Scholarship Athlete: Tips on recruiting, training, NIL, injury prevention, mindset, and leadership

Michelle Doel, a board-certified functional medicine health coach, specializes in teen wellness and a whole-athlete approach. She helps young athletes optimize their performance on and off the field through a holistic approach to health. In this episode, Michelle discusses the role of wellness coaches and how they support teenage athletes. She emphasizes the importance of sleep and provides tips for getting quality sleep. Michelle also talks about the significance of nutrition and shares guidelines for fueling the body properly. Additionally, she explores the power of mindset and how it can impact an athlete's performance.TakeawaysA wellness coach specializes in optimizing the performance of teenage athletes through a holistic approach to health.Quality sleep is crucial for athletes, with around 8 hours being the optimal amount for high school kids.Nutrition plays a significant role in an athlete's performance, and it's important to focus on real, whole foods that are close to their original form.Mindset is key for athletes, and developing a growth mindset can help them overcome challenges and perform at their best.Michelle offers a 10-week program that focuses on nutrition, sleep, mindset, movement, and habit formation to help athletes make positive changes and enhance their performance.Timestamps01:27 The Role of a Wellness Coach for Teenage Athletes02:59 The Importance of Quality Sleep for Athletes07:09 Fueling the Body Properly: Nutrition Tips for Athletes14:00 The Power of Mindset in Athletic Performance26:03 The 10-Week Program: Making Positive Changes for Enhanced PerformanceLet's connect:IGFacebookXwww.scholarshipathletecademy.comAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this compelling episode of the Scholarship Athlete Podcast, I explore the intricate framework of success, both in the recruiting process and in life. Drawing from my own experiences as a former football player, I share a personal story that illustrates the transformative power of three fundamental principles: alignment, assignment, and adjustment.I emphasize the importance of understanding your assignment, maintaining proper alignment, and being prepared to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. These guiding principles transcend the sports arena, offering valuable lessons that can be applied to everyday life challenges.I invite you to engage with this episode by leaving your comments and ratings, and encourage you to share the podcast with others who might benefit from its wisdom.TakeawaysThe recruiting process is difficult and constantly changing, so having a framework can help athletes and parents navigate it.The three key principles for success in sports and life are alignment, assignment, and adjustment.Knowing your assignment and aligning correctly are crucial for success.Being ready for adjustments and having different techniques or tools in your bag can give you an advantage.These principles can be applied in everyday life to build confidence and overcome challenges.Timestamps02:23 The Framework for Success04:47 The Three Key Principles: Alignment, Assignment, and Adjustment07:13 Mastering Your Assignment and Alignment09:57 Being Ready for Adjustments10:56 Applying the Framework in Everyday LifeLet's connect:IGFacebookXwww.scholarshipathletecademy.comAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, I discuss the process of receiving an athletic scholarship. I emphasize the importance of understanding the difference between headcount and equivalency schools in Division 1. I also provide statistics on the low percentage of high school athletes who receive athletic scholarships. The three keys to receiving a scholarship are connection, marketing, and commitment. I explain the importance of building relationships with teachers, counselors, high school coaches, travel ball coaches, and college coaches. I also provide tips on marketing oneself through social media and highlight reels. The Scholarship Athlete Academy was created to help parents navigate the recruiting process by giving them a plan in all areas.TakeawaysUnderstanding the difference between headcount and equivalency schools is crucial in the recruiting process.Building connections with teachers, counselors, high school coaches, travel ball coaches, and college coaches is important for jumpstarting the recruiting process.Marketing oneself through social media and highlight reels can help showcase skills, academics, and character to college coaches.Earning an athletic scholarship requires a high level of commitment in training, grades, character, nutrition, and sleep.The Scholarship Athlete Academy offers resources and training programs to help navigate the recruiting process and increase the chances of receiving a scholarship.Timestamps02:11 Facts and Statistics on Athletic Scholarships05:19 Building Connections in the Recruiting Process09:10 Marketing Yourself: Social Media and Highlight Reels19:02 The Commitment Required for Earning an Athletic ScholarshipLet's connect:IGFacebookXwww.scholarshipathletecademy.comAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, I discuss the concept of leadership and its importance in the recruiting process. I talk on leadership as influence and emphasize the need for effective communication, knowledge, character, and intuition. I highlight the significance of building relationships and getting to know teammates as a key aspect of leadership. He also encourages parents to focus on developing their child's character and being a good person. Chapters00:31 Defining Leadership: Influence and Communication02:00 The Role of Character in Leadership03:25 Building Relationships and Getting to Know Teammates04:24 Developing Good Character as a Parent09:54 Take the Scholarship Athlete QuizLet's connect:IGFacebookXwww.scholarshipathletecademy.comAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode of the Scholarship Athlete Podcast, I interview Coach Chris Peterson about leadership and culture in sports. They discuss the importance of connection and relationships in building a strong team, as well as the role of parents in supporting their athlete's journey. Coach Peterson shares his insights on creating a culture of trust and influence, emphasizing the importance of modeling the right behaviors, being competent in one's role, and demonstrating character. He also discusses the concept of an OKG (Our Kind of Guy) and the qualities that make a successful athlete. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of building a positive and intentional culture in sports.TakeawaysConnection and relationships are key in building a strong team culture.Leadership is about influence and doing the right thing in the moment.Trust is built through connection, competence, and character.Parents play a crucial role in supporting their athlete's journey and helping them navigate the recruiting process.Creating a positive and intentional culture is essential for success in sports.Timestamps:02:05 Early Connections and Inspiration04:05 The Importance of Relationships in Coaching05:57 The Power of Connection in Building a Team08:19 The Built For Life Program and Leadership10:45 Defining Leadership and the OKG16:35 Parenting and Supporting Athletes20:24 Shaping Culture in the Locker Room and Coaching Staff30:42 The Importance of Culture and Trust38:46 Earning Trust Through Connection, Competence, and Character44:34 ConclusionLet's connect:IGFacebookXwww.scholarshipathletecademy.comAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, Alex Molden shares his advice for parents who want to help their children get noticed by college coaches and potentially earn athletic scholarships. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the sport and its fundamentals and developing athletic ability through strength, speed, and agility training. He cautions against wasting money on expensive tournaments and showcases and instead suggests attending college camps and regional events. Alex also encourages parents to seek expert guidance and offers his coaching services as a resource.TakeawaysUnderstand the sport and its fundamentals to support your child's development better.Focus on developing athletic ability through strength, speed, and agility training.Avoid wasting money on expensive tournaments and showcases that may not attract college coaches.Attend college camps and regional events to gain exposure and experience.Seek guidance from experts and consider working with a personal development coach.Chapters02:02 Navigating the Path to Athletic Scholarships07:02 The Importance of Sport Fundamentals and Athletic Development09:39 Choosing the Right Events for Exposure13:08 Attending College Camps for Experience and Exposure18:16 Seeking Guidance from Experts and CoachesLet's connect:IGFacebookXwww.scholarshipathletecademy.comAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, I discuss the fastest ways to lose your starting position in sports and how to take someone else's spot. I highlight four key factors: not improving your sport IQ, not doing any extra reps, staying quiet and not communicating, and not emphasizing strength development. Conversely, if you want to secure a starting spot or take someone else's, you should focus on improving your sport IQ, doing extra reps, communicating effectively, and prioritizing strength development.TakeawaysImproving your sport IQ is crucial to secure a starting position.Doing extra reps and giving maximum effort in conditioning and weightlifting can help you stand out.Effective communication and asking questions are essential to becoming a star player.Emphasizing strength development is necessary to become a great athlete.Timestamps01:26 Losing Your Starting Position: Not Improving Sport IQ05:55 Losing Your Starting Position: Staying Quiet07:42 Losing Your Starting Position: Neglecting Strength Development09:08 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysLet's connect:IGFacebookXwww.scholarshipathletecademy.comAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, I share some valuable tips for athletes in the recruiting process and athletic development. I discuss the importance of foam rolling, drinking water, getting better sleep, studying film, and working on depth perception training. I also emphasize the benefits of visiting colleges and attending camps. The Scholarship Athlete Academy is recommended as a resource for athletes to gain knowledge and showcase their talents so you can get all or part of college paid for!Takeaways:Foam rolling is important for athletic development and can be done with a foam roller, tennis ball, or softball.Drinking water is crucial for hydration and muscle recovery. Athletes should aim to drink half their body weight in ounces of water daily.Getting better sleep is essential for healing and recovery. Athletes should aim for consistent sleep patterns and create a dark sleeping environment.Studying film of opponents and oneself can help make better plays and understand strengths and weaknesses.Working on depth perception through simple exercises like playing catch with one eye closed can improve performance in sports that involve catching.Visiting colleges and attending camps can provide opportunities to showcase skills and connect with coaches.Time stamps:02:04 Optimizing Athletic Development: Foam Rolling, Hydration, and Sleep04:01 The Importance of Drinking Water06:53 The Role of Sleep in Healing and Recovery08:21 The Power of Film Study09:18 Improving Depth Perception for Better Performance11:31 The Benefits of Visiting Colleges and Attending Camps12:59 The Scholarship Athlete Academy: A Comprehensive Resource for AthletesLet's connect:IGFacebookXwww.scholarshipathletecademy.comAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, Alex Moldin discusses four key aspects for developing speed in straight-ahead sprinting. He emphasizes the importance of technique and form, strength and power, speed endurance, and flexibility and mobility. Alex provides specific tips and exercises for each aspect, such as lower body mechanics, upper body mechanics, and posture for technique and form. He also recommends exercises like front squats, lunges, and plyometrics for strength and power. Additionally, he discusses the importance of speed endurance through interval training and lactic acid tolerance. Finally, he highlights the significance of mobility in ankles, hips, and the T-spine, as well as flexibility through dynamic warm-ups.Key Points:03:24 Developing Speed - Mastering Technique and Form09:10 Building Strength and Power for Explosiveness11:07 Enhancing Speed Endurance for Sustained Performance13:00 Improving Flexibility and Mobility for Optimal Sprinting18:15 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionLet's connect:IGFacebookXwww.scholarshipathletecademy.comAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode of the Scholarship Athlete Podcast, host Alex Molden discusses the recruiting process and shares insights from his recent experience at a showcase event. He highlights the importance of athleticism, competition, and relationships in the eyes of college coaches. Molden emphasizes the need for athletes to be prepared and put in the work before attending showcase events. Chapters02:02 Insights from Coaches at Showcase Events03:23 The Role of Athleticism and Competition04:48 Building Relationships with Coaches and Parents07:43 The Significance of Preparation for Showcase Events09:03 Supporting Others in the Recruiting ProcessLet's connect:IGFacebookXWebsiteAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, I share my experience of getting my email hacked and relate it to the importance of being genuine and putting in the work when pursuing athletic scholarships. I emphasize the need for athletes to be accountable, work hard, and not pretend to be someone they're not. I also provide tips for athletes looking to play at the next level, including caring for their bodies, doing extra work, and attending clinics and camps. I urge listeners to update their email security and not cheat college coaches.Chapters03:29 The Importance of Being Genuine and Putting in the Work06:13 Coaches' Expectations and Indifference07:44 Tips for Athletes Looking to Play at the Next Level09:44 Protecting Yourself and Not Cheating College Coaches10:14 ConclusionLet's connect:IGFacebookXWebsiteAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, host Alex discusses the 10 mistakes that athletes make regarding strength training. He shares his personal experiences and insights as a former athlete, trainer, and parent. The 10 mistakes include not doing a proper warm-up, turning workouts into competitions, not starting with a solid foundation, only training upper body or lower body, neglecting explosive training, implementing plyometrics at the wrong time, prioritizing 'pretty muscles' first, neglecting core training, and not stretching post-workout.Takeaways-A proper warm-up is essential before strength training, including tissue quality work, mobility exercises, and activation.-Avoid turning workouts into competitions and focus on training for your sport rather than trying to one-up others.-Start with a solid foundation by incorporating isometric holds and slow movements to build strength and stability.-Balance your training by working on both upper and lower body strength.-Include an explosive component in your training, such as Olympic lifts, medicine ball tosses, and weighted jump squats.-Implement plyometrics at the beginning of your workout to maximize explosiveness.-Prioritize compound movements and save 'pretty muscles' exercises for the end of your workout.-Don't neglect core training, which includes exercises like carries, planks, and anti-rotation movements.-Stretching post-workout helps improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness.-Invest time and consistency in your training to see long-term results.Chapters05:55 Mistake 2: Turning Workouts into Competitions08:50 Mistake 4: Only Training Upper Body12:18 Mistake 7: Implementing Plyometrics at the Wrong Time14:48 Mistake 9: Neglecting Core TrainingLet's connect:IGFacebookXWebsiteAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, host Alex Molden shares tips on how athletes can gain weight. He emphasizes the importance of eating a good breakfast, consuming snacks throughout the day, drinking a protein shake after a meal, lifting heavy weights, and getting quality sleep. He also mentions the bonus tip of staying hydrated by drinking enough water. Alex advises athletes to avoid empty calories and fast food. While gaining weight takes time, following these tips can help athletes achieve their goals.TakeawaysEating a nutritious breakfast is essential for weight gain.Consuming snacks throughout the day can help increase calorie intake.Drinking a protein shake after a meal can provide additional calories and nutrients.Lifting heavy weights is important for building muscle mass.Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for weight gain.Staying hydrated by drinking enough water is important for overall health.Avoiding empty calories and fast food is necessary for healthy weight gain.02:02 The Importance of a Nutritious Breakfast06:00 Maximizing Calorie Intake with Protein Shakes08:30 The Role of Quality Sleep in Weight Gain10:55 Hydration and Weight GainLet's connect:IGFacebookXWebsiteAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode of the Scholarship Athlete podcast, host Alex interviews Logan Walters, a physical therapist specializing in ACL rehab. They discuss the limitations of traditional physical therapy for ACL injuries and the importance of performance training for athletes. Logan shares his personal experience with ACL injuries and his mission to help ACLers restore their athletic identity. They also discuss the sports with the highest risk of ACL tears and the differences between female and male athletes in ACL injury risk. Logan emphasizes the importance of multi-directional training, isometric training, and deceleration training in ACL rehab. He also explains the benefits of his online ACL rehab program, which offers individualized approaches and a supportive community for athletes.TakeawaysTraditional physical therapy often fails athletes with ACL injuries, as it does not address their specific needs and goals.ACL tears are most common in level-one cutting sports such as football, soccer, and basketball, with female athletes at a higher risk.Multi-directional training, isometric training, and deceleration training are crucial for ACL injury prevention and rehab.Testing is essential in ACL rehab to assess strength, movement patterns, and readiness for different stages of recovery.Online ACL rehab programs can provide individualized approaches, support, and resources for athletes recovering from ACL injuries.Chapters01:02 Logan Walters' Unique Approach to ACL Rehab01:28 Logan Walters' Personal Experience with ACL Injuries03:25 The Limitations of Traditional Physical Therapy for ACL Rehab04:24 The High Risk of Second ACL Tears05:23 Logan Walters' Mission to Help ACLers Restore Their Athletic Identity06:48 The Sports with the Highest Risk of ACL Tears07:48 The Difference Between Female and Male Athletes in ACL Injury Risk09:02 The Importance of Multi-Directional Training for ACL Injury Prevention10:44 The Role of Isometric Training and Deceleration Training in ACL Rehab12:23 Unilateral Training and Split Stance Positions for ACL Rehab13:27 The Importance of Testing in ACL Rehab16:32 The Benefits of Online ACL Rehab Programs28:00 The Importance of Confidence and Mental Health in ACL Rehab31:09 How to Contact Logan WaltersLet's connect:IGFacebookXWebsiteAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, former NFL player Alex Molden shares his experience and insights on the college recruiting process for student-athletes. He emphasizes the importance of both coaches reaching out to athletes and athletes actively showing interest in the schools they are interested in. Molden compares the recruiting process to dating, highlighting the need for mutual effort and commitment. He advises athletes to attend campus events, practices, and games to demonstrate their interest and dedication to potential schools.Takeaways:Coaches want to see student-athletes actively showing interest in their schools.Attending campus events, practices, and games can demonstrate commitment to potential schools.The recruiting process requires effort and mutual commitment, similar to dating.Former NFL player Alex Molden shares his experience and insights on the college recruiting process.Let's connect:IGFacebookXWebsiteAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, Alex Molden shares insights from a recent showcase event he attended. The number one thing you need to do is be prepared...Do your homework. Know exactly what the drills and tests will be.Takeaways:Lots of reps. It feeds your confidence!Feed your body correctly.Make sure you do a proper dynamic warm-up.Let's connect:IGFacebookXWebsiteAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, Alex Molden shares insights from a recent showcase event he attended. He emphasizes the importance of social media presence for athletes and provides tips on making a standout highlight tape. He also discusses the recruiting process and advises athletes to tag graduate assistants in their social media posts to get noticed by college coaches. TakeawaysSocial media, especially Twitter, is the first point of contact for college coaches, so athletes should have a clean and professional profile with their name and relevant information.A standout highlight tape should be 2-3 minutes long, with the best plays showcased in the first 30 seconds.Instead of tagging head coaches or position coaches, athletes should tag graduate assistants in their social media posts to get on the radar of college programs.Researching a college's recruiting department and tagging the appropriate personnel can help athletes get noticed and potentially move up the recruiting funnel.The Scholarship Athlete Scorecard is a valuable tool for assessing one's progress in the recruiting process and receiving personalized guidance.Let's connect:IGFacebookXWebsiteAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, host Alex Molden interviews Pat Curran, a sports agent and marketing expert, about the opportunities for athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL) through social media. They discuss the concept of NIL and its various forms, such as brand partnerships, appearances, autographs, and merchandise. Pat emphasizes the importance of athletes optimizing their social media presence and building a community around their personal brand. He advises high school athletes to find their unique voice and interests outside of their sport to attract a following. Pat also encourages athletes to consider building a business around their passion and leveraging their status as athletes to create financial opportunities.TakeawaysNIL stands for name, image, and likeness, and it refers to athletes' ability to monetize their personal brand through various opportunities such as brand partnerships, appearances, and merchandise.Athletes can optimize their social media presence by being consistent, finding their unique voice, and building a community around their personal brand.High school athletes should explore their interests outside of their sport and share them on social media to attract a following and create financial opportunities.Athletes can build a business around their passion and leverage their status as athletes to attract customers and clients.Key moments02:20 Understanding NIL06:14 Optimizing Social Media10:03 Building a Community13:47 Advice for High School Athletes25:23 Contact Information25:52 Closing Remarks

In this episode, host Alex Moldin discusses how student-athletes can set themselves apart when it comes to being recruited. He provides tips on preparing for showcase camps, deciding which drills to participate in, and the importance of skill development. Alex also emphasizes the need to stand out at camps and be ready for the opportunities they present. He shares insights from a college coach's perspective and highlights the importance of standing out and getting noticed. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to subscribe, review, and share the podcast.TakeawaysBe prepared and ready for showcase camps, but don't feel obligated to participate in drills you're uncomfortable with.Focus on skill development in addition to athletic ability to stand out at camps.Wear something that helps you stand out and showcases your personality and skills.Only attend camps if you have been training and feel ready to perform at your best.College coaches already know who they are interested in, so make sure you stand out and get noticed.Key moments00:29 Preparing for Showcase Camps01:27 Deciding Which Drills to Participate In03:22 Standing Out at Camps04:21 Being Ready for Camps05:20 College Coaches' Perspective06:19 Standing Out and Getting NoticedLet's connect:IGFacebookXWebsiteAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.

In this episode, I discuss the importance of Junior Day for high school athletes looking to obtain athletic scholarships. He provides insights and tips on what to expect during Junior Day visits and how to make the most of the experience. I emphasize the need to pay attention to how athletes are treated, the information provided about the program, and the overall fit with the campus and coaching staff. TakeawaysJunior Day allows high school athletes to visit college campuses and learn more about athletic programs.During Junior Day visits, athletes should pay attention to how they are treated, the information provided about the program, and the overall fit with the campus and coaching staff.Taking notes and asking questions during Junior Day visits can help athletes make informed decisions about their future.It is important for athletes to approach Junior Day visits with professionalism and treat them as a business trip.Key moments:01:00 Junior Day: An Opportunity for Athletes06:22 Evaluating Coaches and Facilities09:16 Taking Junior Day SeriouslyLet's connect:IGFacebookXWebsiteAre you proactive in the recruiting process? Check out our quiz to see.*Book a discovery call: If you're feeling stuck or need additional assistance, book a 15-minute discovery call with Alex today.