Fighting For Overtime: Addressing Anxiety and Achievements in Youth Sports

Fighting For Overtime: Addressing Anxiety and Achievements in Youth Sports

In this podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, exploring the highs and lows of young athletes. Join Coach Tony as he uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of young athletes striving for excellence amidst the pressures of competition, parental expectations, and societal demands. This program will offer listeners a personal connection to the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes and parents as they strive for success while grappling with their mental health. These stories capture the raw emotions and personal insights of young athletes and their parents, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between sports and mental health. Through insightful interviews with athletes, coaches, psychologists, and parents, Coach Tony explores strategies for fostering a positive and supportive environment in youth sports.

Episodes

September 26, 2025 58 mins

Softball has been more than a game for Coach Vicki Capozzi — it’s been a lifelong teacher. With 26 years of experience as a player and now in her third year of coaching, Vicki opens up about the highs and lows of youth sports: the thrill of competition, the risk of burnout, and the sacrifices that come with commitment. She also shares her perspective on what parents can do to truly support their kids, and how coaches can keep athle...

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When you feel lost and defeated as a youth athlete, who do you turn to?..........

In this episode of Fighting for Overtime Youth Sports, Coach Tony sits down with Taylor Cutillo (his daughter) —former softball player and current advocate for a positive foundation in youth sports. During this candid and heartfelt conversation, Taylor opens up about the struggles of growing up in competitive environments, learning to lead by example,...

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2 Years ago, my son didn’t make his School soccer team — but what stung the most wasn’t the cut itself, it was the way it was handled. After days of hard work and hope, the message was cold, impersonal, and left him feeling like all that effort didn’t matter. As a parent, watching him process not just the rejection, but the lack of care in how it was delivered, was heartbreaking.

In this episode, I share that experience and why the...

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A true apology story meets total pitching rule confusion! I break down what really happened, why the rule matters, and how it changes the game.

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports

Follow the show here on all platforms: www.linktr.ee/fightingforovert...

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In this episode of Fighting for Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with veteran soccer player, coach, and author Heidi Smith to explore the 140-year journey of women’s soccer through the lens of her new book Play On! Heidi shares her experiences on and off the field, tackling tough conversations around sexism, identity, coaching challenges, and the mental health struggles facing today’s youth athletes.

From the emotional side of coachi...

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When bringing awareness causes hateful pushback from the local community. Is this what the world of youth sports has become?

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privately. Remember, you are not alone! #mentalhealthawareness #YouthSports

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightingforovertime/

 

About Fi...

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DJ Dickson has faced injuries, tough competition, and the challenges of chasing a dream in baseball. From growing up with his dad as his coach to playing at UVA Wise, and now mentoring the next generation through his hitting clinic, DJ’s journey proves that setbacks don’t define you — how you respond does. Tune in to hear his story of resilience, dedication, and the love of the game."

***Follow DJ's Hitting Clinic Page for More Inf...

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Are parents pushing their kids too hard on their pursuit of the next level? We discuss............

In this episode of Fighting for Overtime Youth Sports, Coach Tony sits down with Mike Odes (his former 7th Grade Teacher) — whose experiences on the field/court and in the classroom, set the stage for a positive foundation in youth sports. During this passionate conversation, Mike opens up about all the outside interference a current ...

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What happens when the adults in charge stop playing fair? In this powerful episode, I speak with Chrissy Collison, the President of Upper Southampton Softball, who shares why they were shockingly removed from their league — not because of their performance, but because they challenged the rules. Hear how bullying, intimidation, and unfair treatment by league leadership left young players sidelined and heartbroken. This is a must-li...

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The relentless push for early specialization and profit-driven youth sports isn’t just changing the game—it’s harming kids’ education, fracturing family time, and turning communities into battlegrounds for the next 'elite' athlete. And as another sprawling sports complex opens, the system only digs in deeper. Coach Tony Talks about it..........

***Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Also, ple...

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Where did the fun go when playing youth sports? Are kids over-lessoned causing their IQ to suffer? While sports may not be for every kid, being a part of a TEAM can be very beneficial for a young child if built the right way. 

In this episode, Coach Tony talks about the misconceptions when it comes to coaching a youth sports team and why 70% of all young players are quitting sports before the age of 13. It's all here plus more on t...

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Are you fully prepared for the college recruiting process? Could your past impact your chances?.......

In this episode, National College Scout, Mackenzie Bellows-Schissel, gives her experiences as a DIV 1 Player, DIV Coach, & Scout. 

Follow Mackenzie's Work: : https://linktr.ee/mac_schissel 

***Follow the Pod - Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Also, please leave your stories in the comments or send them to me privat...

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From Burnout to Balance to Breakthroughs........

In this powerful episode of Fighting For Overtime, Coach Tony sits down with Hanna Howard, CEO of Rematch U.S. and former Division I basketball standout and college coach. With over 15 years of experience on the sidelines at elite programs like TCU and Fresno State, Hanna brings a rare perspective—as an athlete, coach, parent, and now a tech leader—on how youth sports are evolving.

T...

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When a youth athlete battles herself inside and out, it brings out the ultimate competitor. This is her story......

In this episode, we sit down with Noelle Baxter, a former standout in both AAU and high school basketball, who carried her love of the game from the travel soccer fields of CRUSA to the hardwood of Kutztown University. Raised in Warminster, PA, and shaped by top-tier programs like Heat Hoops, Mid-Atlantic Magic, and A...

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Do you feel today's young athletes are overworked and on the edge of burnout? How did you find balance as a youth athlete while still trying to be a kid? Former Softball Pitcher turned Real Estate Agent Mackenzie Marino joins Coach Tony to break it down.

Before being a kick ass Real Estate Agent, Mackenzie Marino was a “BEAST” on the Softball Field. Her career spans 9+ years playing for Northampton Hawks and Council Rock South HS. ...

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Are parents pushing their kids too hard on their pursuit of the next level? We discuss............

In this episode of Fighting for Overtime Youth Sports, Coach Tony sits down with Mike Odes (his former 7th Grade Teacher) — whose experiences on the field/court and in the classroom, set the stage for a positive foundation in youth sports. During this passionate conversation, Mike opens up about all the outside interference a current ...

Mark as Played

When you feel lost and defeated as a youth athlete, who do you turn to?..........

In this episode of Fighting for Overtime Youth Sports, Coach Tony sits down with Taylor Cutillo (his daughter) —former softball player and current advocate for a positive foundation in youth sports. During this candid and heartfelt conversation, Taylor opens up about the struggles of growing up in competitive environments, learning to lead by example,...

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Is the game still fair when only the wealthy can afford to play? Are we pricing kids out?........

In this episode of Fighting For Overtime, we dive deep into the growing financial burden of youth sports. From club team fees and travel expenses to specialized training and equipment, the cost of participation is skyrocketing—and it's pricing out countless families. We hear from parents, coaches, and former athletes about the sacrific...

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Are you fully prepared for the college recruiting process? Could your past impact your chances?.......

In this episode, National College Scout, Mackenzie Bellows-Schissel, gives her experiences as a DIV 1 Player, DIV Coach, & Scout. 

Follow Mackenzie's Work: : https://linktr.ee/mac_schissel

Mark as Played

Where did the fun go when playing youth sports? Are kids over-lessoned causing their IQ to suffer? While sports may not be for every kid, being a part of a TEAM can be very beneficial for a young child if built the right way. 

In this episode, Coach Tony talks about the misconceptions when it comes to coaching a youth sports team and why 70% of all young players are quitting sports before the age of 13. It's all here plus more on t...

Mark as Played

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