Fighting For Overtime: Addressing Anxiety and Achievements in Youth Sports

Youth sports are changing fast! There's more pressure, earlier specialization, and kids feeling college-level stress before they even hit middle school. But what if training didn’t revolve around wins, rankings, or chasing scholarships? What if it actually built confidence, character, and long-term growth?
In this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with Jake Kirsch, Senior Director at ETS Performance and former Division I football player, to break down what healthy youth development should look like today. Jake helps lead programs that train thousands of young athletes nationwide, alongside pros like Adam Thielen, and he’s on a mission to redefine performance training from the ground up.
Together, we dive into:
How ETS builds strong, confident kids without burning them out
Long-term development vs. the “win now” mindset
The importance of community, mentorship, and positive reinforcement
What parents and coaches often get wrong about youth performance
How to spot the early signs of burnout — and stop it before it’s too late
Why kids today feel D1 pressure at 12… and how to change that
As a former D1 athlete, Jake shares personal experiences with pressure, expectations, and what he wishes he knew before entering high-level sports — plus how ETS builds environments where kids feel safe, supported, and excited to grow. This isn’t just about producing better athletes… it’s about raising stronger humans.
***Follow Jake and all of his training HERE: www.linktr.ee/coachjakekirsch
***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.
#YouthSports #ETSPerformance #MentalHealth #ConfidenceBuilding #YouthAthleteDevelopment #FightingForOvertime #SportsParenting #AthleteMindset #BurnoutPrevention #PositiveCoaching

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

How do you build a dynasty — and keep it alive year after year?
In this episode of Fighting For Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with Mike McDonald, Head Coach of the Elite Archbishop Wood Girls Basketball Program, to talk about the blueprint behind sustained success in youth sports.
From culture to chemistry, leadership to burnout, Coach McDonald shares how he’s built one of the most consistent programs in the region — and the life lessons that go beyond the court. We touch on....
Building a winning culture that lasts
Developing mental toughness and avoiding burnout
Teaching leadership and accountability
Overcoming adversity as a team
What true success looks like in youth sports
Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete — this episode is packed with insight on how to win the right way.
Follow Coach Mike and the Team on IG @coachmikemcd | @woodgirlsbball
Follow for schedules and team info: www.woodsgirlsbasketball.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 (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.
#YouthSports #HighSchoolBasketball #ArchbishopWood #Leadership #CoachingCulture #FightingForOvertime #GirlsBasketball #MentalToughness

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
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.