Episode Summary:

In this episode of the It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with veteran coach Jessica Linson, who brings over 20 years of experience coaching at every level — from AAU to high school varsity.

Coach Linson opens up about what it’s really like coaching today’s athletes, managing expectations, and still showing up for her players while balancing motherhood and her own growth. From the evolution of high school basketball to the ongoing tension between AAU and school ball, this conversation is packed with real insight for parents, coaches, and athletes.

The episode covers everything from player development and recruiting strategy to discipline, accountability, and what it means to actually coach the whole athlete in today’s world. If you’ve ever questioned the value of high school coaching, this episode will remind you: they’re still doing the work that matters.

Key Takeaways:

- High School Coaches Do More Than Coach: From checking grades to guiding recruiting, their role is bigger than most realize.

- AAU & High School Can Work Together: When both sides communicate, the athlete benefits.

- Public vs Prep Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: The best fit depends on the player’s goals, mindset, and support system.

- Parents Need Realistic Perspective: If your athlete isn't playing or being recruited, the answer might be accountability — not politics.

- Coaches Need Support Too: They’re guiding your kids while navigating their own families, careers, and emotional weight.

Helpful Links:

Join the Basketball Parent Community for FREE for 7 days! https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% off

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

Episode Summary:We made it to 100 episodes! In this milestone edition of the It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts reflects on a journey that started with a mic, a mission, and a commitment to show up every week for the basketball community.This episode celebrates over 100 guests, countless stories, and unforgettable insights from some of the most respected names in sports — from WNBA star Ariel Atkins, to college coaches like Erik DeRoo, to parents and athletes just trying to figure it all out.Ashley revisits powerful moments from past episodes, shares behind-the-scenes reflections, and highlights what’s next for the show and the community. Whether you’ve been here since episode 1 or just joined the movement — this episode is a celebration of you, too.Key Takeaways:- Consistency Builds Community: 100 weeks straight of valuable content proves what happens when you stay committed to the mission.- Voices That Matter: Guests like Ariel Atkins and Erik DeRoo brought real insight into recruiting, development, and leadership.- Parents Deserve Support: From community building to tough conversations, this podcast has become a hub for families navigating youth sports.- Every Story Counts: From solo episodes to high school tour interviews, each voice has added to the growing legacy of It’s Just Different.- We’re Just Getting Started: The energy, the vision, the impact — this milestone is a moment, but the movement continues.Helpful Links:Join the Basketball Parent Community for FREE for 7 days! https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of the It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with Zay Green — professional basketball player and former McDonald’s All-American — to talk about the real journey behind the WNBA dream.

Zay opens up about multiple ACL injuries, mental health battles, and the emotional rollercoaster of transferring between schools like Tennessee, Texas A&M, and UAPB. Through it all, she never gave up — and her story is a true testament to resilience, faith, and focus.

This episode gives listeners an honest look into what it really takes to push through when the odds are stacked against you — and how parents, coaches, and athletes can better navigate injuries, recruiting, and the pressure of high-level basketball.

Key Takeaways:

- Resilience Through Injury: Zay’s story proves that adversity can build the mindset needed to go pro — if you don’t quit.

- Authentic Communication Matters: Being real during the recruitment process helps athletes land in the right situation

.- The Role of Parents: Support is important, but athletes need space to make their own decisions and learn from them.

- Transfer Portal Talk: Zay shares honest thoughts on how the portal is being used — and how it’s affecting the game.

- Inspiring the Next Generation: Her journey is a blueprint for any young female athlete who needs a reminder to keep going.

Helpful Links:

Join the Basketball Parent Community for FREE for 7 days! https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% off

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠