Max Out Mindset: Recent Episodes
DR. Larry Widman
Host Dr. Larry Widman, a high-performance psychiatrist and elite mindset coach interviews people excelling at the elite level. They discuss the mental skills and mindset ingredients used to push the boundaries.
Michigan softball NFCA All-America Second Team All-American Lauren Putz joins the Max Out Mindset Podcast to share the mental skills that have helped her perform at one of the highest levels in college athletics. In this honest and insightful conversation, Lauren opens up about overcoming negative self-talk, learning to stay present under pressure, and why confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build through consistent work.
Lauren discusses the routines and mindset shifts that helped transform her game, including simplifying her approach with "see ball, hit ball," embracing pressure as a privilege, and discovering that athletes perform their best when they are both fun and focused. She also shares how mindset training has impacted not only her performance on the field but her growth as a person.
Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode offers practical lessons on confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and competing with freedom when the stakes are highest. It's a powerful reminder that the best athletes aren't the ones who never struggle—they're the ones who learn how to respond when challenges come.
Max Out Mindset for Softball Book
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Five-time Nebraska Class A State champion volleyball coach Katie Tarman returns to the Max Out Mindset Podcast for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a championship culture. Katie shares how vulnerability, role acceptance, consistent communication, and genuine relationships have become the foundation of one of the nation's most successful high school volleyball programs. She explains why great cultures aren't built during the playoffs, but through months of intentional conversations, trust, and player ownership. The discussion also explores the realities of balancing motherhood with coaching, leading with both empathy and accountability, creating psychological safety, and helping athletes become leaders who elevate everyone around them. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or leader, this episode is filled with practical insights on building teams that compete fearlessly, stay connected through adversity, and create an environment where players never want to take off the jersey.
In this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, Dr. Larry Widman and Coach Jess sit down once again with the number one beach volleyball team in the world, Taryn Brasher and Kristen Nuss Cruz, for an honest conversation about growth, pressure, and the mental work behind elite performance.
This is the third time Taryn and Kristen have joined the show, and their journey has evolved in powerful ways. After the emotional highs and lows surrounding the Olympic experience, they reflect on what it truly means to grow as athletes and teammates.
The conversation dives deep into how elite performers navigate disappointment, rebuild belief, and continue to push forward. Taryn shares the internal work that helped her develop confidence and self-trust, while Kristen talks about the mindset shifts that allowed them to keep improving even while competing at the highest level in the world.
You'll hear powerful insights on communication between teammates, handling pressure on the biggest stages, and why vulnerability and honesty are essential for teams that want to sustain success.
Taryn also shares how journaling became a critical tool for managing thoughts, building belief, and improving sleep and recovery during tournaments. Together, they explain how the mental side of the game helped them transform setbacks into one of the most successful seasons of their careers.
This episode is packed with practical insight for athletes, coaches, and leaders who want to:
• Build real confidence through preparation and self-talk • Communicate honestly with teammates during high-pressure moments • Turn setbacks into growth instead of self-doubt • Train mindset habits like journaling and awareness • Develop trust and resilience within a team
Whether you're an athlete chasing your potential, a coach developing a culture, or a leader working through challenges with others, this conversation offers a powerful reminder:
Elite performance isn't just about talent. It's about the mindset you bring to the journey.
Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book
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In this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, Coach Jess sits down with Alyssa D'Errico, head coach of Utah Volleyball, for a powerful conversation on leadership, mindset, and what it truly means to max out.
Alyssa shares her journey from championship athlete to head coach and unpacks how elite performers sustain success without losing themselves in the process. The conversation dives into why behaviors—not results—must drive performance, how authenticity allows athletes to stay present under pressure, and why connection is the foundation of championship culture.
You'll hear real stories about managing competitiveness, learning emotional control, training response after failure, and helping athletes move from frustration to freedom. Alyssa also explains how elite programs "out-team" opponents by aligning coaches, athletes, and support staff around shared standards and trust.
This episode is packed with practical insight for athletes, coaches, and leaders who want to:
· Stay consistent when results fluctuate
· Train focus, readiness, and response under pressure
· Use failure as feedback instead of fear
· Build confidence without comparison
· Lead with clarity, connection, and purpose
Whether you're a high school athlete, college competitor, or coach building culture, this conversation offers a clear reminder: who you are and how you show up every day matters!
Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
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In this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, we welcome back John Cook for his second appearance on the show.
John is a four-time national champion volleyball coach and the current GM of the Omaha Supernovas. This time, the conversation goes beyond trophies and records and into what actually lasts inside great programs.
John shares how he defines success with his teams, especially as he builds a brand-new professional organization. We talk about playing for each other, trusting the work when it matters most, competing with joy, and creating a culture people want to be part of — win or lose.
This episode is for coaches who want sustained excellence, not short-term results. For leaders who want trust, connection, and standards that hold up under pressure. And for anyone who believes the scoreboard never tells the full story.
Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
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Norah Sis has built a career on more than talent — everywhere she goes, teams win. From state appearances with her high school team, a national championship in club, gold medals in international competitions, Elite 8 runs at Creighton, and a PVF championship in her first professional season, her impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.
Norah shares how joy fuels her competitiveness, why culture drives championships, and what it means to play free under pressure. She opens up about perfectionism, confidence struggles, and the evolution of her leadership — from a timid freshman to the emotional heartbeat of elite teams.
We also explore her transition to the pros, coping with new roles, leaning on faith, and her excitement to return home to Omaha with the Supernovas.
This episode is a blueprint for athletes and teams who want to compete with belief, stay grounded in who they are, and build cultures where everyone can thrive. Whether you're a coach, player, or fan of women's sports, you'll learn a lot from Norah's wisdom and authenticity.
Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind
Coach Rhonda Revelle returns to the Max Out Mindset Podcast to reflect on growth, healing, and joy in coaching after adversity. Now in her 34th year leading Nebraska Softball, Revelle opens up about the defining challenges of her career and the deep personal work that helped her rediscover peace, purpose, and trust. She speaks candidly about emotional recovery, learning to care less about outside opinions, and finding strength in the people who walked beside her when life felt uncertain.
Through stories of connection, faith, and the “team within the team,” Coach Revelle reveals the evolution of her leadership—from chasing outcomes to cherishing the daily process. She explains her 80/20 rule: 80% of her energy now goes toward building human connection, 20% toward softball. Listeners will hear why “you win in the locker room first,” how joy and competitiveness can coexist, and why she believes true success is measured by hugs, trust, and the feeling that no one wants the season to end.
Her reflections on trust, team-first culture, and her bond with athlete Jordy Bahl bring the episode full circle—showing how relationships, vulnerability, and peace can fuel both performance and purpose. It’s a masterclass in how to lead with heart, adapt with grace, and define success on your own terms.
Max Out Mindset for Softball Book
Max out Mindset services here.
Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
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In this episode, Boston Celtic Baylor Scheierman breaks down what it means to “play free.”—It’s about trusting his preparation, leaning on his faith, and letting go of mistakes so he can perform without fear.
Baylor shares how coaches like Greg McDermott instilled belief, how teammates modeled servant leadership, and how culture and confidence become contagious. From being a 5’9” overlooked recruit to hitting clutch shots on the biggest stages and now earning his role with the Celtics, Baylor’s journey is rooted in preparation, faith, and resilience. This episode is a masterclass in grit, resilience, and controlling the controllables. For athletes, Baylor’s story offers simple, repeatable tools: resetting routines, practicing positive self-talk, and committing to daily preparation. For coaches, it’s proof that instilling belief and valuing every role on a team fuels long-term success. Baylor’s path embodies the 4Cs of Max Out Mindset—Commitment, Confidence, Concentration, and Composure—with confidence and composure shining brightest.
Max Out Mindset for Basketball Book
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In this episode of Max Out Mindset, we sit down with Merritt Beason, a First Team All-American at Nebraska, two-time college captain, and the number one overall draft pick in the Pro Volleyball Federation who now plays for the Omaha Supernovas. Merritt opens up about her journey to competing on some of the biggest stages in college volleyball. She shares how discipline became her competitive advantage, what it was like to step into a leadership role at a new school, and how she learned to manage self-talk, confidence, and performance pressure. Merritt also reflects on her transition to professional volleyball and why relationships have been central to her success. This conversation is a masterclass in vulnerability, resilience, and leading with both love and accountability.
Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
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Welcome to the Max Out Mindset podcast. In this episode, Dr. Larry Widman and Coach Jess sit down with Coach Beth Singleton, a powerhouse in the softball world and a model of sustained excellence at both the club and collegiate levels. From winning national championships with Nebraska GOLD 16U and 18U teams to leading Midland University to two NAIA World Series appearances in the last three years, Coach Singleton has proven she knows how to build a championship culture with an emphasis on training mindset. She shares her journey from club coaching to the college ranks and what it takes to lead with clarity, consistency, and care. Beth unpacks the mindset needed to sustain high-level performance, her belief in developing the whole athlete, and the role that vulnerability and connection play in competitive success. She reflects on building trust with athletes, training confidence intentionally, and how she prepares teams to perform when it matters most. Nuggets galore from a very relatable coach.
Max Out Mindset for Softball Book
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Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
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In this episode, Dr. Larry Widman and Coach Jess sit down with Coach Brian Rosen, the new head of Creighton University Volleyball and one of the rising stars in collegiate coaching. From his beginnings in high school sports to leading one of the top volleyball programs in the country, Rosen shares a candid and insightful look into what it takes to max out as a coach, a leader, and a person.
Coach Rosen unpacks his journey and the power of vulnerability, grace, and intentional self-talk in developing an elite mindset. He speaks to the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, building transformational culture, and training confidence like any other skill. Rosen also dives into the art of giving honest feedback, managing pressure, and fostering authentic relationships that allow athletes to thrive on and off the court. Coach Rosen reminds us that growth is not about being perfect—it’s about being present, connected, and willing to go all in.
Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
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Dr. Larry Widman hosts the Max Out Mindset Podcast with special guest Coach Steven Gream, head coach of Cowley College Volleyball—a junior college powerhouse with a staggering 307–46 record, 81 straight wins, and two back-to-back national championships.
Coach Gream shares how sustained excellence is built from the inside out. He reveals why mindset matters most, suggesting a 3:1 mental-to-physical ratio in performance, and reflects on how COVID-19 reshaped his approach to coaching. From his roots in basketball to building a volleyball dynasty, Gream unpacks his philosophy on team culture, leadership development, and staying composed under pressure.
Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
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In today's podcast episode, we welcome back Kristen Kelsay, the Head Volleyball Coach at Michigan State University.
With this inspiring new head coach, we dive into mindset, leadership, and team dynamics. She emphasizes the importance of betting on yourself, taking calculated risks, and making decisions based on personal values. Building psychological safety and trust within a team is crucial. Athletes need to feel safe to fail and learn; trust is built through small actions but can be lost quickly. Resilience through adversity is highlighted, with past struggles and embracing challenges seen as growth opportunities. Kristen encourages courageous conflict and exemplifies transformational leadership, focusing on life skills beyond volleyball.
Michigan State Volleyball’s mission of winning is supported by three pillars: Relationships, Values, and Growth. She trains confidence through consistent effort and embracing the learning process, offering valuable lessons and practical advice for athletes, coaches, and anyone looking to improve their mindset and leadership skills.
Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
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On this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, we welcome back Trish Siedlik, head coach of Bellevue University Volleyball, for an in-depth conversation about the journey to sustained success. Trish has built an incredible program, leading her team to multiple national tournament appearances and a recent national championship runner-up finish. With over 20 years of coaching experience, she has learned that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about culture, leadership, and the ability to evolve.
We dive into the evolution of her coaching mindset, from trusting her players and staff to building a culture centered on positive intent. Trish shares how she has adapted to the changing landscape of coaching, the importance of showing love and belief in her players, and the role that ownership and leadership development played in Bellevue’s historic run.
We also discuss: ✅ How championship teams are built from the inside out ✅ Why trust and alignment between coaches and players are critical ✅ The impact of positive intent on team culture and performance ✅ What Trish learned from the highest of highs and lowest of lows this season ✅ How mindset played a key role in the team’s ability to stay resilient and max out when it mattered most
This episode is packed with wisdom for coaches, athletes, and leaders looking to develop a winning mindset. Tune in to learn how elite teams are made—and how they sustain success even through challenges.
🎧 Listen now!
We welcome Jordy Bahl back for a second podcast episode, where she dives deeper into her incredible journey. Jordy shares her experiences transitioning from Oklahoma to Nebraska after an ACL injury and reflects on the evolving concept of "maxing out." She opens up about her struggles with perfectionism, adopting a "good enough" mindset, and embracing vulnerability to foster team unity. Jordy shares her strategies for overcoming challenges, such as leaning on spirituality, maintaining perspective, and using visualization to bolster confidence. Jordy also explores the importance of role acceptance and team unity, noting how players' attitudes—on and off the field—affect team success. As a leader, she stresses the importance of consistency, open communication, and balancing accountability with compassion. Don't miss Jordy's inspiring advice to her future self as she continues her fearless pursuit of excellence.
Max Out Mindset for Softball Book
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Welcome to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. This is your host, Dr. Larry Widman, and my co-host, Coach Jess Knecht.
Our guest today is someone who knows all about performing under pressure and achieving greatness. She has had an extraordinary athletic and coaching career. Her journey started as a standout athlete at Georgia Tech University, where she played on the right side and helped her team reach the Elite Eight in 2003.
Her coaching career has been equally impressive, with stops at Appalachian State, the University of Miami, and the University of Kansas. As an assistant coach at Kansas, she played a key role in leading the program to its first-ever Final Four appearance. From there, she became the head coach at Texas A&M, where she guided the team to a Sweet 16 appearance.
Most recently, she stepped into the professional volleyball world as an assistant coach for the Omaha Supernovas in the Pro Volleyball Federation. She quickly rose to the position of interim head coach and led the team to an incredible inaugural season, culminating in a national championship. That championship was particularly special, as it marked the first professional volleyball league national championship in America.
She embodies everything it means to max out with an overall coaching record of 444-172.
Bird emphasizes the foundational role of relationships, mental toughness, and authenticity in her coaching approach. She candidly shares the challenges she faced, particularly in navigating role acceptance within a professional league and the importance of strong administrative support. Reflecting on her decision to return for a second season, she highlights the value of relationships and the competitive chemistry within her team as driving factors.
Please welcome Coach Laura "Bird" Kuhn to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. We are so excited to have you here to share your journey and insights. Let’s dive in!
Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book
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In this episode of the Max Out Mindset podcast, we explore the remarkable journey of Steven Ashworth, basketball player at Creighton University. Steven shares his experiences of overcoming challenges, from being doubted and undersized to becoming a key player through relentless work ethic and mental toughness. He reflects on his personal definition of "maxing out," which means surpassing expectations with the support of teammates, coaches, and for some, sports psychologists.
Steven emphasizes the importance of trust, communication, and being present both on the court and in life. He also offers insights into his strategies for overcoming fear and comparison, while highlighting the pivotal role of Coach Mac in building player confidence and fostering team dynamics.
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Today’s guest is an accomplished athlete from Elkhart, Indiana, a two-time state champion at Penn High School and an All-American at Purdue University. She was named the 2019 Best Opposite at the FIVB World Cup and USA Volleyball Player of the Year, having been a member of the national team since 2017. A key player on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic team that won the first-ever gold medal for U.S. Volleyball, she came off the bench as a game-changer before starting the final games, leading the team with 97 points and 88 kills. In 2024, she followed up with a silver medal at the Paris Olympics and broke the all-time points record for a U.S. volleyball player, surpassing the previous record set by Destiny Hooker.
Most of our listeners will truly appreciate Annie Drews's willingness to explore the role that mindset training can play in elevating performance at this point in her career. Please welcome Annie Drews to the Max Out Mindset podcast.
Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind
We are thrilled to have a special guest on today’s episode: Brooke Nuneviller, a powerhouse in the world of volleyball.
Brooke spent five remarkable years at the University of Oregon, where she made her mark as a four-time All-Pac-12 selection and a three-time AVCA All-American. She’s the first and only athlete in Pac-12 history to achieve over 1,500 kills and 2,000 digs in a career, a testament to her unmatched skill and dedication. Brooke has also been a vital member of the US Women’s National Team, playing a key role in securing the gold medal at the 2023 NORCECA Pan American Cup Final.
Her professional career has taken her across the globe, from competing in Turkey to making her mark in Athletes Unlimited. Most recently, Brooke captained the Omaha Supernovas to victory in the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation National Championship.
In this episode, Brooke shares her journey, the mindset required to excel under pressure, and the lessons learned from competing at the highest levels of the sport. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, Brooke’s insights into reaching the limits of your capabilities, especially when it matters most, will inspire and motivate you.
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
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Today, we are thrilled to welcome Sydney Hilley to the Max Out Mindset podcast. Sydney was a four-time captain at the University of Wisconsin, showcasing her leadership and commitment. She was named Big 10 Setter of the Year three times, and for those Nebraska fans out there, you'll remember her stellar performance in the five-set victory that secured Wisconsin the 2021 National Championship. Sydney's collegiate career boasts 6,138 assists, with a remarkable 78 assists in a single match!
On the national stage, Sydney contributed to the bronze medal win at the Pan-Am Cup and played a pivotal role in securing the gold medal at the 2023 NORCECA Pan-American Final Six. I first met Sydney through the Omaha Supernovas, where she helped lead them to victory in the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation National Championship and was named the MVP of the championship match.
Join us as we dive into the journey and mindset of this incredible leader and athlete, Sydney Hilley. Despite not playing much during the last few weeks of the season, when her number was called, she was ready for her moment and delivered when it mattered most.
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
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Join Kelly Kinney, a top volleyball recruit from West Palm Beach, FL, and a University of Minnesota commit. Kelly's journey of resilience and success is an inspiring story of overcoming adversity that led to her biggest breakthroughs. Her injury focused her determination to work harder, leading to remarkable achievements as a U19 and U21 USA Volleyball National Team member.
Kelly shares valuable insights and strategies to help you cultivate a winning mindset to achieve your goals. Rejection, comparison, and struggle are part of the journey to achieve success. Welcome, Kelly, to the podcast!
Want to learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess? Please visit www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow Coach Jess on Instagram @max_out_mind_jess and X @JessKnecht.
From Cave Creek, Arizona, Kam Gibadlo grew up as a multi-sport athlete. She was recently named to the 2024 USA Volleyball U21 National Team roster and just completed her freshman year at the University of Utah. She earned post-season honors as she was named to the 2023 Pac-12 Freshman Team. Past accomplishments include being a member of the 2023 USAV GJNC 18 Open All-American team, where her team finished third in the nation.
In this episode, Kam shares her inspiring journey and opens up about how cultivating joy on and off the court has given her a competitive edge. From overcoming self-confidence challenges to celebrating her strengths, Kam's contagious competitive spirit and joy on and off the court will have you rethinking the powerful role of joy in achieving peak performance. This rising star offers an insightful perspective on finding purpose beyond just the sport you play.
Want to learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess? Please visit www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow Coach Jess on Instagram @max_out_mind_jess and X @JessKnecht.
Welcome to the Max Out Mindset podcast! In this episode, we're joined by Mia Lind, creator of the trademarked Hot Girl Walk, a four-mile journey focused on gratitude, goal-setting, and self-confidence. Mia shares how this simple walking routine transformed her life, helping her overcome teenage struggles with confidence and comparison on social media.
Through regular practice of gratitude and focusing on her achievements during her walks, Mia learned to cultivate confidence from within. This realization profoundly impacted her life, leading to success in job interviews, increased self-assurance, and the ability to disregard others' opinions.
Join us as Mia shares the transformative power of the Hot Girl Walk and how this practice can help you build unshakable self-confidence from the inside out.
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In this episode of the Max Out Mindset podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Coach Paul Limongi, a highly accomplished football coach with an impressive track record. Although I have only known Coach Limongi for a couple of years, his impact on the athletic world has been significant and long-lasting.
Before joining Westside High School, my alma mater, Coach Limongi, spent 16 years at Burke High School in Omaha, Nebraska. During his tenure there, he led his team to one state championship in 2018 and amassed an impressive 106-55 record. Coach Limongi's ability to nurture and develop talent has been instrumental in helping many of his players continue their careers at the collegiate level.
Two years ago, Coach Limongi transitioned to Westside High School, where he has continued his success. In his time at Westside, he has led the team to a remarkable 25-1 record and two consecutive state championships. In this episode, we will delve into Coach Limongi's journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from a successful program at Burke to a previously successful culture at Westside, and how he managed to merge the two.
Moreover, we will explore the personal adversity Coach Limongi faced when he was diagnosed with a tumor on his tonsils. This earth-shattering news undoubtedly had a profound impact on his life and career. Join us as we explore Coach Paul Limongi's insights, experiences, and the valuable lessons he has learned throughout his coaching career and personal life on the Max Out Mindset podcast.
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Coach Sheffield is currently one of the most successful coaches in NCAA Women's Volleyball. He won a National Championship in 2021 and boasts a record of 292-61 at the time of this podcast. He has great insights into what it takes to help individual athletes max out as well as the collective team. Coach appears to have a wonderful mix of love and accountability that allows him to have challenging conversations when necessary. He has embraced the role that mindset training, in particular mindfulness, has in overall performance in sport and life. Enjoy listening to one of the elite coaches in the game today!
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind
Join us on this special episode with Statia and Henry Hendrix, parents of elite volleyball player Evan Hendrix. Statia and Henry share their journey navigating the world of elite youth sports, from finding the right club to fostering an empowering mindset. Discover their approach to nurturing their daughter's athletic potential while prioritizing her personal growth and robust value system. Gain wisdom on creating a supportive environment, embracing challenges, and walking the fine line between encouragement and over-involvement. Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
Max Out Mindset for Parents book here
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Today, we have the pleasure of diving into the inspiring journey of Ellie Bolton, who has played at volleyball powerhouses in high school, club and college with roots in the Kansas City area. Ellie's early days were marked by her standout performances with the KC Power Play club and the formidable St. James Academy high school team, clinching back-to-back state championships and numerous individual accolades. However, as we know, the path to success in athletics is not always smooth. Upon joining Creighton University, Ellie began her collegiate career as the starting Libero, making a significant impact from her freshman year onwards. Despite her impressive four-year tenure at Creighton, Ellie's journey wasn't without its challenges. In the competitive world of sports, highs and lows are inevitable, and Ellie's story reflects the realities that athletes face. Now in her fifth year as a graduate transfer at SMU, Ellie has embraced new opportunities and challenges, illustrating the evolving landscape of her athletic career. Join us as we delve into the triumphs, setbacks, and the perseverance that has defined Ellie Bolton's remarkable journey.
Follow Ellie Instagram: @ellie.bolton and on Twitter @elliebolt16
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
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Introducing our latest episode on the Max Out Mindset Podcast with guest athlete, Rebekah Allick, a sophomore middle blocker from the University of Nebraska!
Rebekah shares her journey of resilience and growth after the tough loss in the National Championship to Texas in the 2023 NCAA Volleyball Tournament. Learn how she faced her anxiety head-on and made a promise to be more authentic and invest in her team's relationships. She is a strong advocate for mindset training and strategies, and this episode is worth the listen.
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind
Welcome to the Max Out Mindset podcast! Today, we have two amazing guests, Hannah and Lauren Camenzind, University of Arkansas softball athletes. These talented twin sisters have achieved incredible success in high school and during their first season in college.
In this episode, we'll dive into their competitive bond and how it fuels their performance on the softball field. They'll share the importance of routines and how they contribute to their success. Plus, we'll learn more about why the power of self-talk builds confidence and the commitment to daily improvement that's necessary to thrive.
Hannah and Lauren will also discuss the value of accountability and how building relationships through vulnerability has been a key factor in their team's success. Get ready to be inspired by their journey and learn valuable insights from these exceptional athletes.
Order Dr. Widman's book Max Out Mindset for Softball:A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most.
Amanda is the Head Volleyball Coach at Sandra Day O'Connor High School (AZ), the 2023 6A State Champions. She is also the Club Director at Revolution Volleyball Academy (RVA). She was inducted into ASU's Hall of Fame in 2010 and was an AVCA All-American in 2000.
We discussed the team's journey and learned how they leaned into their second scorecard. Amanda shares the importance of mindset training, and that confidence needs to be trained like any physical skill. This episode provides insight for athletes, teams, and coaches at any level!
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.
Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht
Twitter: @Doc_elitemind
I am so excited to welcome Ana to the Max Out Mindset podcast. She is an elite young woman who is the epitome of what it means to me gritty. I promise you she is a budding superstar in the sports media world, and the biggest reason, besides her innate talent, is that nobody will ever outwork her. We talk about the same mindset skills that she employs, such as visualization and mindfulness, to help her perform at a high level, often under pressure. I absolutely love her mantra, "If you can see it, be it." Her insights will help any high performer understand the mechanics of what it takes to max out when it matters the most!
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here
Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.
Twitter: @Doc_elitemind
Diane is the President of Nebraska Pro Volleyball, home of the Omaha Supernovas. She has spent a large part of her life in and around the sport of volleyball. We discuss her journey that has led to this exact moment in time where she can use all of her experiences to help the Pro Volleyball League be a smashing success. It was fun to discuss mindset and the role that it plays in maximizing performance. After listening to the way Diane thinks about organizations, teams, leaders and people, you will know why she is the perfect person to drive success in the inaugural season for the Omaha Supernovas.
Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here
Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.
Twitter: @Doc_elitemind
We are very excited to welcome back Coach Booth, Head Coach of Creighton University's volleyball team, to the Max Out Mindset podcast. She was our first guest on the podcast in February 2020. Lots have changed in the world since our last visit, but one thing that hasn't changed is her team's continued ability to put themselves in a position to max out. Her teams since 2014 have posted an impressive record of 156-11 in the Big East Conference and have had an amazing run of nine straight conference championships and eleven straight NCAA tournament appearances.
Coach Booth shares many valuable insights on what it takes for a coach to maintain consistency over time and, more specifically, to help her athletes max out in both life and sport. For anyone in the high-performance space, you will love some of the timely lessons about protecting your culture, growing through adversity, and harnessing the power of effective communication. Her vulnerability shines through in her role as a coach, parent, and human being.
Order Dr. Widman's book Max Out Mindset for Volleyball at www.maxoutmindset.com A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most.
We welcome Tristan Alvano, a true freshman starting kicker for the University of Nebraska football team, to the Max Out Mindset podcast. You will learn how he trains his mental skills through meditation and visualization.
Tristan was a record-breaking kicker for Omaha Westside High School. Alvano set state all-class records for most field goals in a game and in a season, while his 27 career field goals were the most in Class A history. He was honored as a first-team high school All-American as a senior. Alvano made 16 field goals as a senior, the most in a season in the history of Nebraska high school football, regardless of class. In Westside's state championship victory over Gretna, he kicked five field goals, including a 50-yarder and a 45-yard game-winner as time expired. His five field goals were the most in any state playoff game in Nebraska history and tied for the most field goals in any high school game in state history. That performance earned him a full-ride scholarship to the University of Nebraska football team.
After a contested fall camp, he was named the starting kicker for the Huskers.
Order Dr. Widman's new book Max Out Mindset for Volleyball or Max Out Mindset for Softball at www.maxoutmindset.comA Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most.
Welcome Nebraskan and current University of Washington softball pitcher to the Max Out Mindset podcast. She has had tremendous success in high school and that success continued during her first year in college. It was so fun to hear her story and learn how she leans into a growth mindset to navigate the adjustment to the college softball world. She is a big believer in learning from setbacks and using coaches, teammates and her own mindset strategies to help elevate performance. Like most high performers we get to visit with on the podcast, Ruby struggles at times but she has great awareness of what she struggles with and strategies such as visualization, deep breathing and the use of routines to help her perform at her best.
Order Dr. Widman's new book Max Out Mindset for Volleyball or Max Out Mindset for Softball at www.maxoutmindset.com A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most.
Coach Kelly brings a wealth of experience from competing on elite teams and has coached at the college (USC), high school, and club levels in AZ/CA. Her philosophy of training a “complete player” stems from these experiences. She uses this knowledge in her coaching to bring out the best version of each player. She also brings wisdom to training the 3rd ingredient of confidence, the coach's role!
As an athlete, Kelly attended USC as an outside hitter, where she was a four-year starter. She competed in various USA volleyball programs, including Olympic Festivals and the 1995 World University Games. She trained in Japan under Dr. Arie Selinger, who led USA volleyball to a Silver Medal. After graduation, she played professionally overseas in Brazil and Puerto Rico and ended her career on the AVP Beach Tour, being nominated for Rookie of the Year. Her favorite part of the sport has always been being on a team and her teammates.
Learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess at www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow her on Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.
Welcome Coach Todd Petersen to the Max Out Mindset podcast. As one of the best coaches in the history of Nebraska High School and Club Softball, he shares many nuggets to help other coaches and athletes max out when it matters the most. He has continued a long pattern of success as the head coach of Papillion-Lavista High School softball, and has coached arguably the most talented high school team ever to suit up in Nebraska. Yet, even during those years, he was always making sure that there weren’t barriers that would get in the way of his team performing at the highest level. You will learn about his “Be Secretariat” mantra that he brought to those “dynasty” teams, but it is really how he thinks about every team. It’s also great to learn from a coach that has been willing to evolve with an emphasis on building relationships better than ever with his athletes and coaching staff. I really enjoyed this conversation.
Order Dr. Widman's new book Max Out Mindset for Volleyball or Max Out Mindset for Softball at www.maxoutmindset.com A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most.
The University of Minnesota Associate Head Volleyball Coach, Kristen Kelsay, joins the Max Out Mindset podcast! She shares the wisdom she gained from her seven years of experience as an assistant coach in the Big Ten, including four with Michigan State (2015-18) and three with Northwestern (2019-21). Learn from her experience as a college athlete at Michigan State under former Head Coach, Cathy George, and how it led to jump-starting her coaching journey. Hear insights into her time as a Gopher with Head Coach, Keegan Cook.
This episode provides insight into how coaches and athletes can build the second 'C' of the Elite Mindset, confidence. Her own confidence and coaching style draws on her values: being kind, acting with integrity, and always returning to her faith. We dive into learning there is strength in vulnerability and the gift of having a mentor. The gloves are off in this episode!
Learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess at www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow her on Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.
One of the GOAT’s of college softball, Jordy Bahl, joins Coach Jess and I on the Max Out Mindset podcast. She just won her 2nd National Championship in college softball. She was 5-0 while pitching 25 2/3 innings of shut-out softball in the 2023 College World Series, while being named the MVP of the College World Series.
This episode is jam-packed with mindset strategies to help any high performer improve their craft and life. Jordy is open about some of the challenges she has faced in the past year and discusses her strategies to help overcome those challenges. She makes it very clear-vulnerability is a strength. Jordy is not one to brag about her accomplishments. Still, she has been a part of softball championships in high school, Club, and most recently now with back-to-back championships at the University of Oklahoma. Her honesty and integrity shine through in one of the best podcasts of 2023!
Order Dr. Widman's new book Max Out Mindset for Softball: A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most
Coach Tonya Johnson; Empowering Women in Volleyball Welcome LSU Women’s Head Volleyball Coach Tonya Johnson to the Max Out Mindset podcast. She has been very successful at all levels of her sport, including as a player and coach. She is in her second year as head Volleyball coach at LSU. It will become apparent in this conversation that Coach has a very high level of emotional intelligence. You will learn how she models the behavior that she wants from her team. There are gems and nuggets galore throughout the podcast. Enjoy!
Order Dr. Widman's new book Max Out Mindset for Volleyball at www.maxoutmindset.com A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most.
Welcome Phekran Kong (PK) from the University of Louisville Volleyball team to the Max Out Mindset Podcast! PK is a 6'3" middle blocker who played a valuable role in her team's historic appearance in the 2022 NCAA Women's Volleyball National Championship.
PK shares why grace and gratitude allow her to stay composed during competition. Having a goldfish memory helps her mind not to dwell in the past but to stay present in the moment. She also shares why her teammates and coaches play a significant role in her success on/off the volleyball court!
Learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess at www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow her on Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.
Please welcome Coach Liskevych, who shares his views on maxing out when it matters the most. He talks about the highs and lows of decades spent coaching and teaching his craft. He has been successful at every level of his sport, including as the head coach of the USWNT. Coach is also the co-founder of the AVCA, so one can fully understand his impact on the world of volleyball. As a co-owner of The Art of Coaching, he has been able to help coaches at all levels of experience be better at their craft as well.
Order Dr. Widman's new book Max Out Mindset for Volleyball at www.maxoutmindset.com A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most
Coach Ziegler is one of the best ever to coach high school volleyball in the State of Nebraska. She has won State Championships in Track and Field as well as Volleyball. Her team at Lincoln Lutheran recently finished a historical season in which they went undefeated and won back-to-back State Championships. I love her focus on culture and having fun as ingredients that lead to success. There are nuggets galore that Coach shares on what it takes to put a team in the best position to max out in life and sport.
Pre-Order Dr. Widman's new book Max Out Mindset for Volleyball at maxoutmindset.com A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most
Today we welcome Lindsay Krause to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. Lindsay is a current volleyball student-athlete at the University of Nebraska. She was named to the 2022 Academic All-Big Ten and 2021 Big Ten All-Freshman Team and is an Assistant Coach with Premier Nebraska 16 Gold.
Lindsay was a multi-sport athlete in high school and captured four Nebraska Class B State Volleyball Championships! She shares how mindset training provided successful strategies to own her self-talk to play confident on the court
She shares insight about the importance of mental health and encourages athletes to utilize their resources if they need help. Listen to how she overcomes perfectionism and failure!
Want to learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess? Please visit www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow Coach Jess on Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.
Skyler Pierce joins the Max Out Mindset podcast! She is a Husker Volleyball Commit ('28) and the #4 ranked prospect in the Class of 2024 by PrepVolleyball.com. She is also the Metro Sports KC Player of the Year/MVP and a member of USAV's NTDP.
She's a fierce multi-sport athlete from Kansas, competing on Dynasty's 17 Black club volleyball team and at Olathe Northwest High School (basketball and volleyball). Her commitment to servant leadership shows in her athletic achievements, academic excellence, and community service. Her humility and focus on the team above herself help this high performer achieve big goals.
Listen to how she handles the pressure of the national stage, and what commitment looks like to be elite. She shares why mindset training is so vital to improving her confidence.
Want more information on mindset training? Please visit www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow Coach Jess on Instagram @max_out_mindset_jess and Twitter @JessKnecht.
Grace Heaney | Growth Mentality Today Coach Jess Welcomes Grace Heaney to the Max Out Mindset Podcast! She is a Purdue Volleyball Commit ('27) and is the #14 ranked prospect in the Class of 2023, by PrepVolleyball.com.
As a multi-sport athlete, she has found success on high-level teams in Premier Nebraska 18 Gold and Elkhorn North High School (basketball, track & field, and volleyball). Her commitment to bettering herself for the team demanded she steps up in new ways. Grace is committed to changing her body language/attitude to be the best leader. Mindset training, family, and faith keep her grounded as she navigates the pressure as a high-performing athlete.
Want to learn more about mindset training? Please visit www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow Coach Jess on Instagram @max_out_mindset_jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.
Former University of Nebraska Omaha libero and Premier Nebraska 16 Gold Assistant Coach, Jaiden Centeno, shares her powerful testimony of how vulnerability and mindset training increased her confidence to max out in the postseason competition.
Jaiden shares how much mental health matters. At 16 years old, she suffered a season-ending hip injury that led her to understand the strength it takes to ask for help. Loneliness, not playing the sport she loved, and questioning when she could compete again impacted her mental health. Listen to how she breaks down the mental health stigma surrounding collegiate athletes and learn why she finally bought into mindset training during her senior season!
Learn more about Coach Jess and Max Out Mindset! Please visit www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow Coach Jess on Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.
Head 16 Gold Coach, Elise Fulcher, from Premier Nebraska Volleyball joins the Max Out Mindset Podcast. She provides valuable insight and experience as a club, high school and former Division 1 volleyball coach!
Elise was also a former collegiate athlete who overcame injuries to find her true passion in the sport. Listen as she shares how adversity and intentional mindset training helped her team max out when it mattered most. Consistency in her training and coaching is an important ingredient in her team's success.
Learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess? Please visit www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow Coach Jess on Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.
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Today we welcome Norah Sis to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. Norah is a current volleyball student-athlete at Creighton University. She was named the 2022 Big East Volleyball Player of the Year, won a Gold Medal at the Pan American Cup with USA Volleyball's U21 Team and was an AVCA Third Team All-American in 2021.
Norah was a multi-sport athlete in high school and chose to pursue her volleyball career in college. She shares the value and importance of mindset training when she needs to improve her confidence on the court. Her commitment and confidence helped her stay composed when it mattered most in some of the NCAA's biggest matches.
Fun, faith and being fearless are three traits that best describe her! Grab a pen and a piece of paper because she provides key advice for the prospective/current athlete.
Want to learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess? Please visit www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow Coach Jess on Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.
The Golden State Warriors have a set of Core Values that guides them. They call it the Golden State of Mind. When I think about Lexi Zeiss, those same four values come to mind. You will never meet a more joyful & compassionate student-athlete. But she is a fierce competitor as well. Over the past couple of years, she has learned to be mindful, which allows her to be present and aware of her thoughts, feeling & emotions. She has gone from a relatively unknown on the National stage at the beginning of 2022 to be a member of the USA Gymnastics National Team that took home the Gold at the World Championships in the Fall of 2022! It’s an incredible journey to this point in her life, but you find out that Lexi is also an incredible person. I hope you enjoy listening to her passion, joy, and wonderful insights on the Max Out Mindset podcast.
Lexi Zeiss 2 x U.S. National Team Member USA Gymnastics Worlds Team – 2022 Pan American Championships All Around Silver Medalist - 2022
If you want to Max Out in business, sport or life, visit Max Out Mindset
It was awesome to bring back Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss to talk about their transition to professional beach volleyball and what makes their partnership tick so well. I always say you must have enough talent to compete for championships, but how well you attack the non-technical aspects of your sport often determines if you and your team can max out when it matters the most. One of the few positive events to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic was the unlikely partnership of Taryn and Kristen while playing for the Beach Volleyball program at LSU. Even though they went undefeated while paired together during their last season at LSU, winning AVCA Beach Pair of the year, their rapid ascent to the top professional ranks in their first full year on the AVP Tour in 2022 has surprised many people. I have known Taryn since her days at Creighton University, where she played indoor volleyball, and have had the pleasure to watch her grow as a person and in her sport, so nothing surprises me with her—and if you know Kristen, she is the engine that drives home excellence. I love talking about growth through adversity, so it should not surprise you that my favorite part of our conversation was their performance struggles during 2022. But that laid the foundation for their next growth level, leading them to be named the AVP Beach Team of the year in 2022!
This episode is brought to you by the Max Out Mindset Video Series for Volleyball:
- 7 PowerPoint-driven sessions taught by Dr. Widman covering Preparing your Mind for Battle, Max Out your Mind & Max Out your Team.
- Downloadable actionable workbook with over 100 questions, discussion points and suggestions for team exercises.
- Over 45 videos from some of the best athletes, coaches, teams, and leaders in the world, including Olympic gold medal winners Jordan Larson, Jordan Thompson, Kim Hill, and Justine Wong-Orantes
- Numerous lessons from some of the best to coach or play in the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and the NCAA to help validate all the Max Out Mindset principles on how to prepare your mind for battle, max out your mind and max out your team!
Join me in welcoming Coach Rhonda Revelle to the Max Out Mindset podcast. She is one of the most positive coaches I know, and it was an honor to discuss her career, both the highs and the lows.
Her deliberate focus on gratitude and appreciation is reflected in her career as a Hall of Fame coach with a resume of success over several decades.
My favorite part of the conversation was discussing the challenges and then the growth that surfaced during the adversity over the past couple of years. I loved hearing about her feelings for the most recent team that finished their season in the Spring of 2022. There was genuine love and appreciation for the team and many of the parents/athletes that stood by her during some of her darkest times. It was not surprising to me the vulnerability that Coach Revelle demonstrated during our conversation. Her wisdom will help many navigate the challenges of being a high performer, whether in life or sport.
Welcome Coach Brock, LSU’s head beach volleyball coach to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. Coach Brock’s 2021-22 team word for the year was Intentional. Part of their success was finding ways to be intentional in all aspects of their lives, which translated to on-court performance. When I think of Coach Brock and why he has been able to be successful in his life and, in particular, in the building of one of the great beach volleyball programs, it is because of his commitment to being intentional as well. You will love many of his insights and there are nuggets galore for anybody who is a high performer trying to get their team or themselves to max out when it matters the most.
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Shannon Smolinski, Director of Premier Performance: Training Female Volleyball Athletes to Max Out in Sport and Life
Today we welcome Shannon to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. We talk all things volleyball with a focus on the teachings and philosophy of Premier Volleyball Nebraska. It becomes clear that Shannon’s mission is in complete alignment with Premier regarding how to help grow young women to max out in sport and life. We certainly spend time talking about the role that mindset training plays in overall performance. We talk about the growth of Club volleyball in general and the incredible growth that has taken place at Premier. Her joy and passion for volleyball and for teaching young women shines throughout our conversation. Enjoy!
Work with Dr. Widman; go here
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Shannon Smolinski, Director of Premier Performance: Training Female Volleyball Athletes to Max Out in Sport and Life
Today we welcome Shannon to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. We talk all things volleyball with a focus on the teachings and philosophy of Premier Volleyball Nebraska. It becomes clear that Shannon’s mission is in complete alignment with Premier regarding how to help grow young women to max out in sport and life. We certainly spend time talking about the role that mindset training plays in overall performance. We talk about the growth of Club volleyball in general and the incredible growth that has taken place at Premier. Her joy and passion for volleyball and for teaching young women shines throughout our conversation. Enjoy!
Work with Dr. Widman; go here
Follow Dr. Widman on Twitter @doc_elitemind
Please welcome Jordan Thompson to the Max Out Mindset podcast. This is as good of a conversation as I've ever had due to her willingness to share her story in an honest and vulnerable way. She discusses her struggles with imposter syndrome, maintaining composure and her self-talk. She also has wonderful strategies to deal with all of these issues so that she can max out when it matters the most. Her journey is full of making history in her sport, both at the NCAA and Olympic level. She has also had her share of ups and downs that also played out during the Olympic games of 2021, resulted in the first gold medal for volleyball in US history. I was so impressed with Jordan as an athlete and person! Enjoy!
Work with Dr. Widman; go here
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In 2019, entering her 14th season as the Head Coach of Bellevue University Volleyball, she wanted to do things better than ever. She was already a highly successful coach by many measures, but she wanted to be able to give more to her team. Her plan included evolving herself as a coach to model the behaviors that she wanted the team to display and build better connections with them. She also wanted to give them more mindset tools to help them stay confident and composed in the biggest moments. It’s always fun to watch this process occur with the normal fits and starts but eventually lead to something really wonderful over time. She shared some incredible insights and was willing to share some of her vulnerabilities on this podcast. In 2021, her team advanced to the NAIA National Tournament quarterfinals for the first time since 2000. There is no question in my mind that her willingness to evolve was part of the equation as to why her team was able to put themselves in the best position to max out when it mattered the most. Enjoy!
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Coach David Hunt has been a force in the volleyball world at virtually every level. He has worked at the highest levels in both Men’s and Women’s volleyball, including in the Olympics and the international world. On the podcast, he articulates his journey, vision, and gratitude for his mentors so well. His growth mindset and willingness to become vulnerable as a coach shine throughout. He has just transitioned back to the women’s game as the Associate Head Coach for the University of Texas. It was very enjoyable to learn from him, and I look forward to watching him continue to shine. Oh, by the way, he is Jordan Larson’s husband. (that’s a joke from the podcast!)
Max Out Mindset book and services here
Jess Knecht is a former multi-sport athlete who currently coaches high school and club volleyball. Her coaching style reflects a huge emphasis on mindset training. She has made a tremendous impact over the past few years in her coaching/mentoring role with individual high-performing athletes. She shares many wonderful insights and nuggets about how to develop and train the whole person. Her take on perfectionism is one of many I loved. We are also so excited that she is bringing her talent, passion, personality, and energy to the Max Out Mindset team.
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Damon is known for many different things during his lifetime. National Championship Husker athlete, award-winning sports radio co-host, high school football coach, husband, father, and son. But life hasn’t always been easy for him, which makes his story and his insights so compelling. I have always loved listening to him because of his intellectual curiosity and thoughtfulness about many challenging issues facing human beings. His willingness to be vulnerable in this setting and share his struggles and successes pleasantly surprised me. In the end, I love people who have a growth mindset and are willing to evolve. Ultimately, this stood out to me during our conversation on the Max Out Mindset podcast. Enjoy!
Buy Max Out Book here
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Coach Tarman is a former Division I volleyball player at Kansas State who has been a head coach for Papillion La-Vista South high school for the past three seasons. The title of one of Meatloaf's songs fits her head coaching journey fairly well-Two Out of Three Ain't Bad! We discuss her journey as a former player, including one of her regrets. We discuss the last three seasons that have included two State Championships and how she trains them to max out when it matters the most. Her 2021 team went undefeated, and the success of that team will certainly stand the test of time and go down as one of the best in Nebraska's high school history. You will love her insights and the wonderful nuggets she shares to help high performers max out in life and sport.
Today on the Max Out Mindset podcast, I have a husband-and-wife team. Their four years of coaching at Concordia University Volleyball have taken this team to heights never reached, including a couple of Elite Eight finishes the past two years in the NAIA National Tournament. They do a wonderful job of staying process-focused. They do an equally great job of staying true to the Core Values for the team. These have helped them this year, more than ever, stay focused on improvement rather than the win-loss record. It paid off in the 2nd half of the fall 2021 season, culminating in a tremendous run in the GPAC Conference Tournament, followed by a deep run in the National Tournament. I always say that one of the key ingredients of great teams is to have complementary roles and crush these roles. The Boldt’s do just that for their “coaching team,” with the beneficiary being Concordia Volleyball.
Today on the podcast is Coach Dani Busboom Kelly. She played volleyball at the University of Nebraska and won a National Championship in 2006. As an assistant coach at the University in Nebraska, she helped them win a National Championship again in 2015! In 2016 she became the head volleyball coach at the University of Louisville and had taken the program to historic heights reaching the Final 4 in 2021. She was named the 2021 AVCA East Region Coach of the Year. All she does is win!
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He is the founder of John Baylor Prep, OnToCollege, and he is the voice of Husker Volleyball. He has a passion for helping young people get into the college of their choice and get as much scholarship money as possible. He certainly has a love and passion for all things Husker Volleyball and, in my opinion, is the greatest volleyball announcer on the planet. This role has also given him a unique view into Husker Volleyball's inner workings. He has one of the all-time great sayings that goes something like this, "My job tonight, describe what I saw. Mission Accomplished!" John is intelligent, insightful, and has a wonderful way with the English language. We address many topics related to high-performance and he also shares his unique insights into why Coach Cook and Husker Volleyball are so special. By the end of the podcast, I have a feeling the listeners will also say about John, "Mission Accomplished."
Kim Hill is one of the most decorated volleyball players in U.S. history. She has been on the United States women’s national volleyball team during a stretch where they won a gold medal at the 2014 World Championships and a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics. She was a member of the first U.S National team to ever win a gold medal in the 2020 Olympic Games! Her focus on the importance of the non-technical skills of volleyball, such as working on vulnerability, building relationships, role clarity, and role acceptance, stood out to me as drivers of getting her teams to max out. She is now on the board of LOVB and was just named the volunteer coach for the Long Beach State women’s volleyball team.
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Coach Brink is a former national champion gymnast at the University of Nebraska from 1997 to 2000. In 2000, she won a National Championship on the vault and in the All-Around competition. She won the Honda Award, which is the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, her senior year. She began coaching gymnastics at the University of Nebraska in 2011 as an assistant coach became the Associate Head Coach for a while before being named the Head Coach in 2019. I spent many years working with her when she was the assistant coach, and we have maintained close contact, although I'm not currently working with her team at this time. As you will be able to tell, she is passionate about the sport of gymnastics, and she bleeds Husker Red!
Congrats to Iowa Western Volleyball on a comeback to win a 2nd National Championship in 7 months! It is so hard to repeat as National Champions in any sport, let alone seven months apart! Head Coach Alicia Williams shared her thoughts about the team before the match.
"I am in disbelief at what this team has done in the last week. The joy and passion of coming together with a common goal is unmatched. I have never hugged so many players more than I have in the last two days! They are incredible and so fun. I love each and every one of them. Let's see what happens tonight."
How cool is it to feel this way about your team and their journey before the final outcome is even known!
It is so fun to collaborate with a team that buys into training all the necessary ingredients required to be in a position to max out when it matters the most. Developing an elite mindset can be trained like any physical skill, and Iowa Western put in the work. In Set 5, they were the tougher team—the fearless team, and it showed especially the last 5 points of the match.
Today on the podcast we explore her journey as a player, an assistant coach, and to achieving back to back National Championship! Ultimately having Coach Alicia Williams Named NJCAA Volleyball Coach of the Year!
Welcome to a repeat guest on the Max Out Mindset podcast—Coach Renee Saunders. She is one of the nation's top high school volleyball coaches at Skutt Catholic HS in Omaha, Nebraska. Her team has won 7 State championships in a row—a record in Nebraska! She was named one of two National High School Coaches of the Year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) for 2020. We focus on the journey of her past two seasons as she shares several nuggets that will help other coaches continue to build their culture and learn additional strategies to help their teams max out when it matters the most.
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How can I not be more excited for the Part II interview with Jordan Larson? In my humble opinion, she is the best female volleyball player in United States history. Her accolades are too many to mention and they can be summed up in two words-The GOAT! As usual, my guests will hear an unfiltered, honest conversation about what it took for Jordan to elevate her performance on the biggest stage in the volleyball world while doing everything she could to model the behaviors she wanted for those she helped to lead as well. She displayed vulnerability by sharing her worries about the Olympic journey, her fears of not reaching their end goal, and her unusual emotional display in the hours leading up to the Olympic Gold Medal match. In the end, she talks about all the non-volleyball skills that the USWNT worked on to gain a competitive advantage and come up with the ultimate prize-a Gold Medal!!!! Max Out Mindset Book here
Justine Wong-Orantes is now arguably the best libero in the world, fresh off being named best libero of 2021 Olympic Games and helping the U.S. Women’s National Team win the Gold Medal last month! It wasn’t that long ago that she contemplated retirement from her sport, in part, due to the mental challenges that go along with trying to live on the edges of elite. Internalizing words of wisdom for Coach Karch Kiraly, mastering her self-talk, managing her perfectionism, and letting her teammates help her stay in the present moment were all factors in Justine elevating her performance. She said she never felt freer and more confident leading up to and during the Olympic games. There are some wonderful nuggets and brilliant insights into what it takes to create a great team that put itself in a position to make history!
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Marcus Zegarowski is joining me for part II following last year’s visit on the Max Out Mindset podcast. We visited this time just after he was drafted in the 2nd round of the NBA by the Brooklyn Nets. He remains one of the most committed athletes I’ve known-always working on what I call the four legs of the elite performance stool-Mental, Physical, Technical, and Tactical. Commitment is the foundation for Confidence so it should not be a surprise that in the biggest moments at Creighton University, Marcus usually found a way to play with confidence. A confident athlete is more likely to be able to play fearless when it matters the most. He was a big reason that Creighton reached their dream of making the Sweet 16 in 2021.
What I love the most is his open, honest way of describing the challenges that he has faced with working on developing an elite mindset over the past few years. His ongoing pursuit of mastery is something we can all learn from and appreciate.
In Max Out Mindset, I outline the steps necessary to become elite by recounting stories from coaches, athletes, and teams that I have worked with over the years to share insights on how to max out when it matters most. Using the 15 Powers outlined within, you’ll learn how to prepare for battle, max out your mind, max out your emotions, and ultimately, max out your team.
In my role as a high-performance mindset coach, I do not diagnose and treat mental illness. That being said, I always tell people that I put my mental health hat on because of my background as a psychiatrist and because I understand the importance of taking care of your mental health for both sport and life. Today, more than ever, high performers are coming out and talking about the depths of their mental health struggles. Simone Biles, one of the great athletes of our generation and possibly the greatest female athletes in some ways to ever live. backed out of her competition at the Olympics after she had a very difficult vault. She has described many reasons for her recent mental health challenges—and the Olympic spotlight most likely created the perfect storm for her. When I saw her vault performance, I immediately thought of the term called the yips. The yips is a complex disorder, some mental, some physical, and yet we don't completely understand them. But it is a very difficult thing when a high-performer gets the yips. Essentially, one cannot do routine physical skills that they’ve done for most of their lives. When you can't do something that you've done forever, and that you've done thousands if not more than ten thousand times it can be devastating mentally and emotionally. When you’re a gymnast and lose these abilities in can lead to serious injury. The yips have even ruined careers. It is just a great reminder to not rush to judgment about Simone or anybody else as we never truly know what somebody else is going through.
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Coach has worn so many hats in the volleyball world and has coached successfully at the highest of levels of his sport. Over his career, he has been an assistant coach with the US men's national volleyball team when they won a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics. He was also an assistant coach for the US women's national volleyball team when they won a World Championship in 2014 and a silver medal in the 2012 Olympics, a bronze medal in the 2016 Olympics. He was most recently the coach of the Netherlands women's national volleyball team for 2017 to 2019, where they had a runner-up finish at the 2017 European Championships and a fourth-place finish at the 2018 World Championships. He is insightful, honest, and there is a brilliance in the simplicity of his thoughts and explanations to a wide range of questions and topics thrown at him on the Max Out Mindset podcast.
You are going to love listening to this episode of the Max Out Mindset podcast. Their connection off the beach is a big reason why they are so successful on the beach. Taryn Kloth was a four-year starter at Creighton University where she was an All-American for indoor volleyball and then was able to continue her career with LSU Beach Volleyball. She is one of 15 athletes in history to be All-American in both indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. Her LSU beach partner, Kristen Nuss, is the NCAA beach volleyball all-time leader in wins with 139 in her decorated career. Her partnership this year with Taryn, playing in the #1 pairs position resulted in a record of 36-0 in 2021 and they were named the “Pair of the Year” both by Volleyball Magazine, AVCA, and CCSA Beach Pair of the Year.
National Championship setter at the University of Nebraska. Two-time All-American. Professional. National Team member. Division I Head Coach at Iowa State University for 16 years advancing as far as the Regional Finals.
Learn what has made Coach excellent at every level in her sport. Learn about her failures and setbacks as well and what she did to overcome them. She is the perfect example of what it means to train at the highest level your mind, your body, and your craft.
I wrote about this Coach a lot in my book, Max Out Mindset, in the chapter The Power of Positive Coaches. He was the head women’s gymnastics coach at the University of Nebraska for 25 years! He was the first coach to give me “a seat at the table” with his team and our collaboration from 2011-2018 was one of the most special times of my life.
In his 25 years at the helm, he had 14 Conference Championships, two National Coach of the Years honors, 20 of his teams made NCAA appearances in the postseason, and 12 made it to the Super 6 Championship Finals. During this period, his team’s final finish averaged #7 in the country. His mantras of “Team Over Self” and “Success Breeds Success” are part of the many reasons he is considered a legend in the gymnastics world!
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Today, I have a couple of guests on the Max Out Mindset podcast. It's the first husband and wife team I've ever had on the podcast. I jokingly called them “the power couple” when they were at the University of Nebraska. Madison McConkey Janovich is somebody I know well, working with her individually and with the women’s gymnastics team at the University of Nebraska. She has a pretty unique story because she took off over a year off before coming to college and it took an unbelievable effort-physically and mentally-to be able to perform at such a high level by the time she was a Senior. I wrote about her in my book Max Out Mindset, in the chapter called The Power of GRIT.
I only knew Andy Janovich peripherally when he played football at the University of Nebraska, but I would speak with him at times when he came to Madison’s gymnastics meets. That being said, I watched him intently playing his role as a fullback and as a leader of the special teams and fully believed that he would play at the next level. Andy has developed a mental resilience about him that is second to none and it is a big reason as to why he has been able to make a career in the NFL, playing for the Denver Broncos and most recently, the Cleveland Browns. You will love his insights into how he has developed his physical and mental toughness. The story about the vulnerability exercise called the Four H's that he did with the Cleveland Browns this past year — History, Heroes, Heartbreaks and Hopes —is worth learning about as there is no question that this exercise helped build what I call Ultimate Trust within his team and contributed to the Browns making the playoffs this past season.
Brett Ledbetter is a Performance Consultant, author and speaker. He works with some of the best coaches and teams in professional and college sports. He is the Co-founder of What Drives Winning. What Drives Winning puts on conferences, shares conference videos, and has a coaching lab. His books and workbooks all elevate performance. His latest book What Drives Winning Environments helps with the question; How do you build an environment where people can do their best work? Brett is the best in the business at asking questions and an incredible interviewer.
Coach Becky Burleigh is one of the most successful college soccer coaches in the United States. In 25 seasons at the helm of the University of Florida soccer team, Burleigh has led them to an NCAA Championship, two NCAA College Cup appearances, 14 Southeastern Conference titles and 22 NCAA Championships berths. Along the way, Burleigh picked up National (1998) and SEC Coach of the Year (2012, ‘10, ‘08, ‘00 & '96) honors. Her career winning percentage of 75.3 (507-152-43) ranks No. 6 among the NCAA Division I Active Coaches. She is one of two females (and only in DI) in NCAA soccer history with 500 career wins and her 507 wins is No. 2 among NCAA Division I active coaches. https://whatdriveswinning.com/
Coach Terry Pettit brings a unique perspective to championship coaching, team building, and leadership training. He is an author, poet, and podcast host.
Coach Pettit was the head coach of one of the most successful athletic teams in NCAA history. Under his leadership, the University of Nebraska’s women’s volleyball team won 21 Big 8 and Big 12 conference championships while leading the nation in both All-American and Academic All-American selections. He directed the Nebraska volleyball team to 43 NCAA tournament victories and the school’s first National Championship in women’s volleyball in 1995. Terry earned National Coach of the Year honors in 1986, 1994 and 1996.
Coach Pettit has served as a mentor to over one hundred coaches, team captains and emerging leaders. He also presents and conducts workshops on leadership and team building for some of the most progressive athletic departments, and corporations in the country.
Listen and learn from one of the deepest thinkers I’ve met as he reflects on his life as a coach and mentor.
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I'm excited about the guest that I have on the Max Out Mindset podcast today. He’s the head football coach of my alma mater, Omaha Westside, that had a big impact on my growth as a human being. Over the last four years, I've been blessed to collaborate with Coach, his coaching staff and with his team. During this time I have seen tremendous growth on and off the field. Coach Froendt has a growth mindset and has been able to get buy-in from his coaching staff to learn about and model the mental skills and mindset necessary to achieve elite performance. Coach Froendt is a teacher as well and I always say teachers are often the best coaches. There are so many nuggets shared in this podcast from Coach. Enjoy!
Alyssa has spent much of her life immersed in the volleyball world as a player, a coach, a parent of three high-level volleyball players, and a Club Director. She understands the game from so many vantage points and has great insights into what it takes to be a high performer in sport and life. It has been a pleasure to get to know her over the past year, and we are in alignment with what we want student-athletes to gain from playing sports—especially volleyball. She currently is the Club Director of Nebraska Juniors.
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You killing it in 2021? How do you keep going when you want to give up? Free goal setting course at PFM University. Courses that drive high-performance and created through high-performance psychiatry and SEAL team leadership. Partnerships: Contact Scott Papek scott@pfmmedia.com Thanks to PFM Media for production, audio engineering and management. Tell Your Friends & Share Online!
A standout volleyball player at the University of Nebraska and for Team USA, Kayla Banwarth is a rising star in the coaching ranks and has taken her championship pedigree to Ole Miss, as she was announced as the Rebels’ eighth head coach in program history on Dec. 21, 2019, at the ripe old age of 30!
As a player and assistant coach, she helped guide Nebraska to four conference championships, three Final Four appearances, and a national title. Her illustrious career with Team USA garnered eight medals in international competition, including a bronze at the 2016 Olympic games and a 2014 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship!
Kayla learned to be a master goal-setter in college and that skill served her well over the years. When I think of Kayla, Grit is what comes to mind. I’ve known her since 2009 and she has always demonstrated passion and perseverance in whatever she is trying to accomplish. Kayla displays tremendous insight and wisdom in this podcast, but there is also a vulnerability about her.
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Maggie has an extensive volleyball background, competing 9 years for Sports Performance Volleyball out of Aurora, IL. At the club level, Maggie won 2 Junior Olympic titles, was a 4-time AAU All-American, and 2-time JO MVP. Maggie went to Michigan State before transferring to the University of Nebraska, leading her team to a National Final in 2005 and being on the 2006 team that won the National Championship. She traveled to Puerto Rico, Switzerland, and the Netherlands to play professionally for two years after college. At the conclusion of her playing career, Maggie has been a volunteer coach at Nebraska, and started a volleyball club called VCN in 2010. Maggie was awarded the 2017 AVCA 30 Under 30 award and is a current Board Member for the JVA, serving on the Executive Committee as Treasurer, as well as Committee chair for the AVCA Club Awards. Maggie is currently the VCNebraska Master Coach for the College Prep program. She also oversees and directs all age groups and programs. Maggie takes us on a journey that celebrates the highs and the lows of being an athlete, and the challenges and opportunities of running her own business. Of course, we get to learn from her how developing a high-performance mindset can help one max out in sport and life.
I'm very excited to have a guest on the Max Out Mindset podcast that I know very well. He is in his 21st season at the University of Nebraska as the women's head volleyball coach. He has an astonishing win/loss record at Nebraska currently 588-81. His teams have won four National Championships and he is a two-time AVCA National Coach of the year. He is also the first one in his family to go to college. Coach Cook is an author of the book, Dream Like a Champion and co-host of his podcast called Conversation with the Cooks. In my book Max Out Mindset I devoted an entire chapter about Coach Cook called The Power of Evolution. I wrote this chapter based on the collaboration with him from 2008 to the present. To this day, I have never been around a coach or leader that has been so committed to evolving in all aspects of life. He shared some new insights on the podcast that even I hadn’t heard before. The final chapter of my book called The Power of Ultimate Trust is based on the mantra of his 2015 team that won a National Championship. Coach Cook and I have the same goal with every team—to get them to a place of Ultimate Trust! Enjoy learning from one of the best to ever coach in the sport of volleyball.
This episode is brought to you by Max Out Mindset book, Proven strategies that prepare you and your team for battle in business, sport, and life. At checkout enter: MAXOUT at checkout to receive 20% off https://bit.ly/2EPvsj2 Partnerships: Contact Scott Papek scott@pfmmedia.com Thanks to PFM Media for production, audio engineering and management.
Marcus Zegarowski is currently a Junior on the Men’s basketball team at Creighton University. He is continually working on all aspects of his game, including working on strategies to make his elite mindset even stronger. There are so many nuggets that Marcus shares as we recount his journey from an underrated high school recruit to his current position as one of the best point guards in the country. Last year he showed tremendous growth in his physical and mental game as was rewarded with the following awards:
Named a Second Team All-American by NBC Sports
Third Team All-American by Stadium
Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press.
He also led Creighton with 156 assists (5.0 apg.) was second on the team with 524 points (16.1 ppg.) and 42.4 percent shooting from three-point range. In arguably the biggest games of the year--eight games vs. top-25 teams- he averaged 18.9 points per game while shooting 60.4 percent from the field (58-96) and 51.4 percent from three-point range (18-35).
I love that he shares some very unique strategies(dare I say rapping!) to stay confident and composed in the biggest moments and when it matters the most.
Today on the podcast I had the pleasure to speak with Gazmine GG Mason who I had a chance to work with while she was a student-athlete in college. GG is a 3X Gold medalist and the First African American to win singles and all-events gold medals for the USA. 'GG' was given to Gazmine by her youth coach meaning Got Game. GG is a former University of Nebraska, Lincoln bowling stand-out graduating with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Informatics.
GG is also a global ambassador for the sport of bowling and launched Got Game, LLC to assist with her quest! Got Game, LLC was established in 2018 by the athlete, humanitarian, and pioneer, Gazmine 'GG' Mason.
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Jordan Larson was a three time All-American at the University of Nebraska from 2005 to 2008. She won a national championship in 2006 and had an incredible run to the Final Four in 2008 during her senior season. She joined the US Women's National Team in 2009 that won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics, the only World Championship in the United States history in 2014, and a bronze medal in the 2016 Olympics. She’s currently a captain for the US Women's National Team. Her professional teams have won multiple World Championships as well. She hails from a town of about 800 people called Hooper, Nebraska. You will love her insights into the ingredients necessary for a team to put themselves in a position to max out when it matters the most. You will appreciate her willingness to be vulnerable and how she shares some of her struggles in the ongoing pursuit of mastery in the sport she loves and within her own life. Follow Jordan Instagram Twitter Follow Dr. Widman @doc_elitemind
Lexi Zeiss was thirteen years old when I met her in the spring of 2019. She had been part of the sport of gymnastics since she was two years old. Lexi had a big dream in sixth grade to reach Junior Elite status, which would allow her to compete nationally and internationally in her sport. I actually met with “Team Zeiss,” which included Kelley Green (her coach) and her parents, Jess and Dana. Lexi decided that she needed to elevate her mental game to put herself in the best position to reach her goal. In order to do so, she would have to train for up to thirty hours per week and develop much more difficult skills on each apparatus: uneven bars, floor exercise, vault, and balance beam. I didn’t know if I could help her, nor did I know if she was capable at her age of working on mental skills and mindset to the degree necessary. After our first meeting, I had no doubt that she had the capability and would fully immerse herself in working on her mental game. She worked extremely hard improving her mindset, and yet there is no way to replicate the pressure of competing in a National Elite Qualifier. I thought it may take her several times before she qualified, and she did fail to qualify a few times in 2019 and again in January 2020. Each time, she learned more about how to compete in a pressure-packed environment, what helps her get into the right mindset the night before and the day of the competition, and how to stay composed, focused, and positive during the competition. She grew from discomfort and learned from failure. On February 7, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada, she put it all together and became just one of twenty-two gymnasts in her age bracket at the time to achieve Junior Elite status! As her coach stated about Lexi, “It is grit . . . she is definitely gritty.” She is now fourteen years old, and her dreams have only become bigger—to get a Division I scholarship and compete in the 2024 Olympics! What a joy to be a part of “Team Zeiss!”!
It was great to have Lauren on the podcast to share her views on the importance of training mindset for sport and life. She is a former All-American setter for the University of Nebraska and played professionally.
Coach Jenny Rowland, head coach, University of Florida Women’ gymnastic, has been successful in every stage of her journey from being a member of the US Women's National Team that won a World Championship in Gymnastics to most recently being named National Coach of the Year by the WCGA in 2020.
Her recipe for success: Make the most of every opportunity, surround yourself with high character people, have a growth mindset, build relationships, learn from adversity, and make a commitment to being present. She covered so many interesting themes during our conversation, but my favorite part was her recounting the journey of her 2019 team and what everybody associated with her team learned from that experience to help put them in a position to max out in 2020 when they were undefeated and ranked #2 in the nation when the season abruptly ended due to the effects of COVID-19. As she reflected on the past two years, she brought up University of Virginia Men’s basketball coach Coach Tony Bennett’s quote after they had won the National Championship just one year removed from a heartbreaking end to their prior season, "If you learn to use it right, the adversity, it will buy you a ticket to a place you couldn't have gone any other way.” Coach Rowland felt the same way about the growth of her 2020 team.
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Today on the Max Out Mindset podcast is Jake Gibb a professional beach volleyball player. My partner Commander Jack Riggins at Performance Mountian and I did a joint podcast with Jake. Jake has been to 3 Olympics and is the oldest professional player on the tour. We talked about the mental side of his game in different capacities, the drive to compete against competitors half his age, and his final professional goal to medal in the 2021 Summer Olympics. Follow Jake on Twitter, Instagram Check out the library of podcasts here
Christopher Tamas is currently the head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini Volleyball team. Under Tamas’s leadership, the Illini collected a number of individual honors, highlighted by AVCA All-America First-Team selections in Jordyn Poulter and Jacqueline Quade – the first time in program history that Illinois has had multiple first-team honors in a season – as well as a Third-Team selection in Ali Bastianelli. Poulter and Bastianelli, who also garnered All-America Third Team honors in 2017, were also named Senior CLASS Award finalists and CoSIDA Academic All-District honorees. The trio also collected unanimous All-Big Ten First Team accolades, with junior Ashlyn Fleming named to the Second-Team and Poulter garnering the Illini’s first-ever Big Ten Conference Co-Setter of the Year honor. Tamas is a 2003 graduate of the University of the Pacific with a degree in sports sciences. He was a four-year starter for the Tigers and a unanimous AVCA All-American first team selection and team MVP during his 2003 senior season. In four years with the U.S. Men's National Team (1999, 2003, 2005-06), Tamas made 34 appearances, and, in 1999, helped the squad to a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in Havana. As national team captain in 2003, Tamas helped lead the United State to a bronze medal at the World University Games in Daegu, South Korea. A native of Santa Barbara, California, Tamas and his wife, Jennifer (Joines) Tamas, have three children, Jimmy, Josephine and Carly. Along with serving as the Illinois volunteer assistant coach, Jennifer was also a volunteer assistant at both Nebraska and Cal Poly. She was a four-time All-American middle blocker at Pacific (2000-03) and silver medalist with the United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics while playing professionally for eight years in Japan, Italy, Russia, Azerbaijan and Puerto Rico. She was the U.S. Women's National Team captain for four years.
Today on the Max Out Mindset podcast is Jaali Winters. She played Volleyball at Creighton University from 2015 to 2018.
I was fortunate to work with the team during those years and Jaali impressed me in terms of her willingness to work on her mental skills and her openness to vulnerability. Those skills aren’t usually common for an 18-22 female.
Today we talk about her mental game, where she started, and her transition from college to professional volleyball.
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Stephanie Barnier a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Founder & CEO of Clear Sky Wealth ”My Grit came from not being the best. I sat the bench a lot, I cried a lot, because I wasn’t good enough. There were hundreds of reasons to quit, But that vision of being in San Diego and playing on a green field in 80-degree weather stuck with me. When I got to play five minutes, I started to celebrate that and I stopped comparing myself to my other teammates” After over a decade of working in the financial industry, she founded Clear Sky Wealth, to be a dynamic wealth management firm that offers diverse services to meet YOU where you are at. The wealth work done at Clear Sky Wealth is about your life which is so much more than the numbers. The team helps you plan and move money in support of your dreams and goals. Connect with Stephanie
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Coach Owen Field passion for gymnastics started at a very young age. When he could no longer compete, he wanted to find a way to stay around the sport. He reached out to Coach Dan Kendig at the University of Nebraska with an offer to help out and the rest is history. Owen recounts his several-year journey at Nebraska and how it led to one of the top assistant coaching jobs in the country at the University of Florida-demonstrating passion and perseverance along the way. Follow Coach Owen Fields
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Coach Renee Saunders is a top high school volleyball coach at Skutt Catholic HS. Renee has won 5 State championships in her career and was a two-sport Division I athlete at the University of Nebraska. Renee is a positive, process-focused based coach.
“Commitment is important to me because there are so many variables and it’s just not on the court. Commitment involves everything in life in the decisions you make, what you perceive as important. If a student isn't making good decisions and not doing what they're supposed to do off the court, it makes them a harder person to trust on the court.”
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Andrew had been just hours old when doctors first discovered he had a rare heart defect called transposition of the great arteries.
“My heart was backward. It was hooked up wrong,” Andrew says. It pumped oxygenated blood through his lungs and circulated the non-oxygenated blood to the rest of his body.
He was just three days old when pediatric cardiovascular experts created a hole in his septum to separate the left and right sides of his heart to send more oxygenated blood through his body. A month later, a second surgery removed that septum to give the rest of his body a higher concentration of oxygenated blood. At 13 months old, Andrew underwent major open heart surgery which permanently redirected the flow of blood through his body.
For the first time in his brief life, Andrew’s blood flowed correctly through his heart. Still, surgeons weren’t able to repair his heart’s faulty construction.
Doctors told Andrew’s parents he’d likely need open heart surgery again by age 13 and a transplant by 20. Andrew surprised them all when it turned out he didn’t need either.
“I couldn’t exercise or run or do things others could, but I could still function,” Andrew says. Instead, he focused on activities he could do, such as golfing, fishing, and bowling.
And he grew up. And he fell in love.
Heart and home
Andrew and Vicki married in 2002. Soon their family grew to include sons Reece, 11, and Will, 8.
In 2008, the Widmans had their first scare. Andrew had a mini-stroke, called a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Doctors implanted a defibrillator to regulate his rhythm, and tweaks in medications kept Andrew feeling strong. He had two more TIAs during the next few years.
Then in October 2016 his health took an even more serious turn.
“I would get in bed by four o’clock in the afternoon,” he says. He had to say goodnight to Reece and Will on the first floor of their home because he couldn’t climb the stairs to their bedrooms.
On Dec. 29, 2016, Andrew’s cardiologist said it was time to talk about a transplant and recommended Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute or the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Andrew made plans to travel to Minnesota.
A friend suggested he reconsider and suggested he talk to the heart experts at Saint Luke’s.
Today on the Max Out Mindset podcast we want to spend some time talking about what's going on in the world today. The coronavirus is a big part of the news and causing stress for a lot of people. Parents, coaches, teachers, high school kids, top to bottom and it's not sparing anybody. Today we will talk about how to use our mindset to cope with stressful times. How we can get into solution focus mode and use strategies to make the best of the situation and work on our own psychology and our own mindset. Terri Neujahr is the Waverly Volleyball Head Coach and my guest on the podcast.
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Welcome to the Max Out Mindset podcast. Dr. Larry Widman is your host and known as Doc in the mindset world. The purpose of the max out mindset podcast is to give you insights and experiences working with some of the best coaches, championship teams, and business leaders around the world. Dr. Widman welcomes Kelly Hunter today on the podcast. Kelly played volleyball at the University of Nebraska from 2013 to 2017. She is a two-time national champion, All-American and Nebraska volleyball assistant. Kelly shares her unique experiences during her career and in her life that is helpful for female athletes, coaches, and other high performers. Follow Kelly
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High performers in any sector have excellent recovery habits that are both physical and mental. These are the great separators that professional athletes and Olympians spend a lot of time on. The number one performance enhancer is sleep, and it’s free. The mental part of recovery is controlling our nervous system. Training your brain to get on to the next point or the next moment is critical. But like anything else, it takes lots of practice and is trainable. Follow Dr. Widman Twitter Facebook instagram
A good teammate supports their teammates. No matter their role and are happy for their teammates when they do well, even if they've lost their starting position.
That doesn’t mean that they don't continue to work hard and try to get back the role they may have lost. The best teams I've been around accepted and embrace their roles are the ones that put themselves in the best position to max out when it matters the most.
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In most cases, the parent provides financial, moral, and emotional support every day. Most likely they show confidence and belief maybe when nobody else is seeing it. Parents can hurt their son or daughter as it relates to elite performance and it should be talked about. Communication between the athlete and the parent with what helps them and what hurts them is critical. Follow Dr. Widman Twitter Facebook instagram
Self-talk is a foundational building blocks for elite mindset. Most people have a negative self-talk than positive self-talk. The ratio is three to one. Let’s focus on high performing females and their positive and negative self-talk. What I know to be true is that many high performing women are perfectionists. Being a perfectionist in a woman is also what makes so many of them great, but it also can be a barrier to high performance.
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There's a power that goes along with gratitude in a team setting. One of the things it does with teams helps individuals no matter their role is, get outside of their own heads and think about what's important in this world. I’m not saying sports aren’t important, because it's a big part of what they do, but at the same time, it puts things in perspective. Especially when they're disappointed with the role they have, or they're not playing very well, or they've had a disagreement or an argument with a player on the team. Gratitude gives them an opportunity to focus on all the things good in this world. The things they are grateful for personally and a chance to think about people in their lives that they are grateful for.
High performers in any sector have this ability to focus better than the rest. They stay present, right here right now. Let’s take a deeper dive, the things that high performers really do better is refocus. Think about it, we have this ability to focus and concentrate and lock into whatever we're doing, there are always distractions. That's just the 24 seven nature of the world we live in, in most sectors. The question is, how quickly can we refocus when things aren’t going our way? Follow Dr. Widman Twitter Facebook instagram
Max out when it matters the most. What does that mean? In business life and sport there are challenges. What we do during the challenges is the most important part. Even if we do everything right sometimes the outcome doesn’t go our way. Dr. Larry Widman lays out the ingredients to put yourself in the best position in this short podcast.
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In this podcast, I had the honor to sit down with Kirsten Bernthal Booth, Head Coach Creighton Volleyball. We explore her life from before she became a coach, to the early years at Kirkwood Community College, and her entire journey at Creighton University. We talk about what she does well and what she has learned along the way in her own evolution as a coach. She shares so many nuggets that high performers in business, sport, and life can use in their own pursuit of excellence.
I’d also like to share the first and last paragraphs of the chapter called “The Power of Positive Coaches-Kirsten Bernthal Booth” in my upcoming book called: Max out When it Matters the Most: The 16 Powers That Will Help You in Business, Sport, And Life.
I am just going to start off and say it. Coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth, head coach of Creighton University Women’s volleyball team, is the most well-rounded coach that I have ever been around. One of her WHY’s and my WHY’s are in complete alignment; To help empower young women and to do our part in helping them become the best versions of themselves as they transition into adulthood. Nobody does it better than Coach Booth! She has been the head coach since 2003 when she was still in her 20’s, and I met her in January 2012 after she inquired about getting some help for her team. The past eight years collaborating with her, her staff, and the team have been some of the most joyful experiences of my life.
Her process-focused approach has translated into high-level performances year after year. Her record in the eight years I’ve known her is 213-50 with eight straight NCAA appearances, two Sweet 16, and one Elite Eight appearances. Her teams have won six straight Big East Conference Championships and five of the past six Big East Tournament Championships. She is a better person than a coach. I will leave you with this quote from Maya Angelou that gets at the heart of what makes Coach so special
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
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Dr. Larry Widman is a high-performance psychiatrist and elite mindset coach. He works with some of the best coaches, teams, and leaders in the world. DR. Widman has identified 4 key ingredients to elite mindset and today on the podcast you will learn them. What do high performers do better than anyone else? How can you get to a quiet mind? How should we talk to a teammate or coworker in stressful situations? 1. Intro to Mindset and Commitment 2. Confidence 3. Concentration 4. Composure Follow Dr. Larry Widman Twitter Facebook instagram
The goal is to help train somebody to develop an elite mindset. An elite mindset can just be the best version of your own mindset. We're not all world experts. but we can grow and develop a mindset that leads to very high performance in whatever we do. There are four core ingredients of elite mindset. There's commitment. And I simply think of being all-in on whatever we do. There's confidence, which I think is fairly straightforward, but to me, it's, it's about a belief in yourself and a way that you've earned the right to be confident based on certain things that you've done in your life to get there. There's concentration and another word I think of there is focus and refocus. There's composure, when I think of that, I think about being able to be physically mentally and emotionally at our best and have our nervous system in control when it matters the most.
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I had the please to be on my business partner at Performance Mountain CDR Jack Riggins USN (SEAL) RET. podcast "The Darkside of Elite. We talked about my childhood, growing up around horse racing, and how I became a performance psychiatrist and elite mindset coach.
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My Story on the Fight For It Podcast hosted by Scott Papek.
DR LARRY WIDMAN has over 20 years of experience as a high-performance psychiatrist and working as an elite mindset coach. Doc works with CEO’s, Pro-athletes, Olympians, and multiple NCAA Teams. He has been integral in five NCAA Division I National Championships, developing elite mindset skills and “Ultimate Trust”.
He is also the co-founder of Performance Mountain along with Retired Navy Seal Commander jack Riggins. Performance Mountain optimizes people, teams and organizations.
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