Focus, Faith, and Fueling: The Winning Edge Podcast

Learn how to coach young athletes with ADHD using structure, music, nutrition, and mental toughness strategies to boost focus, confidence, and academic success. This episode dives into practical strategies for parents and coaches to build skills, confidence, and mental toughness while honoring each child’s unique wiring.In this conversation, Stacy & Lindsay unpack what it really takes to coach young athletes with ADHD from the ground up, on and off the field. They speak with guest coach and parent, Margaret Ploch Fritz, to explore how structure, routines, and clear expectations can support both athletic performance and academic success, especially for kids who think and learn differently. The episode also highlights the power of music, cross-training, and targeted nutrition to improve focus, resilience, and overall athlete development.Listeners will hear personal stories and practical strategies for recognizing different learning styles, managing energy, and turning ADHD traits into strengths in sport. Whether you are a coach, parent, or practitioner, you will walk away with tools to build mental toughness, reduce frustration, and help young athletes with ADHD perform at their potential.Key topics covered• Why coaching ADHD athletes “from the ground up” leads to better skill development and long-term confidence.• How ADHD can show up differently in young athletes and why one-size-fits-all coaching fails.• The role of structure, routines, and clear expectations in both classroom focus and sports performance.• Understanding and coaching to different learning styles: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and mixed.• Using music intentionally to boost attention, rhythm, and learning during practice and training.• Building mental toughness through progressive challenges, feedback, and safe opportunities to fail forward.• Why nutrition matters for ADHD symptoms, injury prevention, and recovery in growing athletes.• Benefits of cross-training for movement quality, coordination, and more well-rounded athletes.• Outdoor play, unstructured movement, and sport as healthy outlets for ADHD energy and emotion regulation.• How parents and coaches can set high expectations while staying supportive, patient, and strengths-focused.Top takeaways for listeners• Develop the athlete, not just the sport skill. Focus on movement quality, coordination, and fundamentals before specializing or chasing early performance.• ADHD is not one-size-fits-all. Symptoms and strengths show up differently in every child, so coaching and communication must be individualized.• Structure is supportive, not restrictive. Clear routines, consistent practice times, and predictable expectations can dramatically improve both schoolwork and sports behavior for kids with ADHD.• Coach to learning styles. Visual demos, short verbal cues, hands-on practice, and repetition help neurodivergent athletes absorb and retain skills.• Music can be a coaching tool. Rhythm, playlists, and background music can increase focus, motivation, and enjoyment in training sessions.• Mental toughness is built over time. Facing age-appropriate challenges, managing frustration, and learning to “try again” are key to resilience.• Nutrition is performance and brain fuel. Balanced meals, adequate protein, complex carbs, and limiting added sugars support attention, mood, and injury prevention in kids with ADHD.• Cross-training creates durable athletes. Mixing sports and movement patterns helps prevent overuse injuries and supports whole-athlete development.• Outdoor activity is medicine. Unstructured play and time outside can help regulate mood, energy, and ADHD symptoms.• High expectations + support = growth. When adults believe in athletes, set clear standards, and offer patient guidance, kids with ADHD can excel in sport and beyond.

Keywords: coaching, parenting, youth sports, athlete development, teamwork, communication, success, resilience, accountability, sportsmanshipSummary: In this conversation, Kurt Kristynik shares insights on the vital relationship between coaches and parents in youth sports. He emphasizes the importance of supporting the whole athlete, recognizing individual differences among children, and the common pitfalls parents face in their desire to help. The discussion also covers the role of communication, the responsibilities of coaches, and the shift in dynamics as athletes transition to high school sports. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the need for parents to define success beyond statistics and to foster accountability and resilience in their children.Takeaways:• Be a fan of the entire team.• Support your child as a whole person.• Parents should avoid coaching during games.• Understand the coach's preparation and responsibilities.• Encourage effective communication between players and coaches.• Recognize individual differences in children.• Teach accountability and resilience through sports.• Define success beyond athletic statistics.• Foster teamwork and good sportsmanship.• Support your child's goals, not your own aspirations.

Keywords: select baseball, youth sports, athlete development, parental support, nutrition, burnout, resilience, early specialization, youth athletics, coachingSummary: In this episode, the hosts discuss the competitive world of select baseball, focusing on the culture, the impact of early specialization, and the crucial role of parents in supporting young athletes. They explore the importance of nutrition, preventing burnout, and learning from failure, emphasizing that sports should be a passion driven by the child rather than parental pressure. The conversation culminates in advice for parents navigating the complexities of youth sports.Takeaways:• Select baseball is highly competitive and requires significant commitment.• The culture of select baseball in Houston is unique and intense.• Early specialization in sports can have both benefits and drawbacks.• Parents should support their child's passion for sports, not impose their own dreams.• Burnout in young athletes often stems from parental pressure and lack of balance.• Nutrition plays a critical role in an athlete's performance and recovery.• Failure in sports is a learning opportunity that builds resilience.• Teamwork and sacrifice are essential components of success in sports.• Parents should focus on the long-term development of their child as an athlete.• It's important for parents to recognize their child's individual journey in sports.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Brooke Brittain, a powerhouse of discipline and resilience. From her time as a Sergeant First Class in the Army Reserves to her role as a head basketball coach, Brooke shares her journey of leadership and grit. Discover how her military experiences shaped her coaching philosophy and learn about her unique approach to building a winning culture both on and off the court. Tune in to hear Brooke's insights on resilience, leadership, and the power of setting "God-sized goals." #Leadership #Resilience #CoachingKeywords: Brooke Brittain, resilience, leadership, coaching, Army Reserves, basketball, empowerment, God-sized goals, team culture, military experienceTakeaways:Brooke Brittain's journey from the Army Reserves to coaching.The impact of military experience on leadership style.The concept of 'God-sized goals' in personal and professional life.Empowering athletes through resilience and optimism.The importance of team culture and support.Using sports as a tool for personal growth and resilience.The role of self-reflection in effective coaching.Strategies for building a winning team culture.The significance of gratitude and optimism in overcoming challenges.Brooke's personal experiences with resilience and grit.

In this inspiring episode, Coach Donald Lawrence delves deep into the process of turning life's challenges into powerful opportunities for personal growth and transformation. Drawing from his coaching experiences, Coach Lawrence emphasizes that adversity is not the end of the road but rather the beginning of self-discovery and resilience. The conversation is woven with stories and practical advice, guiding listeners to harness setbacks and use them as stepping stones on the path to greater achievement and self-leadership.Listeners are encouraged to embrace the value of consistent follow-through, reminding us that small, steady actions often carry us through difficult times and lead to significant change. The episode offers strategies for staying committed even when progress seems slow, reinforcing the idea that perseverance in adversity builds lasting character. Coach Lawrence shares real-life examples and motivational sound bites that highlight the importance of resilience—staying persistent, focused, and optimistic no matter what obstacles lie ahead.A key theme throughout is the practice of celebrating milestones and achievements, big or small. Coach Lawrence underscores that taking time to recognize and honor progress fuels further motivation and fosters a positive mindset. Listeners will leave with practical tips for cultivating resilience, maintaining momentum, and finding joy in the journey.What You'll LearnHow to transform setbacks into genuine opportunities for personal development and leadership by shifting your perspective and taking proactive steps.Why follow-through and everyday consistency are non-negotiable qualities for long-term success and personal fulfillment.Concrete ways to develop greater resilience, combat discouragement, and keep pushing forward through tough circumstances.The critical importance of pausing to celebrate victories—no matter the size—as a tool for building confidence and sustaining energy.If you're looking to boost your growth mindset, improve your ability to bounce back from adversity, or simply find practical encouragement for the road ahead, this episode offers actionable inspiration you can use right away.