In this inspiring episode of I Am Mentally Tough, host Gladine Frasso sits down with Coach Jaye, founder of the Next Level Warriors AAU basketball program, to explore what it really takes to build a youth sports program that goes beyond the game.
Coach Jaye shares her personal journey from growing up in a small town in Pittsburgh to launching and sustaining a successful basketball organization that emphasizes not just athletic performance, but holistic development. From foundational skill-building to handling criticism and creating strong relationships with families, Coach Jaye offers powerful insight into what it means to lead with purpose and resilience.
Listeners will walk away with practical wisdom on how to lead young athletes with intention, develop a winning mindset, and build a legacy rooted in service and strength.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Top Takeaways:
Coach Jaye’s story proves that great coaching changes lives. Her blend of tough love, practical support, and long-term vision offers a roadmap for anyone committed to developing young people.
🎧 Tune in now to hear Coach J’s remarkable story and learn how to lead young athletes with grit, grace, and purpose.
Visit Coach Gladine’s Website HERE.
Follow Gladine on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Want Gladine to work with your athlete or team? Click HERE.
Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click HERE.
Stay in Touch with Coach Jaye and Next Level Warriors Basketball. Visit Coach Jaye’s Website HERE.
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Credit: Intro and Outro “Aurora” by Jeff Kaale
In this powerful episode of I Am Mentally Tough, host and Mental Toughness Coach Gladine Frasso is joined by licensed professional counselor Antonio Bolden to explore the transformative role of mindfulness in athletic performance and personal development.
Together, they break down what mindfulness really means, how it differs from meditation, and why it’s essential for athletes to practice awareness without judgment—especially in high-pressure situations. Antonio shares practical tools and mindset shifts that help athletes let go of mistakes, stay present, and protect their mental well-being by detaching identity from performance.
This episode is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and anyone who wants to unlock peak performance through emotional awareness, self-regulation, and purpose-driven action.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Top Takeaways:
🎧 Listen now to learn how mindfulness can help athletes train the mind like they train the body—intentionally, consistently, and with purpose.
Visit Coach Gladine’s Website HERE.
Follow Gladine on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Want Gadline to work with your athlete or team? Click HERE.
Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click HERE.
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Visit Antonio Bolden's Website Here
Antonio Bolden's Email: antonio@boldentherapyandwellness.com
In this insightful episode of I Am Mentally Tough, hosts Coach G (Gladine Frasso) and Coach David Anderson take a closer look at the current state of AAU basketball. They discuss the growing challenges athletes face with commitment, consistency, and the often-missed connection between talent and purposeful training.
The conversation explores how complacency can hold young athletes back, why basketball IQ is just as important as physical skills, and what it means to truly develop as a player. Coach G and Coach David offer guidance on how athletes can rise above distractions, stay focused, and approach the game with a mindset built for long-term success.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Top Takeaways:
🎧 Listen now for practical advice and tough love from two coaches who care deeply about helping athletes unlock their full potential.
Visit Coach Gladine’s Website HERE.
Follow Gladine on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Want Gadline to work with your athlete or team? Click HERE.
Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click HERE.
In this episode of I Am Mentally Tough, host Gladine Frasso welcomes Coach Bianca Campbell for a powerful conversation on the role of mindfulness in sports. Together, they unpack how mindfulness helps athletes stay grounded in the present moment, reach peak performance, and recover from setbacks with greater resilience.
Coach Campbell breaks down the true meaning of mindfulness, dispelling common myths—like the idea that mindfulness is soft or passive—and explains how legendary and elite athletes are using it to elevate their game.
The discussion dives deep into topics like emotional regulation, self-compassion, non-judgmental performance evaluation, and how mindfulness strengthens mental toughness. Coach Campbell also offers practical techniques that coaches and athletes can integrate into training and team culture, as well as reflections on the lifelong journey of self-discovery through mindfulness.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Top Takeaways:
Mindfulness isn’t just a trend—it’s a mental toughness superpower. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone striving for peak performance, learning to harness mindfulness can unlock greater focus, resilience, and emotional mastery.
🎧 Listen now to discover how mindfulness can be the game-changer in sports performance and personal growth.
Visit Gladine’s Website HERE.
Follow Gladine on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Want Gadline to work with your athlete or team? Click HERE.
Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click HERE.
Visit Coach Bianca's website HERE.
Follow Coach Bianca on Instagram
In this episode, Coaches Gladine Frasso (Coach G) and David Anderson dive into the current culture of youth sports, with a particular focus on AAU basketball.
They discuss the growing trend of athletes frequently switching teams, the challenges of building meaningful connections, and the critical role parents play in their children’s athletic development.
The conversation also covers the pressures young athletes face, the importance of loyalty, and the impact of promises made by coaches.
Additionally, they explore how athletes can grow by learning the game, adapting to new roles, and embracing challenges. The episode concludes with insights into the evolving landscape of college basketball and the implications of the transfer portal.
What Listeners Will Learn:
Why athletes are increasingly hopping from team to team in youth sports, particularly in AAU basketball.
The importance of building strong connections and fostering loyalty in a competitive sports environment.
How parents can positively influence their children’s athletic journeys without adding undue pressure.
The challenges athletes face, including managing expectations and adapting to new roles.
Why being challenged and learning the game are essential for long-term growth and success.
Insights into the changing dynamics of college basketball and the impact of the transfer portal.
Top Takeaways:
Team-Hopping is a Growing Trend: Athletes often switch teams in search of better opportunities, but this can hinder the development of loyalty and deep connections.
Parents Play a Crucial Role: Parents should support their children’s athletic journeys by encouraging growth and resilience, rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
Loyalty Matters: Building trust and loyalty within a team can lead to more meaningful development and success.
Adaptability is Key: Athletes must learn to adapt to new roles and challenges to grow both on and off the court.
Promises Aren’t Always Kept: Young athletes and their families should be cautious of empty promises made by coaches and prioritize long-term development over short-term gains.
College Basketball is Evolving: The transfer portal has changed the game, creating both opportunities and challenges for athletes navigating their collegiate careers.
This episode is a must-listen for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to better understand the complexities of youth sports culture and how to navigate them for long-term success. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice!
Visit Gladine’s Website HERE
Want Gadline to work with your athlete or team? Click HERE
Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click HERE
In this episode of I Am Mentally Tough podcast, host Gladine Frasso sits down with basketball skills and development trainer, Coach Dana, to discuss the crucial role of mental skills in an athlete's development.
They dive into the impact of social media on young athletes, how it can create unrealistic comparisons, and why selecting a trainer should be based on fit rather than social media popularity.
Coach Dana also emphasizes the importance of transparency in training and shares key advice for athletes on staying focused on their personal development.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Top Takeaways:
This episode is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and parents who want to better understand the intersection of mental toughness, social media, and athlete development.
Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration!
Visit Gladine’s Website HERE
Follow Gladine on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Want Gadline to work with your athlete or team? Click HERE
Want to bring Gladine in as a Keynote Speaker for your event? Click HERE
In this episode, Mental Toughness Coach, Gladine Frasso (Coach G.) and WNBA Skills and Development Coach David Anderson dive deep into the critical topic of emotional control in high-pressure situations. Drawing from years of experience coaching athletes at every level—from middle school to the WNBA—they discuss common negative emotions that arise during competition, how these emotions affect performance, and actionable strategies to help athletes bounce back stronger. They go over:
Common Negative Emotions in Athletes:
Impact of Emotional Reactions on Teams:
Coaching Insights and Strategies:
Dealing with Highly Emotional Athletes:
Spotlight on Success:
Have a Question or Topic Suggestion? Email us at GladineFrasso@IAmMentallyTough.com
Follow Coach G on her Instagram HERE
Follow Coach David on his Instagram HERE
In this episode of I Am Mentally Tough, we tackle an essential and often controversial topic: “Tough Love or Too Far?” As a Mental Toughness coach, I’ve seen firsthand the impact a coach’s approach can have on an athlete’s mindset, performance, and overall well-being.
We’ll explore:
With insights from coaching legends like John Wooden and Gregg Popovich, as well as research-backed data, this episode provides valuable tools for coaches, athletes, and parents alike. Whether you’re in the gym, on the court, or in the stands, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Follow Coach G. on Instagram HERE
Follow Coach David on Instagram HERE
Download FREE Confidence guide HERE
In this episode of the I Am Mentally Tough podcast, we sit down with Aisha Foy, a renowned NIL consultant, to explore the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for athletes. Aisha shares invaluable insights on how athletes can leverage their personal brand not only for financial gain but also for personal development. She emphasizes the importance of documenting their journey, managing their online presence, and mastering public speaking to maximize NIL potential.
Aisha also breaks down the differences between collective NIL money and personal brand value, offering examples from well-known athletes like Armando Bacot. Whether you’re a high school athlete or playing at the college level, Aisha provides actionable strategies to help athletes at all stages secure NIL deals and build lasting, marketable brands.
Key Takeaways:
Aisha Foy is an NIL consultant helping athletes unlock their potential and create powerful personal brands. She is also the author of Success is My Major and provides free resources for athletes and parents looking to navigate the NIL landscape. Find her book and more information about her services on her website Follow Aisha Foy on Instagram
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Follow Coach David Anderson on Instagram
Work one on one with Coach G. to build your Mental Toughness
In this episode of the I Am Mentally Tough podcast, hosts Gladine Frasso (Coach G.) and Coach David Anderson dive into the essential role that role players have in basketball, whether they start on the court or come off the bench. They discuss the importance of embracing one's role, the mental toughness required to handle not getting much playing time, and the influence of parental expectations on athletes’ performances. By focusing on factors within their control and fostering a team-oriented mindset, athletes can strengthen their mental resilience and contribute positively to their team. The episode wraps up with a special announcement about upcoming group coaching sessions designed to build mental toughness in athletes.
Key Discussion Points:
The Importance of Role Players
Challenges Faced by Role Players
Parental Influence
Reframing the Bench Role
Mental Toughness and Role Acceptance
Coaches' Role in Managing Expectations
Parental Support and Mental Health
Building Mental Resilience
Coach G. will be launching her 8 week Mental Toughness Group Coaching program early November. Make sure you’re on her email list so that you’re the first to know when it goes live. Join here email list HERE
Learn the 6 reasons why your athletes are lacking confidence and what they can start doing now to overcome them. Get the free guide HERE
Follow Coach G. on Instagram HERE
Follow Coach David Anderson HERE
In this episode, Coach G. and Coach David dive deep into a critical topic that hits close to home for the basketball community: the importance of skill development versus playing year-round basketball games. Many players, especially in middle school and high school, are caught in the cycle of playing five seasons of basketball—middle school, AAU, spring league, summer league, and fall ball—without dedicating enough time to developing their skills and mental toughness. We explore why this is detrimental to their growth and how it prevents them from reaching their full potential.
Key Takeaways:
The Overload of Games: Basketball is a year-round sport, but when do athletes have time to work on skill development, mental performance, and overall basketball IQ? We question why many young athletes spend too much time competing in games instead of focusing on practice.
The Confidence Cycle: Building confidence starts with practicing the skills, implementing them in games, assessing performance, and then adjusting for improvement. Many athletes skip this essential step of practice, which hampers their long-term development.
The Role of Coaches: Coaches play a crucial role in allowing athletes to work on their weaknesses. Athletes need the freedom to try new skills in games, even if it means missing shots or making mistakes. Without this environment, they can't grow into well-rounded players.
Case Study - College Athlete's Journey: A real-life example of a current University of North Carolina athlete (Lanie Grant) showcases the dedication required to perfect skills like the floater over several years. She spent hours focusing on this specific skill from various angles to improve her game, illustrating the time investment necessary for skill mastery.
Parents and the Pressure to Win: Many parents and athletes are fixated on winning games, even at a young age, rather than focusing on the long-term process of skill development. We discuss why this mindset is holding athletes back from reaching their potential.
Kobe Bryant and Steph Curry's Work Ethic: The boring, repetitive nature of their training regimens is what made Kobe and Steph great. We explore how their commitment to perfecting fundamental skills, not just playing games, is the key to long-term success.
Quote of the Episode: "When you're trying to win, there's no way that you can apply what you're learning in training to a game. The W is more important than the process of development—and that's the problem."
If you're an athlete or a parent of an athlete who wants to build the right mindset and build unbreakable confidence, download our free confidence guide HERE to help you start on the right path.
Visit IAmMentallyTough.com for more resources on developing mental toughness, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast!
Follow Coach G. on Instagram HERE
Follow Coach David on Instagram HERE
In this episode of the I Am Mentally Tough Podcast, Gladine Frasso and Coach David Anderson dive deep into the importance of summer preparation for basketball players. They explore how discipline and mental toughness play a crucial role in determining success during the basketball season.
They discuss the concept of "The Harvest Doesn't Lie"—what athletes plant during the summer, whether hard work or laziness, will show when tryouts come around. The hosts also break down the factors that differentiate average players from those who become starters and standout athletes, highlighting the mental and emotional aspects that many coaches and parents overlook.
Key Topics:
Click here to download the FREE guide on the 6 reasons why athletes lack confidence and what to do to overcome the 6 reasons.
Follow Coach G on Instagram HERE
Follow Coach Anderson on Instagram HERE
In this episode of the I Am Mentally Tough podcast, Coach G interviews her dear friend Charlie Smith, a keynote speaker and mental performance coach, about his motto "My Life, My Pen." Charlie shares his personal story of overcoming a violent childhood and substance abuse by taking control of his life's narrative. He discusses his five pillars of personal development, starting with knowing who you are and setting realistic goals. Coach G and Charlie emphasize the importance of building confidence, maintaining healthy habits, and practicing self-compassion. Together, they highlight the significance of understanding one's core values and principles to become the best version of oneself while pursuing excellence.
Charlie Smith, a national keynote speaker and mental
performance consultant, leverages 30 years as a
commercial real estate investor with a compelling
personal journey of overcoming adversity in his life. His
mission is to impact, educate, and empower others to
become fulfilled in every aspect of their lives, through his
work. He wants you to change your life for the better by
changing the way you think. Charlie's professional career
includes over a billion dollars of real estate transactions
allowing him to combine practical business experience
with cutting-edge mental performance skills. Focused on
mindset and leadership development, he imparts
strategies for creating unshakeable self-confidence and
the resilience to elevate through adversity. Charlie's
impactful influence spans Fortune 300 companies,
high-level executives, leadership teams, athletes, and
Academy Award Winners. Through his signature
platform, ‘My Life, My Pen,' he inspires you to own the
pen and become the intentional author the life you not
only want, but deserve. Too often we let other people
and circumstances dictate our path forward. It's your life.
You should own the pen! Here are Charlie's 5 Pillars:
The 5 pillars of the PEN
Click here to follow Charlie on Instagram
Click here to view Charlie's website and to contact him!
Tajah Muhammad is the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of W.I.N.N. Network. She is also a Mindset Performance Coach, Motivational Speaker & Mentor. In this episode Tajah defines what is a growth mindset, the importance of it and how to build a growth mindset. Tajah has over 10+years coaching & mentoring youth, student-athletes, and corporate clients. She is currently a Doctoral Student of Management-Executive Leadership (2024).
You can follow Tajah on IG HERE
You can follow Tajah on LinkedIn HERE
You can visit Tajah's website HERE
Melissa Boufounos is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist in the Ottawa area. A lifelong athlete, she specialize in sports nutrition and mainly work with teen and adolescent hockey players in her virtual private practice.
Her mission is to help the next generation of hockey players optimize their diets and health so they can perform their best on and off the ice and avoid the mistakes she made growing up that cut her playing career short.
In this episode Coach G. and Melissa discuss the importance of nutrition for athletes. Melissa not only dives into the importance of proper nutrition before games, but also during and after games. As an expert Nutritionist, Melissa shares the best type of foods to eat to help prepare for competition and the best foods to eat to help with performance recovery.
Follow Melissa on Instagram HERE
Visit Melissa's website HERE
In this podcast episode we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Tywanna Smith. She has an extensive and comprehensive background in sports as a retired professional athlete, award-winning sports manager, and award-winning sports researcher. In this episode she discusses the conversations around confidence as it relates to an athlete's transition through and out of sports. She has honed processes and created programming to address this mindset shift and the necessary readiness to transition smoothly into the next chapter of their lives.
You can visit her website HERE
You can visit her Instagram HERE
Monique A.J. Smith, is a Leadership Strategist that guides Athletics Departments/Sport Organizations and Individuals who wish to advance in Athletics Administration/Sports Management careers through her company, Seeds of Empowerment LLC. Smith, a Sports Management veteran of 30 plus years, was
Adjunct Faculty at Hampton University teaching Sports Management Courses. Spring 2023, Monique published her 5th issue of Significance in Athletics and Sports, that features Black Women sharing their ‘Specialized Knowledge’ in the Industry. All issues can be found it www.seedsofempowermentstore.com
or Amazon. She is most known for her 9 seasons as the host of the internationally recognized weekly podcast "A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith”, that spotlights Women of Color in Athletics/Sports to her 2.9K Followers. Smith time in Collegiate Athletics includes a 13 year tenure as athletic conference executive for the historic Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). She also served in various athletic administrative roles on the campuses of Saint Paul’s College and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore within a ten year period. Smith was a member of the Adjunct Faculty at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. With the understanding that knowledge is the key to success, Smith customizes her presentations to provide clients with leadership tools to prepare them to make informed decisions. Monique has dedicated her life to marketing the success of others, developing opportunities for the underrepresented and influencing decision makers to embrace diversity and inclusion. These actions have led to extraordinary opportunities to facilitator change and see strives in the development of
others.
Learn more about Monique and her services HERE
In this episode, Coach Ebony Hood (Coach E.), talks about having confidence and how to confidently be your authentic self. She shares her personal stories how she grew her confidence and how she moved on from situations that could've broke her spirit and confidence. She also shares how to be your authentic self.
Ebony Hood (38), a DC native, she’s a certified IMPACT Basketball Player Development Coach and USA Basketball Youth Development Coach; with a M.S. in Recreational Sports and Coaching Education. She is currently the new 2 nd Assistant Coach of Gwynn Park High School JV Girls Basketball Team in Brandywine, MD, and founders (E.B.B.) Elite Beyond Basketball, LLC for Specialized Player Development. Serving as a youth basketball coach 10yrs, she deems her passion for basketball as more than personal gratification, but an inevitable source of hope. A continual student of the game, Coach Hood is well versed in basketball fundamentals. She values the fulfillment of sharing her game philosophy and life lessons. Having a firm belief in solid foundation, her
mission (deconstructing player skillsets, eliminating grey areas, and reintroducing vital mechanics) allows the development of effective habits and higher levels of efficiency. Much like many basketball greats before her, Coach Hood strives to prepare her players for excellency
and nothing less. As a young black female, 90’s grown, Coach Hood’s specialty intertwines both a simplified style of play with a hint of flash. Understanding the evolution and where Women’s Basketball is headed, she prides herself on elevating the next generation’s skills set. With the right repetitions, female players have the divine potential to perform without limitations. “Cultivate habits that account for SUCCESS! To commit to a standard, you must first adjust to
the Culture. Be willing to make the necessary adjustments, then hold yourself accountable to them”. ~Coach E. Hood’s Philosophy
You can follow Coach E on instagram HERE
Coach Dorian Lee, one of the most sought after Professional Skills and Development Basketball Coach shares his 8 Keys to maximizing your young athlete's potential.
For nearly 2 decades, Dorian Lee has been considered one of the foremost authorities in basketball player development. Having worked with over 4,500 athletes worldwide. Our clientele represents a who’s who of basketball notables that include nationally ranked high school talent, elite college players, International, Olympic, WNBA, and NBA athletes. Dorian’s training is rooted in explosive movement, functional movement (movement that directly impacts in-game performance), quick release shooting, seamless transitional ball handling, explosive post play, and explosive finishing. Holding a degree in Health Science and a NESTA certified Speed, Agility, and Quickness trainer, Dorian incorporates cutting edge physiological research with his training techniques that offer athletes a complete explanation and understanding of what it is that they do and why it works.
Author of two of the best selling instructional DVDs, the Art of the Quick Release and Explosive Finishing Moves Dorian’s unique training style and techniques has been sought out by sports agencies and professional athletes from around the entire world. Having trained all levels in 6 countries, Dorian has been lead trainer for professional camps in Spain and France while serving as lead trainer for elite youth camps in Japan, France, Belize, and Colombia
In his new book Titled "Could You Be The Reason Your Kid is Trash" Coach Lee gives parents the answers that they so desperately need to navigate the treacherous landscape of youth basketball. There has been no book written, until now, that tackles the complexity of the subject matter. This book is about "the talk," the talk that author Dorian A. Lee has had with nearly every parent since he started the journey of developing young athletes back in the early 2000s. 8 Chapters of "Do's and Don'ts" that ultimately gives parents the resources and knowledge to help their young athlete develop "ironclad" confidence. From understanding your parenting style to understanding the politics to getting the absolute most out of your child to how to select the right trainer or coach for you young athlete this book, insightful and reflective. The author shares some of the most incredible success stories that you will ever hear. This book proves that success leaves clues. These clues provide a blueprint for success on and off of the court. Get a copy of his book HERE
Follow him on Instagram HERE
Follow him on Twitter HERE
Contact him and view his website HERE
Dan Rigby is a public school teacher of 14 years and a recently retired wrestling coach. As a coach Dan spent more than 15 years coaching High School wrestling in public schools across Delaware. He has experience in rebuilding teams that had 0 wins before he became involved and also taking the most prominent program in the area and trying to maintain their winning ways. He was voted Delaware Coach of the year 3 times and although he is done formally coaching, we all know coaches never stop. Recently Dan has been working with numerous sports programs in the area and trying to help them build a winning culture. In the last few weeks he has published the Win the Day Planner a planner specific for student athletes and is already working on the next "off season edition."
You can find Dan on Instagram HERE
You can order a Win The Day Planner HERE
You can order Win The Day Planner in Bulk HERE
Interested in one on one or group Mental Performance Coaching? Click HERE
