Around the Dirt Podcast

In this episode, Becky and Tree from Rise Above Pitching join the show. Known for producing top-tier pitchers in the Valley, they share their journey as coaches, their experiences working together, and their philosophies on developing young athletes. Their bond extends back to their high school days and collegiate years at the University of Arizona, where they formed a strong partnership, continuing into their careers as pitching c...

In this episode, Adrian Gomez from 212 Athlete joins the podcast to discuss arm care, injury prevention, and his unique approach to training athletes. Adrian shares insights from his career in both athletics and education, delving into how his experiences shape his coaching methods. The conversation also touches on the broader journey of being a coach and running a training business, including the challenges and successes along the...

In this podcast episode, Paige Tonz, a mindset specialist, discusses her journey from being a college softball player at Northwestern University to becoming a mental performance coach for young athletes. Paige dives deep into the importance of mental strength in sports and shares how she helps athletes build confidence and perform at their best through mindset work, visualization, and mental skills.

• Paige’s Backgrou...

In this episode, Erin White has a conversation with Luke Williamson from Athlon Movement & Performance. They dive into the importance of strength training and injury prevention for softball and baseball athletes, highlighting how strength and conditioning enhance athletic performance.

• Strength Training & Injury Prevention: Luke emphasizes the need for a structured strength training program to ...

In this episode, Erin White and BJ Johnson discuss the pros and cons of running a training business, offering insights for new and experienced trainers. They explore key challenges and share valuable advice on navigating the complexities of owning or operating a training facility, providing motivation and real-life examples of success.

Key Topics Discussed: 

Commitment to Clients: Trainers must build long-term relationships with ...

In this exclusive episode, Erin White sits down for an intriguing conversation with Steve Appel, one of the founders of the new Arizona Rising softball organization. Coach Appel, a seasoned coach with nearly two decades of experience, discusses his long history in softball, starting as a coach for his daughter’ teams and eventually leading very successful club teams. He talks about the decision to start Arizona Rising, the respons...

In this episode, Erin White sits down with Erica Beach, a softball legend and pioneer in the Arizona area, to explore the countless opportunities softball offers youth athletes. Erica shares her journey from a young girl tagging along with her older sisters to becoming a significant figure in the softball community, both nationally and internationally. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

The Origin of the Storm Organization: Erica discusses ...

Join host Erin White as she welcomes Randy Kaye, the founder of the Rogue Organization, for an in-depth conversation about his extensive experience in softball coaching. Randy's journey, which began over a decade ago, has evolved into a successful organization dedicated to nurturing talent and empowering female athletes in Arizona. In this episode, Randy shares his insights on building a strong softball community, the values that d...

In this exclusive episode of our podcast, Erin sits down with Steve Ladrigue, the visionary founder of Team Hustle, a renowned organization established in 2013. Steve’s journey is nothing short of inspiring as he shares his background and the motivations that led him to create an organization focused on helping at-risk youth and single-family homes through sports.

Key Topics Discussed: 

Steve’s Background: Discover how Steve Ladr...

In this episode, we dive into the crucial aspects of preparing for fastpitch softball tryouts. Drawing from our latest blog post, Mastering Fastpitch Tryouts: 10 Essential for Success, we provide comprehensive advice for athletes and parents to navigate this exciting and challenging time. Whether you're a seasoned player or stepping onto the field for the first time, these tips will help you approach tryouts with confidence and a p...

Talk to any coach around the world, in any sport…

They’ve seen it, they’ve dealt with it, and they’ve most certainly wondered how to fix it. The uncoachable player – whether they are 10 or 22 – is a doozey. And even though every coach has pondered heavily on how they can help “THAT KID,” the truth of the matter is this:

Being coachable isn’t up to the coach – it’s up to YOU, the player.

Quite simply, being coachable means that you’...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Kaitlyn Terry, the freshman pitcher who has taken the Pac-12 by storm, join us. With accolades from her debut season that could fill an entire podcast episode, we’re focusing on the standout moments and insights from her incredible journey. Hosted by Erin White, here’s what you can expect from this exciting conversation:

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Early Beginnings:

• Kaitlyn kicks off by sharing her journey in soft...

In this episode, Erin White sits down with Coach Chuck Kobasew to discuss his inspiring journey in the softball world, from his beginnings with Scottsdale Miss to his current role in founding Arizona Rising alongside two partners. Chuck Kobasew, a pivotal figure in Arizona fastpitch softball, shares his early involvement in the softball community with Scottsdale Miss, setting the stage for a deep dive into his successful coaching c...

Join Erin White in an insightful conversation with Corey Mathis, the leader of the renowned Storm Organization. This episode delves into the rich history of Storm, a staple in Arizona Fastpitch for over three decades, producing top-tier athletes seen on the biggest stages of softball, including the Women's College World Series.

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Key Topics Discussed:

Corey begins by discussing the origins of Storm Organization, which was founded i...

PART 2 SHOWNOTES:

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Welcome to the second part of our insightful discussion with Erin White and Krista Moreland. In this episode, Krista dives deep into the essentials of nutrition, focusing on the critical roles that proteins, fats, and carbohydrates play in our bodies. She emphasizes the significance of maintaining hydration and overall health leading up to performance days and highlights what foods to avoid on game days for opti...

Part 1 Show Notes:

In the first part of this two part episode, Erin White sits down with Krista Moreland, a remarkable individual with a rich background and invaluable insights into the world of nutrition and performance. Krista shares her journey from being a two-sport college athlete to becoming a dedicated mother who faced the challenges of weight gain during pregnancies. Through her story, she reveals the transformative power o...

In this episode, Erin White sits down with BJ Johnson to delve into what it takes for young athletes to perform at the top level and how parents can support their journey. This discussion is a treasure trove of practical advice for parents looking to cultivate champions, emphasizing not just athletic prowess but holistic development.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Role of Coachability • Importance of both at...

In this episode, Erin White welcomes Molly Valdivia, the Chief Marketing Officer of Around the Dirt, to discuss the comprehensive journey of an athlete from beginner to expert. Both Erin and Molly share their personal experiences growing up playing softball in Arizona, highlighting the challenges and milestones they faced from recreational leagues to collegiate play and beyond. They explore how the Around the Dirt platform is desig...