When The Cleats Come Off

Recruiting 101: Communicating with college coaches

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode you’ll find a list of unique questions to ask coaches during the recruiting process, some questions they’ll likely ask you so you ...

Lane Farmer: Empower yourself by using your mind

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Your thoughts will determine your success and in this episode you’ll learn how to stay optimistic when things don’t go your way, slumps and how to...

10 ways to separate yourself from your competition

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone is looking for ways to stand out from their competition, and here are 10 of the most important ways you can do so! The more you work on these...

Kaitlyn McNally: Maximize performance through nutrition

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What you eat can positively or negatively affect your performance and in today’s conversation with sports-specific Dietitian-Nutritionist, Kaitlyn M...

EMBRACE THE SUCK

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to Coach Carol Hutchins from Michigan, working hard is only the entry point to becoming great. Everyone is working hard, but how can you sta...

Sam Fischer: Where she thinks professional softball is headed, recruiting tips and why being softball obsessed is a GOOD THING

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Samu is BACK on the pod diving deeper into WHY she wanted to go mid-major for college and why she would have it no other way, how she’s able to alwa...

Master your mind, master your GAME!

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Until we’ve mastered how we can manage our thoughts, confidence will be hard to find under the pressures of the game of softball. Today, we’re lea...

Monica Abbott: “Rise and Shine” to your own greatness

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

2x Olympic Medalist, Monica Abbott, is back as a new author and loving her new retirement life! In this episode, she goes deeper into her journey to m...

I’m a mom!

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Never could I EVER be more proud to have grown up as an athlete because the lessons sports taught me have helped me prepare for this new gig as a moth...

The secret to overcoming perfectionism

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why some people are able to move on from a mistake faster than others? They approach their process as a main priority and today...

Where I think professional softball is headed

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The recent WPF (Women’s Professional Fastpitch) draft inspired me to talk professional softball today with you; what I LOVE about the WPF and Athlet...

Softball Pre-Game Confidence Meditation (10 min)

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is a little different than most. This short, 10 minute episode is a softball-specific meditation to help athletes be in a more calm ...

How to work on better timing at the plate

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

BEFORE you go straight to trying to fix your mechanics when things don’t go well early in the season, let’s check in on our timing! MOST hitters t...

Coach Ballgame: How to make the game FUN again

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The game of baseball (and softball) is our nation’s past-time for a reason and deserves to be played with FUN and FREEDOM as a top priority. Our gam...

How to make your thoughts HELP you rather than HURT you

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“90% of the game is half mental.” - Yogi Berra. When we start to understand that what separates the good from the GREAT is mastering our mental ga...

Kally Vander Valk: Owning your opportunity

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

No one knows when their next adversity is going to hit, but we can always be prepared for when it does come! This week on the podcast, Pitching Coach ...

TRYOUTS! 10 ways to mentally prepare before “show time”

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Want to make sure you’re mentally prepared to thrive…ESPECIALLY at your next tryout?! This episode was MADE FOR YOU! From making sure your mind is...

Erin Coffel: How she went from Midwest standout to All-American in the SEC

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

SO MANY have asked that we have a guest on the show who has “made it” from the Midwest and TODAY we get to make it happen! Erin Coffel is an India...

10 things to look for while watching college softball

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to be great at this game a REQUIREMENT is to watch the best do what they do. Today I’m giving you 10 ways to make the MOST out of your w...

Dr. Dot Richardson: How to lead with love and make your dreams become a reality

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A dream of MINE is having Dr. Dot Richardson on the podcast and I’m so excited for her to share a bit about her incredible journey from not being ab...

“Mamba Mentality” - How to become the best at what you do

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kobe was a legend we can learn so much from from not only his playing, but his PRACTICE and his influence on his team and his family. In honor of the ...

Justin McLeod: What to expect this college softball season

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here, we go! College softball is almost back in action and I have none other than one of the best college softball reporters in the game, Justin McLeo...

30 pieces of advice I’d give my younger self

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s my birthday week and, you guessed it, I turn 30! I want to celebrate this milestone by sharing a few short pieces of advice I needed to hear wh...

Anna Burkhardt: Being different is a good thing

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve met my middle sis, but now it’s time to meet the THIRD Burkhardt child, volleyball star Anna Burkhardt! In this episode you’ll learn how ...

They key to making your goals happen in 2023

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Having a dream or goal is the easy part, but making them happen sometimes requires some guidance. In this episode you’ll learn the importance of hav...

Leah Amico: Living out the G.O.L.D. Standard

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Who better to learn from than someone who has done it ALL in our game?! We’re honored to have yet another Olympian, 3x Gold Medalist Leah Amico,&nbs...

Sue Enquist: 3 timeless truths parents can use to help your athlete find success

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is SUCH a treat! Today on the podcast, you’re getting a snippet of a Zoom call that parents of my Virtual Hitting Academy members received from...

No journey is cookie cutter

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

ZERO roads to the same destination are exactly the same in this game and it’s time to start owning yours instead of comparing it to others. Listen i...

Kristina Burkhardt: How to be a leader by example

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do I believe everyone should strive to be better leaders by example? I DO! My sis is back on the podcast this week sharing some of the qualities she w...

10 ways to know you’re with a great coach

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Great coaching is hard to find sometimes. Here are 10 qualities I’ve learned the BEST coaches in ANY sport have in common and why I think we should ...

Chris Vasami: Make the most of this off-season

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Start following your plan instead of your mood.” This is one of my FAVORITE quotes from today’s episode with former pro baseball player and gre...

3 proven ways to build confidence

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Just like your swing, your defense and your pitching, confidence is a SKILL! The more we work on it the better we’ll get at it and today I’m givin...

You should be doing this practice WEEKLY!

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m sharing a simple practice that will help boost your confidence, remind yourself of how great you are, and hopefully be one that you come b...

Tori Vidales: How to stand out at first base and in the box!

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Olympian and 2x All-American, Tori Vidales is BACK on the show to talk about her love for first base, drills and things to think about to become GREAT...

5 ways to help balance being a student-athlete

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Balancing student-athlete life can be MESSY, but it doesn’t have to be! Today I’m sharing 5 ideas to start implementing into your routine that I P...

Nicole Trimboli: How to stand out to coaches, build mental toughness and help get the most out of your athlete

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week 3x All-Big 12 Honoree, NPF All-Star and Championship MVP, Nicole Trimboli, is sharing some of her favorite ways to communicate and get the m...

10 softball secrets you should know!

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re looking to learn some softball hacks from those who have “been there” to make you and your daughter’s experience in the game better ...

Tori Vidales: Becoming an Olympian takes time

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I’m so so excited to share with you one of the real-est humans in the game as she shares a lot about her journey from growing up in Texas to being a...

Jennifer Schwartz: Injury prevention and active recovery techniques

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The question we alllll have asked ourselves: “How do I make sure I don’t get injured?” Well, we can’t know when it will BUT we can learn and a...

Hitting Conversations: Posture and loose arms

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

My friend Liv was looking for some insight about her swing earlier this year, and I decided to record the conversation! We talk about her stance, post...

China McCarney: Arm Conditioning and Mental Training

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bold statement from today’s podcast guest, VP and CFO of Jaeger Sports, China McCarney: “If you’re healthier, you can train more.” MOST of us ...

Skylar Wallace: Speed kills - How to become an aggressive baserunner

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you learn how to become a better baserunner? TWO WAYS: 1) You watch the greats on the bases like a hawk when they play and 2) You listen and le...

10 skills dogs can teach us

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A few weeks ago our first family dog passed and I thought in honor of her, I’d talk about a few things dogs can teach us about how to live life to t...

Carol Hutchins: Building a winning legacy, Part 2 of 2

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we learned from Michigan Softball legend Carol Hutchins how she has been able to sustain so much success with her program over the 38 years ...

Carol Hutchins: Building a winning legacy, Part 1 of 2

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Winning is in Carol Hutchins’ blood, and today, we get to learn from the current winningest coach in all of NCAA D1 Softball history a bit of the sy...

DO NOT do these 5 things with your athlete

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Throughout my not only 8 years of coaching college and youth athletes but also learning from some of the best coaches and parents in the game, here ar...

Dr. Amber Selking: Winning the Mental Game

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Who would have thought there’s a proven playbook that can help you be the best and most confident version of you on the field?! Well, crazy enough t...

Beth Zachary: How to coach your athlete and grow Champions

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What if we look at building a good team culture as building the PEOPLE on our team BEFORE their skills? There are few high school coaches dominating t...

Lean into where you are

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wrapping up season 2 with a weekly workshop with my Academy members about being where your feet are and leaning into where you are right now. Whether ...

6 proven ways to elevate your game TODAY

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a special episode. Today, I’m giving you an inside look and sharing snippets of 6 HUGE topics that guest speakers have recently spoken to my...

Find your bird (focus)

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Finding our focus is hard, especially when we’re performing in a big moment. This week, let’s dive into the brain and an analogy to help us find m...

10 things the 2022 Oklahoma Softball team taught us this season

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This 2022 Oklahoma Softball Team has won 4 National Championships in the past 6 years, 5 in the past decade and are arguably the greatest team in the ...

8 ways to avoid mental fatigue & burnout with School Counselor Holly Hensley

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

19 years of school counseling, playing a collegiate sport and now parenting two teenage athletes herself has taught today’s guest, Holly Hensley, MA...

5 ways to grow your game while watching the WCWS

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the best time of the year! The Women’s College World Series is here and here’s a breakdown of 5 ways you can watch and GROW YOUR GAME at th...

Kevin DeShazo: Leadership, influence and how to “keep chopping wood”, Part 2 of 2

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Greatness is inconvenient. After talking in last week’s episode with best-selling author/speaker Kevin DeShazo about leadership, the power of optimi...

Kevin DeShazo: Leadership, influence and how to “keep chopping wood”, Part 1 of 2

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The greats are obsessed with the process. I’m THRILLED to have, Kevin DeShazo, a really cool dad who happens to also be a best-selling author, speak...

Chelsea Suitos: The importance of authentically branding yourself on social media

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After working for one of the largest brands in the world at Nike, Chelsea has learned the crucial steps of authentic branding and is now teaching play...

Why mental health NEEDS to be a priority

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to reduce the stigma around mental health. For mental health awareness month, I wanted to share a few resources that can help you and your...

Ashley Carter: How to be more confidently YOU

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Owning who we are is a MUST if we want to be great at anything. Coach Ashley Carter, current University of Washington Volunteer Assistant and Founder ...

Gessica Garber “Huffy”: How creativity can help your game

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You can’t compete at your best without knowing who you are and this week, Notre Dame Softball Alum Gessica (Hufnagle) Garber is talking about how sh...

Umpires are humans, too

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of the greatest compliments I ever received was from an umpire who told me I always played the game the right way. Today, I’m hoping to give him...

Scott Burkhardt: What it’s like being a “softball dad”, Part 2 of 2

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dad’s back on the show answering some of YOUR questions like: “How do you find the right coach?”,  “When do I know when is the right time to ...

Scott Burkhardt: What it’s like being a “softball dad”, Part 1 of 2

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A LOT of you have asked for this interview and it’s here! This week, my dad and I are sitting down talking about our journey through the game togeth...

LIVE Q&A: Handling pressure, bonding with new teammates

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I recently did a LIVE Q&A where I asked YOU what questions you wanted more insight on, so today, I’m answering questions like: “How do I create a ...

The time I hated softball

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Believe it or not, there was a time I didn’t love softball. Here’s the story and how I was able to find myself and the love I have for the game ag...

Erika Piancastelli: Always swing hard

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, learn from Team Italy’s Erika Piancastelli how she became the amazing hitter that she is, what her Olympic journey was like while also ha...

Katie Cheadle: How to shift from anxiousness to confidence

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, learn strategies of how to get out of feeling “stuck”, what to do when under high stress, the importance of celebrating failure and how...

Why you should be watching college softball

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’m giving you 5 reasons why you should be watching softball and what to start looking out for so you can learn from the players and...

Kristina Burkhardt: Her “Last Dance” in college softball

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

My middle sis has entered the chat! Learn a bit of us growing up in the game, her love of the outfield, some of her recruiting story, how she has over...

Baserunning 101

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time we talk about the topic NO ONE is talking about…and that’s baserunning! Learn in this episode how to be more aggressive, make smarter ...

Amanda Lorenz: How to get the MOST out of yourself in the box

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we have one of the most PASSIONATE softball players on the podcast and it’s none other than Florida Gator standout, Amanda Lorenz! She’...

10 things softball has taught me…

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s my BIRTHDAY WEEK and I wanted to give you a special episode reflecting on the ten biggest things this game has taught me AND IS STILL TEACHING ...

GOALS: It’s supposed to be hard…

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Creating a goal is the easy part, but if you’re not actually COMMITTED to it, it’s just a fantasy. Learn what the difference is between someone wh...

Ben-Marvin Egel: A few things golf can teach us, Part 2 of 2

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Here’s where my hubby and I get more into the nitty gritty of how we were both raised to be elite competitors, a little of what his experience caddy...

Ben-Marvin Egel: A few things golf can teach us, Part 1

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I have NEVER done an episode like this before…today I’m sitting down with my HUSBAND talking about all things 5 months of married life has taught ...

10 hitting challenges to amp up your hitting

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m giving you a list of 10 hitting challenges you can add to your practices to level up your hitting and learn how to COMPETE and SUCCEED UN...

Jordan Taylor: Pitch calling and approach, Part 2 of 2

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of my conversation with Taylor we dive into how to be more confident with your pitch calling, how to make adjustments when things don’t ...

Jordan Taylor: Pitch calling and approach, Part 1 of 2

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

One of the greatest pitchers of all time teaches us how to develop confidence as a pitcher, tips on how she throws her curveball, screwball, change up...

5 ways to build accountability with your athlete

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here are 5 steps to developing more accountability with your athlete which will lead to more trust between you and her and how you can help her stay m...

Chase d’Arnaud - The importance of speed and sprint technique

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Former MLB utility player, Chase d’Arnaud’s biggest separator on the field was his speed and baserunning smarts. Gear up for a fun, exciting conve...

Gratitude and a few hitting tips

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

‘Tis the season to be grateful! In this episode I share a gratitude practice that has absolutely changed the game for me and also a snippet of a LIV...

Natasha Watley: Baserunning tips and why Japan is SO DOMINANT in softball

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Returning guest and 2x Olympian is BACK talking about her experience playing and coaching in Japan for 13 years and why she believes Japan ultimately ...

My 5 favorite hitting tools

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here are my five ALL-TIME FAVE hitting tools that I believe are changing the game for hitters!    Always Grind 365 Hitters Notebook (use discount co...

Rachel Folden: How to master your swing and build a great relationship with your athlete (Part 2)

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, learn from Cubs Minor League Hitting Coach and Lead Lab Tech, Rachel Folden how to mechanically create the most ground force to hit the bal...

Rachel Folden: How to master your swing and build a great relationship with your athlete (Part 1)

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Every hitter is different, and this week I’m honored to introduce to you 4x All-American, 5 year NPF player, owner of Folden Fastpitch and Cubs mino...

5 things to work on this off season

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here are five (of what I think are the biggest) things I believe athletes should be spending the MOST on this off season! I challenge you to find the ...

Morgan Stuart: Master the art of knowing yourself

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this jam-packed episode with returning guest, Morgan Stuart, you’ll learn some of her lowest points mentally (even after she won a National Champ...

Lauren Haeger: Coaching travel ball, playing with confidence and pro experience

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pitchers who hit are a RARE GEM and there’s no one in our game that has done both better than Lauren Haeger. In this episode you’ll learn her extr...

LIVE Q&A: Recruiting tips, addressing playing time, and more!

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I’m bringing you a LIVE Q&A I did a few weeks ago where the questions asked by YOU were INCREDIBLE! I’m answering questions like: Shoul...

Kaylea Snaer: Unleash your potential with yoga and breath-work

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Yoga is the secret weapon that a lot of the best athletes are doing that you may not have known! Crazy enough, it helps with creating good mind-body c...

Mary Murray: Building Team Culture and Prioritizing Mental Health

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone’s journey in this game is different and this week we get to learn from former 3x All-Conference and mental health advocate, Mary Murray, ho...

Season 2 Intro!

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve missed you! Man, it feels good to be behind the mic again this week! Learn a few of my FAVE moments from Season 1, my take on the Tokyo Olympic...

Season 1 FINALE!: Living The Olympic Dream

21 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There’s no better way to kick off the Olympics and wrap up Season 1 of When the Cleats Come Off than by listening and learning from some of the very...

Cat Osterman: Greatness has no age limit

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn from 38 year old Olympic Gold and Silver medalist, Cat Osterman, this week what it takes to become one of the very best and age even better. Cat...

Chris Vasami: 5 Hitting Myths (PART 2)

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Having a Goal is the Key to Everything - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NVE5GCEYwvtYgJ06cbwLq?si=JMy4nhDLS7GHjJas1XR88Q&dl_branch=1 In order to be ...

Chris Vasami: 5 Hitting Myths (PART 1)

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Having a Goal is the Key to Everything - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NVE5GCEYwvtYgJ06cbwLq?si=JMy4nhDLS7GHjJas1XR88Q&dl_branch=1 In order to be ...

Tisha Mahon: Recruiting Talk Pt. 2 - Stand out on social media and at camps!

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Recruiting pro Tisha Mahon is BACK this week and teaching this importance of building her BRAND as an athlete on social media and how to head to your ...

Become a complete hitter

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, you'll learn tips on how athletes can master the elements of feel, posture and connection in their swing so that they can set themselves up...

The ultimate at-home hitting routine

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The ultimate at-home hitting routine   Great hitting comes from CONSISTENCY. Here’s a hitting routine blueprint to MAXIMIZE your at-home work and s...

Danielle Lawrie-Locke: Overcoming mom-guilt in pursuit of Olympic Gold

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Shoot for an Olympic medal or be a mom? What if you could do BOTH?! Danielle Lawrie-Locke is setting the ultimate example for her kiddos of what it me...