Welcome to another episode of 'Car Ride Conversations' with your host, Valerie Alston! In this heartwarming episode, Valerie sits down with her dad and former coach to reminisce about their most cherished travel ball memories. They laugh over hilarious moments like switching hitting sides at age 11 and relive intense experiences such as playing in hundred-degree heat at the National Championships. Amidst stories of grit and joy, Valerie also dives into crucial leadership lessons that shaped her life. Whether you're a parent, a coach, or an athlete, you'll find valuable insights on mental toughness, resilience, and confidence. Get ready to leave with a full heart and a new perspective on how to support your young athlete. Don't miss out on the prompts designed to spark meaningful dialogue during your car rides. Share, like, and subscribe for more inspiring content!

00:00 Introduction to Car Ride Conversations

01:25 Memorable Moments on the Diamond

04:59 Hilarious Off-Field Stories

06:09 Leadership and Team Dynamics

07:28 The Importance of Strategy and Preparation

09:39 Overcoming Adversity and Building Confidence

18:33 Concluding Thoughts and Conversation Prompts

Discussion questions:

• “What’s a moment in your sport that made you feel proud—not just because of the outcome, but because of the effort or growth behind it?”
• “What do you think makes a good teammate—and how can you tell when a team is truly ‘bought in’ like the stories from the episode?”
• “Have you ever made a bold decision—like switching something big in your game or trying something new—and stuck with it, even when it was hard?”
• “What’s a funny or unexpected moment you’ve had in sports that you’ll never forget? How did that moment bring your team closer?”

Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.

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For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology

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Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: valerie.alston@valstoncoaching.com

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