Every athlete experiences highs and lows.

The difference between athletes who continue to grow and those who burn out isn't talent—it's how they think.

Former BYU baseball standout Bryker Hurdsman joins the Especially for Athletes Podcast to discuss the mental side of sports, why staying emotionally steady matters, why athletes should enjoy playing multiple sports, and how focusing on the process instead of the outcome changes everything.

In this episode you'll learn:

 * Why Bryker wishes he had continued playing multiple sports
 * The importance of developing a daily process
 * How to stop letting bad games define you
 * Why confidence comes from discipline—not results
 * Lessons from BYU's mental performance coaching
 * How sports prepare you for life after athletics

Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode will help you think differently about success.

Remember...

Eyes Up. Do the Work.

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Especially for Athletes:

 * Website: https://e4a.org
 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
 * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Shad Martin + Justin Miller
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

173. The Mental Game That Separates Great Athletes | Bryker Hurdsman

A brain surgeon recently shared a powerful observation:

"If you do too much for your kids, you build your self-esteem by stealing theirs."

That one sentence sparked one of our favorite parenting conversations.

Why do parents feel compelled to rescue their children from every disappointment? What happens when we remove every obstacle from our athlete's path? And how do we help our children become resilient without abandoning them?

In this episode, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss why struggle isn't the enemy—it may be one of life's greatest teachers.

If you're raising athletes (or future adults), this episode is for you.

Eyes Up. Do the Work.

00:32:17 - Introduction
00:32:47 - The Brain Surgeon's Quote
00:34:32 - Why Parents Naturally Want to Protect Their Kids
00:37:37 - Helicopter Parenting vs. Bulldozer Parenting
00:40:27 - Are We Protecting, or Preventing Growth?
00:44:02 - The Difference Between Harmful Pain and Productive Struggle
00:47:32 - Helping Instead of Rescuing
00:50:37 - Sports as a Laboratory for Resilience
00:53:17 - The Frozen Peach Tree Story
00:56:37 - When Protection Becomes the Problem
00:59:12 - Practical Advice for Parents
01:01:32 - Final Thoughts: Eyes Up. Do the Work.

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Especially for Athletes:

 * Website: https://e4a.org
 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
 * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

172. Are Parents Stealing Their Kids' Self-Esteem? | Character Is Built Through Struggle

A viral 9U baseball video has parents everywhere talking.

After a young player hits what should have been the biggest home run of his life, an opposing coach appeals a technicality that erases the moment. Was it within the rules? Yes. Was it the right thing to do?

In this episode, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss what youth sports are really supposed to accomplish. Are we trying to win youth games—or raise resilient adults?

If you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this conversation will challenge the way you think about competition, teaching, and long-term success.

Remember: Sports are a tool to shape young people into who they're meant to become.

Eyes Up. Do the Work.

Timestamps:

 * 00:32:17 - Introduction
 * 00:33:02 - The Quote: "Always Have the End in Mind"
 * 00:34:32 - The Viral 9U Baseball Video Explained
 * 00:37:37 - The Controversial Appeal That Erased the Home Run
 * 00:40:32 - Why Adults Lose Perspective in Youth Sports
 * 00:45:12 - Coaching Is Teaching, Not Just Winning
 * 00:47:22 - The 10-Year-Old Tennis Story
 * 00:50:17 - Learning to Lose with Character
 * 00:52:42 - What Sports Are Really Supposed to Teach
 * 00:55:52 - Advice for Parents and Coaches
 * 00:59:22 - Final Takeaway: Sports Are a Tool... Don't Be a Tool

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Especially for Athletes:

 * Website: https://e4a.org
 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
 * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

171. Sports Are a Tool… Don't Be a Tool

In this week's Especially for Athletes podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith explore one of the foundational principles of Especially for Athletes: Seek to Be Your Best, Not the Best. Through the story of Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda's emotional celebration after a personal record and Kobe Bryant's powerful perspective on becoming an "overachiever," they discuss why comparison steals joy and how athletes can find lasting fulfillment through growth, effort, and personal improvement. This episode is a powerful reminder that true success comes from maximizing your own potential—not from measuring yourself against everyone else.

Key Takeaways

1. Comparison Is the Thief of Joy
Social media has made it easier than ever for athletes to compare themselves to others instead of focusing on their own growth.

2. Personal Progress Deserves Celebration
Athletes should celebrate personal bests and growth, even when they don't finish first.

3. Greatness Is About Becoming
The greatest athletes focus on maximizing their potential rather than protecting a reputation.

4. Kobe Bryant Was an Overachiever
Kobe wanted to be remembered not just as talented, but as someone who maximized every gift he was given.

5. Compete Against Yesterday's Version of Yourself
The healthiest comparison is comparing who you are today with who you were yesterday.

6. Fill the Tank, Then Empty the Tank
Success comes from fully preparing and then giving everything you have when the opportunity arrives.

7. Appreciation Matters More Than Recognition
People need to know they are valued for who they are and the effort they give—not just the results they produce.

00:32:17 - Introduction
00:33:17 - Why Comparison Is More Dangerous Than Ever
00:36:17 - The Difference Between Being the Best and Being Your Best
00:39:47 - The Story of Polish Sprinter Ewa Swoboda
00:42:32 - Why Athletes Must Celebrate Progress
00:44:17 - How to Avoid Complacency and Discouragement
00:46:47 - Ralph Waldo Emerson and Learning From Others
00:50:17 - Kobe Bryant's Final Interview
00:53:17 - Becoming an Overachiever
00:56:47 - Progress Over Outcomes
00:59:17 - Coaching Athletes to Celebrate Growth
01:03:17 - Appreciation vs Recognition
01:07:17 - Fill the Tank, Then Empty the Tank
01:09:47 - Final Thoughts
01:10:17 - Eyes Up, Do the Work

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Especially for Athletes:

 * Website: https://e4a.org
 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
 * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

⸻

Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

170. Seek to Be Your Best, Not the Best

In this week's Especially for Athletes podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith tackle one of the greatest challenges facing youth sports today: patience. Too often athletes are labeled too early as stars or failures before their bodies, confidence, and abilities have fully developed. Through powerful insights about development, confidence, work ethic, and a moving story from Cameron Stewart about his son Tyson, Shad and Dustin remind parents, coaches, and athletes that development is not linear and that some of the greatest athletes are simply late bloomers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone tempted to judge potential too quickly.

Key Takeaways

1. Don't Label Athletes Too Early
Children develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially at different rates. Success—or struggle—at age 10 does not predict success at age 18.

2. Puberty Changes Everything
Many athletes who appear average before puberty become exceptional later as their bodies and confidence develop.

3. Focus on Growth, Not Playing Time
Instead of demanding opportunities, ask: "What do I need to do to improve?" Growth should always come before entitlement.

4. Let Kids Explore
Young athletes should be allowed to try different sports and activities until they discover where their talents and passions align.

5. Love of the Game Matters
If a child still loves a sport, don't pull them away simply because they aren't currently the best player.

6. Struggle Builds Valuable Skills
Athletes who must work for opportunities often develop resilience, work ethic, and perseverance that become major advantages later.

7. There Are Lessons on the Bench
Athletes learn just as much from fighting for playing time as they do from standing on the podium.

00:32:17 - Introduction: Why Youth Sports Needs More Patience
00:33:37 - The Danger of Labeling Kids Too Early
00:36:27 - Why Puberty Changes Everything
00:37:52 - Cameron Stewart's Story About His Son Tyson
00:38:57 - How Parents Should Approach Playing Time Conversations
00:41:42 - Why Late Bloomers Matter
00:42:37 - When Should Kids Quit a Sport?
00:45:02 - Family Rules About Commitment and Finishing Seasons
00:46:02 - James Clear's "Explore vs. Exploit" Principle
00:47:27 - Finding Your Lane Through Exploration
00:48:17 - Final Advice for Parents and Coaches
00:49:37 - Lessons Learned from Cameron Stewart's Example
00:50:07 - Eyes Up, Do the Work

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Especially for Athletes:

 * Website: https://e4a.org
 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
 * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

⸻

Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

169. Be Patient: Every Athlete Develops on a Different Timeline

In this powerful episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss men's mental health, the stigma surrounding emotional struggles, and the courage required to ask for help. Using the story of NBA All-Star Kevin Love and his public battle with panic attacks and anxiety, they explore why mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical injuries. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or teammate, this conversation will help you better understand the importance of checking on others, speaking up when you're struggling, and creating environments where people feel safe asking for help.

Key Takeaways

1. Mental health struggles are real—even when you can't see them.

Just because an injury isn't visible doesn't mean it isn't serious. Anxiety, depression, and panic attacks can impact performance and quality of life just as much as physical injuries.

2. Asking for help is not weakness—it is courage.

Real strength is not pretending everything is fine. Real strength is having the humility and courage to admit when you're struggling and seek help.

3. Success does not immunize anyone from mental health challenges.

Kevin Love was an NBA All-Star at the height of his career when he experienced a panic attack. Mental health struggles can affect anyone regardless of talent, success, popularity, or income.

4. Coaches and parents should keep their eyes up.

Great coaches don't just develop athletes; they develop people. Pay attention to behavioral changes and create safe opportunities for athletes to talk.

5. Great teammates notice and respond.

LeBron James's response to Kevin Love's article is a model of leadership. Great teammates don't judge; they support.

6. Silence is the greatest ally of mental health struggles.

Mental health issues often remain hidden because people fear what others will think. Honest conversations break down stigma and create healing.

7. One person's courage can help thousands.

When Kevin Love shared his story publicly, he gave countless others permission to seek help and realize they weren't alone.

Links

 * Full ESPN interview with Kevin Love - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW2LVIp9QcU
 * Kevin Love's Player Tribune article - https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/kevin-love-everyone-is-going-through-something

00:32:17 - Introduction: Men's Mental Health Month
00:34:17 - Kevin Love's Panic Attack Story
00:37:02 - Why Mental Health Injuries Are Different
00:38:17 - Dustin Shares His Own Experience with Panic Attacks
00:41:47 - Why Athletes Often Stay Silent
00:43:32 - The Stigma Around Mental Health
00:45:32 - Courage vs. Weakness
00:47:17 - Why Athletes Fear Asking for Help
00:49:17 - What Coaches Can Do
00:53:17 - Why Admitting You Need Help Is Courage
00:55:17 - Kevin Love's Decision to Speak Out
00:57:17 - Why Mental Health Is Harder to Discuss Than Physical Health
01:00:17 - LeBron James's Powerful Response
01:02:17 - Leadership and Looking Out for Teammates
01:05:17 - Freedom Through Honest Conversations
01:08:17 - Final Message to Athletes, Coaches, and Parents
01:11:17 - Keep Your Eyes Up and Do the Work

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Especially for Athletes:

 * Website: https://e4a.org
 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
 * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

⸻

Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

168. Kevin Love and the Courage to Ask for Help

A conversational interview hosted by Dustin Smith, alongside Justin Miller, with former NFL quarterback Ty Detmer. The coaches discuss the evolving landscape of youth sports, contrasting the mindset and environments of modern student-athletes with past generations. They dive deep into the impacts of social media, the complexities of the modern college recruiting system, and the timeless importance of football IQ, baseline fundamentals, and mental preparation.

00:32:17 - The Impact of the Smartphone Era on Young Athletes
00:40:01 - The Evolution of Coaching Delivery
00:43:09 - Ty's Recruiting Experience and Navigating the Recruiting Process Today
00:49:59 - Preparation and Taking Advantage of Opportunities
00:55:25 - Embracing Where Your Feet Are in High School
00:58:50 - Developing Your Attributes
01:01:57 - How Offensive Football Continues to Change
01:07:22 - Modern QB Coaching
01:13:57 - Ty's Mentors Throughout His Career
01:18:59 - A Message to Incoming High Schoolers and Parents

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Especially for Athletes:

 * Website: https://e4a.org
 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
 * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

⸻

Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

167. Anchored Where Your Feet Are with Ty Detmer

In this episode of the Sportlight Podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith revisit a powerful lesson from Paralympian and former BYU football player Jeff Griffin. After a tragic accident ended Jeff’s dream of playing football, he learned that resilience is not always about refusing to quit—it is sometimes about having the courage to redirect your energy and dream a new dream. This episode is especially meaningful for athletes facing graduation, transition, disappointment, or the closing of a chapter.

Key Takeaways

 1. Resilience sometimes means redirecting, not quitting.
    When one door closes, the challenge is to take the lessons, discipline, and strength you gained and put them toward something new.
 2. Some dreams have a shelf life.
    Athletic careers, seasons, and chapters eventually end, but the growth from them can last forever.
 3. The lessons of sports are not reserved for stars.
    Every athlete can learn discipline, sacrifice, teamwork, toughness, and how to pursue a worthy goal.
 4. Don’t stop dreaming just because one dream ends.
    A closed door may be the beginning of a better chapter.
 5. Where your focus goes, your energy flows.
    Part of maturity is deciding where your energy belongs next.

Chapter Timestamps

00:32:17 — Introduction to the Episode  

Shad and Dustin introduce the format and the focus on powerful clips from past guests.

00:32:55 — Jeff Griffin’s Story  

Shad introduces Jeff Griffin, a former BYU football player and Paralympian whose life changed after a 40-foot fall.

00:34:22 — When a Dream Ends  

The discussion turns to athletes graduating or facing the end of their playing careers.

00:38:53 — Dreaming a New Dream  

Shad introduces the central idea: resilience includes knowing when to dream a new dream.

00:39:35 — Is Redirecting the Same as Quitting?  

Dustin reflects on the difference between quitting and moving on with purpose.

00:42:04 — Redirecting Energy  

Shad explains that redirecting energy is different from giving up.

00:46:46 — Dreams Have a Shelf Life  

Dustin shares that some goals are lifelong, while others are meant for a season.

00:49:22 — Lessons from Sports Continue After Sports End  

Shad emphasizes that sports prepare athletes for future goals, even after their playing days are over.

00:51:12 — Living a Dream You Didn’t Know You Had  

Shad shares Ammon Montenegro’s example of redirecting from football to cheer.

00:53:29 — Closed Doors Can Open Better Doors  

Shad reflects on how Jeff Griffin may have done even greater things because of the door that closed.

00:55:24 — Asking, “What’s My New Dream?”  

Shad shares a personal reflection about becoming an empty nester and redirecting energy in life.

00:56:09 — Final Thoughts  

Dustin reminds listeners that yesterday’s dreams can prepare us for tomorrow’s greater purpose.

00:58:03 — Closing Message  

Athletes are encouraged to get after it during the summer and, when needed, dream a new dream.

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Especially for Athletes:

 * Website: https://e4a.org
 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
 * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

⸻

Credits: Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith

Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

166. Dream a New Dream

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, Dustin Smith and Shad Martin revisit a powerful insight shared by former NFL All-Pro Eric Weddle about the “fine line between average and great.” What follows is a deep discussion on consistency, sacrifice, self-motivation, preparation, humility, and the daily habits that separate people who merely dream from people who actually develop greatness.

The conversation explores why we often romanticize greatness instead of recognizing the discipline behind it, why consistency matters more than motivation, and how small daily choices eventually become extraordinary outcomes. The episode also dives into practical ways athletes, parents, coaches, and young people can create routines of excellence and build resilient habits that last.

This episode is a reminder that greatness usually isn’t dramatic—it’s accumulated.

Key Takeaways

 * Greatness is usually accumulated, not inherited.
 * Consistency matters more than temporary motivation.
 * Small daily choices create long-term success.
 * Most people romanticize greatness because it removes responsibility from themselves.
 * Preparation allows people to capitalize on opportunity.
 * Humility is essential if you want to improve.
 * Motivation fades quickly; disciplined routines endure.
 * Sacrifice is often the difference between average and great.
 * Winning the battle with yourself is the most important competition.
 * Developing skill requires patience and repetition long before anyone notices.

Main Topics & Timestamps

15:23 — Why revisit old podcast moments?

Dustin and Shad explain the new podcast format and why certain past conversations deserve deeper attention.

19:29 — Why do we romanticize greatness?

Discussion on why people often attribute success to talent instead of discipline and sacrifice.

24:04 — Capitalizing on opportunity

The role of preparation, timing, and work ethic in becoming successful.

26:52 — Greatness is accumulated

Why consistency matters more than flashes of motivation.

28:38 — “You’ll never go broke taking a profit”

A football analogy about small victories and daily progress.

32:03 — Motivation vs. consistency

Why self-motivation matters more than external inspiration.

35:39 — Tactical plans create progress

How routines and daily habits help athletes avoid procrastination.

38:33 — Humility and seeking mentorship

Why improvement requires asking successful people for help.

43:09 — Routine creates greatness

Building systems and habits instead of waiting to “feel motivated.”

46:11 — Talent vs. skill

Why talent alone is never enough without disciplined development.



Full Episode with Erik Weddle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWnB-UzhfdY&list=PLjow7UW4zcvU3CC2U5jUnrGEIbhbwhm0b&index=115

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Especially for Athletes:

 * Website: https://e4a.org
 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
 * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

⸻

Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Shad Martin

Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

165. The Fine Line Between Average and Good

What separates athletes who reach their potential from those who fall short?

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, Dustin Smith sits down with Brandon Doman (former San Francisco 49er and BYU QB & Coach) and Justin Miller (former Southern Utah University QB) for a powerful conversation about preparation, self-belief, opportunity, grit, patience, and leadership.

With more than 30 years of combined coaching and playing experience, Coach Doman and Coach Smith share lessons learned from working with elite athletes at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Together, they discuss what young athletes, parents, and coaches often overlook in the pursuit of success and why character, consistency, and belief matter just as much as talent.

One message stands out throughout the conversation:

“If your heart believes it, you can achieve it.”

This episode is packed with practical wisdom for athletes chasing big goals and for the parents and coaches trying to guide them the right way.

In this episode, we discuss:

 * Why grit and patience matter more than instant success
 * How preparation creates confidence and opportunity
 * The overlooked qualities of effective leadership
 * What separates athletes who last from athletes who fade
 * Lessons learned from coaching elite competitors
 * How belief impacts performance and long-term growth

This is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and parents who want to better understand the mindset required to compete and lead at a high level.

Please listen, share, and leave a review if you are enjoying the show.

Message from E4A Founder Dustin Smith:

As we wrap up the 2025–2026 school year, the Especially for Athletes program is stronger than ever. We owe a huge thank you to all of you for your continued support.

We are now heading into our 15th year. The “Eyes Up, Do the Work” message has reached tens of thousands of people in person and over a million more through social media, our podcast, and various media outlets.

This summer, we are focused on improving our program and making it even more accessible. We will be fundraising and seeking sponsors to keep costs low—or free—for teams, schools, and clubs. We remain diligent in our search for leaders committed to improving culture and community for our young people.

If you have ideas or stories of “Eyes Up, Do the Work” that you would like us to share, please reach out.

Thank you for believing in our mission.

Learn more at E4A.org



⸻

Especially for Athletes: 

 * Website: https://e4a.org 
 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ 
 * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily  
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ 
 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

⸻

Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith 

Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

164. Grit, Preparation & Leadership with Brandon Doman & Justin Miller

Especially for Athletes (“E4A”) is a movement designed to inspire athletes, and those with whom they associate, to maximize their athletic potential and to use their talents, social influence, and their "Sportlight" to assist and lift others. E4A is seeking to build a culture of athletes focused on changing lives through better use of the attention and influence that accompanies their position. E4A provides education, training and motivational tools to inspire athletes to focus on doing more, and becoming more than just a great athlete.Schools, teams, youth organizations, and individual athletes are encouraged to become E4A certified and join the growing group of athletes of all ages and skill levels including college and professional athletes in committing to the E4A promise and wearing proudly their Eyes Up-Do the Work wrist band.

Especially for Athletes Podcast

Especially for Athletes (E4A) inspires athletes to use their “Sportlight” to uplift others and become great athletes on and off the field.

Especially for Athletes Podcast

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