Raising Athletes
Raising Athletes is the ultimate guide for parents supporting their young athletes on the journey toward college recruitment and beyond. Hosted by experts in sports development, recruiting, and mental performance, this show provides actionable advice, inspiring stories, and practical tools to help parents navigate the competitive world of youth athletics. From goal-setting and skill development to navigating the recruiting process, Raising Athletes is your trusted playbook for helping your child achieve their athletic dreams while building character and resilience. Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner: www.PGMAthlete.com
Episodes
Stop paying for motion when you want progress. We dig into why so many private lessons fail to create real separation on the field and show how to flip the model from selling minutes to producing measurable outcomes. The focus isn’t more reps; it’s the right reps—built on intent, movement quality, and a game-ready mindset that holds up under pressure.
We start by naming the problem: uniform, overpriced sessio...
Parents want their kids to shine under the lights, but the real transformation happens when the stands are empty and the pressure is off. We break down a clear, no-nonsense plan for using the offseason to make smart mechanical changes, build strength and speed, and lock in confidence that shows up when the games return. Drawing from the routines of elite athletes, we explain why small in-season tweaks and big between-...
The secret weapon in college athletic recruiting isn't talent—it's communication. While fewer than 5% of prospect camp attendees follow up with coaches afterward, this overlooked step makes the difference between being noticed and being recruited.
College coaches aren't just evaluating athletic ability during prospect camps and clinics. They're carefully observing behavior, communication s...
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Wondering if the USSSA-A All-American Games is worth it for your young softball player? Look no further than this revealing father-daughter journey from tryouts to championship week.
Having just returned from Florida where my daughter competed in this prestigious event, I'm pulling back the curtain on every aspect of the experience. Despite initial skepticism about whether this was merely an elaborate mo...
Stepping up to the plate with confidence doesn't happen by accident. Behind every successful young hitter stands hours of consistent, deliberate practice that most spectators never see.
This episode tackles a hard truth many parents need to hear: waiting for your child to show initiative before investing in their athletic development could be silently sabotaging their progress. We explore why consistent ...
The wheels have fallen off. Your child's team just lost every game at the weekend tournament. No one played well, parents are frustrated, and kids feel defeated. What now?
These moments test the character of young athletes, coaches, and sports parents alike. While the natural reaction might be disappointment or even questioning team placement, this episode reveals why these seemingly disastrous weekends ...
Ever wondered how to truly measure your child's athletic progress beyond game scores or batting averages? The answer lies in baseline data – a powerful but often overlooked tool that transforms how young athletes develop their baseball and softball skills.
In this eye-opening episode, we dive into why metrics matter for young players aged 10-18. Beyond just numbers on a page, baseline measurements like e...
"Have you ever seen the movie We Bought a Zoo? Well, I just bought a baseball and softball training facility."
What happens when parental support meets opportunity? In this deeply personal episode, I share my recent decision to purchase a training facility near our home—a move that aligns perfectly with my triplets entering ninth grade and their growing passion for baseball, softball, and volleyball...
The tug-of-war between a private instructor's individualized techniques and a team coach's system creates genuine confusion for young athletes. This tension—particularly acute for pitchers and hitters—forces kids to choose between specialized instruction they've paid for and the coach who controls their playing time.
Drawing from experience as both a Division I pitcher and youth coach, I tackle...
🚨 Think early specialization is the key to success? Think again! 🚨
Over 90% of NCAA Division I athletes played multiple sports in high school. Yet, so many young athletes are pressured to specialize too early. 🏀⚽🥎🏈
In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina sits down with Summer Montabone—retired pro athlete, mindset coach, and best-selling author—to break down why playing multiple sports builds stronge...
Should your young athlete stop playing rec ball and focus only on travel sports? 🥎⚾🏀
It’s a big decision for parents and athletes—when is the right time to transition from recreational leagues to full-time travel ball? In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina breaks down the key factors that can help families make the best choice for their young athlete’s development.
We’ll cover:
✅ The real differen...
🚨 Big changes are coming to USSSA Fastpitch Softball! 🚨
In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina sits down with Bryan Moyers, better known as Nashville’s Batman, to break down the recent changes to USSSA fastpitch softball’s age requirements and what this means for players, parents, and teams. Bryan is a franchise owner of Destination Athlete, fastpitch tournament/clinic organization and well known in ...
Did you know over 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs played sports? 🏆
In this clip from the Raising Athletes podcast, host Rob Taormina reveals why competitive sports help shape future leaders. It’s not just about winning games—it’s about building the resilience, leadership, and grit needed to succeed in life and business.
You’ll learn:
✅ The #1 life skill kids gain from sports that translates to career success
✅ How...
Is your child ready for school sports tryouts? Whether it's middle school, JV, or varsity, the key to making the team goes beyond natural talent—it’s all about preparation. In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina shares expert tips for parents to help guide their young athletes through the spring baseball and softball tryout season.
You'll learn:
✅ The #1 mistake parents and athletes make b...
Losing is an inevitable part of sports, but how your child handles losses can shape their confidence, resilience, and long-term success—both on and off the field. In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina dives deep into the best ways parents can help their young athletes process defeat, stay motivated, and turn losses into valuable lessons.
You’ll learn:
✅ What to say (and NOT say) when your child is ...
Is a Dad Coach (parent volunteer) or a Paid Coach (club/professional coach) better for your child’s athletic journey? The answer isn't as simple as it seems. In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina breaks down the pros and cons of each coaching style, addressing common stereotypes, player development, and what parents should look for in a coach.
We’ll explore:
✅ Do Dad Coaches really play favori...
Raising an athlete is no easy journey—it’s a commitment filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the top six struggles parents face when supporting their young athletes. From managing pressure and expectations to navigating the busy schedules and burnout, we’ll break down the real challenges families encounter and offer practical solutions to help you stay sane while ...
Welcome to Raising Athletes—the ultimate podcast for parents of young athletes working toward college recruitment and long-term success in sports and life. Hosted by Rob Taormina, a former Division I pitcher, veteran coach, and creator of the Positive Grit Method, this show provides parents with the knowledge, strategies, and tools needed to guide their athletes through the competitive world of youth and college sport...
In this debut episode of Raising Athletes, we introduce the Positive Grit Method, a transformative approach to athletic development created by Rob Taormina. Rob is a former Division I pitcher at New York Tech, a coach with over 20 years of experience, and the Executive Director of the Nesconset Athletic Association, which has supported thousands of young athletes since 1975. Named one of Long Island’s top 40 professio...
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