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

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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

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https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode, Ashley Roberts sits down with Jeremie Hart, Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at SMU, to talk all things player development, adversity, and recruiting.

Jeremie shares how his own setbacks shaped his career — and what parents need to understand about their role in the process.From overcoming personal challenges to finding his purpose through coaching, Jeremie breaks down the difference between training and true development, how faith and hard work go hand-in-hand, and why resilience is missing in today’s athletes.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete — this episode is packed with lessons that go far beyond basketball.

Key Takeaways:

- Adversity is part of development: Don’t protect your athlete from every challenge.

- Coaches are watching parents too: Your sideline behavior matters more than you think.

- Player development is more than drills: It’s about mindset, consistency, and patience.

- Coaching should be purpose-driven: Integrity, value, and long-term growth always win.Stay in your lane: Everyone’s path is different — and that’s okay.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with Ashley Frazier, former Director of Player Development for the Chicago Sky (WNBA) and founder of SYQ Hoops Academy.

Frazier shares her journey from playing at the University of Arizona to shaping athletes at both the professional and youth levels. She opens up about the importance of choosing the right trainer, the value of JUCO as a pathway to D1, and why fundamentals remain the foundation of success — even at the pro level.

The conversation also dives into the growing need for women coaches in girls’ basketball, how to empower young female athletes, and why social media can be both a powerful tool and a distraction for today’s players.

Packed with practical advice, real talk, and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for parents, athletes, and trainers looking to navigate the modern basketball landscape.

Key Takeaways:

- Trainer Selection: Not every trainer is for every athlete — find the right match for skill level and goals.

- JUCO Opportunities: Junior college can be a game-changing step toward D1 basketball.

- Fundamentals Matter: Footwork, shooting form, and core skills should never be overlooked.

- Women in Sports: Female representation in coaching and mentorship is critical for growth.

- Social Media’s Role: Build visibility but keep it authentic and purposeful.

Helpful Links:

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

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In this solo episode of the It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts provides strategic guidance for basketball parents and athletes wondering what steps to take after AAU season and live period ends.

From picking the right trainers to reaching out to college coaches the right way, Ashley breaks down exactly what to focus on next — especially if you’re uncommitted or still waiting on offers.

This episode is packed with real talk, clear advice, and next steps for families serious about the recruitment journey.

Key Topics Covered:

- What to do when AAU season is over

- How to plan your next steps if you're uncommitted

- Picking the right basketball trainer (not just the hype)

- The smart way to communicate with college coaches

- How to vet fall showcases and avoid wasting money

- Why a supportive parent community makes a difference

Quote from Ashley:

"This is not the time to panic, player and parent, if you didn’t get the looks you wanted."

🔗 Helpful Links:👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: ⁠⁠https://www.ashleynroberts.com/commun... 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% off⁠⁠⁠⁠https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

Episode Summary: In this episode of the It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Nate Levine, one of the most respected JUCO coaches in the country, to break down why junior college might be the smartest move for your athlete.From navigating JUCO levels to building meaningful coach-player relationships, Coach Levine shares what parents need to know when making one of the biggest decisions in their athlete’s journey.🎯 Whether you’re choosing between D1 and JUCO, or just trying to understand the recruiting game, this conversation is packed with honest advice, real examples, and the truth about what it takes.Key Takeaways:✅ JUCO = OpportunityJUCO gives players the minutes and development they may not get at a 4-year school.✅ Every Level Has LevelsThere are different regions, scholarship levels, and competition tiers within JUCO — parents need to understand the structure.✅ Recruiting Takes CommunicationResponding to coaches, asking the right questions, and being realistic about fit is what gets your athlete to the next level.✅ It’s Not About Where You StartIt’s about who you become — and JUCO gives athletes space to grow.💡 Key Quote:"JUCO is often considered the cheat code — it gives you the real college experience and more development opportunities." – Coach Levine

🔗 Helpful Links:

👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: ⁠⁠https://www.ashleynroberts.com/commun...

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of the It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Valerie Huizar, head coach at St. Mary’s University, to unpack the truth behind college recruiting.

With over a decade of experience across multiple levels, Coach Val brings an honest and clear perspective on what families need to understand — from social media impact to the difference between real and fake offers.

They dive into the growing number of transfers, how the recruitment timeline differs between D1 and D2 programs, and what red flags families should be watching for.

This episode is packed with gems for parents trying to navigate today’s complex recruiting world.

About The Guest:

Valerie Huizar, also known as Coach Val, is the head coach at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. She’s coached at the JUCO, NAIA, and NCAA D2 levels and brings a clear and honest approach to helping families understand what matters most in the recruiting journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Recruitment Timing Differs by Level: D1 starts earlier, but that doesn’t mean D2 isn’t a great fit.

• Social Media Is a Recruiting Window: Coaches are watching — and poor behavior online can close doors.

• Not Every Offer Is Real: Ask questions and understand what’s actually on the table.

• Character Still Matters: Body language, respect, and presence go a long way.

• Parents Need to Support, Not Lead: Be involved, but let the athlete own the process.

  
  

  🔗 Helpful Links:

  👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: ⁠https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community⁠

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

  https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠