On today’s episode we’re joined by Elizabeth O'Neal – one of Athletes Untapped’s top private volleyball coaches!

Link to Elizabeth's Athletes Untapped coaching profile: https://athletesuntapped.com/coach-profile/cat-o

Elizabeth was a standout college player who turned her passion for the game into a career helping the next generation of athletes. Now, she gives back by teaching youth volleyball players the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to succeed both on and off the court.

In this conversation, Elizabeth shares her journey from being a decorated student-athlete to becoming a trusted private volleyball coach. We dive into how she helps athletes improve their fundamentals, the importance of mindset in training, and why having the right coach can transform an athlete’s development.

If you’re a parent looking for a private volleyball coach, an athlete aiming to take your game to the next level, or a coach searching for fresh training ideas, this episode is packed with insights and tips.

At Athletes Untapped, our mission is to connect athletes with amazing coaches like Elizabeth, across volleyball and 15 other sports nationwide. We’ve helped thousands of athletes get the training they need to unlock their full potential.

Whether you’re working on your serve, improving your vertical jump, mastering game IQ, or just starting out, Elizabeth’s story will inspire you to put in the work, trust the process, and love the game.

Watch and listen to new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. You can also listen to new episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Follow us on Social Media for all the best moments from the show: https://www.instagram.com/athletesuntapped/

Sammy Ryann – proud hockey mom, lifelong athlete, and youth sports advocate – joins Untapped Stories to share her journey of raising athletes and navigating the ups and downs of youth sports.

If you’re a parent raising kids in sports, you’ll relate to Sammy’s perspective. From early morning hockey practices to balancing school, training, and family time, she has seen it all. In this episode, Sammy talks about what it really means to support young athletes, how to create a positive sports environment, and the lessons parents can take away from the hockey world to apply to all sports.

Youth sports today are more competitive and demanding than ever. Parents are juggling busy schedules, kids are feeling pressure from school and sports, and coaches are trying to balance winning with development. Sammy Ryann breaks down what families can do to make sure sports remain fun, supportive, and growth-oriented. Whether you’re raising a hockey player, soccer player, basketball player, swimmer, or multi-sport athlete, the themes in this conversation apply across the board.

Sammy shares real stories about:

• Life as a hockey mom and the sacrifices parents make to give their kids opportunities.

• The importance of balance: making sure sports don’t take over family life.

• How to help kids deal with pressure, competition, and setbacks.

• Building strong relationships with coaches and teammates.

• Why sports should be about character, resilience, and confidence – not just wins and losses.

• Sports Parenting Tips: How to encourage your child without pushing too hard.

• Youth Athlete Development: Why multi-sport participation can be more valuable than early specialization.

• Mental Health in Youth Sports: Helping kids manage stress and avoid burnout.

• The Role of Parents: How to be supportive on the sidelines and at home.

• Life Lessons from Hockey: Discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership.

• Support first, coach second: Let coaches handle the training, and be your child’s biggest cheerleader.

• Focus on effort, not outcome: Praise your child for hard work, discipline, and growth rather than just wins.

• Encourage balance: School, friendships, and free time are just as important as sports success.

• Teach resilience: Help kids bounce back from losses, injuries, and tough seasons.

• Keep it fun: Kids who enjoy sports are the ones who stick with it and thrive long-term.

  
  

If you’ve ever asked yourself:

• “Am I supporting my athlete the right way?”

• “Should I let my kid specialize in one sport or play multiple?”

• “How do I handle the pressure of elite youth sports?”
  …then this episode is for you.

  
  

Sammy’s honest insights as a hockey mom will leave you inspired, reassured, and better equipped to guide your child through their sports journey.

Untapped Stories, presented by Athletes Untapped is a podcast and video series featuring athletes, parents, and coaches who are shaping the future of youth sports. From Olympians and pro athletes to everyday parents and youth coaches, our goal is to share lessons, experiences, and real conversations that help young athletes become their best selves — on and off the field.

We believe youth sports are about more than just competition. They’re about building confidence, friendships, discipline, and lifelong skills. That’s why we highlight voices like Sammy Ryann’s, giving parents and athletes the tools and perspective they need to thrive.

In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of sports nutrition that every athlete, parent, and coach should know. Whether your child is just starting youth sports, training at the high school level, or preparing for elite competition, the right approach to fueling makes all the difference.

Wendi shares her expertise on:

• Foundations of athlete nutrition: What young athletes need on a daily basis to build energy, strength, and recovery.

• In-game fueling strategies: Practical tips for what to eat before, during, and after practices, games, or tournaments.

• Balanced meals and snacks: Easy, affordable ideas for parents who want to set their kids up for success without overcomplicating food prep.

• Hydration habits: Why water and electrolytes matter more than flashy sports drinks.

• Long-term performance and health: How nutrition impacts not just today’s game, but an athlete’s future development, injury prevention, and recovery.

One of the biggest challenges in youth sports today is that athletes often underfuel. Many kids go into practices or games without enough energy to perform at their best. Others rely too heavily on fast food or sugary snacks, which can lead to inconsistent energy and recovery. Wendi breaks down these common mistakes and gives clear, actionable advice that parents can actually use.

As a registered dietitian and sports nutritionist, Wendi has worked with athletes across all levels - from youth sports to college athletes to pros. Her approach is practical and science-based, making nutrition easy to understand and apply in the real world. She emphasizes whole foods, balance, and flexibility, so athletes don’t feel restricted or stressed about eating “perfectly.”

For parents, this episode is full of valuable takeaways. You’ll learn how to:

• Pack pre-game meals that fuel energy without weighing athletes down.

• Choose the right mid-game snacks to keep performance high.

• Plan post-game recovery meals that rebuild muscle and restore energy.

• Create a home environment where healthy eating is easy, enjoyable, and sustainable.

Wendi also shares advice on navigating the pressures of youth sports. From busy schedules to travel tournaments to the culture of “energy drinks and protein shakes,” she explains how families can simplify the process and focus on what really matters: fueling athletes in a way that supports growth, performance, and long-term health.

Whether you’re a parent trying to figure out what to pack for a weekend tournament, an athlete looking for an edge, or a coach who wants to better support your team, this episode offers clear, practical, and evidence-based guidance that you can start using today.

At Athletes Untapped, we know that sports performance is about more than just practice - it’s about developing the full athlete. That’s why we bring on experts like Wendi Irlbeck to share real advice with families navigating the youth sports journey.

👉 Tune in to hear Wendi’s top sports nutrition tips and learn how to set your athlete up for success with the right fuel, the right mindset, and the right support.

Former college and professional softball player Emily Alexander joins Untapped Stories to share her unique perspective as both an elite athlete and a youth sports parent. With years of experience on the field and now in the stands, Emily bridges the gap between what young athletes need and what parents often wonder as they navigate practices, clubs, tournaments, and expectations.

In this episode, she opens up about the realities of balancing competition with confidence, helping kids build passion without pressure, and knowing when to step in - or step back. Emily talks about common mistakes well-meaning parents make in youth sports, how to communicate with coaches, and why long-term development matters more than weekend wins.

If you’re a parent new to youth sports, her advice is relatable, reassuring, and incredibly practical. Whether your child is just starting lessons, trying out for travel teams, or dreaming about college athletics, Emily offers guidance that helps families support their athletes the right way - focused on growth, enjoyment, and lifelong love of the game.