Student Athlete Performance

127 Episodes

Reverse

What High School Baseball Players Should Focus on When Time Is Limited | College Coach Perspective

2026-01-1329:47

When time feels limited and pressure is high, most high school baseball players try to do everything. More training. More metrics. More showcases. More stress.In this episode, Nick sits down with Jake Lindmeier, assistant baseball coach at Brookhaven College, to break down what actually matters for player development when results aren’t coming as fast as you want.They talk honestly about chasing metrics vs playing the game, understanding your role, building routines instead of doing random work, and what college coaches truly notice beyond numbers.This episode is for athletes and parents who feel behind, overwhelmed, or unsure what to prioritize.If you only had 5 months to get recruited, what would you focus on?Connect with Jake LindmeierTwitter/X: https://x.com/jakelindy2021Follow NickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

How High School Athletes Can Handle Rejection, Setbacks, and Delayed Progress

2026-01-0633:20

What do you do when you’re doing everything right, but the results still aren’t there?In this episode, Nick sits down with Hartnell College baseball player Boston Stanley to talk about rejection, setbacks, and delayed progress in high school athletics. From recruiting uncertainty to training plateaus and nutrition for leaning out, this conversation breaks down what actually matters when effort doesn’t immediately turn into outcomes.This episode is for athletes and parents navigating frustration, feeling behind, or questioning whether the work is worth it.What’s one area where you feel stuck or behind right now?📲 Follow NickInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerd⁠Twitter/X: ⁠https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd⁠

How Athletes Win in 2026 Without Doing More

2025-12-3019:46

Athletes don’t fall behind because they don’t work hard enough.They fall behind because they work hard on the wrong things.As 2026 approaches, the athletes who separate themselves won’t be the busiest. They’ll be the most focused.In this episode, Nick breaks down how athletes actually win in 2026 by getting clear, simplifying their inputs, protecting their energy, and setting minimum standards that create momentum even when life gets busy. This is about clarity, alignment, and doing what actually moves the needle.What feels like it’s draining your time or energy the most right now?Follow NickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

The Hard Truth Athletes Need to Hear Before 2026

2025-12-2325:38

Heading into 2026, a lot of athletes think the answer is simple: train harder, sacrifice more, and push through.But the truth is this: doing more is often the reason athletes burn out, plateau, or walk away from a sport they once loved.In this episode, Nick breaks down why identity-based pressure is crushing today’s athletes, why burnout isn’t laziness, and how clarity, recovery, and alignment matter more than endless grinding. This conversation connects training, nutrition, sleep, and mental load, and explains why the athletes who last actually do things differently.What feels hardest right now—burnout, pressure, or feeling stuck?Follow NickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

What to Eat to Gain Lean Muscle (Not Just Weight)

2025-12-1817:22

Anyone can gain weight.Gaining lean muscle the kind that translates to strength, speed, and explosiveness takes intention.In this episode, Nick breaks down the three biggest mistakes athletes make when trying to gain muscle and the three pillars that actually build lean muscle the right way. This is for athletes who are tired of bulking, feeling sluggish, or gaining weight that doesn’t help performance. What You’ll LearnThe difference between gaining weight and gaining lean muscleWhy eating randomly kills muscle gainsHow gaining weight too fast slows athletes downWhy protein-only meals don’t build performance muscleHow often athletes should eat to grow consistentlyThe ideal rate of weight gain for athletesWhy carbs matter just as much as proteinHow timing meals improves strength, speed, and recoveryWhat’s been hardest for you gaining muscle - consistency, timing, or eating enough?Follow NickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

How Athletes Can Build Real Confidence & Mental Toughness ft. Kate Kelley Schneider

2025-12-1137:23

Athletes will train their body year-round, but completely ignore training their mind. And right now, more athletes than ever are struggling with confidence, perfectionism, pressure, and negative self-talk.In this episode, Nick sits down with Kate Kelley Schneider, mental performance coach for youth athletes, pros, and Olympians. She breaks down the exact tools she uses to help athletes calm their mind, reset after mistakes, and perform with real confidence.If you’ve ever replayed mistakes, choked under pressure, or felt stuck in negative thoughts, this conversation is for you.What You’ll LearnWhat actually causes confidence to disappearThe #1 mental pattern hurting athlete performanceHow to break perfectionism and fear of failureHow to reset after turnovers, missed shots, or errorsTools Olympians use to stay calm under pressureHow negative self-talk becomes a habit and how to change itThe pre-game routine athletes should be usingWhy athletes struggle when they stop enjoying their sportWhat’s the biggest thing you struggle with mentally—confidence, perfectionism, or pressure?Connect With KateInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresportsmindset/Website: https://www.puresportsmindset.com/

How Athletes Can Eat During the Holidays Without Losing Progress

2025-12-0914:12

The holidays aren’t the problem, losing your structure is.Athletes don’t lose progress because of one big meal… they lose progress when that one meal turns into two weeks.In this episode, Nick breaks down the five holiday tools every athlete should follow to stay lean, stay strong, and actually feel good going into the new year. These tools are simple, repeatable, and designed for real athletes who want to enjoy the holidays without throwing away months of work.What You’ll LearnThe truth about why athletes overeat during the holidaysHow movement (not workouts) keeps cravings and energy steadyWhy skipping meals leads to the holiday bingeHow to build every plate around protein + colorHow to enjoy treats without losing momentumHow to set a “minimum standard” that keeps you consistentWhy consistency > perfection every single timeWhat’s the hardest part of staying on track during the holidays—movement, consistency, or food choices?Follow NickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

How Pitchers Can Increase Velocity Without Getting Hurt ft. Tyler Winfield (The Velo Doc)

2025-12-0446:29

Pitchers want more velocity, but many of the things they do to chase it are the same things wrecking their elbows and shoulders.In this episode, Nick sits down with Dr. Tyler Winfield, better known as The Velo Doc, a former player, clinician, and pitching consultant who’s treated thousands of throwing athletes, from youth players to MLB arms.If you’re a pitcher who wants to throw harder and stay healthy, this episode is a must-listen.What You’ll LearnWhy youth pitchers are getting injured earlier than everThe REAL problem behind elbow and shoulder painHow growth plates impact velocity trainingWhat bad mechanics look like (and why they happen)Weighted ball truth: what’s safe, what’s notHow to develop velocity safelyWhat pitchers should train daily to stay healthyWhat’s the #1 thing you want to fix: arm pain, velocity, or mechanics?Connect With Tyler Winfield (The Velo Doc)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velo_doc/Twitter/X: https://x.com/Velo_docFollow Nick LemkeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd

How to Build Muscle Without Getting Slower (For High School Athletes)

2025-12-0222:04

Athletes want to get bigger and stronger, but they are afraid of losing speed. The truth? You don’t get slower from gaining weight… you get slower from gaining the wrong kind of weight.In this episode, Nick breaks down exactly how to build performance muscle that makes you faster, more explosive, and more durable… not slower and stiffer. If you’re in football, baseball, basketball, or any speed-based sport, this is a must-listen.What You’ll LearnHow to eat for muscle AND speed, not just sizeWhy most bulks fail (and make athletes slower)The right proteins, carbs, and fats for performanceWhy training like a bodybuilder ruins athleticismHow to use speed training while gaining weightThe safest rate of weight gain for athletesThe recovery habits that actually build muscleHow to avoid getting stiff, heavy, and tiredWhat part of gaining muscle do you struggle with most?📲 Follow NickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdX / Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerdSample Meal Plan: https://clutchperformancenutrition.fit/eliteathletemealplan

Why Meal Plans Don’t Work for Athletes (And What Actually Does)

2025-11-2016:37

Most athletes think a meal plan will fix their nutrition, but meal plans fall apart the second your schedule changes.In this episode, Nick breaks down why cookie-cutter meal plans don’t work for athletes, why they kill consistency, and what to do instead if you want long-term performance results. This one will hit home for any athlete who’s ever tried to follow a plan… and couldn’t stick to it.What You’ll LearnWhy meal plans push athletes into “diet mode,” not performance modeHow to build habits that survive schedule changesHow to fuel differently for morning practice vs afternoon workoutsWhy consistency matters more than perfectionWhat elite athletes do when their schedule shiftsWhat is your biggest challenge when it comes to nutrition (i.e. consistency, knowing what to eat, how much to eat, etc.)?📲 Follow NickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

How to Become an Elite Infielder: Footwork, Timing, and Fundamentals ft. Julius Gaines

2025-11-1840:36

If you’re a middle school or high school infielder, this episode is mandatory listening. Nick sits down with Julius Gaines, founder of Ground Up Baseball and one of the top infield developers in the game. Julius was a top national recruit, a standout at FIU, and later played in the Mariners organization. Now he’s coaching the next generation on how to dominate the infield the right way.This episode breaks down the REAL fundamentals: footwork, timing, arm care, fielding posture, defensive slumps, and how to build an infielder’s mindset that holds up under pressure.What You’ll LearnWhy most infielders struggle with timingThe 3 hops every infielder must master (short, long, and the dangerous middle hop)How elite players use posture, angles, and footworkWhy bad habits form fast and why good habits break even fasterProper arm care for infielders (and how most kids misuse bands)How to recover mentally after an errorWhy multi-sport athletes make better baseball playersWhat part of your infield game do you need to level up this season—footwork, timing, or arm care?Find Julius Gaines (Ground Up Baseball)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_up_baseballX (Twitter): https://x.com/Ground_Up_Bsb

How to Build Muscle as an Athlete (Without Getting Slower)

2025-11-1317:13

Most athletes think “eat more” or “drink more protein shakes” is the secret to building muscle — but that’s not how elite athletes do it.In this episode, Nick breaks down how to build muscle that actually translates to better performance, without getting slower, heavier, or tired mid-season. You’ll learn how to fuel like the 1%, not the 99%, and how to make small adjustments that create massive results over time.What You’ll LearnHow to eat to grow, not just eat moreWhy most athletes lose muscle in-season (and how to prevent it)The real role of protein, carbs, and fats in muscle buildingHow to adjust intake when training ramps upWhy consistency beats perfection in every phase of trainingWhat’s one small change you’re making this week to fuel like an elite athlete?📲 Follow Nick LemkeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

Train Your Mind Like a Pro: The Mental Edge Every Athlete Needs

2025-11-1145:41

Athletes train their body, but very few ever train their mind.In this episode, Nick sits down with former MLB player and mindset coach Chad Hermansen to break down the mental side of performance, from confidence to focus to handling pressure. Chad shares what he learned from his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates and how athletes can use the self-coaching model to master their emotions, stop overthinking, and actually perform free.What You’ll LearnHow to build confidence that lasts longer than your last at-batThe self-coaching model Chad uses with MLB & college athletesWhy overthinking kills performance (and how to stop)How parents can help without adding pressureThe truth about training your mind like your bodyWhat’s one mental skill you’re working to build this season?Connect with Chad HermansenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadhermansen/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/CoachChadMentalEdgeGap to Gap Baseball Development App: https://gaptogapbaseball.com/baseball-training-app/

How to Reach Your Full Potential as an Athlete (for Real)

2025-11-0621:32

The reason most athletes never reach their potential isn't from lack of talent, it's because their standards don’t match their goals.In this episode, Nick explains why having D1 dreams means nothing if your habits don’t back them up. From his book From Nobody to Noticed, he shares the truth about what it takes to actually reach your full potential and how to raise your standards in the gym, kitchen, and classroom to finally bridge the gap.What You’ll LearnWhy high goals and low standards never workHow confidence is built through consistency, not complimentsHow nutrition can actually build your confidenceThe real difference between talent and skillWhat's one standard you need to raise RIGHT NOW?Get the book: https://a.co/d/68EQtF6Follow Nick: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd

College Recruiting in 2026: How to Actually Get Noticed

2025-11-0435:32

Recruiting has changed... again.With the transfer portal, new NCAA rules, and social media shaping the process, athletes and parents are more confused than ever about how to actually get recruited.In this episode, Nick Lemke talks with Rodney Cox, founder of Game Time Recruiting & Consulting and former Arizona State football player, to break down what athletes need to do differently for 2025 and 2026 recruiting.What You’ll Learn:How the recruiting game has changed (and what coaches look for now)Why DMs and Twitter/X are non-negotiable for recruitsWhat to include in your bio (GPA = “Get Paid Academically”)How to get noticed even if you're injured or your team or coach is strugglingMistakes that ruin offers before they’re realWhat’s one thing you’re changing in your recruiting approach after hearing this episode?Follow Rodney Cox – Game Time Recruiting & ConsultingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gametime_rc/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gametime_rcTwitter/X: https://x.com/GametimeRCFollow NickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

What to Eat Before Morning Practice (Without Feeling Sick)

2025-10-3019:56

If you’ve ever eaten before a morning practice and thrown up, or skipped breakfast to avoid it... this episode is for you.Nick breaks down exactly what athletes should eat before early workouts so you can stop feeling slow, tired, and behind your teammates. You’ll learn how to fuel right, even when you’re not hungry, and how to finally feel strong during those early lifts or practices.🎯 What You’ll LearnWhat to eat before morning workouts to perform your bestHow to prevent throwing up or stomach crampsThe best breakfast options for different time windowsWhy skipping breakfast means skipping resultsHow to train your body to want food again in the morningWhat’s your go-to pre-practice meal?Follow NickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

Supplements Athletes Should Avoid: BCAAs, Energy Drinks & More Wastes of Money

2025-10-2320:45

Most athletes think supplements are the shortcut to getting bigger, faster, stronger, but most of them are a waste of money… and some are dangerous.In this episode, Nick breaks down the supplement industry myths, the ones you should avoid, and the few that are actually worth considering.If you’ve ever taken something you saw on TikTok, bought a “mass gainer,” or grabbed a pre-workout after school, this one’s for you.What You’ll LearnThe truth about energy drinks, pre-workouts, and “testosterone boosters”Why BCAAs are one of the most overrated supplements in sportsWhat “third-party tested” really means (and why it matters for your eligibility)The supplements that are actually backed by scienceThe three questions every athlete should ask before buying anythingWhat’s the worst supplement you’ve ever tried or almost bought?Follow NickInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerd⁠Twitter/X: ⁠https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

From JUCO to the Dodgers: How Coach EZ Builds Complete Ball Players

2025-10-2149:17

What does it really take to move from junior college baseball to working with one of the best organizations in the game?In this episode, Nick sits down with Coach EZ (Ezra Lacina), now part of the Los Angeles Dodgers system and former Everett Community College baseball coach to unpack what it means to become a complete ball player.They dive into how catchers, hitters, and pitchers can develop the skills, mindset, and preparation habits that separate average from elite. Along the way, Coach EZ shares lessons inspired by players like Will Smith and Cal Raleigh, plus insights any high-school athlete can apply right now.What You’ll LearnWhat high-school baseball players can learn from pro catchers like Will Smith and Cal RaleighHow Coach EZ helps athletes develop athleticism, consistency, and efficiencyThe role of mindset and preparation in becoming a complete ball playerWhat the Dodgers system emphasizes when looking for and developing playersHow to translate college-level lessons into your own daily habitsWhat’s one lesson from Coach EZ you’ll use to raise your game this week?Follow Coach EZTwitter/X: https://x.com/coach_EZLACINAFollow NickInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

Soccer Offseason Nutrition: What to Eat to Get Faster, Stronger, and Last Longer

2025-10-1622:14

If you’re a soccer player trying to get faster, stronger, and last longer into the second half, this episode is for you.Nick breaks down what soccer players need to eat in the offseason to build speed, strength, and endurance and why skipping carbs or under-eating might be the reason you’re still stuck.What You’ll Learn:Why “eating clean” isn’t enough for soccer playersThe right balance of carbs, protein, and hydrationHow to build an eating schedule that matches your training loadWhy skipping breakfast or snacks kills your performanceSimple food swaps to boost energy all game longWhat’s one thing you’ll change about your eating routine this offseason?📲 Follow Nick:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerdTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd

When Should Athletes Train for Speed? (ft. Coach Czar of Czar Athletics)

2025-10-1445:39

Every athlete wants to get faster, but most are training for speed at the wrong time and the wrong way.In this episode, Nick talks with Coach Czar (Frederick Alcazar), founder of Czar Athletics and Oklahoma’s first certified Universal Speed Rating Lab. Together, they break down what real long-term athlete development looks like, when to focus on speed, and how parents can support growth the right way, without burnout or injury.What You’ll Learn:When athletes should actually start speed trainingWhy early specialization hurts long-term athletic developmentHow to build strong, fast movers at every ageWhy “general physical prep” matters more than drillsThe minimum effective dose for in-season trainingHow nutrition ties into strength, speed, and recoveryHow are you developing your speed right now?Connect with Coach Czar:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/czar.athletics/X (Twitter): https://x.com/czarathleticsTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@czarathletics

#box-pro-ellipsis-176867808345540{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Student Athlete Performance