May 21, 2025 • 56 mins
This episode dives into the heart of player development in Division I softball—how trust, collaboration, and data are reshaping how athletes grow and perform. The OGX team reflects on the in-season journeys of several standout players and the coaching environments that helped them evolve. From building strong coach-consultant relationships to leveraging performance data, this conversation explores the strategies that are helping D1 athletes unlock their potential.
Chapters
00:00 Celebrating Beyoncé Day and Regional Games
00:58 The Essence of Player Development
03:05 Building Trust in Coaching Relationships
05:54 The Trisha Ford Effect at Texas A&M
10:13 South Carolina’s Remarkable Journey
18:04 The Importance of Data in Player Development
24:08 Athlete Success Stories and Growth Mindset
31:50 Isabel Vega’s Inspiring Journey
37:00 The Importance of Self-Discovery in Athletics
39:40 Lauren Dierkowski’s Transformation and Leadership
46:46 Jordan Richwood’s Growth and Development
52:19 Celebrating Coaches and Their Impact
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:04):
We are back for another episode and I also before we get
started, want to say that I'm going to Beyoncé tonight and I
want everyone to celebrate that tonight is Beyoncé Day.
You're like my hair good. I'm aware of this.
It's not just for this podcast. It's.
Because I get to go to the Beyoncé concert tonight.
So maybe next week I'll tell youabout it if you listen to our
(00:27):
podcast enough. But I am super excited for that.
So I was going to share, share that with everyone.
But we obviously we're getting here.
The results are today. Tomorrow.
OK, So we were recording right before regionals get started.
Also shout out, we're going to talk a lot about some of our
(00:49):
relationships at the Division One level, but shout out to my
Alma mother Washu, which is right 10 at the Division Three
level and that's also starting their post season journey.
And so that's exciting. Everyone's kind of starting post
season together, but we wanted to just kind of talk through
obviously the idea of OGX is really this concept of player
(01:13):
development really centered on data and the sort of insights
and iterations that we have learned from having access to
data and continuing to get access to more data and learn
more. And we've had the opportunity to
really test that with our partners and sort of our
relationships at the collegiate level.
(01:34):
And so we wanted to just take this opportunity to kind of
celebrate some of the successes that those different
relationships have had. We've had like, you know, an
opportunity to watch coaches through kind of their whole
journey implementing this and what that has meant for them and
the impact they've had on athletes and how much change
you've seen in those athletes. We've had the opportunity to
(01:56):
work with athletes who are, you know, on the highest stage right
now performing, who trained withus their whole journey and who
are, you know, come back each summer and, and are continuing
to like be in that system with us.
And we have athletes who we justgot the opportunity, you know,
for whatever reason, they, they felt like they needed like a
(02:16):
different approach or they came to us for the summer and they
were able to kind of transform themselves because of that.
And then we have coaches who, who worked with us, who, you
know, either did short or longerstint with us and then went into
the collegiate game and are, arehaving their impact there.
So just give this opportunity tokind of go through some of those
(02:36):
examples and really celebrate these people who I think like
it's like kind of magic to watchsome of the ways that they're
able to implement some of this player development.
And so I think I'm gonna kick itto you, Ashley, if you want to
pick who in that path you want to start with to kind of chat
and celebrate. And obviously we probably aren't
(02:59):
going to mention everyone and like we like to kind of shout
out everyone that has has done this, but maybe just like a
couple key examples that you want to start.
With sure, I'm going to start general before going through
some like very particular programs that have had like a
big impact on me personally thisyear and then certainly on OGX
as a whole. But more generally speaking, you
(03:21):
know, I just had this conversation with a coach a few
days ago. It's like, you know, just start
reflecting on this at this time of year.
It is such an incredible really privilege from a the consulting
standpoint, particularly the coaches that we work with on a
weekly basis that we have a little bit more of a like a
(03:42):
connected relationship with they.
It's a very trusting relationship, right?
Like they are trusting us to see, you know, the like
insurance and outs of their the data, some subjective
information and context surrounding that.
Maybe things they wouldn't maybelike air out and have to bounce
off of someone else. I just, I really take this time,
(04:05):
even when schools, you know, their season is ending, maybe
even like sooner than they thought it would be, though they
wanted it to to really like thank them for that, that
privilege to be able to like be alongside of them in this
journey. And I think it's really what it
is. I don't know if it's unique to
softball, if it's unique to women.
It's the fact that it's both. But like this is the real
(04:25):
consulting relationships are notjust like like XO, we don't, you
know, like basically our time isup, see you next week.
And and like nothing, there's this like there's an investment
in each of us in each other in OGX, into that program, in that
program in OGX. It's very it's connected.
(04:47):
There's a sense of like of, of real teamwork here and it just
feels like we're like we're partners.
So it's powerful is essentially what I'm trying to get AT.
And, you know, I think along that way, there are schools that
are kind of like pushed through and are able to reach levels of
success. And we'd like to really
celebrate them on this podcast. But even underneath of that,
(05:11):
what the view that I think sometimes I get to see with
coaches, like how much coaches grow in their own journeys at a
variety of levels, meaning like they might be early in their
coaching journey. They're in their 20s.
They're sort of like right in the middle.
They may have been coaching for decades already.
And to watch coaches like learn,soak in information, like lean
(05:34):
on someone else, like question certain things, push through
things. It's just I would say it is
equally, you know, as rewarding as seeing athletes go through
processes like that. I just think it's so incredible
to be like, wow, look at what you are like coming up with
programming wise. Look at what you just saw in
that, in that HQ dashboard, knewwhat you were looking at, what
(05:57):
it meant, what you now need to go communicate with that
athlete. It's just what a journey.
It's so great to see. So I would just say that's more
of my general, I guess, shout out to all of our partners this
year and in previous years because watching their like
willingness to dive into that process and their willingness to
like push themselves as coaches,I give them so much credit and
it's so cool to be a part of. So I love that part of that of
(06:20):
the consulting piece. I will say this week in
particular, like on Sunday during the selection show, I was
like, wow, I'm like a proud, like like Mama, grandma or
somebody because I'm like, I hadsome tears on Sunday.
And there's a there's some particular relationships that
drew that out of me. One is obviously Texas A&M, who,
(06:45):
you know, I don't know if I really have the right words to
express my level of respect, admiration, just, you know, it's
quite a place. And we brought this up before
we, you know, have worked with coach, head coach Tricia Ford
since she was at ASU. And she's a different breed.
(07:09):
She's a different breed of a person, let alone as a coach.
She is someone that is so smart,so quick, so good, yet hones in
on all the gaps of things that can be better.
(07:30):
And in a way that is, you know, I in a way that is like very
healthy. I would say it's just some like
it's never enough. She pushes herself to a point
where it's like there's got to be new information.
Or if I ask myself a question and I don't know the answer,
(07:50):
why? Where can I find it?
Who's the person that knows the answer?
She's so unique from that standpoint and so, you know,
working alongside of her and I know obviously you 2 feel the
same way because we all have worked alongside of her in
different ways. It is, you know, we always say
like man, you're my person, right?
Because that soul of a person that is like that, that is
(08:11):
incredibly passionate, so authentic, so authentic to a
degree that it's just like, not my problem if I'm not your cup
of tea. I mean, that is, I mean
seriously, right? I mean, that is so inspiring and
I love that. And I love that in women because
oftentimes we're like, you know,morph into someone who everyone
thinks is, is nice and sweet. And I, she is absolutely
(08:34):
herself, herself is an incredible person, an incredible
manager. She delegates beautifully.
But she knows enough about everything going on to know when
there's a gap. And, and, and I think that,
yeah, we have worked really closely.
And since her taking the job at A&M, you know, there was like,
OK, you, you get to a new schooland you're kind of working with
(08:56):
what you're working with. Maybe some athletes come along
with you, but man, to be only year 3 and to go into postseason
as the number one seed, I mean, this isn't like it's not
coincidence. We used to call it the Theresa
(09:16):
texter year one, the Trisha Fordeffect.
This is a Trisha Ford effect, and it's really hard for me to
really say, like, I wish sometimes it would be wildly
inappropriate, but I should liketo, like, record sometimes some
of our weekly calls. I would never do that and like,
put it on air for the world to hear because I'm like, do you
(09:37):
see how granular this is getting?
Do you see the level of detail that we are going for?
There is no box unchecked. There is never a week where it's
just like, OK, yeah, let's just keep going on this.
It is a dissection of every pitcher and every bit of data we
can look at and get our hands onin that call.
And what are we going to do about it?
(10:00):
What is the plan today, tomorrow, the next day?
How will we know that's that's going well?
It is not just us on that call. She surrounds herself with the
people that will be involved in the execution of that.
They are fully in the know. It's just she's built a
powerhouse and it's surrounded by information, right?
It's not like I'm the queen bee and whatever I say goes.
(10:22):
She is like, no, I will find theright data and information that
tells me I'm on the right track and who are the people that are
going to help show me and lead me to that information.
It's just incredible. She's amazing working with that
program and working with her specifically has been honestly
the privilege of a lifetime, I would say.
And so I called myself a proud grandma because, and I told her
(10:43):
this when she was on, you know, when she was on screen being
interviewed by Holly Rowe because they're the number one
seed. And I like didn't know what to
do. I was so excited.
I'm sitting there on the damn couch by myself.
So I just grabbed my phone and started like videotaping it.
Well then. You were like and then that was
embarrassing. Meanwhile I did it and sent it
(11:04):
to her and the guy. I was like and then the next day
I was like what am I? Why was I videoing it like a
hands or shaking? I'm like, you know, and I was
thinking like who is that video for?
Myself? I don't know.
I just wanted to capture the moment.
I wanted to capture the moment because, you know, we've also
been in the trenches with her and the program for a long time.
(11:27):
So to watch them literally get to the very top of the game now,
I will say the top of the game is to win a freaking national
championship. So let's be clear.
You know, we're still working really hard with her and that
program to do everything we can on our end to help them get
there. But man, that was a moment that
I feel like will stick with me for a really long time.
(11:48):
And it's not just like, you know, it'd be amazing no matter
what, but we did not just start working with Texas A&M this
year. This has been a long journey.
For those who don't know this, Ifeel like if you've listened to
any podcast, this has come up somany times.
But when we did our original pitch stock in 2019, pre COVID,
when we didn't even know what the hell we were talking about
(12:09):
up there. And the fact that we thought we
had like the audacity that we had to say, let's literally
launch a pitching conference. We had no business.
And, you know, like a few peoplewere coming and then Tricia
Ford, who was at ASU, bought a ticket.
And Krista and I joke about this, but we were serious.
We're like, let's start paying people to fill the seats.
(12:36):
Yeah. We're like, I mean, there's like
20 people. Like, is that worth it?
And then Tricia Ford's coming in.
So we're like, pay people, put them in the seats.
So she doesn't think this is a waste of her time.
And that was like, really the birth of our, of our like, you
know, connection and relationship with her.
So I just, and like I said, I ama little bit of a loss for
words. And that's not typical for me
because it's this mix of emotions of like, you know, I'm
(12:59):
proud of us for what I think we've helped to contribute to
that program. I am, I am like, in awe of her
as a human, as a coach, as a manager, as a mom.
She juggles so many things. Yeah.
And the best relationships, I think why we we go on and on
about Tricia wherever she goes. And is that it's really an
(13:21):
example of both sides contributing so significantly,
which is obviously, you know, the level of information and
guidance that our systems and our information have been able
to give her and help her in implementing player development
is so high. And also every time we're able
(13:42):
to work with her, how much that pushes our systems forward and
our. Absolutely deliver.
Better products and and that's really like that's what I think
is so unique about her is that it's, you know, it's just as
much of an advantage for us to work with her as it is vice
versa because you know, she doesask those questions.
(14:05):
So HQ, the platform is, has beenevolving, you know, and changing
and what we're able to pull out of it.
And a lot of that has been because, you know, Tricia's not
afraid at the pitch stock to raise her hand and be like, what
is. This she's like this shit
doesn't make any sense, you know, or it.
Doesn't want to fix it, right? Exactly.
Yeah, it's. Not answering the questions we
needed to or, or whatever that is.
(14:26):
And so it has pushed us at such a pace also.
And that's, you know, it's what I think our business does on a
daily basis with the three of usin rooms.
And you know, all along the way,that's what we've always done
internally. And when we have the opportunity
to work with programs externallywho equally push us in that way,
it's just, you know, it's an amazing opportunity for
(14:48):
everyone. And that is growth of the game,
right? And that's what we're always
talking about and that's what pushes it forward.
And so put it this way, that's been.
Amazing HQA, lot of the evolution of HQ on the college
front has is directly connected to the work we do with A&M
because of how much Trisha will push for what she needs.
(15:10):
We don't need to be able to see and I'm like, OK, if HQ can't do
that right now, it needs to be able to.
But basically like Texas A&M is,it's not like, oh, we're doing
all these things for HQ because Texas A&M is number one in the
country. And so we're trying to like help
satisfy that relationship. Texas A&M is number one in the
(15:32):
country because of what I just said, that they, their commander
in chief is the person that is like, we ought to be able to do
this. We got to see this, well, what's
this question? Why doesn't it answer this?
And then that's why we're like, great, great.
You're right, You're right. We got to this episode is going
to be called like dear Tricia Fuller, you're Tricia love.
You. No, but I think it's it's not
just about our relationship withher GX Tricia, it's about what
(15:56):
she does for this game. And you know what, I often hold
a lot of stuff down when it comes to like the announcer
world in softball. But I often think, like when
they talk about Tricia Ford, they'll be like, oh, what she's
done for the pitchers and what she's done for that program, no
doubt about it. But they talk about her as if
she's in the same category as other coaches who have done a
(16:19):
good job in their programs. And sometimes, frankly, it
drives me insane and pisses me off because I'm like, if you
really knew the data world to the majority of the announcers,
if you knew the data world, she is changing the landscape.
She is changing what player development looks like.
For all the coaches in college who say like, oh, I'm not doing
(16:41):
player development or like there's no time for player
development. That's absurd.
And you know who is the first person who can speak out to
that? The person who's leading the
number one team in the nation right now because she is the one
really driving an entirely different world on how to use
technology, use data to make decisions, not just on in game
management, which is of course important, but to use that same
(17:03):
information to know exactly how to prep in, you know, September,
October. You know, there are often times
where I'm like, she's a model and that's what I said like I
want to be able to record our sessions sometimes and like
broadcast it because there are times where I'm like, I'll have
a conversation with one coach and they're like, we have to be
able to do live. We need them to see live four
days. We've got to do this, but
(17:23):
they're driving. The coach is saying it needs to
be done. And I'm like, I wish I could
show you the Trisha Ford model because she.
Come to pit shock, I got her to talk.
Come to Pit shop because the conversation I just had with
Trisha. Ford.
Yeah, she's like, Oh no, no, no,no.
I'm not worried about that rightnow.
We have plenty of time for that,right?
Like, and so there are times where I just think of like
(17:46):
that's what needs to get recognized about her is that she
is the model in my mind in the game right now for true player
development. And that's why Texas a name is
number 1. So unbelievable.
I think, like I said, I cried. I just straight up freaking
cried. I knew they were going to be in
wrong because I could like feel it coming out of my heart.
Like I just felt like my chest was like pounding.
(18:06):
I just like knew it and I just man, it's a moment I won't
forget. I'm so proud of her.
I'm so proud of that program, all the coaches she surrounds
herself with, her athletes in such a short amount of time.
To have taken a program who's the bottom of the SEC and now
it's the top of the nation, so unbelievable.
Can I keep? Going to the bottom, speaking to
the bottom of the SEC, I was like another big one, obviously,
(18:30):
and another one I think we felt emotional about.
And I sent messages was South Carolina, who was predicted this
year to be. Last.
SEC. And is 8 in the country right
now now. And obviously we had the
opportunity to work with that staff when they were at
Charlotte and to kind of continue to be able to support
them at South Carolina. So I can let you speak to that.
(18:52):
But I think another like just incredible story of, again,
staff. Also when I cried.
Player development, yeah, very committed to player development
and. Yeah, yeah.
There's two reasons I think thatthat the South Carolina, you
know, success story this year really hit home for me.
And one is, I mean, for Ashley Chastain, Ashley Chastain
(19:14):
watered of course, year #1 from mid major Charlotte into the SEC
year #1 to take a top eight seedis unfreaking, believable.
It is unbelievable. And you know, for those we have
had the opportunity to work there for a few years at
Charlotte. We saw what she was doing at
(19:35):
Charlotte. She was starting to like shake
some stuff up, right? Like people are like Charlotte
here they come. Not a coincidence.
You know, she is a force. She is a force.
Like don't let that you know, like she you know, like she is
like looks to be and sweet and you know, like such a she's so
beautiful, but she is a freakingforce in the most beautiful way
(19:59):
and like to transform a program like that so fast.
It's almost just like a near impossibility.
So incredible. And of course, she's got some
athletes. Surround her that are just like
absolute Ballers. But to do that across the board.
Another one that made me feel solike happy and proud of that
(20:21):
staff is that they have a new pitching coach on staff.
So of course Ashley has her hands on the pitchers.
But Zach Parsons, who was from Murray State, who used to come
to our OGX behind the scenes, which is we would host like A1
or A2 day college coach. Sometimes we would have private
instructors to come to OGX, literally be behind the scenes.
(20:41):
We will do some presentations. It's only for like 4 coaches.
It's super intimate. We're going to show you how we
train, how we coach. It's like this really.
He would come to those We that'show we, you know, grew to know
him. And now next thing you know, you
know, we're on weekly calls dissecting every little thing
and talk about a coach who is smart and who is hungry.
(21:02):
You know, he's like, I have something to prove.
This is my first gig in the SEC and we had, you know, some of
their athletes come to OGX in person over winter break to
train like for a week in person.And they're just like, we love
Zach, not just because Zach is like a nice guy, which he is,
(21:22):
but it's because they're like, you know, he is smart.
He's a great coach. He knows how to talk to us about
data, explain it to us, tell us why we're doing what we're
doing. You know, they have linked to
him so quickly. And I just am like, man, I hope
he can register. You know, I said this to him
this week in our call, but I hope he can register.
Like, you have done a damn good job there.
(21:44):
You know, in your very first year, this is a big stage.
This is so much information to take in.
And he has been excellent to both his athletes, to the
program in working with Ashley because our hands are in
pitching. Anytime 2 coaches hands are in
pitching, it takes some dynamicsthere, you know, to be able to
(22:06):
make that work and they have andit's incredible.
And he's a rock star. He's an absolute rock star.
The, the, the version of Zach that I first met in August when
we were on campus to do the assessments and the version I
got to see at NFCA were just I, I think, and you're listening,
I'm pretty sure I said this to you directly.
(22:27):
It was like confidence was really good on you.
He just had, he skyrocketed overthe fall through all of the
work, you know, weekly with you and just learning, you know,
learning Ashley's systems and, and just getting his feet
settled. And it was, it was really fun to
see how much does confidence. Programs are not like.
They're not like, should we get less information next year?
(22:50):
Like this is back to what we talked about with how they are
pushing the envelope. South Carolina is in that same
conversation. They're like, what else can we
have access to? What else?
Now? Like basically now the more you
start, like, OK, you don't thinkAshley Chastain is thinking
like, how do we go from #8 to #1right?
I mean, like the same way Triciawent from 16 to 1.
(23:11):
So like, where are those gaps? Where are those holes?
Where's the information that's going to help me find those?
I mean, this is what we're talking about here.
And yeah, those are two programsthat I think, you know, it's not
that obviously we don't have really great relationships with
everyone else, but they have reached such heights this year
in a remarkable way. Like, I mean, these are two
stories. This isn't like, oh, Texas A and
(23:32):
Ms. been around in the top five for.
I mean, it was like these three years of the Tricia Ford era
have been like another planet, another planet, you know, and
again, the same with South Carolina.
So those were the two in particular that made me cry
because I just felt like, wow, you know, it was just just huge.
(23:54):
And I think it's AI think it's arepresentation of like where the
game is headed. We have said in the past, and
those coaches have said, you know, at different conferences
that we've been at, like you can't not have information and
expect to be great, right? You just can't.
And that's it. You can't win a ball game here
and there. But like you can't make a
(24:14):
program great without information.
If you can, maybe there's like 1outlier or two schools that do
it. I don't know, based on their
recruiting, whatever, you know, but you've got to have
information. And I just think the how extreme
their success has been this yearis a direct relationship on how
much their cultures are built around data, information to make
(24:37):
decisions. And that's this is the era of
the college game that we're in. So they're a great
representation of that. And not that we don't work
directly with Oklahoma, but I was listening to one of the
games, whatever in the last weekor so.
They kept commenting about, you know, there was this expectation
of Oklahoma this year that because of the seniors, they
(24:57):
graduated and, you know, just the legacy of that class.
That. This year was going to be more
of a struggle for them. That was the conversation that
kept coming up. And all I kept thinking was, you
know, there was a there was so much about like, you know,
Patty's magic and being able to coach, you know, underclassmen
and bring them along. And I don't not disagreeing with
that. I think the layer underneath of
(25:18):
that though, is like, you know, the systems that they clearly
have and utilizing the portal still development.
You still have to get that athlete to adapt to your systems
and the way the way that your team runs things.
But also the ability to bring inthose underclassmen and have
what I'm guessing is a pretty robust at least hitting
development system from what we've seen.
(25:39):
But they have a development system.
That's the beauty of it is that,you know, even if you you take a
risk on a recruit as a junior orrisk on some of the transfer
portal, if you have systems thatare rooted in this information.
And I think, you know, A&M, South Carolina are great
examples that we know very intimately because they reflect
in mirrors some of our systems. But like other schools have that
(26:02):
let's not discredit the work that goes into building that
infrastructure and just say it'sthe magic of coaching.
Of course it's the magic of coaching.
But the level you're talking about with Tricia and with
Ashley and what I'm assuming that happens in Oklahoma is just
these these systems and standards of what they expect
and the the way things are structured.
(26:22):
And you said delegated and and that is this blend of like
coaching magic and manager. And I think that they're very
unique things to be able to do simultaneously and not lose your
way in one or the other. I think it's very unique.
Yeah, I'm going to flip us a little bit to athlete and we'll
come back to a couple coaches. But I was thinking as you guys
were talking and Ashley, you're,you know, kind of almost, it's
(26:45):
like kind of crazy to think of Trisha as being like under, you
know, flying under the radar a little bit, even though her team
is #1 which is kind of crazy to think about.
But one of the, I was thinking about Katie Stewart as we were
talking, because I think it's something obviously yesterday we
were referencing like, you know,in our full team, we were
talking about constraint LED training and young development.
(27:07):
I was picturing Katie Stewart wearing Hello Kitty or whatever
she used to wear Katie to come train with us when she was 8,
You know, and she's trained withus literally her whole career.
And I think it's interesting forsomeone who is having such
success at such a high level to be a little under the radar
because of all of the things that make Katie amazing, which
(27:29):
is she plays whatever position she's needed.
She does whatever she's needed. She, you know, when she comes
back, we've referenced this before, but like she'll train
this summer and toss to a 14 year old and we'll just come do
all of the things that are just her values, you know, which is
work hard, keep trying to get better, keep pushing the
(27:51):
envelope of her own development,but in a way that is so humble
and so sometimes at the detriment.
So like her individual accolades, because it's hard to
get accolades when one game you're in left field and one
game you're at shortstop and onegame you're catching and one
game you're at first base. Because that you know, something
like, I think she was ranked number one for like utility
(28:13):
players, but you know, you don'tget the same, you know, you just
don't get the same accolades from that.
And I think there's an element of her that is it's just been
like unbelievable to watch her grow up and to see her have
(28:35):
success in a in her way, which is, as I said, like as soon as
she got back for the winter, shetrained, you know, she she gets
in there, she is willing. Maybe not always Katie, maybe
when you were like 13, you wouldhave like thrown your bad at me.
But now is willing to really have us push her to to fail in
there to to expose the weaknesses to like really attack
(29:00):
those things and to do what the the the team needs at any given
moment. She's always been that way.
Her family hasn't sold those values.
And I think it's been just like incredible to watch and be a
part of and speaking to cry. And last year I got the
opportunity and and hopefully we'll again to go watch her at
the World Series. And as they like called her,
(29:21):
it's just like, you know, it's avery emotional experience
because you know, all of the things she puts in on a daily
basis to being able to to to be that person.
And, and it's just been incredible to watch.
And you know, she already like, you know, she's finishing out
this year and hopefully gets to finish on the big stage again.
And also is planning on what she's going to do this summer to
(29:44):
train and has set goals and, andknows she has to keep continuing
to climb and get better. And so it's just been incredible
to be a part of and and the example of like this is someone
who performs whatever she's liketop 10 of RBIs and you know, she
performs at such a high level and who comes and is so willing
(30:05):
to sit at the beginning of the summer and say, like, where are
my holes? You know, like what do we need
to to fill in gap at the? Common theme here for athletes
and coaches. Yeah, yes, there was a
conversation. I brought this up to Trisha on
Monday because like 2 weeks ago,she was like, why am I failing
them as a coach with X? And, and so we talked about it
(30:26):
and I gave her my thoughts and we came back, you know, with the
plan. And I was on Monday, I was like,
remember when you said why are you failing them with X?
And I was like, well, first of all, you're not because you're
not failing them in anything. So they're ranked number one,
you know, but like, I was like, but also I reflected on that,
like the fact that you are at the point you're at and you're
like, but that's not good enough.
(30:47):
And so that's on me, right? I have to get that where I'm
failing them because there's a space that we're not
considering, you know? And I think like, that's the
deal, right? When you just keep seeing the
gaps and not to a point where you can't see what you're doing.
Well, I mean, of course, right? You also celebrate.
A natural degree, yes, and not to a degree where you, like,
beat yourself up so much that then you can't.
(31:09):
Absolutely open about the extremes, but this is the common
theme with these both coaches and with athletes.
Yeah, I think we've also had a few athletes and examples of of
athletes who didn't train with us their whole career, but
really they had something spark in their college career that
then that, you know, they wantedto turn things around.
They wanted to to have a different experience.
(31:31):
And so they came and trained with us.
So Asha, if I let you maybe speak to an athlete or two who's
had that experience and, and whois now having success.
And again, I think you'll hear alot of the same themes.
These are athletes who paying tous is they're like, it's not
going the way I want for whatever reason.
And I'm willing to like look at that, which is such an important
(31:52):
thing. I would say maybe the top of my
list. This is another one that's just
like really tugged in my heartstrings this year is
Isabella Vega ESA is pitcher at UCF.
In case you live under a rock this year because she is just
crushing it. She is going to be on a podcast
with us hopefully next week onceonce regionals are finished and
(32:12):
talk a little bit about maybe some of the more specifics of
her journey. She has just was a red shirt
freshman. She is a red shirt freshman.
She redshirted last year and shecame to us as I think a lot of
freshmen in the college world isjust so different than the youth
world. You think you're so sure of
yourself when you go in and thenthe college world shakes you in
(32:34):
like, is this good enough? You know, is am I that, you
know, you just don't know you can You're like identity can be
get rattled a little bit. And it's not always centered
around softball either. And so she came to do the summer
program because she was like, I redshirted this year and I just
want to like, I want to hit the ground running.
And I think it was really like Iwatched her come to life last
(32:57):
year throughout the summer. And I think the reason for that
is not because like, it's not because we had a conversation
where like I said, X and that really hit her soul.
Maybe that happened. We can let her tell us that when
we get on a podcast with her. But I think we were able to come
to her with this lens of like, Ihave no idea what you did in
(33:20):
high school, frankly, don't care.
What I'm looking at right now islike, we know what's good enough
and we know how to take someone's what they do, their
tools and leverage the hell out of them and teach them to
leverage the hell out of them. We could do that for you here,
You know, So like this isn't a like we're unsure.
Like, let's talk real X's and O's.
(33:42):
If you could take this pitch which breaks like this and
change it to this speed and thisspeed and throw it at this
height in this height and it's at this spin, right?
It does this like this is a rockstar tool.
And you don't have to think, Oh,I only have this or you know,
like was that only good because I threw it in high school and
it's not here. Like no, no, no, no, no, here we
come as these outside people andwe are telling you that this
(34:05):
isn't a like, Oh, we believe in you, Isa.
This isn't some fluff. This is some sense of like, but
absolutely. But this is not a conversation.
Because of the real things in front of me.
Because of the real information.And I'm like, Isa, I didn't even
know you yesterday, but you're going to look at me in the eye
and I'm going to tell you like this right is in front of us.
(34:26):
This is really good shit that you have.
And I know exactly why you were successful at the high school
level and I know exactly why you're going to be great in the
college level. And so you need to know that,
but you got to make this tool dothis.
You got to make sure it stays here.
You've got to do this. And this is what we're committed
to, right? So of course, I put a little
like, you know, like Rocky thememusic in the background to make
sure that that really helped, you know, hit her soul.
(34:49):
But it was the real information,right?
And so she's like, OK. And so little by little as we
went through her summer program was she did remotely.
She went back to Florida and didremotely.
And then we tested her ability to throw.
You know, she was in a little bit of a league and tested some
things out with with some hitters.
And by the end of the summer, she was like, I'm feeling good
and feeling good. And just like, you know, it
(35:11):
wasn't like, oh, we gave her tools she never had, which has
happened before with athletes. This was not the case with Isa.
This was US really putting that information in front of her and
telling her like, this tool is great when it's you're able to
control it here, here, when it'sat this mid rate.
Here's what that means. Here's how you do that.
Here's how you train in order tomake sure that's the case.
(35:32):
Here's the speeds it needs to beat.
And when she gained back that confidence of like, wait a
second. What I have is enough.
As long as I'm informed, you know, I can't wait to hear from
her on the podcast again, hopefully next week for her to
kind of share a little bit because that was the end of last
summer. There's obviously been a lot
that's happened. So kudos to her coaching staff
there as well. Obviously, to like take on a
(35:55):
brand new ESA as far as, you know, not her tools necessarily,
but like her insides, her presence, what she felt about
herself. And like, when you watch her
throw now, she knows exactly whoshe is and what she's going
after. So she was able to show up this
year as a new version of herselfbecause of the work she did in
her summer program with us. And then her coaching staff was
(36:16):
able to take that ESA and then, you know, take it and run.
And she's been incredible this year.
So that's a huge one. I just think every time they're
like, you know, she's up for freshman of the year, like, I
mean, this is big time, right? And so like she's a nominee.
And so like, I'm just like, wow,that story.
You know, you think about these conversations that you have
(36:37):
one-on-one in an office setting with them, how they're just
like, you know, what they're sharing with you and how and
like the growth within one year for her is just so great.
You know what I want like young pitchers to know and I'm going
to talk about I'm going to talk about Zerkowski also in a
second, but it's similar. What I would love is for young
athletes to like get some insight into these journeys to
(37:02):
see that like you don't just make it once you get recruited,
you're going to hit some points in college.
Maybe it's early in your career,maybe it's midpoint, maybe it's
the end where things get hard. You start questioning if you're
good enough, you start questioning where did that go?
Who am I? And these are exact.
These are examples of athletes that have felt themselves push
(37:22):
up against a little bit of a wall in their journey.
And they took it in their own hands to go find what they
needed, go get the information they needed.
And then they made the choice toflip their mindset around to be
like, no, I can do this. And they did.
And so I just think they're very, very, they're inspiring
stories for young athletes at the youth level who just, you
(37:44):
know, they don't see past like once they can announce where
they committed to. I think there's like that, like
that journey is like, you know, you come up through the travel
ball system where you're all of your sort of validation if
you're good or not right now is basically external coach
opinion. It's it's who do you play for?
It's, you know, the, the verbal feedback that you get, you can
supplement that with, you know, rankings and showcases and those
(38:06):
types of things, But you know, separate from having the, the
level of information that we, wecollect on our athletes and
watching that journey, you're really relying on that coach to
just to tell you if you're good or not.
And so I sometimes I'd see thesepatterns of like, if you follow
like a really high profile kid who is, you know, top whatever,
Gator to play the gear, blah, blah, blah.
And they have that freshman yearand sometimes we, you know, we
(38:29):
do see them at some point, but but there's a there's a
disconnect. It's like all of a sudden
they've realized, wait a second,I'm looking for that external
opinion of the coach. And it's maybe not positive.
Maybe I don't have the tools that I think I do or there's
just a mismatch. And I think like a story like
East's is like, she went back toherself.
She was like, wait a second, something's off.
She was checking herself internally.
(38:49):
She wanted the information and instead of going and seeking a
coach's opinion, not that you'renot a coach, obviously, Ash, but
she wanted the combo of the coach plus the information.
And like that to me is like it's, it's just such a great
example of like figuring it out for yourself and not letting
someone external to you be the only source of your value, your
(39:12):
worth, your, your confidence as a player.
And like she's I just I love that she's skyrocketed.
It's such a great story. It's a great story.
I was like, I think last year wewere reflecting and like some of
our like most powerful summer program stories and I was like,
Isa, you know, just like, man, that was, I felt like that was
really powerful for me. It's just inspiring.
(39:34):
It's inspiring to watch someone like take something back for
themselves. You said look in the mirror and
feel like they can be the ones in control of what's coming
next. And I think I felt very inspired
by her by the end of the summer last year.
And then that was a, you know, Ihad no idea what was going to
happen with her career. That show.
There's so many variables, of course.
So now to see that she was able to extend it into so much
(39:56):
success. She's a rock star.
I'm really proud of her. Yeah, you want to touch on
Derkowski. Obviously Michigan's shaking
things out when in the conference tournament, Yeah, two
years in a row she was conference tournament player.
So you can touch the her story. It's very simple and she has.
Shared. And she has shared some of it as
well. And we have shared some of the,
(40:16):
yeah, she has shared about the experience.
But yeah. Lauren Derkowski is a very
similar story. It was a few summers ago after
her freshman year, right? Yeah, after.
Her freshman year and after her sophomore year, she's trained.
OK, Oh yeah, right, right, Andrew.
But after her freshman year, youknow, it's like, I think this
happens a freshman, you know, like you just the success you
can have, it's just college level humbles you, right?
(40:38):
And not to say she was unsuccessful freshman year, but
just generally across the board,like the college world humbles
you quite quickly and can send you into the like, am I good
enough? As we talked about, she was
behind Alex Teraco that year also, which was obviously like,
you know, that it's tougher to come in and have someone that
like you might start to measure yourself up against someone
like, am I good enough? Am I as good as them?
(40:59):
Can I be as good as that? You know, and and those words
never came out of her mouth. I'm just saying generally these
are all variables that I think send someone to us.
And honestly, she came to us because they're they're pitching
coach Jen Brundage, who just a great coach and a great person.
She suggested it like she was like, I just feel like she
doesn't have a great relationship with information.
(41:21):
She, you know, she feels and I think Dirk would be fine with us
sharing this story, but she feels like the information is
always pointing out what she's doing wrong, right?
So it's the flip side of what wewere saying before.
Getting stuck on the gaps and pictures can be like that are
freaks in a great way and in a bad way.
And that's what makes them great.
I mean, they're just like constantly in their calculating.
(41:42):
It's why I always say wow, talk about two planets.
You walk into a bunch of hitterstraining and they've got music
blasted and they're just doing whatever and the pictures are
little freaks in there. It's silent.
And because I'm like, they're all doing the Queen's Gambit,
moving their chest pieces on every single pitch, right?
Like that's a pitcher's brain. But it can very quickly
crossover into a threshold whereit's like this isn't great.
(42:04):
And so for Dirk, you know, she was like struggling with
information and, and Jen was like, I feel like this is you
guys can really help her with this this summer.
And that was that initial summer.
And you know, our this was not alike, oh, in the first weekend
we met, Durkowski was just like,I'm so glad I found you guys.
She was just basically like, youknow, not in a like a mean way
(42:27):
or negative way, but basically like, you know, Biggie told me I
gotta come here. And, and so like, I'm gonna try
it. But also like, you know, she's,
she's a force and I love that about her, you know, And so
basically like, I'm not just like sold on how this is gonna
like help me. And so there was a call.
I will never forget it. So that she came in June, there
(42:48):
was a call. She's from her area.
So she's like local. And so in July where she was
back on campus and I hung up thephone and was like, I don't even
know who I just talked to because she was like, like
telling me about the data. She was like, it didn't work.
The, you know, rap soda didn't set up this day.
Can we do a FaceTime? So I know it works.
And I saw this and I saw that myvelocity would look like this
(43:09):
and my spin rights look like this and this.
And this is like talking to me in data language.
And I was like, I'm sorry, what happened to you in the last four
weeks, right? And so I was like, whoa, she on
her own as she should. She did not just take my word
for it on her own. She started to become more open
on like how I could really be educated about my data to show
(43:31):
me what I'm doing well, why I'm good, but then also expose my
guests both live in the same world.
And there was this. I'm weirdo also with dates.
I'm pretty sure it was like July11th, 2.
I don't I don't know. I'm serious.
It was such a powerful. It might have been July 14th.
I want to think about it, but itwas one of those two dates and
(43:53):
it was just a really powerful conversation and I hung up and I
was like frozen. I'm like changing this kid.
Like I felt this like wave of inspiration, like she's in,
she's in. And when someone steps in to
player development, and I mean not like puts a toe in, like
jumps in. You're like, welcome to the
first day of the rest of your life.
And I hung up that phone with dirt that day and I was like,
(44:14):
welcome to the first day of the rest of your life.
And. Well, now she's wet like that
was, you know, the next year they didn't make pussies and
right. And so then it was like, OK, we
got we got to get back to where we were.
And I think the other thing thathas been amazing is not only has
she had success in the circle, obviously she's LED her team
these past few years and and that is amazing and what she
(44:36):
adopted, but also what came out of her that year.
I think it's just like she's going to, she's a leader and you
see it and the way that she getsthe team and the team looks at
her and rallies behind her and her respect for that program and
her respect for her coaches. And it's just like that part is
she's. So Michigan, right, That's the
(44:56):
respect for the Michigan jersey.That's I think.
Michigan, I think she just like is a poster child for Michigan
at this point. She is tough as hell.
She is like, I will do anything for this program.
Culture means you know so much. And that second summer when she
showed up, she was like, I don'twant to be the same version of
myself four years in a row. So like, what can I add?
(45:18):
What can I be? What can I do?
And I was just like, man, you know.
And so I just think like she like she made that decision to
like be able to allow data to show her like looking at gaps
doesn't mean I don't don't also have incredible strengths.
So she took she allowed herself to open her to open up, to be
(45:40):
able to use information to see that way to train in a way that
was like focused on leveraging strengths, keep filling gaps to
take her toughness, to take her leadership skills to keep
growing those. I just think like, man, this is
a case where, you know, I didn'treally have the right words on
on Twitter X whatever when I wanted to like give her a shout
(46:01):
out the other day. But I was like, what I really
wanted to say was like, this is also a story that I wish we
could do, like a documentary on when. 30 for 30. 30 for 30, yes,
let's start doing 30 for 30s OG exile and Paul can totally do
that. But I would love for young
athletes to learn from the Lauren Durkowski story.
(46:23):
Like she that man, that kid is tough.
And she has grown even in just afew years that we've known her
and has pushed herself to grow and has like re lit her passion
for growth. And I feel like she has a story
that could inspire and it's real.
It's raw and it's real. It isn't just this like I was so
(46:46):
great as a a youth pitcher, which she was.
Then I went to Michigan and was just always a star.
Like there's some nitty gritty details in there that she had to
work through, push through, go through, and she did.
And I couldn't be happier for her and the program.
You know, there's just so many people on that staff, that
coaching staff on that team thatI think are just just, they're
just, you know, they embody somereally, really great values.
(47:09):
And I think that she could teacha lot of athletes some really
important lessons. Yeah.
So we're going to go. Along, but we got to do one
more. We got to do one more, which is
Jordy. Jordy.
Yeah. We got to wrap our conversation
with Jordy. So Jordan Richwood is what
worked for us. Chased Ashley around for three
(47:32):
years basically. Yeah, we didn't have.
If we had a system, it was written sideways on a noble.
System follow me. Yeah, follow.
I was just like, if you want to learn what we do, you literally
can't leave my side because it'snot written down anywhere.
Yeah, But I remember, I still remember sitting in the office
when we got Rachel Balkovec, whoworks for the Marlins Yankees.
(47:55):
I don't know, She's in El Vino. And she was doing like a
mentorship program at the time. And Jordan was a part of it.
And she was like, I need I, you know, this woman is looking for
opportunities to really grow in the game and and I feel like you
guys would be a good match. And she knew we were kind of
open to looking at that point. And I remember sitting getting
her like. Cover letter which is a cover.
(48:17):
Letter that's hilarious. It was like what year is it
anyways? But I remember sitting in the
office and it was very thoughtful.
It was about what she like wanted to learn.
And and I think what always was so unique about Jordan is just
like a willingness to just be. It's the same as I mean, this is
the trait of player development is a willingness to just be
(48:39):
like, I need to grow more. I need to learn more.
I don't have the tools I need tobe successful in the way I want
to if ultimately I go back into the college game.
And so like, I'm going to come, I'm going to move across the
country and I'm going to follow this woman around this crazy.
Ass. Right, Right.
(49:01):
Yes. I'm going to follow, I'm going
to follow this woman around and hope I learn enough.
And I remember, you know, she was obviously with us for a few
years and, and just like amazinggrowth and, and she got to be
alongside of the growth of the business also, and a lot of
amazing things there. But I remember when Maggie was
looking and really wanted Jordan.
(49:23):
So also testament to Maggie and the program she's building to be
like this. You know, this is a slightly
unique path for me to go at it. Probably less so now as we've
like become more established. But at the time, like I know
generally about you guys and, and, and the conversations that
she had when she was looking to hire Jordan and what she was
looking for in that role, which is a person who's going to come
(49:45):
and not just be necessarily likein the traditional way, but it's
going to come to take a program that needs developing that
that's players need pushed and who's going to be willing to do
that. And I think they made a run,
maybe arguably should have been in the post season, but we'll
leave that for other people to discuss.
But they made like an incrediblerun in the Big 10 tournament.
(50:06):
They just like continue to climbin that conference.
And I think it's just like sometimes when like Jordan will
send things or her dynamic with her pitchers and the the nuances
she's able to do in a very Geordie way, which I think is
incredible. This isn't like she's running
around in the bullpen and looks exactly like you would Ashley
and her personality. She she has kept her sort of
(50:30):
like authentic personality of how she wants to coach and how
she wants to do it, but continues to get, you know, use
the data, use developer players,push her pitchers had some of
them come to the summer program last year, like just continues
to to develop them. And it's been so fun to watch
her just like thrive in that environment and and be
successful and and develop players.
(50:52):
So we're probably a Jordy. We're so proud.
Also, no one calls her Jordy. We made that up, I think.
We're the only ones to call it Jordy.
Yeah, it's not an age he goes by.
But now my pain when people hearthat, you know, obviously we
only have so much time here. But I think of like, I'm also
proud of Riker this year. I know that like it's year #1
obviously we worked with Riker for a long time in Ole Miss.
(51:14):
Then he took a, you know, a gap year in the college coaching
world. He took a gap year and he didn't
know it was going to be a gap year.
We always knew it was going to be a gap year and and you know,
obviously Auburn, they had a really tough schedule this year,
but like what he has done with those pitchers and like SJ
Guerin as this is like, oh man, he's just done incredible work.
(51:36):
It's year #1 So I just think like, man, when we're doing the
same podcast next year at the end, like let's celebrate some
of our partners and some of our athletes and coaches, you better
believe that every year that program is going to keep
climbing. Not just because of Riker,
obviously because of as well, because they represent the same
thing across, across the board. But Riker is a special guy for
(51:57):
all the reasons that we're talking about here.
And so he's done amazing things with that pitching staff.
And I think like they just need a little bit more time to let,
you know, to let that program just keep building, you know,
around the coaches that I just think like, man, that's that's
some trio when it comes to player development.
The Malvos and Riker, that is a freaking trio.
(52:20):
So yeah, that's. Another couple years, so yeah.
Anyway, we can't just keep calling out every single coach
that we think it's a good job because there are lots of them
out there. But I I want to mention that one
as well because Rikers fresh offof his OGX gap year, you know?
Should have called it a semester.
See. Yeah, right.
Yeah, Semester would see a good one.
(52:40):
All right. Well, obviously, as I said, this
is like when you're like with a Grammy and we're like, I can't.
Remember, I can't think of everyone.
Yeah. Talk about everyone.
There's so many people that we've just had the opportunity
to grow alongside of and they'rejust having so much salvage in
the game. And yeah, and that's really what
it's about. It's like it's it's coaches and
(53:01):
players who want to have impact,you know, and they want to have
impact in the way that they perform and can help the team.
They want to have impact in the way they can develop their
players. They want to they just like I'm
pretty sure I shared one of the things of Texas AM and I was
like, winners win. And it's not like it's, you
know, this idea of like you, youknow, she describes all the best
(53:25):
players. And it's just like there is a
trait. And it might not always come in
the form of being number one in the country.
And it might not always be in the form of like first team All
American for, you know, Katie Stewart because of all the
things you said. But like, at the end of the day,
if I'm going in the trenches, like, you know, a Katie Stewart,
Tricia Ford, Ashley Chesty Riker, like, these are the
(53:47):
people you want to go to battle with because at the end of the
day, they're going to win. And what that means might be
different across different levels, but it's because they
are so willing to go inward, youknow, that they're houses of the
the world. They're so willing to go inward
to do what's needed to do that. And it's such a special trait.
And it is player development. It's what we love about what we
do every day. And so it's just been so special
(54:10):
to watch and and. Sports on to go yes man and yes
can't stop waiting to stories like light me on fire in a good
way and you know obviously watching this weekend.
How can we even manage all the games?
Yeah, multiple TV's. Managing I know my 9 year old's
(54:31):
birthday party this weekend. I'm like, how can we possibly?
Be starting a birthday, you're like, you can't have a whole.
Season, I know, like all the kids out.
Texas State Why didn't I plan that?
Baggie totally, yeah, Anyway, man, yeah, it's a good one.
We're really we're really lucky and we so it ourselves.
So I guess yeah. What is it?
(54:52):
The the more risk you're willingto take, the luckier you get.
That's an OGX T-shirt, although I stole that line from
somewhere. So we can't do that, but we
build our own luck. However, we're very lucky and
we're very privileged to get to work and like alongside of a lot
of these athletes and coaches because they're really, you
know, they they, they're very, very inspiring.
They really are and their. Trust of us is such a privilege.
(55:14):
It really is their trust of us. It really is.
And like, it's such a. Privilege.
Magic of sports that you got when you were an athlete I
sometimes think to my stuff likeI'm still surrounded by that I'm
still surrounded by the like power of how sports like create
these unbelievable human beings in the world and all of these
(55:35):
stories we told today are just some examples of that so.
Yeah, All right. Well, here's the postseason and
and also to Beyoncé. So thank you.
Have a great time.
We are back for another episode and I also before we get
started, want to say that I'm going to Beyoncé tonight and I
want everyone to celebrate that tonight is Beyoncé Day.
You're like my hair good. I'm aware of this.
It's not just for this podcast. It's.
Because I get to go to the Beyoncé concert tonight.
So maybe next week I'll tell youabout it if you listen to our
(00:27):
podcast enough. But I am super excited for that.
So I was going to share, share that with everyone.
But we obviously we're getting here.
The results are today. Tomorrow.
OK, So we were recording right before regionals get started.
Also shout out, we're going to talk a lot about some of our
(00:49):
relationships at the Division One level, but shout out to my
Alma mother Washu, which is right 10 at the Division Three
level and that's also starting their post season journey.
And so that's exciting. Everyone's kind of starting post
season together, but we wanted to just kind of talk through
obviously the idea of OGX is really this concept of player
(01:13):
development really centered on data and the sort of insights
and iterations that we have learned from having access to
data and continuing to get access to more data and learn
more. And we've had the opportunity to
really test that with our partners and sort of our
relationships at the collegiate level.
(01:34):
And so we wanted to just take this opportunity to kind of
celebrate some of the successes that those different
relationships have had. We've had like, you know, an
opportunity to watch coaches through kind of their whole
journey implementing this and what that has meant for them and
the impact they've had on athletes and how much change
you've seen in those athletes. We've had the opportunity to
(01:56):
work with athletes who are, you know, on the highest stage right
now performing, who trained withus their whole journey and who
are, you know, come back each summer and, and are continuing
to like be in that system with us.
And we have athletes who we justgot the opportunity, you know,
for whatever reason, they, they felt like they needed like a
(02:16):
different approach or they came to us for the summer and they
were able to kind of transform themselves because of that.
And then we have coaches who, who worked with us, who, you
know, either did short or longerstint with us and then went into
the collegiate game and are, arehaving their impact there.
So just give this opportunity tokind of go through some of those
(02:36):
examples and really celebrate these people who I think like
it's like kind of magic to watchsome of the ways that they're
able to implement some of this player development.
And so I think I'm gonna kick itto you, Ashley, if you want to
pick who in that path you want to start with to kind of chat
and celebrate. And obviously we probably aren't
(02:59):
going to mention everyone and like we like to kind of shout
out everyone that has has done this, but maybe just like a
couple key examples that you want to start.
With sure, I'm going to start general before going through
some like very particular programs that have had like a
big impact on me personally thisyear and then certainly on OGX
as a whole. But more generally speaking, you
(03:21):
know, I just had this conversation with a coach a few
days ago. It's like, you know, just start
reflecting on this at this time of year.
It is such an incredible really privilege from a the consulting
standpoint, particularly the coaches that we work with on a
weekly basis that we have a little bit more of a like a
(03:42):
connected relationship with they.
It's a very trusting relationship, right?
Like they are trusting us to see, you know, the like
insurance and outs of their the data, some subjective
information and context surrounding that.
Maybe things they wouldn't maybelike air out and have to bounce
off of someone else. I just, I really take this time,
(04:05):
even when schools, you know, their season is ending, maybe
even like sooner than they thought it would be, though they
wanted it to to really like thank them for that, that
privilege to be able to like be alongside of them in this
journey. And I think it's really what it
is. I don't know if it's unique to
softball, if it's unique to women.
It's the fact that it's both. But like this is the real
(04:25):
consulting relationships are notjust like like XO, we don't, you
know, like basically our time isup, see you next week.
And and like nothing, there's this like there's an investment
in each of us in each other in OGX, into that program, in that
program in OGX. It's very it's connected.
(04:47):
There's a sense of like of, of real teamwork here and it just
feels like we're like we're partners.
So it's powerful is essentially what I'm trying to get AT.
And, you know, I think along that way, there are schools that
are kind of like pushed through and are able to reach levels of
success. And we'd like to really
celebrate them on this podcast. But even underneath of that,
(05:11):
what the view that I think sometimes I get to see with
coaches, like how much coaches grow in their own journeys at a
variety of levels, meaning like they might be early in their
coaching journey. They're in their 20s.
They're sort of like right in the middle.
They may have been coaching for decades already.
And to watch coaches like learn,soak in information, like lean
(05:34):
on someone else, like question certain things, push through
things. It's just I would say it is
equally, you know, as rewarding as seeing athletes go through
processes like that. I just think it's so incredible
to be like, wow, look at what you are like coming up with
programming wise. Look at what you just saw in
that, in that HQ dashboard, knewwhat you were looking at, what
(05:57):
it meant, what you now need to go communicate with that
athlete. It's just what a journey.
It's so great to see. So I would just say that's more
of my general, I guess, shout out to all of our partners this
year and in previous years because watching their like
willingness to dive into that process and their willingness to
like push themselves as coaches,I give them so much credit and
it's so cool to be a part of. So I love that part of that of
(06:20):
the consulting piece. I will say this week in
particular, like on Sunday during the selection show, I was
like, wow, I'm like a proud, like like Mama, grandma or
somebody because I'm like, I hadsome tears on Sunday.
And there's a there's some particular relationships that
drew that out of me. One is obviously Texas A&M, who,
(06:45):
you know, I don't know if I really have the right words to
express my level of respect, admiration, just, you know, it's
quite a place. And we brought this up before
we, you know, have worked with coach, head coach Tricia Ford
since she was at ASU. And she's a different breed.
(07:09):
She's a different breed of a person, let alone as a coach.
She is someone that is so smart,so quick, so good, yet hones in
on all the gaps of things that can be better.
(07:30):
And in a way that is, you know, I in a way that is like very
healthy. I would say it's just some like
it's never enough. She pushes herself to a point
where it's like there's got to be new information.
Or if I ask myself a question and I don't know the answer,
(07:50):
why? Where can I find it?
Who's the person that knows the answer?
She's so unique from that standpoint and so, you know,
working alongside of her and I know obviously you 2 feel the
same way because we all have worked alongside of her in
different ways. It is, you know, we always say
like man, you're my person, right?
Because that soul of a person that is like that, that is
(08:11):
incredibly passionate, so authentic, so authentic to a
degree that it's just like, not my problem if I'm not your cup
of tea. I mean, that is, I mean
seriously, right? I mean, that is so inspiring and
I love that. And I love that in women because
oftentimes we're like, you know,morph into someone who everyone
thinks is, is nice and sweet. And I, she is absolutely
(08:34):
herself, herself is an incredible person, an incredible
manager. She delegates beautifully.
But she knows enough about everything going on to know when
there's a gap. And, and, and I think that,
yeah, we have worked really closely.
And since her taking the job at A&M, you know, there was like,
OK, you, you get to a new schooland you're kind of working with
(08:56):
what you're working with. Maybe some athletes come along
with you, but man, to be only year 3 and to go into postseason
as the number one seed, I mean, this isn't like it's not
coincidence. We used to call it the Theresa
(09:16):
texter year one, the Trisha Fordeffect.
This is a Trisha Ford effect, and it's really hard for me to
really say, like, I wish sometimes it would be wildly
inappropriate, but I should liketo, like, record sometimes some
of our weekly calls. I would never do that and like,
put it on air for the world to hear because I'm like, do you
(09:37):
see how granular this is getting?
Do you see the level of detail that we are going for?
There is no box unchecked. There is never a week where it's
just like, OK, yeah, let's just keep going on this.
It is a dissection of every pitcher and every bit of data we
can look at and get our hands onin that call.
And what are we going to do about it?
(10:00):
What is the plan today, tomorrow, the next day?
How will we know that's that's going well?
It is not just us on that call. She surrounds herself with the
people that will be involved in the execution of that.
They are fully in the know. It's just she's built a
powerhouse and it's surrounded by information, right?
It's not like I'm the queen bee and whatever I say goes.
(10:22):
She is like, no, I will find theright data and information that
tells me I'm on the right track and who are the people that are
going to help show me and lead me to that information.
It's just incredible. She's amazing working with that
program and working with her specifically has been honestly
the privilege of a lifetime, I would say.
And so I called myself a proud grandma because, and I told her
(10:43):
this when she was on, you know, when she was on screen being
interviewed by Holly Rowe because they're the number one
seed. And I like didn't know what to
do. I was so excited.
I'm sitting there on the damn couch by myself.
So I just grabbed my phone and started like videotaping it.
Well then. You were like and then that was
embarrassing. Meanwhile I did it and sent it
(11:04):
to her and the guy. I was like and then the next day
I was like what am I? Why was I videoing it like a
hands or shaking? I'm like, you know, and I was
thinking like who is that video for?
Myself? I don't know.
I just wanted to capture the moment.
I wanted to capture the moment because, you know, we've also
been in the trenches with her and the program for a long time.
(11:27):
So to watch them literally get to the very top of the game now,
I will say the top of the game is to win a freaking national
championship. So let's be clear.
You know, we're still working really hard with her and that
program to do everything we can on our end to help them get
there. But man, that was a moment that
I feel like will stick with me for a really long time.
(11:48):
And it's not just like, you know, it'd be amazing no matter
what, but we did not just start working with Texas A&M this
year. This has been a long journey.
For those who don't know this, Ifeel like if you've listened to
any podcast, this has come up somany times.
But when we did our original pitch stock in 2019, pre COVID,
when we didn't even know what the hell we were talking about
(12:09):
up there. And the fact that we thought we
had like the audacity that we had to say, let's literally
launch a pitching conference. We had no business.
And, you know, like a few peoplewere coming and then Tricia
Ford, who was at ASU, bought a ticket.
And Krista and I joke about this, but we were serious.
We're like, let's start paying people to fill the seats.
(12:36):
Yeah. We're like, I mean, there's like
20 people. Like, is that worth it?
And then Tricia Ford's coming in.
So we're like, pay people, put them in the seats.
So she doesn't think this is a waste of her time.
And that was like, really the birth of our, of our like, you
know, connection and relationship with her.
So I just, and like I said, I ama little bit of a loss for
words. And that's not typical for me
because it's this mix of emotions of like, you know, I'm
(12:59):
proud of us for what I think we've helped to contribute to
that program. I am, I am like, in awe of her
as a human, as a coach, as a manager, as a mom.
She juggles so many things. Yeah.
And the best relationships, I think why we we go on and on
about Tricia wherever she goes. And is that it's really an
(13:21):
example of both sides contributing so significantly,
which is obviously, you know, the level of information and
guidance that our systems and our information have been able
to give her and help her in implementing player development
is so high. And also every time we're able
(13:42):
to work with her, how much that pushes our systems forward and
our. Absolutely deliver.
Better products and and that's really like that's what I think
is so unique about her is that it's, you know, it's just as
much of an advantage for us to work with her as it is vice
versa because you know, she doesask those questions.
(14:05):
So HQ, the platform is, has beenevolving, you know, and changing
and what we're able to pull out of it.
And a lot of that has been because, you know, Tricia's not
afraid at the pitch stock to raise her hand and be like, what
is. This she's like this shit
doesn't make any sense, you know, or it.
Doesn't want to fix it, right? Exactly.
Yeah, it's. Not answering the questions we
needed to or, or whatever that is.
(14:26):
And so it has pushed us at such a pace also.
And that's, you know, it's what I think our business does on a
daily basis with the three of usin rooms.
And you know, all along the way,that's what we've always done
internally. And when we have the opportunity
to work with programs externallywho equally push us in that way,
it's just, you know, it's an amazing opportunity for
(14:48):
everyone. And that is growth of the game,
right? And that's what we're always
talking about and that's what pushes it forward.
And so put it this way, that's been.
Amazing HQA, lot of the evolution of HQ on the college
front has is directly connected to the work we do with A&M
because of how much Trisha will push for what she needs.
(15:10):
We don't need to be able to see and I'm like, OK, if HQ can't do
that right now, it needs to be able to.
But basically like Texas A&M is,it's not like, oh, we're doing
all these things for HQ because Texas A&M is number one in the
country. And so we're trying to like help
satisfy that relationship. Texas A&M is number one in the
(15:32):
country because of what I just said, that they, their commander
in chief is the person that is like, we ought to be able to do
this. We got to see this, well, what's
this question? Why doesn't it answer this?
And then that's why we're like, great, great.
You're right, You're right. We got to this episode is going
to be called like dear Tricia Fuller, you're Tricia love.
You. No, but I think it's it's not
just about our relationship withher GX Tricia, it's about what
(15:56):
she does for this game. And you know what, I often hold
a lot of stuff down when it comes to like the announcer
world in softball. But I often think, like when
they talk about Tricia Ford, they'll be like, oh, what she's
done for the pitchers and what she's done for that program, no
doubt about it. But they talk about her as if
she's in the same category as other coaches who have done a
(16:19):
good job in their programs. And sometimes, frankly, it
drives me insane and pisses me off because I'm like, if you
really knew the data world to the majority of the announcers,
if you knew the data world, she is changing the landscape.
She is changing what player development looks like.
For all the coaches in college who say like, oh, I'm not doing
(16:41):
player development or like there's no time for player
development. That's absurd.
And you know who is the first person who can speak out to
that? The person who's leading the
number one team in the nation right now because she is the one
really driving an entirely different world on how to use
technology, use data to make decisions, not just on in game
management, which is of course important, but to use that same
(17:03):
information to know exactly how to prep in, you know, September,
October. You know, there are often times
where I'm like, she's a model and that's what I said like I
want to be able to record our sessions sometimes and like
broadcast it because there are times where I'm like, I'll have
a conversation with one coach and they're like, we have to be
able to do live. We need them to see live four
days. We've got to do this, but
(17:23):
they're driving. The coach is saying it needs to
be done. And I'm like, I wish I could
show you the Trisha Ford model because she.
Come to pit shock, I got her to talk.
Come to Pit shop because the conversation I just had with
Trisha. Ford.
Yeah, she's like, Oh no, no, no,no.
I'm not worried about that rightnow.
We have plenty of time for that,right?
Like, and so there are times where I just think of like
(17:46):
that's what needs to get recognized about her is that she
is the model in my mind in the game right now for true player
development. And that's why Texas a name is
number 1. So unbelievable.
I think, like I said, I cried. I just straight up freaking
cried. I knew they were going to be in
wrong because I could like feel it coming out of my heart.
Like I just felt like my chest was like pounding.
(18:06):
I just like knew it and I just man, it's a moment I won't
forget. I'm so proud of her.
I'm so proud of that program, all the coaches she surrounds
herself with, her athletes in such a short amount of time.
To have taken a program who's the bottom of the SEC and now
it's the top of the nation, so unbelievable.
Can I keep? Going to the bottom, speaking to
the bottom of the SEC, I was like another big one, obviously,
(18:30):
and another one I think we felt emotional about.
And I sent messages was South Carolina, who was predicted this
year to be. Last.
SEC. And is 8 in the country right
now now. And obviously we had the
opportunity to work with that staff when they were at
Charlotte and to kind of continue to be able to support
them at South Carolina. So I can let you speak to that.
(18:52):
But I think another like just incredible story of, again,
staff. Also when I cried.
Player development, yeah, very committed to player development
and. Yeah, yeah.
There's two reasons I think thatthat the South Carolina, you
know, success story this year really hit home for me.
And one is, I mean, for Ashley Chastain, Ashley Chastain
(19:14):
watered of course, year #1 from mid major Charlotte into the SEC
year #1 to take a top eight seedis unfreaking, believable.
It is unbelievable. And you know, for those we have
had the opportunity to work there for a few years at
Charlotte. We saw what she was doing at
(19:35):
Charlotte. She was starting to like shake
some stuff up, right? Like people are like Charlotte
here they come. Not a coincidence.
You know, she is a force. She is a force.
Like don't let that you know, like she you know, like she is
like looks to be and sweet and you know, like such a she's so
beautiful, but she is a freakingforce in the most beautiful way
(19:59):
and like to transform a program like that so fast.
It's almost just like a near impossibility.
So incredible. And of course, she's got some
athletes. Surround her that are just like
absolute Ballers. But to do that across the board.
Another one that made me feel solike happy and proud of that
(20:21):
staff is that they have a new pitching coach on staff.
So of course Ashley has her hands on the pitchers.
But Zach Parsons, who was from Murray State, who used to come
to our OGX behind the scenes, which is we would host like A1
or A2 day college coach. Sometimes we would have private
instructors to come to OGX, literally be behind the scenes.
(20:41):
We will do some presentations. It's only for like 4 coaches.
It's super intimate. We're going to show you how we
train, how we coach. It's like this really.
He would come to those We that'show we, you know, grew to know
him. And now next thing you know, you
know, we're on weekly calls dissecting every little thing
and talk about a coach who is smart and who is hungry.
(21:02):
You know, he's like, I have something to prove.
This is my first gig in the SEC and we had, you know, some of
their athletes come to OGX in person over winter break to
train like for a week in person.And they're just like, we love
Zach, not just because Zach is like a nice guy, which he is,
(21:22):
but it's because they're like, you know, he is smart.
He's a great coach. He knows how to talk to us about
data, explain it to us, tell us why we're doing what we're
doing. You know, they have linked to
him so quickly. And I just am like, man, I hope
he can register. You know, I said this to him
this week in our call, but I hope he can register.
Like, you have done a damn good job there.
(21:44):
You know, in your very first year, this is a big stage.
This is so much information to take in.
And he has been excellent to both his athletes, to the
program in working with Ashley because our hands are in
pitching. Anytime 2 coaches hands are in
pitching, it takes some dynamicsthere, you know, to be able to
(22:06):
make that work and they have andit's incredible.
And he's a rock star. He's an absolute rock star.
The, the, the version of Zach that I first met in August when
we were on campus to do the assessments and the version I
got to see at NFCA were just I, I think, and you're listening,
I'm pretty sure I said this to you directly.
(22:27):
It was like confidence was really good on you.
He just had, he skyrocketed overthe fall through all of the
work, you know, weekly with you and just learning, you know,
learning Ashley's systems and, and just getting his feet
settled. And it was, it was really fun to
see how much does confidence. Programs are not like.
They're not like, should we get less information next year?
(22:50):
Like this is back to what we talked about with how they are
pushing the envelope. South Carolina is in that same
conversation. They're like, what else can we
have access to? What else?
Now? Like basically now the more you
start, like, OK, you don't thinkAshley Chastain is thinking
like, how do we go from #8 to #1right?
I mean, like the same way Triciawent from 16 to 1.
(23:11):
So like, where are those gaps? Where are those holes?
Where's the information that's going to help me find those?
I mean, this is what we're talking about here.
And yeah, those are two programsthat I think, you know, it's not
that obviously we don't have really great relationships with
everyone else, but they have reached such heights this year
in a remarkable way. Like, I mean, these are two
stories. This isn't like, oh, Texas A and
(23:32):
Ms. been around in the top five for.
I mean, it was like these three years of the Tricia Ford era
have been like another planet, another planet, you know, and
again, the same with South Carolina.
So those were the two in particular that made me cry
because I just felt like, wow, you know, it was just just huge.
(23:54):
And I think it's AI think it's arepresentation of like where the
game is headed. We have said in the past, and
those coaches have said, you know, at different conferences
that we've been at, like you can't not have information and
expect to be great, right? You just can't.
And that's it. You can't win a ball game here
and there. But like you can't make a
(24:14):
program great without information.
If you can, maybe there's like 1outlier or two schools that do
it. I don't know, based on their
recruiting, whatever, you know, but you've got to have
information. And I just think the how extreme
their success has been this yearis a direct relationship on how
much their cultures are built around data, information to make
(24:37):
decisions. And that's this is the era of
the college game that we're in. So they're a great
representation of that. And not that we don't work
directly with Oklahoma, but I was listening to one of the
games, whatever in the last weekor so.
They kept commenting about, you know, there was this expectation
of Oklahoma this year that because of the seniors, they
(24:57):
graduated and, you know, just the legacy of that class.
That. This year was going to be more
of a struggle for them. That was the conversation that
kept coming up. And all I kept thinking was, you
know, there was a there was so much about like, you know,
Patty's magic and being able to coach, you know, underclassmen
and bring them along. And I don't not disagreeing with
that. I think the layer underneath of
(25:18):
that though, is like, you know, the systems that they clearly
have and utilizing the portal still development.
You still have to get that athlete to adapt to your systems
and the way the way that your team runs things.
But also the ability to bring inthose underclassmen and have
what I'm guessing is a pretty robust at least hitting
development system from what we've seen.
(25:39):
But they have a development system.
That's the beauty of it is that,you know, even if you you take a
risk on a recruit as a junior orrisk on some of the transfer
portal, if you have systems thatare rooted in this information.
And I think, you know, A&M, South Carolina are great
examples that we know very intimately because they reflect
in mirrors some of our systems. But like other schools have that
(26:02):
let's not discredit the work that goes into building that
infrastructure and just say it'sthe magic of coaching.
Of course it's the magic of coaching.
But the level you're talking about with Tricia and with
Ashley and what I'm assuming that happens in Oklahoma is just
these these systems and standards of what they expect
and the the way things are structured.
(26:22):
And you said delegated and and that is this blend of like
coaching magic and manager. And I think that they're very
unique things to be able to do simultaneously and not lose your
way in one or the other. I think it's very unique.
Yeah, I'm going to flip us a little bit to athlete and we'll
come back to a couple coaches. But I was thinking as you guys
were talking and Ashley, you're,you know, kind of almost, it's
(26:45):
like kind of crazy to think of Trisha as being like under, you
know, flying under the radar a little bit, even though her team
is #1 which is kind of crazy to think about.
But one of the, I was thinking about Katie Stewart as we were
talking, because I think it's something obviously yesterday we
were referencing like, you know,in our full team, we were
talking about constraint LED training and young development.
(27:07):
I was picturing Katie Stewart wearing Hello Kitty or whatever
she used to wear Katie to come train with us when she was 8,
You know, and she's trained withus literally her whole career.
And I think it's interesting forsomeone who is having such
success at such a high level to be a little under the radar
because of all of the things that make Katie amazing, which
(27:29):
is she plays whatever position she's needed.
She does whatever she's needed. She, you know, when she comes
back, we've referenced this before, but like she'll train
this summer and toss to a 14 year old and we'll just come do
all of the things that are just her values, you know, which is
work hard, keep trying to get better, keep pushing the
(27:51):
envelope of her own development,but in a way that is so humble
and so sometimes at the detriment.
So like her individual accolades, because it's hard to
get accolades when one game you're in left field and one
game you're at shortstop and onegame you're catching and one
game you're at first base. Because that you know, something
like, I think she was ranked number one for like utility
(28:13):
players, but you know, you don'tget the same, you know, you just
don't get the same accolades from that.
And I think there's an element of her that is it's just been
like unbelievable to watch her grow up and to see her have
(28:35):
success in a in her way, which is, as I said, like as soon as
she got back for the winter, shetrained, you know, she she gets
in there, she is willing. Maybe not always Katie, maybe
when you were like 13, you wouldhave like thrown your bad at me.
But now is willing to really have us push her to to fail in
there to to expose the weaknesses to like really attack
(29:00):
those things and to do what the the the team needs at any given
moment. She's always been that way.
Her family hasn't sold those values.
And I think it's been just like incredible to watch and be a
part of and speaking to cry. And last year I got the
opportunity and and hopefully we'll again to go watch her at
the World Series. And as they like called her,
(29:21):
it's just like, you know, it's avery emotional experience
because you know, all of the things she puts in on a daily
basis to being able to to to be that person.
And, and it's just been incredible to watch.
And you know, she already like, you know, she's finishing out
this year and hopefully gets to finish on the big stage again.
And also is planning on what she's going to do this summer to
(29:44):
train and has set goals and, andknows she has to keep continuing
to climb and get better. And so it's just been incredible
to be a part of and and the example of like this is someone
who performs whatever she's liketop 10 of RBIs and you know, she
performs at such a high level and who comes and is so willing
(30:05):
to sit at the beginning of the summer and say, like, where are
my holes? You know, like what do we need
to to fill in gap at the? Common theme here for athletes
and coaches. Yeah, yes, there was a
conversation. I brought this up to Trisha on
Monday because like 2 weeks ago,she was like, why am I failing
them as a coach with X? And, and so we talked about it
(30:26):
and I gave her my thoughts and we came back, you know, with the
plan. And I was on Monday, I was like,
remember when you said why are you failing them with X?
And I was like, well, first of all, you're not because you're
not failing them in anything. So they're ranked number one,
you know, but like, I was like, but also I reflected on that,
like the fact that you are at the point you're at and you're
like, but that's not good enough.
(30:47):
And so that's on me, right? I have to get that where I'm
failing them because there's a space that we're not
considering, you know? And I think like, that's the
deal, right? When you just keep seeing the
gaps and not to a point where you can't see what you're doing.
Well, I mean, of course, right? You also celebrate.
A natural degree, yes, and not to a degree where you, like,
beat yourself up so much that then you can't.
(31:09):
Absolutely open about the extremes, but this is the common
theme with these both coaches and with athletes.
Yeah, I think we've also had a few athletes and examples of of
athletes who didn't train with us their whole career, but
really they had something spark in their college career that
then that, you know, they wantedto turn things around.
They wanted to to have a different experience.
(31:31):
And so they came and trained with us.
So Asha, if I let you maybe speak to an athlete or two who's
had that experience and, and whois now having success.
And again, I think you'll hear alot of the same themes.
These are athletes who paying tous is they're like, it's not
going the way I want for whatever reason.
And I'm willing to like look at that, which is such an important
(31:52):
thing. I would say maybe the top of my
list. This is another one that's just
like really tugged in my heartstrings this year is
Isabella Vega ESA is pitcher at UCF.
In case you live under a rock this year because she is just
crushing it. She is going to be on a podcast
with us hopefully next week onceonce regionals are finished and
(32:12):
talk a little bit about maybe some of the more specifics of
her journey. She has just was a red shirt
freshman. She is a red shirt freshman.
She redshirted last year and shecame to us as I think a lot of
freshmen in the college world isjust so different than the youth
world. You think you're so sure of
yourself when you go in and thenthe college world shakes you in
(32:34):
like, is this good enough? You know, is am I that, you
know, you just don't know you can You're like identity can be
get rattled a little bit. And it's not always centered
around softball either. And so she came to do the summer
program because she was like, I redshirted this year and I just
want to like, I want to hit the ground running.
And I think it was really like Iwatched her come to life last
(32:57):
year throughout the summer. And I think the reason for that
is not because like, it's not because we had a conversation
where like I said, X and that really hit her soul.
Maybe that happened. We can let her tell us that when
we get on a podcast with her. But I think we were able to come
to her with this lens of like, Ihave no idea what you did in
(33:20):
high school, frankly, don't care.
What I'm looking at right now islike, we know what's good enough
and we know how to take someone's what they do, their
tools and leverage the hell out of them and teach them to
leverage the hell out of them. We could do that for you here,
You know, So like this isn't a like we're unsure.
Like, let's talk real X's and O's.
(33:42):
If you could take this pitch which breaks like this and
change it to this speed and thisspeed and throw it at this
height in this height and it's at this spin, right?
It does this like this is a rockstar tool.
And you don't have to think, Oh,I only have this or you know,
like was that only good because I threw it in high school and
it's not here. Like no, no, no, no, no, here we
come as these outside people andwe are telling you that this
(34:05):
isn't a like, Oh, we believe in you, Isa.
This isn't some fluff. This is some sense of like, but
absolutely. But this is not a conversation.
Because of the real things in front of me.
Because of the real information.And I'm like, Isa, I didn't even
know you yesterday, but you're going to look at me in the eye
and I'm going to tell you like this right is in front of us.
(34:26):
This is really good shit that you have.
And I know exactly why you were successful at the high school
level and I know exactly why you're going to be great in the
college level. And so you need to know that,
but you got to make this tool dothis.
You got to make sure it stays here.
You've got to do this. And this is what we're committed
to, right? So of course, I put a little
like, you know, like Rocky thememusic in the background to make
sure that that really helped, you know, hit her soul.
(34:49):
But it was the real information,right?
And so she's like, OK. And so little by little as we
went through her summer program was she did remotely.
She went back to Florida and didremotely.
And then we tested her ability to throw.
You know, she was in a little bit of a league and tested some
things out with with some hitters.
And by the end of the summer, she was like, I'm feeling good
and feeling good. And just like, you know, it
(35:11):
wasn't like, oh, we gave her tools she never had, which has
happened before with athletes. This was not the case with Isa.
This was US really putting that information in front of her and
telling her like, this tool is great when it's you're able to
control it here, here, when it'sat this mid rate.
Here's what that means. Here's how you do that.
Here's how you train in order tomake sure that's the case.
(35:32):
Here's the speeds it needs to beat.
And when she gained back that confidence of like, wait a
second. What I have is enough.
As long as I'm informed, you know, I can't wait to hear from
her on the podcast again, hopefully next week for her to
kind of share a little bit because that was the end of last
summer. There's obviously been a lot
that's happened. So kudos to her coaching staff
there as well. Obviously, to like take on a
(35:55):
brand new ESA as far as, you know, not her tools necessarily,
but like her insides, her presence, what she felt about
herself. And like, when you watch her
throw now, she knows exactly whoshe is and what she's going
after. So she was able to show up this
year as a new version of herselfbecause of the work she did in
her summer program with us. And then her coaching staff was
(36:16):
able to take that ESA and then, you know, take it and run.
And she's been incredible this year.
So that's a huge one. I just think every time they're
like, you know, she's up for freshman of the year, like, I
mean, this is big time, right? And so like she's a nominee.
And so like, I'm just like, wow,that story.
You know, you think about these conversations that you have
(36:37):
one-on-one in an office setting with them, how they're just
like, you know, what they're sharing with you and how and
like the growth within one year for her is just so great.
You know what I want like young pitchers to know and I'm going
to talk about I'm going to talk about Zerkowski also in a
second, but it's similar. What I would love is for young
athletes to like get some insight into these journeys to
(37:02):
see that like you don't just make it once you get recruited,
you're going to hit some points in college.
Maybe it's early in your career,maybe it's midpoint, maybe it's
the end where things get hard. You start questioning if you're
good enough, you start questioning where did that go?
Who am I? And these are exact.
These are examples of athletes that have felt themselves push
(37:22):
up against a little bit of a wall in their journey.
And they took it in their own hands to go find what they
needed, go get the information they needed.
And then they made the choice toflip their mindset around to be
like, no, I can do this. And they did.
And so I just think they're very, very, they're inspiring
stories for young athletes at the youth level who just, you
(37:44):
know, they don't see past like once they can announce where
they committed to. I think there's like that, like
that journey is like, you know, you come up through the travel
ball system where you're all of your sort of validation if
you're good or not right now is basically external coach
opinion. It's it's who do you play for?
It's, you know, the, the verbal feedback that you get, you can
supplement that with, you know, rankings and showcases and those
(38:06):
types of things, But you know, separate from having the, the
level of information that we, wecollect on our athletes and
watching that journey, you're really relying on that coach to
just to tell you if you're good or not.
And so I sometimes I'd see thesepatterns of like, if you follow
like a really high profile kid who is, you know, top whatever,
Gator to play the gear, blah, blah, blah.
And they have that freshman yearand sometimes we, you know, we
(38:29):
do see them at some point, but but there's a there's a
disconnect. It's like all of a sudden
they've realized, wait a second,I'm looking for that external
opinion of the coach. And it's maybe not positive.
Maybe I don't have the tools that I think I do or there's
just a mismatch. And I think like a story like
East's is like, she went back toherself.
She was like, wait a second, something's off.
She was checking herself internally.
(38:49):
She wanted the information and instead of going and seeking a
coach's opinion, not that you'renot a coach, obviously, Ash, but
she wanted the combo of the coach plus the information.
And like that to me is like it's, it's just such a great
example of like figuring it out for yourself and not letting
someone external to you be the only source of your value, your
(39:12):
worth, your, your confidence as a player.
And like she's I just I love that she's skyrocketed.
It's such a great story. It's a great story.
I was like, I think last year wewere reflecting and like some of
our like most powerful summer program stories and I was like,
Isa, you know, just like, man, that was, I felt like that was
really powerful for me. It's just inspiring.
(39:34):
It's inspiring to watch someone like take something back for
themselves. You said look in the mirror and
feel like they can be the ones in control of what's coming
next. And I think I felt very inspired
by her by the end of the summer last year.
And then that was a, you know, Ihad no idea what was going to
happen with her career. That show.
There's so many variables, of course.
So now to see that she was able to extend it into so much
(39:56):
success. She's a rock star.
I'm really proud of her. Yeah, you want to touch on
Derkowski. Obviously Michigan's shaking
things out when in the conference tournament, Yeah, two
years in a row she was conference tournament player.
So you can touch the her story. It's very simple and she has.
Shared. And she has shared some of it as
well. And we have shared some of the,
(40:16):
yeah, she has shared about the experience.
But yeah. Lauren Derkowski is a very
similar story. It was a few summers ago after
her freshman year, right? Yeah, after.
Her freshman year and after her sophomore year, she's trained.
OK, Oh yeah, right, right, Andrew.
But after her freshman year, youknow, it's like, I think this
happens a freshman, you know, like you just the success you
can have, it's just college level humbles you, right?
(40:38):
And not to say she was unsuccessful freshman year, but
just generally across the board,like the college world humbles
you quite quickly and can send you into the like, am I good
enough? As we talked about, she was
behind Alex Teraco that year also, which was obviously like,
you know, that it's tougher to come in and have someone that
like you might start to measure yourself up against someone
like, am I good enough? Am I as good as them?
(40:59):
Can I be as good as that? You know, and and those words
never came out of her mouth. I'm just saying generally these
are all variables that I think send someone to us.
And honestly, she came to us because they're they're pitching
coach Jen Brundage, who just a great coach and a great person.
She suggested it like she was like, I just feel like she
doesn't have a great relationship with information.
(41:21):
She, you know, she feels and I think Dirk would be fine with us
sharing this story, but she feels like the information is
always pointing out what she's doing wrong, right?
So it's the flip side of what wewere saying before.
Getting stuck on the gaps and pictures can be like that are
freaks in a great way and in a bad way.
And that's what makes them great.
I mean, they're just like constantly in their calculating.
(41:42):
It's why I always say wow, talk about two planets.
You walk into a bunch of hitterstraining and they've got music
blasted and they're just doing whatever and the pictures are
little freaks in there. It's silent.
And because I'm like, they're all doing the Queen's Gambit,
moving their chest pieces on every single pitch, right?
Like that's a pitcher's brain. But it can very quickly
crossover into a threshold whereit's like this isn't great.
(42:04):
And so for Dirk, you know, she was like struggling with
information and, and Jen was like, I feel like this is you
guys can really help her with this this summer.
And that was that initial summer.
And you know, our this was not alike, oh, in the first weekend
we met, Durkowski was just like,I'm so glad I found you guys.
She was just basically like, youknow, not in a like a mean way
(42:27):
or negative way, but basically like, you know, Biggie told me I
gotta come here. And, and so like, I'm gonna try
it. But also like, you know, she's,
she's a force and I love that about her, you know, And so
basically like, I'm not just like sold on how this is gonna
like help me. And so there was a call.
I will never forget it. So that she came in June, there
(42:48):
was a call. She's from her area.
So she's like local. And so in July where she was
back on campus and I hung up thephone and was like, I don't even
know who I just talked to because she was like, like
telling me about the data. She was like, it didn't work.
The, you know, rap soda didn't set up this day.
Can we do a FaceTime? So I know it works.
And I saw this and I saw that myvelocity would look like this
(43:09):
and my spin rights look like this and this.
And this is like talking to me in data language.
And I was like, I'm sorry, what happened to you in the last four
weeks, right? And so I was like, whoa, she on
her own as she should. She did not just take my word
for it on her own. She started to become more open
on like how I could really be educated about my data to show
(43:31):
me what I'm doing well, why I'm good, but then also expose my
guests both live in the same world.
And there was this. I'm weirdo also with dates.
I'm pretty sure it was like July11th, 2.
I don't I don't know. I'm serious.
It was such a powerful. It might have been July 14th.
I want to think about it, but itwas one of those two dates and
(43:53):
it was just a really powerful conversation and I hung up and I
was like frozen. I'm like changing this kid.
Like I felt this like wave of inspiration, like she's in,
she's in. And when someone steps in to
player development, and I mean not like puts a toe in, like
jumps in. You're like, welcome to the
first day of the rest of your life.
And I hung up that phone with dirt that day and I was like,
(44:14):
welcome to the first day of the rest of your life.
And. Well, now she's wet like that
was, you know, the next year they didn't make pussies and
right. And so then it was like, OK, we
got we got to get back to where we were.
And I think the other thing thathas been amazing is not only has
she had success in the circle, obviously she's LED her team
these past few years and and that is amazing and what she
(44:36):
adopted, but also what came out of her that year.
I think it's just like she's going to, she's a leader and you
see it and the way that she getsthe team and the team looks at
her and rallies behind her and her respect for that program and
her respect for her coaches. And it's just like that part is
she's. So Michigan, right, That's the
(44:56):
respect for the Michigan jersey.That's I think.
Michigan, I think she just like is a poster child for Michigan
at this point. She is tough as hell.
She is like, I will do anything for this program.
Culture means you know so much. And that second summer when she
showed up, she was like, I don'twant to be the same version of
myself four years in a row. So like, what can I add?
(45:18):
What can I be? What can I do?
And I was just like, man, you know.
And so I just think like she like she made that decision to
like be able to allow data to show her like looking at gaps
doesn't mean I don't don't also have incredible strengths.
So she took she allowed herself to open her to open up, to be
(45:40):
able to use information to see that way to train in a way that
was like focused on leveraging strengths, keep filling gaps to
take her toughness, to take her leadership skills to keep
growing those. I just think like, man, this is
a case where, you know, I didn'treally have the right words on
on Twitter X whatever when I wanted to like give her a shout
(46:01):
out the other day. But I was like, what I really
wanted to say was like, this is also a story that I wish we
could do, like a documentary on when. 30 for 30. 30 for 30, yes,
let's start doing 30 for 30s OG exile and Paul can totally do
that. But I would love for young
athletes to learn from the Lauren Durkowski story.
(46:23):
Like she that man, that kid is tough.
And she has grown even in just afew years that we've known her
and has pushed herself to grow and has like re lit her passion
for growth. And I feel like she has a story
that could inspire and it's real.
It's raw and it's real. It isn't just this like I was so
(46:46):
great as a a youth pitcher, which she was.
Then I went to Michigan and was just always a star.
Like there's some nitty gritty details in there that she had to
work through, push through, go through, and she did.
And I couldn't be happier for her and the program.
You know, there's just so many people on that staff, that
coaching staff on that team thatI think are just just, they're
just, you know, they embody somereally, really great values.
(47:09):
And I think that she could teacha lot of athletes some really
important lessons. Yeah.
So we're going to go. Along, but we got to do one
more. We got to do one more, which is
Jordy. Jordy.
Yeah. We got to wrap our conversation
with Jordy. So Jordan Richwood is what
worked for us. Chased Ashley around for three
(47:32):
years basically. Yeah, we didn't have.
If we had a system, it was written sideways on a noble.
System follow me. Yeah, follow.
I was just like, if you want to learn what we do, you literally
can't leave my side because it'snot written down anywhere.
Yeah, But I remember, I still remember sitting in the office
when we got Rachel Balkovec, whoworks for the Marlins Yankees.
(47:55):
I don't know, She's in El Vino. And she was doing like a
mentorship program at the time. And Jordan was a part of it.
And she was like, I need I, you know, this woman is looking for
opportunities to really grow in the game and and I feel like you
guys would be a good match. And she knew we were kind of
open to looking at that point. And I remember sitting getting
her like. Cover letter which is a cover.
(48:17):
Letter that's hilarious. It was like what year is it
anyways? But I remember sitting in the
office and it was very thoughtful.
It was about what she like wanted to learn.
And and I think what always was so unique about Jordan is just
like a willingness to just be. It's the same as I mean, this is
the trait of player development is a willingness to just be
(48:39):
like, I need to grow more. I need to learn more.
I don't have the tools I need tobe successful in the way I want
to if ultimately I go back into the college game.
And so like, I'm going to come, I'm going to move across the
country and I'm going to follow this woman around this crazy.
Ass. Right, Right.
(49:01):
Yes. I'm going to follow, I'm going
to follow this woman around and hope I learn enough.
And I remember, you know, she was obviously with us for a few
years and, and just like amazinggrowth and, and she got to be
alongside of the growth of the business also, and a lot of
amazing things there. But I remember when Maggie was
looking and really wanted Jordan.
(49:23):
So also testament to Maggie and the program she's building to be
like this. You know, this is a slightly
unique path for me to go at it. Probably less so now as we've
like become more established. But at the time, like I know
generally about you guys and, and, and the conversations that
she had when she was looking to hire Jordan and what she was
looking for in that role, which is a person who's going to come
(49:45):
and not just be necessarily likein the traditional way, but it's
going to come to take a program that needs developing that
that's players need pushed and who's going to be willing to do
that. And I think they made a run,
maybe arguably should have been in the post season, but we'll
leave that for other people to discuss.
But they made like an incrediblerun in the Big 10 tournament.
(50:06):
They just like continue to climbin that conference.
And I think it's just like sometimes when like Jordan will
send things or her dynamic with her pitchers and the the nuances
she's able to do in a very Geordie way, which I think is
incredible. This isn't like she's running
around in the bullpen and looks exactly like you would Ashley
and her personality. She she has kept her sort of
(50:30):
like authentic personality of how she wants to coach and how
she wants to do it, but continues to get, you know, use
the data, use developer players,push her pitchers had some of
them come to the summer program last year, like just continues
to to develop them. And it's been so fun to watch
her just like thrive in that environment and and be
successful and and develop players.
(50:52):
So we're probably a Jordy. We're so proud.
Also, no one calls her Jordy. We made that up, I think.
We're the only ones to call it Jordy.
Yeah, it's not an age he goes by.
But now my pain when people hearthat, you know, obviously we
only have so much time here. But I think of like, I'm also
proud of Riker this year. I know that like it's year #1
obviously we worked with Riker for a long time in Ole Miss.
(51:14):
Then he took a, you know, a gap year in the college coaching
world. He took a gap year and he didn't
know it was going to be a gap year.
We always knew it was going to be a gap year and and you know,
obviously Auburn, they had a really tough schedule this year,
but like what he has done with those pitchers and like SJ
Guerin as this is like, oh man, he's just done incredible work.
(51:36):
It's year #1 So I just think like, man, when we're doing the
same podcast next year at the end, like let's celebrate some
of our partners and some of our athletes and coaches, you better
believe that every year that program is going to keep
climbing. Not just because of Riker,
obviously because of as well, because they represent the same
thing across, across the board. But Riker is a special guy for
(51:57):
all the reasons that we're talking about here.
And so he's done amazing things with that pitching staff.
And I think like they just need a little bit more time to let,
you know, to let that program just keep building, you know,
around the coaches that I just think like, man, that's that's
some trio when it comes to player development.
The Malvos and Riker, that is a freaking trio.
(52:20):
So yeah, that's. Another couple years, so yeah.
Anyway, we can't just keep calling out every single coach
that we think it's a good job because there are lots of them
out there. But I I want to mention that one
as well because Rikers fresh offof his OGX gap year, you know?
Should have called it a semester.
See. Yeah, right.
Yeah, Semester would see a good one.
(52:40):
All right. Well, obviously, as I said, this
is like when you're like with a Grammy and we're like, I can't.
Remember, I can't think of everyone.
Yeah. Talk about everyone.
There's so many people that we've just had the opportunity
to grow alongside of and they'rejust having so much salvage in
the game. And yeah, and that's really what
it's about. It's like it's it's coaches and
(53:01):
players who want to have impact,you know, and they want to have
impact in the way that they perform and can help the team.
They want to have impact in the way they can develop their
players. They want to they just like I'm
pretty sure I shared one of the things of Texas AM and I was
like, winners win. And it's not like it's, you
know, this idea of like you, youknow, she describes all the best
(53:25):
players. And it's just like there is a
trait. And it might not always come in
the form of being number one in the country.
And it might not always be in the form of like first team All
American for, you know, Katie Stewart because of all the
things you said. But like, at the end of the day,
if I'm going in the trenches, like, you know, a Katie Stewart,
Tricia Ford, Ashley Chesty Riker, like, these are the
(53:47):
people you want to go to battle with because at the end of the
day, they're going to win. And what that means might be
different across different levels, but it's because they
are so willing to go inward, youknow, that they're houses of the
the world. They're so willing to go inward
to do what's needed to do that. And it's such a special trait.
And it is player development. It's what we love about what we
do every day. And so it's just been so special
(54:10):
to watch and and. Sports on to go yes man and yes
can't stop waiting to stories like light me on fire in a good
way and you know obviously watching this weekend.
How can we even manage all the games?
Yeah, multiple TV's. Managing I know my 9 year old's
(54:31):
birthday party this weekend. I'm like, how can we possibly?
Be starting a birthday, you're like, you can't have a whole.
Season, I know, like all the kids out.
Texas State Why didn't I plan that?
Baggie totally, yeah, Anyway, man, yeah, it's a good one.
We're really we're really lucky and we so it ourselves.
So I guess yeah. What is it?
(54:52):
The the more risk you're willingto take, the luckier you get.
That's an OGX T-shirt, although I stole that line from
somewhere. So we can't do that, but we
build our own luck. However, we're very lucky and
we're very privileged to get to work and like alongside of a lot
of these athletes and coaches because they're really, you
know, they they, they're very, very inspiring.
They really are and their. Trust of us is such a privilege.
(55:14):
It really is their trust of us. It really is.
And like, it's such a. Privilege.
Magic of sports that you got when you were an athlete I
sometimes think to my stuff likeI'm still surrounded by that I'm
still surrounded by the like power of how sports like create
these unbelievable human beings in the world and all of these
(55:35):
stories we told today are just some examples of that so.
Yeah, All right. Well, here's the postseason and
and also to Beyoncé. So thank you.
Have a great time.
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