Episode 20

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Published on:

26th May 2025

College Recruiting 101: Letting Athletes Lead, Taking Feedback, and Avoiding Burnout

In this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston chats with recruiting expert and former college coach Quincy Lewis-Buggs about the college recruiting process. They cover key topics including when to start the recruiting process, the importance of letting athletes lead their journey, avoiding burnout, and understanding coachability. They also discuss how to practice the process, the importance of receiving feedback, and making informed decisions about college plans. Perfect for sports parents and young athletes looking to navigate the recruiting landscape effectively and confidently.

00:00 Introduction to College Recruiting

01:18 Meet Quincy Lewis-Buggs: Recruiting Expert

01:40 Key Considerations for Starting the Recruiting Process

02:37 Letting Athletes Lead the Process

03:23 The Role of Parents in the Recruiting Journey

04:39 Practicing the Process: Early Steps for Young Athletes

05:40 Understanding Different College Levels and Experiences

09:41 Taking Feedback and Showing Coachability

12:10 Evaluating Advice and Building a Support System

16:49 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

18:43 Discussion Questions and Wrap-Up

Find the Future First, Softball Second Podcast here: https://www.diamonddynamics.org/podcast.html 



Discussion questions:

  • “Do you really want to play in college — or does it feel like someone else wants it more than you do?” -Opens up honest dialogue about motivation and ownership of the journey.
  • “If a college coach gave you feedback today — would you be able to take it and grow, or would it shut you down?”- Helps athletes evaluate their coachability and mindset around constructive criticism.
  • “Who’s in your support system vs. your inner circle when it comes to making big decisions?” -  Encourages thoughtful separation of emotional support from expert guidance.
  • “What does your ideal college experience look like — not just softball, but your life outside the game?” - Shifts focus from just chasing a label (D1, D2, etc.) to defining personal success.



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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📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
📸 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.