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.

  
  

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Steve Lowe, Head Coach at Grayson College, to uncover what families really need to know about junior college basketball.

Together, they unpack the myths surrounding JUCO, share honest truths about AAU missteps, and offer clear guidance on how parents can better support their athlete's recruitment journey.

Coach Lowe breaks down the real value of JUCO, why it’s often misunderstood, and what makes it a powerful stepping stone for athletes aiming for D1. If you’ve ever been unsure about the JUCO route, this conversation brings the clarity and insight you need.

Key Takeaways:

• JUCO is not a backup plan—it’s a smart option for the right athlete.

• Academics matter—and most JUCO credits transfer easily to 4-year schools.

• Relationships > Hype—talk to current players and build real connections.

• AAU strategy matters—don’t just chase teams with hype; chase fit.

• Know your athlete—and what they truly need to thrive at the next level.

  
  

  🔗 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% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

Episode Summary:

In this solo episode, host Ashley Roberts delivers a powerful, no-fluff game plan to help parents and athletes dominate the July Live Period. Ashley breaks down exactly what college coaches are looking for—and what’s keeping your athlete from getting recruited.This episode goes beyond highlight tapes and stats. From body language on the bench to Instagram mistakes to knowing your role, Ashley unpacks the subtle things that are either helping or hurting your child’s recruitment. She also emphasizes why athletes need to focus on the RIGHT coaches—not just the biggest names.If you're a basketball parent trying to figure out how to support your athlete this summer, this episode is your cheat code. Key Takeaways:

- Coaches notice everything—not just scoring. Bench energy, attitude, and resilience matter.- Your athlete’s social media is their portfolio. Make it clean, public, and highlight-focused.- Communication is key. Reach out to schools that actually align with your athlete’s level and values.- Know your role. Athletes who master their strengths and understand what coaches need stand out.- Parents play a role too. Don’t chase status—chase fit and long-term development.🔗 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% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

Episode Summary:

In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Jake Stevens, Associate Head Coach at Texas Woman’s University, to break down why athletes and parents shouldn’t overlook D2 basketball. With years of experience at both D1 and D2 levels, Coach Stevens shares insight on the realities of college hoops, recruiting strategy, and how D2 programs often offer a better balance for student-athletes.

From understanding the scholarship breakdowns to knowing when a JUCO route makes sense, this conversation gives parents clarity, confidence, and real advice for helping their athlete find the right fit — not just the most hyped one.Key Takeaways:

- D2 isn't a downgrade — it’s a different lane. Many athletes thrive in D2 environments due to better academic-athletic balance and focused development.

- Live period isn’t everything. Athletes can still stand out with smart communication, film, and targeted outreach.

- Transparency is key. Be honest with coaches about your goals, especially around transferring or chasing D1.

- JUCO vs. D2 is a strategic decision. Know when each makes sense based on where your athlete is right now.

- Character counts. Coaches value how athletes handle adversity, communicate, and represent themselves.🔗 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% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

About the Guests:Makenzie White is a rising D1 basketball player who earned her offer after transferring high schools and switching AAU programs. Her journey from Duncanville to Lancaster — and from Pro Skills to Drive Nation — highlights the importance of finding the right fit, gaining confidence, and maximizing visibility.Brittany White, Makenzie’s mom, is a former coach and player herself. She brings a parent’s perspective on navigating recruiting, switching teams, and making decisions that truly support an athlete’s long-term development.Episode Summary:In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Makenzie and Brittany White to unpack the real story behind Makenzie's journey to a D1 offer. From transferring high schools to changing AAU programs, they break down the emotional and strategic decisions that helped Makenzie grow as both a player and a person.You’ll hear candid advice for parents navigating the recruiting process, how to recognize when it’s time to move on, and why visibility and opportunity should outweigh program prestige.Key Takeaways:- The Right Fit Over Big Names: Success often comes from being in a system that values you — not just from being on a big-name team.- Parent & Player Alignment: Having a parent who knows when to push and when to pivot makes all the difference.- Real Recruiting Talk: Learn how Makenzie secured her D1 offer and the lessons Brittany shares for parents coming up behind them.- Switching Teams Doesn’t Mean Failure: It can mean growth, maturity, and better opportunities — if done with the right mindset.- Balancing Pressure & Passion: The importance of mental health, confidence, and staying grounded throughout the journey.🔗 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% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

Episode Summary:This week on the It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley sits down with Zoderick Green — pro trainer, former hooper, and father of WNBA athlete Zay Green — to talk real about why athletes aren’t getting recruited and how parents may be unintentionally holding them back.From Zay’s inspiring story to the shift in parental roles in youth sports, Zoderick shares what every basketball parent needs to hear about training, camps, recruiting, and expectations. This is your behind-the-scenes blueprint to preparing your child for next-level basketball — mentally, physically, and emotionally.Key Takeaways:- Parents aren’t the problem… but they could be the pressure.You’ll learn how today’s parents unintentionally impact a coach’s ability to develop players — and what to do instead.- Real recruiting looks different than you think.Handwritten letters. Direct convos. Clear evaluations. Not all “interest” is real interest.- Not every camp is for your kid.Zoderick breaks down the difference between team camps, exposure camps, and developmental ones — and how to choose what fits.- Ask better questions.Parents should ask trainers who have they developed? What’s the plan for your kid? What results can they show?- More rest, less rush.Burnout is real. Pushing too early can backfire. Trust your child’s pace.

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

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About the Guest:Charles Stoker is a respected basketball developer in the DFW Metroplex known for building players from the ground up. Notable for helping NBA athlete Jordan Walsh, Charles is committed to real development—not just flashy training. As a coach, father, and mentor, his approach is rooted in fun, consistency, and fundamentals. Episode Summary:In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Charles to expose the difference between training and development. They break down what parents are getting wrong, how to choose the right person to guide your athlete, and the power of building a strong foundation—physically and mentally. If you're a basketball parent, this is the truth you’ve been needing. Key Takeaways:- Training ≠ Development – There’s a difference, and most parents don’t know it.- Development requires patience, not just reps.- You need someone who can grow the full player, not just their bag.- Family, fun, and fundamentals still win.🔗 Helpful Links:📥 Download my FREE Basketball Parent Guide: https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscri...👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community for a FREE 7 DAY TRIAL https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠

Episode Summary:In this solo episode of It’s Just Different, host Ashley Roberts breaks down what every parent of an aspiring college athlete needs to know before the next live period. From choosing the right camps to managing AAU communication, this episode is your roadmap to navigating basketball recruitment the smart way.Ashley shares honest insight on how to maximize your athlete’s exposure, when to play up versus stick to grade level, and how highlight reels and outreach strategies are really viewed by coaches. Whether you’re new to the AAU scene or knee-deep in recruiting chaos, these strategies will help you prioritize what matters — and avoid costly mistakes.🎯 Want to make sure your athlete isn’t getting overlooked? This episode is packed with tips that will help parents stay ahead of the curve. Key Takeaways:- Recruitment Priorities by Class Year: Know what really matters in each phase of your athlete’s journey.- AAU Communication Strategy: Build strong relationships with coaches to understand where your athlete truly stands.- Camp Strategy: Focus on regional or local camps tied to real offers — not hype events.- Highlight Reels That Work: It’s not about fancy edits — it’s about what coaches need to see first.- Real Practice Over Politics: Get in the gym, get feedback, and stay consistent. That’s how you move forward.🔗 Helpful Links:👥 Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community 🛍️ Shop ‘Different’ Merch: Use Code "Podcast" for 15% offhttps://itsjustdifferentapparel.com ⁠