⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction 

01:30 – The #1 challenge Nick faces working with young athletes: consistency, not knowledge 

03:30 – How Nick structures the initial intake meeting 

06:00 – Getting athletes to buy into the "why" behind the plan 

08:00 – Experimentation and the A/B test approach to building habits 

10:00 – Building trust — and playing mediator between athletes and parents 

12:00 – Earning your seat at the athlete's table 

14:00 – The counseling side of being a dietitian — and why it matters more than the science 

18:00 – Parents texting at 2am — and what Nick does with that 

20:00 – Nick's background as a college baseball catcher at Mercy College and Queens College 

24:00 – Two serious injuries and how they led him to nutrition 

27:00 – Florida State, interning with Eric Cressy at CSP, and spring training with the Blue Jays 

30:00 – Why young athletes can spot someone who doesn't care — and why it matters 

33:00 – Starting with the school day: building structure where it already exists 

36:00 – Adapting to weekends, tournaments, and travel 

40:00 – Progress isn't pass/fail — it's an investment 

43:00 – A Division I catcher, one flat week, and Nick's response: "And?" 

46:00 – Finding motivation for the next goal after goal A is achieved 

51:00 – Autonomy, competence, relatedness — and why all three have to be present 

54:00 – What mental performance and nutrition have in common 

55:00 – Nick's final message to every high school athlete: don't wait

🧠 SHOW NOTES

In Episode 92, I sit down with Nick Valenti — registered dietitian and founder of a sports nutrition practice — to talk about what it really means to build the right team around a young athlete.

Nick calls it the table.

It's the sports coach, the strength-and-conditioning coach, the mental performance coach, and the dietitian. Everyone talking. Everyone with a role. And at some point, each person has to be willing to step into the lead — and trust the others to do their job.

Nick has earned his seat at a lot of those tables. And this conversation is about what that actually takes.

He was a catcher at Mercy College and Queens College. Tore his ankle on the first play of his college career. Transferred. Tore his labrum a week before the season at his new school. Two years in the rehab room, watching PT guys work, asking questions, learning how the body responds to stress and recovery. That experience didn't just change his career path — it changed how he thinks about athletes and what they need.

After Florida State, an internship with Eric Cressy at CSP, and a spring training stint with the Toronto Blue Jays, Nick built a practice that now works with athletes from youth through the professional level.

We discuss:

Why consistency — not knowledge — is the real challenge in working with young athletes.

How Nick earns trust before he builds a plan — and why the first few weeks are never about the scale.

Why athlete autonomy is non-negotiable. If they feel like you're just another adult telling them what to do, they'll tune you out, too.

What it means to play mediator between athletes and parents — and how Nick navigates that without losing either one.

The counseling skills Nick developed as a dietitian — and why he believes they're 10x more important than the nutrition science itself.

How autonomy, competence, and relatedness show up in nutrition the same way they show up in mental performance.

Nick also shares the story of a Division I catcher with a pro future who walked into a weekly meeting devastated — because his weight stayed flat for one week. After months of consistent gains. Nick's response: "And?" 

It's a small moment. But it says everything about what it means to truly be in an athlete's c

FFP92: Who's At Your Athlete's Table?

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction 

01:15 – How Dan and Trevor met — high school teammates to business partners 

03:30 – How Backside Groundballs Media started during COVID 

06:00 – Their experience as college coaches and why they left 

09:00 – Transitioning from coaching to media 

12:00 – What they've learned traveling to college programs 

18:30 – The analytics vs. old-school baseball debate 

22:30 – Why compete and baseball IQ are coming back 

26:00 – Leadership lessons from the best college coaches 

30:00 – What great programs are actually teaching 

36:30 – The biggest challenges freshmen face on campus 

40:00 – The weight room, durability, and the physical demands of college baseball 

42:00 – Adjusting to college life — freedom, stress, and identity 

46:00 – Coach-player communication and how players can advocate for themselves 

51:00 – The "de-recruiting" effect and managing expectations 

54:00 – The transfer portal — what it's doing well and what it's costing players 

59:00 – Do freshmen have unrealistic expectations about playing time? 

01:03:00 – What it actually takes to have a chance at professional baseball 

01:10:00 – Final takeaways: being tough and vulnerable, and leading with humility

🧠 SHOW NOTES

In Episode 91, I sit down with Dan Galati and Trevor Powers — former college coaches and co-founders of Backside Groundballs Media — to talk about what the high school-to-college transition in baseball actually looks like for the players living it.

Dan and Trevor have done something unique. They've traveled to college programs across the country, sat in film sessions, watched practices, and had real conversations with the coaches building these programs from the inside. What they've seen has shaped how they think about player development — and what they believe young athletes are missing.

We discuss:

Why compete and baseball IQ have become the great differentiators at the college level.

What the best college coaches are actually teaching — and how they build culture.

The biggest physical and mental challenges freshmen face when they arrive on campus.

Why the transition from "recruited athlete" to "one of the guys" is harder than players expect.

How the transfer portal is changing the landscape — and what it might be costing players developmentally.

What it truly takes to have a shot at playing beyond college.

Dan and Trevor also share what they've taken away from conversations with some of the top coaches in college baseball — including a lesson from Penn State's Mike Gambino that Dan says changed how he thinks about what it means to be both tough and vulnerable at the same time.

If you've ever wondered what separates the players who thrive at the college level from the ones who struggle — or how young athletes can put themselves in the best position to succeed — this episode gives you a clear, honest, and experienced perspective.

🤝 CONNECT WITH DAN GALATI & TREVOR POWERS

🌐 Backside Groundballs Media: https://backsidegbmedia.beehiiv.com/

📷 Instagram: @backsidegroundballsmedia

X: @BacksideGB

🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER

⚾ Spring Training for the Mind

👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining

📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter

🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com

📷 Instagram:

@michaelvhuber

FFP91: The High School to College Transition: What No One Tells Baseball Players

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction
01:15 – Bryan’s background and coaching journey
03:30 – What it takes to climb the coaching ladder
06:00 – What coaches actually look for when recruiting
09:00 – Why behavior and body language matter
12:00 – Recruiting as a two-way street
15:30 – How athletes can show genuine interest
18:30 – Division I vs Division III: understanding fit
22:30 – Playing time, academics, and lifestyle differences
26:00 – What makes a great recruiter
29:30 – What coaches expect from athletes in the recruiting process
33:00 – The transition from high school to college baseball
36:30 – Why the game “speeds up” at the next level
39:30 – Physical and mental demands of college baseball
42:00 – Time management, routines, and habits
45:00 – Communication between coaches and players
48:00 – Building trust and team culture
51:00 – The evolving role of coaching
54:00 – Bryan’s experience with burnout and growth
57:30 – The role of parents in the recruiting process
1:00:00 – The #1 piece of advice for high school players

🧠 SHOW NOTES

In Episode 90, I sit down with Bryan Torresani, Head Baseball Coach at DeSales University, to discuss what college coaches are really looking for in recruits — and how players can better prepare for the next level.

For many athletes, the recruiting process feels like a constant evaluation. Players often focus on statistics, velocity, and exposure, trying to prove they belong at a certain level.

But Bryan explains that what separates players often comes down to something much simpler — and harder to measure.

How they respond to failure.
How they carry themselves on the field.
And how they handle the daily demands of development.

We discuss:

 * Why coaches pay close attention to behavior and body language
 * How recruiting is a two-way street — and why communication matters
 * The differences between Division I and Division III baseball
 * What freshmen struggle with most when they arrive on campus
 * Why time management, routines, and habits are critical for success
 * How coaching has evolved to become more relationship-driven

Bryan also shares practical advice for players preparing for college baseball, including the importance of strength training, building routines, and taking ownership of the recruiting process.

If you’ve ever wondered what truly stands out to college coaches — or how players can position themselves for success beyond high school — this episode provides a clear and honest perspective.

🤝 CONNECT WITH BRYAN TORRESANI

🌐 DeSales Baseball:
👉 https://dsuathletics.com/sports/baseballhttps://athletics.desales.edu/sports/baseball

📷 Instagram:
@btorr12

📷 X:
@torr_b12

🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER

⚾ Spring Training for the Mind

👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining

📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter

🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com

📷 Instagram:

@michaelvhuber

FFP90: What do college baseball coaches actually look for?

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – What high school players should focus on during the season
03:45 – Why competing and helping your team win matters most
07:30 – What to do if you’re not getting the role you expected
11:15 – Why the high school season prepares players for summer recruiting
15:20 – Learning to compete instead of analyzing outcomes
19:30 – The challenge of staying patient early in the season
23:45 – Why players should communicate with their coaches
27:30 – Varsity vs JV: how to think about game reps
31:40 – What college coaches are actually watching in games
36:00 – Why tools and metrics aren’t enough
40:15 – The importance of body language and competing on every pitch
44:30 – In-season development: strength training, reps, and routines
48:00 – Time management and building habits for college baseball
51:00 – Sam’s advice for every high school player: build your process

🧠 SHOW NOTES

In Episode 89, I sit down with Sam Sharf of RPP Recruiting to discuss what high school baseball players should really focus on during the season.

For many athletes, the spring season feels like a constant evaluation. Players worry about statistics, playing time, and whether college coaches are watching.

But Sam explains that the high school season plays a different role in the recruiting process.

Instead of chasing exposure or obsessing over results, players should focus on competing, developing a consistent process, and helping their team win games.

We discuss:

 * Why players should embrace their role — even if it’s not what they expected
 * How the high school season prepares athletes for summer recruiting
 * Why college coaches look closely at competitiveness and body language
 * The difference between tools, metrics, and game performance
 * Why developing strong habits now prepares players for college baseball

Sam also shares practical advice on in-season development, including strength training, getting extra reps, and managing time effectively during the season.

If you’ve ever wondered how much the high school season actually impacts recruiting — or how players can make the most of their opportunities — this episode provides a clear roadmap.

🤝 CONNECT WITH SAM SHARF

🌐 Website:

👉 https://rocklandpeakperformance.com/

📷 Instagram:

@RPP_Recruiting

@RPP_Baseball

@sharfsam_

🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER

⚾ Spring Training for the Mind

👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining

📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter

🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com

📷 Instagram:

@michaelvhuber

🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER

⚾ Spring Training for the Mind

👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining

📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter

🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com

📷 Instagram:

@michaelvhuber

FFP89: What Separates High School Baseball Players Who Get Recruited?

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction
02:15 – “The job of a pitcher is to get outs”
06:30 – Velocity vs command: what actually matters
10:45 – The turning point in Scott’s professional career
15:30 – Why chasing feelings leads to inconsistency
19:40 – Building a repeatable cue under pressure
24:10 – ADHD, anxiety, and self-awareness on the mound
29:20 – Why pitchers need hobbies outside of baseball
33:45 – The case for multi-sport development
39:30 – Travel ball culture and burnout
44:50 – When should athletes specialize?
48:30 – Why football might be the ideal second sport
53:00 – Scott’s advice for every young pitcher: build your process

🧠 SHOW NOTES

In Episode 89, I sit down with Scott Shuman, Head Pitching Coach at RPP Baseball, to explore a simple but powerful message for pitchers:

Don’t chase feelings. Build your process.

Scott shares how his early success as a hard-throwing prospect eventually exposed a gap in his development — he had velocity, but he didn’t yet have a plan.

That changed when he learned to simplify his approach, attach cues to feelings, and build a repeatable mental process he could rely on when pressure increased.

We discuss:

 * Why analytics without command can be misleading
 * How pitchers can build self-awareness under stress
 * Why bullpen success doesn’t always translate to games
 * The mental cost of year-round baseball
 * Why hobbies and multi-sport play support long-term growth

If you’ve ever watched a pitcher spiral after one bad inning — or wondered why confidence feels fragile in big moments — this episode will give you a practical framework for building something more stable than emotion.

🤝 CONNECT WITH SCOTT SHUMAN

@RPP_Baseball

@ShumanPerformance

💬 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER

⚾ Spring Training for the Mind

A free mental preparation guide for baseball families who want to build confidence before the pressure shows up.
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining

📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter

🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com

FFP88: Are pitchers chasing the wrong thing?

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – The intersection of mechanics and mindset
06:00 – Why chasing fixes leads to short-term change
10:00 – Finding the “core” instead of treating surface problems
14:00 – The “watermelon patch” approach to sustainable growth
18:00 – How honesty builds trust between coach and athlete
23:00 – Cam’s story: from failure to freedom
31:00 – Why coaches can only take players as deep as they’ve gone
36:00 – Building bridges between mechanics, neuroscience, and belief
42:00 – The role of parents in creating a healthy environment
50:00 – What true confidence and self-belief look like
56:00 – Why doubt can actually fuel growth
1:03:00 – How bravery transforms performance — and life

🧠 SHOW NOTES

In Episode 87, I sat down with Cameron Ginger, a hitting instructor and founder of Mental Meets Mechanics, to explore how true performance change starts from the inside out.

Cam explains why most athletes and coaches focus on the wrong layer of the system — chasing surface-level fixes instead of addressing the deeper beliefs that drive behavior. We explore the difference between thinking different and thinking differently, what happens when the brain’s survival system hijacks performance, and how patience, honesty, and trust create lasting change.

He also shares personal stories about hitting rock bottom, rebuilding his identity, and learning how to help athletes do the same — not through force or mechanics alone, but through compassion and self-awareness.

If you’ve ever wondered how mental and mechanical skills truly meet, this episode will give you a blueprint for developing confidence that lasts far beyond the cage.

🤝 CONNECT WITH CAMERON GINGER
Instagram: @propelhitting [https://www.instagram.com/propelhitting?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]

Website: https://www.propelhitting.co/

🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
Email: michael@ftbcoaching.com

Website: https://www.michaelvhuber.com
Newsletter: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber/

FFP87: What If the REAL Problem Isn't Your Swing?

Free mental performance tips for young athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter

Work with me:
👉https://calendly.com/michaelvhuber/mike-huber-15-minute-meeting-clone

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – Why insecurity is part of every athlete’s experience
06:00 – How coaches and parents unknowingly reinforce doubt
10:00 – The problem with “just relax” and other empty advice
14:00 – Why bravery matters more than fearlessness
18:00 – The “3 B’s”: body, breath, and brain as anchors under pressure
22:30 – How Callum’s tennis journey shaped his work with athletes
27:00 – Preparing for failure: why athletes need to expect adversity
31:00 – The role of acceptance in emotional control and performance
36:00 – Why environment and culture fuel insecurity
40:30 – What “Liquid Sports Psychology” really means
44:30 – Callum’s advice for every young athlete: “You’re not alone.”

🧠 SHOW NOTES

In Episode 86, I sit down with Callum Gowling, founder of Liquid Sports Psychology in the U.K., to explore why confidence doesn’t come from fighting insecurity — it comes from accepting it.

We discuss the false promise of “mental toughness,” why advice like “just relax” can do more harm than good, and how athletes can learn to manage their body, breath, and brain when pressure hits.

Callum also shares how his own tennis career and personal insecurities shaped his mission to normalize the emotional side of sport — reminding athletes, coaches, and parents that everyone feels fear and doubt.

If you’ve ever wondered how acceptance can actually enhance performance, this episode will challenge how you think about confidence.

🤝 CONNECT WITH CALLUM GOWLING

Instagram: @liquidsportspsychology [https://www.instagram.com/liquidsportspsychology]
Website: (Add when available)

💬 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER

Website: https://www.michaelvhuber.com
Newsletter: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
HS to College Transition Preparation: https://michaelvhuber.com/course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber
X: https://x.com/mhubercmpc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefreshmanfoundation

FFP 86: What Happens When Young Athletes Stop Fighting Their Insecurities?

Free mental performance tips for young athletes, parents, and coaches: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter

Work with me: https://calendly.com/michaelvhuber/mike-huber-15-minute-meeting-clone [https://calendly.com/michaelvhuber/mike-huber-15-minute-meeting-clone?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Introduction

02:00 – Why body language is a quarterback’s hidden weapon

05:30 – Leadership lessons: how QBs can rally teammates after mistakes

08:45 – Visualization and preparation: mental reps that build real confidence

13:25 – The progression of quarterback training from youth football to high school

19:45 – Why understanding a coach’s expectations is just as important as physical talent

22:30 – Good misses vs. bad misses: decision-making under pressure

24:45 – Situational awareness: training quarterbacks to handle adversity

28:00 – Coaching very young quarterbacks and planting long-term mental skills

34:15 – The difference between playing quarterback and being a quarterback

40:00 – Evaluating potential: honesty with athletes and parents about the QB journey

42:30 – Lessons from Brock Purdy, Drew Brees, and quarterbacks who maximize intangibles

47:15 – Helping athletes identify strengths and reduce weaknesses

53:00 – Greg’s biggest piece of advice for parents of young quarterbacks

SHOW NOTES:

We explore the mental side of quarterback development, including:

 * Why body language and emotional control matter as much as throwing mechanics.
 * How quarterbacks can lead teammates through adversity and build trust in the huddle.
 * The role of visualization, preparation, and mental rehearsal in developing confidence.
 * Why some quarterbacks with average physical tools — like Drew Brees and Brock Purdy — thrive because of their mindset, decision-making, and resilience.
 * How parents and coaches can best support young quarterbacks as they grow from youth football into high school and beyond.

CONNECT WITH GREG HOLCOMB

Website: https://www.nxtlevelatx.com/\ [https://www.nxtlevelatx.com/]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlevelatx [https://www.instagram.com/nxtlevelatx/]

X: https://x.com/QBCoachHolc

CONNECT WITH GREG HOLCOMB

Website: https://michaelvhuber.com [https://michaelvhuber.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Newsletter: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter [https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

HS to College Transition Preparation: https://michaelvhuber.com/course [https://michaelvhuber.com/course?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber [https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

X: https://x.com/mhubercmpc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefreshmanfoundation

Is Your Mental Game the Key to Being QB1?

Free mental performance tips for young athletes, parents, and coaches: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter

Work with me: https://calendly.com/michaelvhuber/mike-huber-15-minute-meeting-clone

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

01:45 – Biggest challenges ADHD athletes face: time management, organization, working memory, hyperfocus/hypofocus, and motivation

05:38 – Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and its impact on performance and relationships

10:50 – Turning mistakes into problem-solving opportunities

12:29 – Corie’s personal experience as an ADHD athlete and how coaching styles impacted her

16:09 – Coaching athletes to be “coach-proof”

18:58 – Goal-setting strategies for ADHD athletes and the importance of “falter plans”

23:54 – Building motivation through novelty, interest, urgency, and challenge

28:53 – Leveraging visual learning and verbal processing effectively in coaching sessions

34:26 – ADHD as a superpower: hyperfocus, resilience, and strengths-based coaching

35:22 – The role of mindfulness and self-compassion in performance and life

45:43 – Emotional regulation as a core ADHD challenge and strategies to improve it

51:27 – Harnessing emotional intensity for better performance

56:48 – Key takeaway for parents of ADHD athletes

🔗 Connect with Corie Wightlin:

Website: https://wightlincoachingservices.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wightlincoachingservices/

🔗 Connect with Michael Huber:

Website: https://michaelvhuber.com

Newsletter: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter

HS to College Transition Preparation: https://michaelvhuber.com/course

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber

How Can ADHD Be a Superpower for Young Athletes?

In this episode, Nick breaks down:

Why carbs aren’t the enemy.

How to simplify fueling without obsessing over calories, and what role parents play in the process. 

How to get buy-in from athletes who are picky eaters or resistant to change.

Why breakfast might be the most important decision an athlete makes all day.

🔗 Connect with Nick Lemke

https://clutchperformancenutrition.fit/linktree
https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd

🔗 Connect with Mike

https://michaelvhuber.com [https://clutchperformancenutrition.fit/linktree]
https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber.com [https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd]

💬 Like this episode?

Rate, review, and share it with a parent or coach who needs help supporting a young athlete’s performance through better nutrition.

How Can Proper Nutrition Help Young Athletes Come Through In The Clutch?

The Freshman Foundation Podcast: Preparing young athletes for every next step in sport and life. The Freshman Foundation Podcast is the creation of Mike Huber, who has a deep curiosity about the transition from high school to college athletics and the impact of life transitions in general. This interest is based on his experiences working with high school athletes, as well as his own life experiences. Mike talks to an array of successful athletes, respected coaches, and mental performance experts to discuss their perspectives on the very big leap to college athletics. The primary goal of the podcast is to help aspiring college athletes and their families to understand what it takes to survive and thrive in college amidst the many mental, emotional, social, and academic challenges facing incoming freshmen. Through his conversations, Mike hopes to identify the skills and attributes that the most successful student-athletes demonstrate upon arriving on campus. Mike is Founder and CEO of Follow The Ball LLC and Follow The Freshman LLC mental performance consultancies based in Fair Haven, New Jersey. Mike has earned the prestigious Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC)® designation awarded by the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Earning CMPC designation is the “gold standard” in the mental performance coaching field.. Mike’s mental performance coaching practice is focused on helping young athletes to achieve their potential by teaching them mental, emotional, and life skills to thrive in high school, college, and beyond. You can download free mental performance coaching resources at https://michaelvhuber.com.

Michael Huber

Shows