• Athlete Confidence
    May 12 2024

    In this podcast episode of "Champions are Built," Coach EJ and Aaron discuss the importance of confidence in athletes, why some lack confidence, and how to nurture and develop confidence in players. They delve into the significance of creating an environment that fosters honest confidence, the role of communication in building confidence, and the impact of competition on an athlete's mindset. The conversation emphasizes the need for honest assessments, feedback that builds up rather than breaks down, and setting realistic expectations to help athletes thrive.

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    24 mins
  • The Evolution of Bay Area Baseball Training
    May 2 2024

    The Changing Landscape of Performance Training Aaron & EJ reflect on the evolution of performance training over the past three decades. They note how the once-specialized and premium nature of this training has become increasingly commercialized and commonplace. This shift has led to a "mass mentality" where athletes and parents often treat performance training like a gym membership, lacking the necessary commitment and engagement for it to be truly effective.

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    10 mins
  • The Pitch Count Dilemma, How Many Pitches is Too Many?
    Apr 21 2024

    Protecting Young Arms: The Pitch Count Dilemma in Baseball Navigating the Risks of Overuse Injuries in Youth and Professional Baseball In the ever-evolving world of baseball, the debate surrounding pitch count and arm health has taken center stage. As coaches, trainers, and athletes grapple with the delicate balance between performance and injury prevention, it's crucial to understand the nuances of this pressing issue.

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    28 mins
  • Va Clements - The Journey to Pro Football
    Apr 9 2024

    From Island to the Gridiron: The Inspiring Journey of Eteva Mauga Clements Overcoming Obstacles, Chasing NFL Dreams

    Etiva Mauga Clements, better known as "Va," has had an extraordinary journey from his small island home in American Samoa to the collegiate football fields of the United States. In this insightful interview, Va shares his story of perseverance, determination, and the unwavering drive that has carried him towards his aspirations of playing professional football.

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    39 mins
  • Breaking Free From Pack Mentality: Keys to Individual Success in Athletics
    Mar 31 2024

    """🎙️ Pack mentality: the invisible force that shapes athletes' decisions and limits their potential. Let's dive into why following the herd might not lead to success. 🏆





    #SportsPsychology #AthleteMindset

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    25 mins
  • Greg Tella Interview- Youth Soccer Coach & Former Strength Coach for San Jose Earthquakes
    Mar 18 2024

    In a recent podcast episode of "Champions Are Built," hosts Coach Eric Johnson (EJ) and Coach Aaron Thigpen had a thought-provoking conversation with Greg Tella, the President of Sports Social Network and former strength and conditioning coach for the San Jose Earthquakes. The discussion delved into various aspects of youth sports, the importance of competitiveness, and the challenges faced by young athletes in today's sports environment.

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    47 mins
  • Isaiah Foskey- New Orlean Saints
    Mar 11 2024

    A conversation with hometown athlete Isiaiah Foskey and his journey to the NFL.

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    31 mins
  • You Got Cut - "The B Side"
    Mar 7 2024

    In this podcast episode, Coach Eric Johnson and his co-host discuss the topic of being cut from a sports team and how athletes can turn this experience into an opportunity for growth and improvement. They share a story of a player who used being cut as motivation to work harder and eventually earn a scholarship. The hosts emphasize the importance of learning from being cut, reinventing oneself, using the time to improve skills, and developing a competitive mindset. They discuss the concept of earning opportunities in sports and the need for continuous improvement

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    14 mins