About the Guest

Tiffany Mitchell is a WNBA veteran and South Carolina Gamecocks legend with over 10 years of professional basketball experience. She has played for multiple WNBA franchises, including the Indiana Fever, Minnesota Lynx, Connecticut Sun, Las Vegas Aces, and Seattle Storm.

Tiffany was the first player of the Dawn Staley era to have her jersey retired and be inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame. Today, she also serves as an online fitness coach, helping others prioritize health, discipline, and longevity.

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with WNBA veteran Tiffany Mitchell to unpack what it truly takes to survive — and thrive — at the highest levels of basketball.

Tiffany shares raw insight into her journey from elite youth basketball and South Carolina dominance under Dawn Staley to navigating the realities of the WNBA and overseas play. She discusses the mental toughness required to last in professional sports, the value of tough coaching, and how today’s athletes must balance NIL opportunities with long-term development.

The conversation also dives into Tiffany’s remarkable recovery, a moment that reshaped her perspective on basketball and life. From resilience and adaptability to building purpose beyond the game through fitness coaching, this episode delivers real lessons for athletes, parents, and anyone chasing excellence.

Key Takeaways

- Mental and physical resilience are non-negotiable at the professional level

- Elite competition and strong relationships accelerate athlete development

- NIL decisions should align with long-term goals, not just short-term money

- Adversity can redefine purpose and fuel growth beyond sports

- Success on the court is strengthened by support systems off the court

Resources for Parents & Players

How To Pick An AAU Team In 2026: https://stan.store/_thisisashleyr/p/h...

Join the Basketball Parent Community (FREE 7-day trial):⁠https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community⁠

Download the FREE Guide to Save Money, Time & Stress:⁠https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe⁠

Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit (Your full roadmap):⁠https://www.ashleynroberts.com/product-page/basketball-parent-toolkit⁠

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code “Podcast” for 15% off):⁠https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

Players everywhere are struggling with inconsistency, confidence, and slow development — and most of it has NOTHING to do with talent. In this solo episode, Ashley breaks down the 5 biggest reasons young hoopers stop improving and what parents must do differently before AAU season.Whether you’re a parent trying to guide your athlete or a player trying to stand out, these lessons will change how you train, compete, and grow.

Key Takeaways:

• Why players stay stuck despite training

• The attitudes that kill confidence without anyone noticing• The real role parents play in development

• How to study film the right way

• The habits that separate “average” athletes from the ones who rise

About Ashley

Ashley Roberts is a former college hooper, mentor, and creator of the It’s Just Different Podcast. She helps parents and athletes navigate youth basketball, recruiting, AAU decisions, and the mental side of the game with honesty and real-world experience.

Resources for Parents & PlayersJoin the Basketball Parent Community (FREE 7-day trial):

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Download the FREE Guide to Save Money, Time & Stress:

https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe

Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit (Your full roadmap):

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/product-page/basketball-parent-toolkit

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code “Podcast” for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

About the Guest(s):

Jordan Jackson and Gigi Banks are top high school basketball recruits out of St. James. Jordan is committed to the University of Maryland, while Gigi is exploring programs that align with her growth and style. Both bring unique insights from national competitions like Hoopfest and share strategies for balancing athletics, academics, and NIL opportunities.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley dives into elite high school basketball with Jordan Jackson and Gigi Banks. They discuss Texas vs DMV basketball culture, the benefits of prep school athletics, and navigating the intense schedule and exposure that comes with high-level competition.

The conversation also explores choosing the right college program, factoring in playing style, coaching philosophy, and personal growth opportunities. Jordan talks about her journey to Maryland, while Gigi shares her process for finding the ideal fit. Additionally, they discuss balancing NIL opportunities, recovery strategies, and the importance of family and community support in a young athlete’s development.

Key Takeaways:

- Prep schools offer rigorous schedules and resources that prepare athletes for college-level competition.

- Choosing the right college program requires consideration of fit, coaching style, and growth potential.

- Recovery and physical wellness are critical to maintaining peak performance.

- NIL opportunities must be balanced with authentic passion for the sport.

- Family and community support play a crucial role in an athlete’s journey.

Resources for Parents & PlayersJoin the Basketball Parent Community (FREE 7-day trial):

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Download the FREE Guide to Save Money, Time & Stress:

https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe

Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit (Your full roadmap):

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/produc...

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code “Podcast” for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com