How can today’s teens truly thrive in a world filled with pressure, performance, and constant comparison? In this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with Sophia Vale Galano, Author of "Calming Teenage Anxiety," to explore the roadmap to helping teens not just survive — but thrive. From managing stress to finding balance, Sophia shares how parents, coaches, and mentors can create a safe space for young people to grow with confidence and calm. We touch on... Recognizing the early signs of anxiety Understanding the pressures teens face today — on and off the field Building healthy communication between parents and teens The role of youth sports in shaping mental resilience Creating a roadmap for teens to thrive emotionally and mentally Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, this conversation offers powerful insights into how to help teens perform — and live — at their best.  ***Follow her work and get the book here: www.linktr.ee/Sophiavalegalano #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthSports #TeenAnxiety #ThrivingTeens #FightingForOvertime #Parenting #Resilience #Wellness #MindsetMatters #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately (fightingforovertime@gmail.com). Remember, you are not alone!  Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

This episode is dedicated to Gia, a 13-year-old softball player from Bucks County who represents the true meaning of heart and resilience. Playing in the LSA league, Gia recently took the field for her final 14U game before undergoing brain surgery for a rare disease. Despite the challenges ahead, her love for the game never wavered — she even showed up to one last practice, smiling as always. This is what Fighting For Overtime is all about — celebrating the spirit of young athletes who show us how powerful courage can be. 🙏 Join us in sending strength and support to Gia and her family.Follow her journey: https://www.facebook.com/BCGSL 🎯 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately (fightingforovertime@gmail.com). Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports 🎯 Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime 🎯 SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health. #FightingForOvertime #GiaStrong #YouthSports #Softball #BucksCounty #Inspiration #AthleteMindset #Courage #MentalToughness #SportsCommunity

Head Coach Mike McDonald joins Fighting For Overtime to break down how Archbishop Wood became one of the nation’s elite programs, and how he keeps his players motivated, balanced, and built for more than just the game.

In this episode of Fighting for Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with award-winning author and school counselor Jennifer Licate to explore the mental health challenges kids face both in and out of sports. Drawing from her book, My Anxiety Is Messing Things Up, Jennifer shares powerful insights into perfectionism, stress, and the pressures young athletes feel to always perform. We’ll discuss how parents and coaches can recognize signs of anxiety, strategies that help kids cope, and why storytelling can be a lifeline for children ages 9–14. If you’re raising or coaching a young athlete, this episode is packed with real-world tools and hope. Make to visit www.storiesbyjennifer.com for more information on here book series SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately (fightingforovertime@gmail.com). Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

Softball has been more than a game for Coach Vicki Capozzi — it’s been a lifelong teacher. With 26 years of experience as a player and now in her third year of coaching, Vicki opens up about the highs and lows of youth sports: the thrill of competition, the risk of burnout, and the sacrifices that come with commitment. She also shares her perspective on what parents can do to truly support their kids, and how coaches can keep athletes engaged while building confidence both on and off the field. Follow The Lady Lions FB Page for Team Info: https://www.facebook.com/LadyLions #YouthSports #SoftballLife #GirlsInSports #TravelBall #FastpitchSoftball #SoftballFamily #NextGenAthletes ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately (fightingforovertime@gmail.com). Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

When you feel lost and defeated as a youth athlete, who do you turn to?.......... In this episode of Fighting for Overtime Youth Sports, Coach Tony sits down with Taylor Cutillo (his daughter) —former softball player and current advocate for a positive foundation in youth sports. During this candid and heartfelt conversation, Taylor opens up about the struggles of growing up in competitive environments, learning to lead by example, and the mentors who made all the difference.  Taylor shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of youth athletics, the importance of finding your voice, and how sports can shape more than just skill—it can shape character. She speaks directly to the heart of what so many young athletes are feeling today. This powerful conversation dives into resilience, representation, and what it truly means to fight for overtime, on and off the field. A must-listen for parents, coaches, and young athletes alike.  ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show on all formats here: https://linktr.ee/fightingforovertime About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

“It’s not just the cut — it’s the message. How coaches handle team selections can inspire or crush a kid’s confidence. We discuss why the process matters just as much as the decision.”

A true apology story meets total pitching rule confusion! I break down what really happened, why the rule matters, and how it changes the game. ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

In this episode of Fighting for Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with veteran soccer player, coach, and author Heidi Smith to explore the 140-year journey of women’s soccer through the lens of her new book Play On! Heidi shares her experiences on and off the field, tackling tough conversations around sexism, identity, coaching challenges, and the mental health struggles facing today’s youth athletes. From the emotional side of coaching girls, to the pressure kids face from parents and burnout in sports, Heidi offers insights that are both deeply personal and universally relevant. She also discusses how Play On confronts the culture of silence around abuse in women’s sports while highlighting stories of resilience, recovery, and community. For more info on Heidi and her book visit: www.heidismithwriter.com ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovertime About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

When bringing awareness causes hateful pushback from the local community. Is this what the world of youth sports has become? ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightingforovertime/   About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

DJ Dickson has faced injuries, tough competition, and the challenges of chasing a dream in baseball. From growing up with his dad as his coach to playing at UVA Wise, and now mentoring the next generation through his hitting clinic, DJ’s journey proves that setbacks don’t define you — how you respond does. Tune in to hear his story of resilience, dedication, and the love of the game." ***Follow DJ's Hitting Clinic Page for More Info -- www.instagram.com/djdickson.hitting ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightingforovertime/ About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

Are parents pushing their kids too hard on their pursuit of the next level? We discuss............ In this episode of Fighting for Overtime Youth Sports, Coach Tony sits down with Mike Odes (his former 7th Grade Teacher) — whose experiences on the field/court and in the classroom, set the stage for a positive foundation in youth sports. During this passionate conversation, Mike opens up about all the outside interference a current day youth athlete hears and how he tries to change the narrative of current day competition. His resume below....... Basketball Referee for 34 years - CYO, Department of Recreation, PIAA High School Girls Varsity Basketball Baseball Umpire - 22 years CYO, Department of Recreation, Suburban Travel, Tournament Select Baseball Volleyball Official - 3 years - CYO, PIAA High School Girls Coached Boys Basketball and Girls Softball at Archbishop Ryan High School Supervisor of Student Assistance Program at Archbishop Ryan (social intervention) ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightingforovertime/ About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

What happens when the adults in charge stop playing fair? In this powerful episode, I speak with Chrissy Collison, the President of Upper Southampton Softball, who shares why they were shockingly removed from their league — not because of their performance, but because they challenged the rules. Hear how bullying, intimidation, and unfair treatment by league leadership left young players sidelined and heartbroken. This is a must-listen for any parent who believes in standing up for what's right — on and off the field. ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightingforovertime/ About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

The relentless push for early specialization and profit-driven youth sports isn’t just changing the game—it’s harming kids’ education, fracturing family time, and turning communities into battlegrounds for the next 'elite' athlete. And as another sprawling sports complex opens, the system only digs in deeper. Coach Tony Talks about it.......... ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightingforovertime/ About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we delve deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

Where did the fun go when playing youth sports? Are kids over-lessoned causing their IQ to suffer? While sports may not be for every kid, being a part of a TEAM can be very beneficial for a young child if built the right way.  In this episode, Coach Tony talks about the misconceptions when it comes to coaching a youth sports team and why 70% of all young players are quitting sports before the age of 13. It's all here plus more on this week's episode of Fighting for Overtime.  ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightingforovertime/ About Fighting For Overtime In this podcast, we delve deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

Are you fully prepared for the college recruiting process? Could your past impact your chances?....... In this episode, National College Scout, Mackenzie Bellows-Schissel, gives her experiences as a DIV 1 Player, DIV Coach, & Scout.  Follow Mackenzie's Work: : https://linktr.ee/mac_schissel  ***Follow the Pod - Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show everywhere here: https://linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

From Burnout to Balance to Breakthroughs........ In this powerful episode of Fighting For Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with Hanna Howard, CEO of Rematch U.S. and former Division I basketball standout and college coach. With over 15 years of experience on the sidelines at elite programs like TCU and Fresno State, Hanna brings a rare perspective—as an athlete, coach, parent, and now a tech leader—on how youth sports are evolving. Together, they dive into how Rematch U.S. is using cutting-edge technology to transform how young athletes capture, share, and learn from their own performances. From the platform’s game-changing "auto-rewind" highlight feature to the deeper mental health conversations surrounding burnout and athlete development, this episode covers it all. Whether you're a parent, coach, or young athlete, this discussion offers honest insight into the challenges and solutions shaping the future of youth sports. 📌 Topics Covered: How Rematch U.S. is more than just highlight reels The balance between talent and tech in youth sports Mental health, burnout, and the role of parents Coaching insights from the D1 level to the boardroom 🔗 Learn more about Rematch U.S.: https://www.rematch.tv/us/  ***Follow the Pod - Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show everywhere here: https://linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

When a youth athlete battles herself inside and out, it brings out the ultimate competitor. This is her story...... In this episode, we sit down with Noelle Baxter, a former standout in both AAU and high school basketball, who carried her love of the game from the travel soccer fields of CRUSA to the hardwood of Kutztown University. Raised in Warminster, PA, and shaped by top-tier programs like Heat Hoops, Mid-Atlantic Magic, and Archbishop Wood, Noelle brings us inside the mind of a competitor who never stopped grinding. We explore the full arc of her sports story—starting in youth travel leagues, pushing through the intense AAU circuit under Coach Kari Cairone, and later elevating her game under Coach Mike McDonald at one of Pennsylvania’s most dominant high school programs. She opens up about life as a student-athlete in college, mental burnout, rediscovery, and what it took to fight through the moments most people never see. Segment by segment, we dig into: The early days of soccer and the transition to basketball The unglamorous grind of AAU ball and its mental toll High expectations and emotional walls at Archbishop Wood Life lessons from Kutztown, both on and off the court Setbacks, sacrifices, and how she rebuilt herself mentally Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone who’s ever struggled to stay in the game—this episode delivers the heart of what it means to fight for overtime. ***Follow the Pod - Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show everywhere here: https://linktr.ee/fightingforovertime

Do you feel today's young athletes are overworked and on the edge of burnout? How did you find balance as a youth athlete while still trying to be a kid? Former Softball Pitcher turned Real Estate Agent Mackenzie Marino joins Coach Tony to break it down. Before being a kick ass Real Estate Agent, Mackenzie Marino was a “BEAST” on the Softball Field. Her career spans 9+ years playing for Northampton Hawks and Council Rock South HS. You wouldn’t know by looking at her, but her demeanor on the mound struck fear into the opposition and now has carried her into a successful career in Real Estate! She used her experiences to make her stronger while building a recognizable name within the industry. You can catch her at Roc Hous Real Estate in PA and NJ. Trust me; she will fight for you to get you what you want!  E/M her for your Home Buying/selling needs: mackenzie@rochous.com Follow Mackenzie Marino for all your Real Estate Needs on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mackenziemarino.realtor/ ***Follow the Pod - Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightingforovertime/ About Fighting For Overtime  In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health.

Are parents pushing their kids too hard on their pursuit of the next level? We discuss............ In this episode of Fighting for Overtime Youth Sports, Coach Tony sits down with Mike Odes (his former 7th Grade Teacher) — whose experiences on the field/court and in the classroom, set the stage for a positive foundation in youth sports. During this passionate conversation, Mike opens up about all the outside interference a current day youth athlete hears and how he tries to change the narrative of current day competition. His resume below....... Basketball Referee for 34 years - CYO, Department of Recreation, PIAA High School Girls Varsity Basketball Baseball Umpire - 22 years CYO, Department of Recreation, Suburban Travel, Tournament Select Baseball Volleyball Official - 3 years - CYO, PIAA High School Girls Coached Boys Basketball and Girls Softball at Archbishop Ryan High School Supervisor of Student Assistance Program at Archbishop Ryan (social intervention) ***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports