Fighting For Overtime: Addressing Anxiety and Achievements in Youth Sports

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.
These stories capture the raw emotions and personal insights of young athletes and their parents, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between sports and mental health. Through insightful interviews with athletes, coaches, psychologists, and parents, Coach Tony explores strategies for fostering a positive and supportive environment in youth sports.
Episodes
Episodes



Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
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.



Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Hateful Words and Wrong Priorities in a Local Softball League | F4OT Pod
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
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.



Friday Aug 22, 2025
Friday Aug 22, 2025
From battling injuries to chasing a lifelong dream in baseball, DJ Dickson has lived the highs and lows of the game — and come out stronger every time.
In this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with the Southampton native to talk about his journey from growing up with his dad as his coach, to competing at UVA Wise, and now mentoring young players through his own hitting clinic.
DJ’s story is one of resilience, recovery, and giving back, showing that every setback can become the foundation for something greater.
🎯 Topics Include:
Battling through injuries and staying mentally strong
Lessons learned from being coached by family
Competing at the college level
Building and running his own hitting clinic
The importance of mentorship and community
Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent — this episode will remind you that your journey isn’t defined by the obstacles, but by the heart you show after them.
#FightingForOvertime #YouthSports #Baseball #SouthamptonPA #UVAWise #Resilience #BaseballLife #AthleteMindset #Motivation #Coaching
***Follow DJ's Hitting Clinic Page for More Info -- www.instagram.com/djdickson.hitting
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. 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.



Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
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.



Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
When the Game Turns Against Them: A Softball Team's Fight for Fairness | F4OT Pod
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
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
SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WS3E97YEZGCSJ
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.



Monday Jul 28, 2025
Sideline Stress: How Youth Sports Strains Family Bonds | F4OT Pod
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
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.







