In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Laura interviews athletes Hailey (@hailey.soccer_3) and Vanessa (@vwl0122), two Canadian soccer players from the Toronto area who now play collegiate D1 soccer in the United States at Wagner College @wag_wsoccer.

The conversation explores their journey from playing youth soccer with the Toronto Blizzard @torontoblizzard to earning opportunities in the U.S., their experiences adapting to a faster and more physical American style of play, and the key role their training and fitness programs played in preparing them for NCAA Division I competition.

Both athletes describe the cultural and tactical differences between Canadian and U.S. soccer, noting that the transition required adaptability, grit, and a commitment to continual improvement.

They also reflect on the importance of mentorship, strong coaching, and perseverance. Hailey and Vanessa credit their development program and coach, Joe Perellini, for instilling discipline, fitness, and mental toughness that made their college transition smoother.

Beyond soccer, they discuss the life lessons that come with collegiate athletics, the importance of finding motivation, and staying dedicated through challenges. The episode serves as both an inspiring look at their athletic journeys and valuable guidance for parents and young athletes pursuing sports seriously.

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Laura sits with Coach Kevin and his 2016 DNLP boys’ soccer team.

@dnlp_futcol

The discussion highlights the academy’s philosophy of developing a passion for soccer while emphasizing enjoyment, teamwork, and personal growth. Coach Kevin, originally from Chile, explains that DNLP focuses on nurturing players’ love for the game rather than just winning, with “Rule #1” being to always have fun.

The young players—Joshua, Jonathan, Dante, Demetri, and Kunga—share their reasons for loving soccer, favorite parts of training, and strategies for handling frustration and staying motivated. Their responses center on fun, friendship, and continuous improvement, reflecting the supportive and disciplined environment Kevin fosters.

The conversation also explores how the players prepare for games—through music, warmups, or watching highlights—and the encouragement they receive from their parents, who emphasize effort, teamwork, and positivity.

Coach Kevin closes by stressing the importance of education, discipline, and mutual respect, noting that DNLP aims to develop well-rounded athletes and individuals.

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Pam is joined by Tamara Giaquinto — standout Canadian hockey player from Boston University, who captained the team in 2024–25, earned the 2024 Hockey East Defender of the Year title, and was recently drafted by PWHL Montreal — along with her longtime mentor, Rob Nixon of SCORE Hockey School

Tamara traces her path from boys' Timbits to Brampton Canadettes, Oakville Hornets, and Etobicoke Jr., through Team Ontario Red and Team Canada U18 (yes, the infamous beep test 10), to BU, the Beanpot, and a Master's in Real Estate.

She and Rob unpack goal-setting, training (and not over-training), balancing academics, leadership, and coming back from a chronic knee issue.

Rob adds parent/coach wisdom: keep it fun, make it their journey, and let athletes own conversations with coaches. A candid, practical guide for players and parents eyeing NCAA or the PWHL path.

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Laura sits down with Coach Lexi—pro player turned performance coach and founder of Female Soccer Fitness (FSF).

From tearing her ACL three times to earning a scholarship at TMU, playing League1 Ontario, and signing a pro deal in Portugal, Lexi shares how she rebuilt confidence, why “be where your feet are” is her mantra, and the work she uses to help youth athletes move better and prevent injuries.

Now back in the GTA, she’s coaching U10/U12 and running FSF sessions focused on acceleration, change of direction, and ACL-smart mechanics—building faster, braver players on and off the pitch.  

You can follow and connect with Coach Lexi at @FemaleSoccerFitness

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, Pam sits down with Mike Fuoco, head coach of the Etobicoke Dolphins U15 AA team, to dive deep into the world of girls’ hockey in Ontario.

Mike shares his personal journey from playing and coaching in Brampton to becoming a leader in the female game, inspired by his sister’s hockey career.

He explains how the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) structure works—age groups, levels, and the pathway from U9 to junior. Mike breaks down what “high performance” hockey really means, how recruitment works at the U15 level, and the balance between development, competition, and opportunity. He also highlights the importance of player mindset, parent involvement, and being proactive when navigating the girls’ hockey system.

Listeners will come away with a clear understanding of how the female hockey pathway operates, what coaches look for in athletes, and why communication, commitment, and development matter more than promises.

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Pam sits with multi-sport athlete Maliya Holder who shares her journey from growing up in a hockey family to discovering her true passion for Lacrosse.

She opens up about tough decisions—like leaving hockey behind—her time with Oakville, The Toronto Rock, and now a U.S. club, and the sacrifices it takes to chase NCAA D1 dreams.

Maliya gives valuable advice for young athletes on balancing school, sport, and training, and reminds us to enjoy the process, overcome setbacks, and always play for the love of the game.

You can follow us on IG @thesportipodcast and Maliya's journey @maliya.holder

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, Laura sits down with Rachel Bugera, a former figure skater and competitive soccer player who has turned her athletic journey into a mission of service and empowerment through @youth.initiatives.cd

Rachel shares her experiences growing up in sport—the tough decision to leave figure skating for soccer, the highs of team camaraderie, and the lows of toxic coaching environments.

She opens up about a devastating ACL and meniscus injury during her teen years, how recovery tested both her mental and physical resilience, and how those struggles shaped her perspective on the importance of fun, community, and mental health in sport.

Now a university student studying to become a teacher, Rachel is the founder of Youth Initiative, a volunteer-driven nonprofit that connects high school students with meaningful community projects—from supporting the homeless to leading mental health campaigns. Through her advocacy, coaching, and leadership, she is working to ensure more young athletes stay in sport and feel supported long-term.

This episode is a powerful reminder that sport is about more than competition—it’s about resilience, connection, and giving back.

In this episode, host Laura speaks with Sijad (Coach S) and Farshad (Coach F), twin brothers and founders of Game Awareness, a Toronto-based soccer development program that has made waves both locally and internationally. The program began with one-on-one sessions focusing on a critical skill: game awareness - including scanning, quick decision-making, and spatial awareness. After a coaching trip to the Netherlands, the twins realized this was a gap in Canadian soccer development and brought those principles home.

Their online presence helped Game Awareness grow, allowing them to expand into group sessions, tournaments, and their signature Super League. Their events—initially non-sanctioned—quickly attracted attention for their competitiveness and community atmosphere, and the brothers now encourage a balanced mix of both sanctioned and non-sanctioned play.

They emphasize that creating a positive atmosphere helps kids enjoy the game and stay engaged long-term. Their showcase teams offer top players international experiences—traveling to Europe, playing top competition, and returning with clear developmental goals.

The program continues to grow, expanding into girls’ soccer and planning a province-wide league structure, with future plans that you’ll learn more about by tuning in 😉

Huddle up and let's get talking!

In this deeply reflective conversation, Martin from NorthToronto Soccer Club (@nt_soccerclub) shares his personal journey through semi to pro soccer, playing overseas , and eventually coaching—highlighting the transformative power ofmentorship and personal accountability. He credits much of his growth to mentors who didn't hand-hold but rather pointed him in the right direction, leaving the responsibility to him.

This, he explains, is the essence of player agency: the ability and willingness of an athlete to take ownership of their growth by turning knowledge into action.

Martin underscores that progress comes from consistentmovement—trying new things, experimenting, failing, and learning. He challenges the notion that players must wait for systems or external validation, instead advocating for self-driven exploration, especially in a world full of accessible resources. While supportive communities and coaches are crucial, it’s ultimately the players who must do the work. This concept of agency, paired with resilience and curiosity, builds a foundation not only for athletic success but for lifelong learning. Whether someone plays competitively or casually, the game can serve as a mirror for life: full of setbacks,discoveries, and opportunities to grow if we stay in motion.

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, Laura sits down with Juan Patarroyo, co-founder and coach at AthElite Lab in Milton, Ontario. Juan shares how his personal soccer journey—shaped by university-level play and a major ACL injury—ultimately led him to discover a passion for coaching and youth development.

AthElite Lab was born out of a desire to offer elite-level, small group training focused not only on technical development but also on building character, consistency, and long-term athletic habits.

Juan explains the importance of honesty in coaching, creating individualized training environments, and moving away from the high-pressure, win-at-all-costs mindset that often dominates youth sports.

AthElite Lab offers age-specific programs that prioritize foundational skills for young athletes and more position-specific, game-intelligent training as they grow older. The conversation also touches on how sport builds life-ready qualities such as discipline, adaptability, and confidence—regardless of whether an athlete goes pro.

Throughout the episode, Juan and Laura explore the evolving role of parents, the impact of supportive coaching, and how programs like AthElite Lab are redefining what success looks like in youth sports.

Whether your child wants to be a pro athlete, a coach, or simply gain confidence through sport, this episode is packed with thoughtful advice and real-life insight.

In this inspiring episode, Coach Maria Procopio shares her journey from playing youth soccer in Vaughan, Ontario to coaching at Sheridan College and building a wide-reaching private training and travel soccer program for girls. A former professional player in Italy and a certified coach with international experience, Maria speaks passionately about creating access and exposure for young female athletes. Her programs support development on and off the field, focusing on technical skill, academic planning, college recruitment, and international competition. She emphasizes a “360-degree approach” to coaching - supporting athletes with training, travel opportunities, and mentorship that includes life skills like independence and communication.

Maria’s travel teams have played across North America and Europe, not only offering competitive games but also college campus visits and cultural experiences. She describes the importance of early exposure - emotionally and logistically -to prepare athletes for the demands of collegiate and professional soccer. From ID camps to video highlights and GPA strategies, Maria breaks down the recruiting timeline and stresses the value of staying connected to sport, even if players don’t go pro. Her advice to parents: ask questions, use your network, and remember that the goal is to keep more girls playing and thriving through sport - whether on the field or beyond.

@theSPORTipodcast

@coachmariasoccer

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Pam speaks with Greg Evans - a hockey dad, coach, and former player about his lifelong journey through the sport. Greg reflects on his early days playing in the NYHL and GTHL, his time at Metro Prep during the early academy era, and his brief experience with the University of Guelph team. Greg shares how finding the right school environment helped him excel both in the classroom and on the ice. Now coaching his two sons, he offers honest insights into player development, early specialization, and the importance of balancing competition with confidence.

Greg dives into the evolving world of youth hockey—comparing sanctioned leagues like Hockey Canada's CDP and CDS programs with unsanctioned leagues like The Klevr League and why a one-size-fits-all approach can hinder elite players. He offers thoughtful advice for parents navigating their kids’ athletic journeys: let them lead, support their passions, and avoid chasing status too early. From the realities of coaching your own child to the lasting impact of encouragement over pressure, Greg’s perspective is refreshingly grounded in both experience and empathy.

Whether you're a new hockey parent, a seasoned coach, or just passionate about youth sports, this episode reminds us that the real goal isn’t just making the NHL it’s helping kids love the game and grow through it.

@thesportipodcast

In this inspiring episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Laura sits down with three key figures from Genesis Football Academy — founder Steve Jackman, head coach Les Smith, and business consultant Alicia Lashley. Together, they explore the academy’s mission to elevate girls’ soccer in the Greater Toronto Area by focusing not just on skill development, but on shaping confident, well-rounded young women.

The conversation dives into Genesis’ founding story, its all-girls shift, and the deeply personal philosophy that guides the program — one that prioritizes academics, wellness, and leadership development just as much as performance on the pitch. Listeners hear about the academy's wellness workshops, mentorship programs, surveys tailored to athlete development, and the powerful role of community support, including parents and alumni.

What makes Genesis unique is its holistic approach — building a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where athletes are coached for life, not just for sport. From addressing body image and injury prevention to cultivating long-term friendships and career readiness, Genesis is shaping a new era in youth soccer — one rooted in empathy, integrity, and growth.

@thesportipodcast

@genesisfootballacademy

In this powerful episode, Pam and Laura sit down with Rob Pallante, founder of Mindset Body Bank, to unpack his incredible journey from OHL draft pick to mindset coach. Rob shares how early success in hockey masked his lack of mental preparation for adversity, leading to challenges throughout his NCAA career at Michigan Tech and beyond. He reflects on how identity, ego, and the absence of mental coaching contributed to setbacks that eventually ended his hockey career. Rob opens up about a life-changing accident that gave him a second chance and sparked his purpose of helping athletes develop the mental tools he never had.

The conversation explores the importance of mental training alongside physical and technical development, the role parents and coaches play in shaping athletes’ mindsets, and how to shift focus from outcomes to effort and process. Rob highlights the impact of small daily habits, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, sharing his experiences working with youth, junior, and pro athletes. He also introduces his Mental Performance Journal as a tool for building self-reflection and growth. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode is filled with relatable lessons on resilience, mindset, and using sport as a platform for personal development.

@mindsetbodybank

@thesportipodcast

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, Laura sits down with Sam, the Marketing Director and Head of Community Relations at Burlington Soccer Club. Sam shares her inspiring journey from coaching in York Region to leading through a pandemic and eventually landing at Burlington. She reflects on the challenges of keeping a non-profit sports club afloat during COVID-19, the shift to virtual training, and the importance of reconnecting with the community post-pandemic. Sam also highlights how Burlington has prioritized mental health, multi-sport participation, and community partnerships—like their Girls Can Play Day and collaborations with the Burlington Humane Society and Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation.

Sam dives into Burlington’s wide range of soccer programs, from toddlers to seniors, including their all-abilities program and high-performance teams. She stresses the importance of open communication between parents, coaches, and players, especially when navigating development stages or team placements. Drawing from her MBA research on women and girls in sport, Sam emphasizes how multi-sport participation and leadership opportunities benefit young athletes beyond the game. Her message is clear: creating positive, inclusive experiences in sport isn’t just about winning—it’s about building stronger, healthier communities.

In this episode of the The SPORTi Podcast host Laura sits down with Evan Bombino, owner and head coach of Rebel Soccer Academy, to explore his powerful journey from being a multi-sport athlete to a passionate coach and program builder. Evan shares how his father's legacy in Canadian soccer shaped his early sports experiences, and how a career-ending knee injury led him to discover his true calling in coaching. With a firm belief in player development, effort, and attitude over short-term wins, Evan built Rebel Soccer Academy to offer kids — including his own — a balance of competitive and character-building experiences. He also speaks candidly about coaching his own children, learning when to step back, and the turning points that helped his son and daughter thrive in sport.

Evan dives into the world of sanctioned vs. non-sanctioned soccer, explaining how his 3v3 Showdown and travel teams give players the freedom to express themselves, build confidence, and face real competition. He emphasizes the importance of foundational development over chasing trophies and talks about the Academy's entry into the global Junior Premier League (JPL) — a new pathway that blends competition with opportunity. The episode is packed with insights on parenting, coaching, resilience, and the evolving soccer landscape in Canada. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this conversation will leave you inspired to focus on process over perfection and to create opportunities where passion leads the way.

In this inspiring episode, The SPORTi Podcast host Laura sits down with Chelsea Spencer, founder of Empower Futbol and former D1 athlete, to discuss the evolution of youth soccer, the gaps girls face in the sport today, and what needs to change. Chelsea shares her personal journey — from growing up in Burlington’s club system to playing NCAA Division 1 soccer, transitioning into coaching, and eventually founding Empower Futbol to create a space that prioritizes development, confidence, and belonging for young athletes.

Chelsea dives deep into the importance of authentic coaching, supporting players beyond just the technical game, and building inclusive environments where athletes from all backgrounds can thrive. She also opens up about the challenges female athletes face with body image, systemic barriers in sports, and the need to move away from fear-based coaching. Her experiences and honest insights offer valuable advice for players, coaches, and parents alike.

In this episode of the The SPORTi Podcast, Hosts Pam and Laura sit down with Brandon from Shield Athletics, a high-performance development center based in Burlington, Ontario.  Brandon  shares his powerful journey from a pro-hockey career to building a full-circle athlete development facility. Drawing from his own experiences with pressure, failure, and adversity in sport, he emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, proper load management, and redefining success for young athletes. He dives deep into the emotional and psychological demands of youth sports and stresses how early development, mindset coaching, and parental support shape an athlete’s long-term trajectory.

Beyond the rink, Brandon’s vision for Shield Athletics is holistic—offering not just elite hockey training, but recovery, therapy, nutrition, mindset coaching, and even cardiac rehab. From six-year-olds to NHL pros, his personalized, small-group approach focuses on building confident, self-aware athletes ready for both sport and life.  Brandon's passion for empowering athletes and educating parents is clear, and his upcoming development seminar aims to bridge the gap between ambition and smart, sustainable progress. The conversation is filled with relatable insights, honest stories, and tangible advice for anyone navigating the world of competitive youth sports.

In this episode, Sly Walters returns to discuss the importance of understanding child development stages and how parents can support their children in sports and life. The conversation covers the impact of coaching styles on self-esteem, the role of social media in shaping self-perception, and the significance of communication between parents and children. Sly emphasizes the need for self-love and resilience in young athletes, as well as practical tools like visualization for injury recovery.

The episode concludes with a call for parents to be proactive in nurturing their children's emotional well-being and confidence.

@thesportipodcast

@slywaltersmp

@ternionfitnessandathletics

slywaltersmp.com