaningful conversations to equip young athletes with actionable tools to thrive in school, sports and life while building strong relationships with their parents, one car ride at a time.

Hosted by Valerie Alston, former D1 athlete, sport psychology expert, and resilience coach, each episode dives into key topics like building effective self-talk, staying calm under pressure, and bouncing back from setbacks. With real-life stories, practical tips, and relatable insights, you'll discover how to support your athlete's journey while strengthening your connection along the way.

Buckle up and join us for a ride full of inspiration, growth, and the skills needed to become Confident, Calm, and Clutch!

Questions? Comments? Ideas?
✉️ Email me: valerie.alston@valstoncoaching.com

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📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666

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About your host

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Valerie Alston

Drawing from a rich background as a former D1 softball player and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, she boasts over 15 years of experience dedicated to teaching and training Soldiers in the intricate art of mental toughness and resilience. As a distinguished author and coach, she brings a unique perspective to the realm of performance enhancement. Currently, her passion lies in empowering today's youth, leveraging her expertise to build and foster resilience through sports and mental toughness training, ensuring the next generation thrives in both their athletic pursuits and broader life challenges. With a comprehensive approach to athlete development, she extends her expertise to parents and coaches. Committed to enhancing understanding, she collaborates with them to impart valuable insights on building the mental toughness of young athletes, fostering an environment that nurtures resilience and unleashes their full potential.