Student Athlete Performance

Mastering the Mental Game with Hunter Lessard

Do you have the mental strength to handle the highs and lows of the game? 🧠
 
In Episode 18 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, host Nick Lemke talks with Hunter Lessard, co-founder of Maverix Baseball Academy, about how mastering the mental game is just as important as physical skill development.
Hunter provides valuable insights on what it takes to thrive in baseball and beyond by strengthening your mindset and building winning habits.
 
🔥 Key Takeaways:
 
👉 Mindset Matters: Hunter explains why the mental game is the true separator for elite athletes, and how embracing adversity builds resilience.👉 Environment’s Impact: Surrounding yourself with the right people and coaches is crucial. Find those who push you to grow and hold you accountable.👉 Success Through Consistency: The importance of sticking to routines, staying focused, and believing in yourself—even when things get tough.👉 Navigating Showcases and Burnout: Hunter shares his experience on how to avoid the pitfalls of playing year-round and instead focus on meaningful development.
 
Follow Hunter Lessard:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterlessard/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hunter_lessard7Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hunter.lessardMaverix Baseball: https://www.instagram.com/maverixba/
 
Follow Nick Lemke:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickLemkeRDTwitter: https://twitter.com/nicklemkerd
 
🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for more episodes helping you take your game to the next level. If you found this episode helpful, be sure to share it with others looking to unlock their full potential!

Transformative Leadership with Jim Shapiro

🏈 What makes a great leader? How do you balance leadership, discipline, and success as an athlete?
 
In Episode 17 of the podcast, Nick Lemke sits down with Jim Shapiro, head football coach at King’s High School, to dive into the key aspects of leadership, team-building, and discipline in sports.
With decades of experience leading multiple playoff teams and working with high school athletes, Jim shares his approach to leadership and development—both on and off the field.
 
🔥 Key Takeaways:
Leadership Through Service: Learn why real leadership is about serving others and setting the example for your teammates.
Discipline in the Details: Discover how attention to small, daily habits can translate into long-term success.
Love vs. Fear in Coaching: Jim explains how motivating athletes with love instead of fear builds stronger teams and better players.
Winning the Day: Focus on what you can control and give your best effort in every moment to become the best version of yourself.
 
Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode provides valuable insights into what it takes to build strong teams and successful athletes.
 
Follow Jim Shapiro:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jimshapiro/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jim.shapiro.10
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jimshapiro
 
Follow Nick Lemke:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickLemkeRD
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd
 
🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for more episodes taking your game to the next level. 

Don't Suffer in Silence

I never thought I would record this episode.
 
In Episode 16 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, we address an issue affecting athletes at all levels: mental health and suicide. Whether it's pressure, stress, bullying, trauma or self-destructive behaviors like drugs and alcohol, these silent struggles are too often overlooked in the athletic community... until it's too late.
 
I share my own story of battling depression and suicidal thoughts as a kid, overcoming loss, and the tragic reality that many of us are silently suffering. This episode is a call to seek help, find support, and understand that you’re not alone. And yes, dudes, that means you too.
 
If you or someone you know needs help, here are resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Substance Abuse Helpline (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Support): 1-866-488-7386
For those struggling with sexual abuse, I highly recommend listening to the podcast: Life with Laura, where my friend Laura shares her own healing journey.
 
Follow Nick Lemke:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickLemkeRD
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd
 
🎧Stay tuned for more solo episodes on how to elevate your game through diet as an athlete. 

How to Build Champions with Marc Wiese

Do you want to know what it takes to become a champion? 💪
 
In Episode 15 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, host Nick Lemke speaks with Marc Wiese, head baseball coach at Puyallup High School and co-owner of New Level 360. With over 500 career wins and multiple state championships, Marc shares what it takes to elevate your game to the next level.
From developing mental toughness to refining your athleticism, Marc offers invaluable advice drawn from his 30+ years of experience coaching elite athletes, including MLB players Levi Jordan and Adam Cimber.
 
🔥 Key Takeaways:
🏆 Championship Mindset: Marc emphasizes the importance of hard work, toughness, and a relentless desire to improve.
💪 Athleticism Matters: Discover why developing athleticism, not just baseball skills, is key to long-term success.
⚖️ Balance in Sports: Learn how to balance playing multiple sports with baseball training to become a well-rounded athlete.
🧠 Mindset & Mental Toughness: Marc explains why resilience, a short memory, and mental toughness are essential in the high-pressure world of competitive baseball.
 
This episode is packed with valuable lessons for athletes, coaches, and parents alike, offering strategies to help players achieve their full potential.
 
Follow Marc Wiese:Instagram: www.instagram.com/wiesebaseballacademy/Facebook: www.facebook.com/marc.wiese.925New Level: www.instagram.com/newlevel360/
Follow Nick Lemke:Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdFacebook: www.facebook.com/NickLemkeRDTwitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd
 
🎧 If you like the podcast, please drop us a review and share it with your friends!

When No One's Watching with Maddy Weaver

Are you ready to hear an inspiring story of resilience, discipline, and transformation? 🏀
 
In Episode 14 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, host Nick Lemke chats with Maddy Weaver, a standout college basketball player at Chaminade University in Hawaii.
Maddy shares her journey from being a competitive swimmer to discovering her passion for basketball. Her story is one of grit, overcoming challenges, and mastering new skills in pursuit of her athletic dreams.
 
🔥 Key Takeaways:
🌊 Switching Sports: Maddy reveals the mental and physical challenges she faced while transitioning from swimming to basketball.🏀 Relentless Practice: Learn how Maddy dedicated herself to improving her basketball skills by putting in countless hours of extra practice.🥗 Nutrition and Energy: Discover how Maddy’s focus on nutrition helped fuel her performance on and off the court.🎯 Balancing Life as a Student-Athlete: Maddy shares her tips on managing school, training, and social life while striving for success in college sports.
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a coach, or someone passionate about sports, this episode offers valuable insights into developing a strong work ethic and achieving your goals.
 
 
Follow Maddy Weaver:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/maddy_weaver1226
 
Follow Nick Lemke:Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerdFacebook: www.facebook.com/nicklemkerdTwitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd
 
🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for more inspiring stories and insights. Don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow athletes and coaches!

Developing Elite Baseball Players with Ronnie Bernick

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of elite baseball player development? ⚾
 
In Episode 13 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, host Nick Lemke sits down with Ronnie Bernick, a seasoned baseball coach and the founder of Hot Corner Athletics. Ronnie shares his insights on what it takes to develop baseball players who can perform at the highest levels. From youth leagues to advanced training techniques, Ronnie’s expertise offers a comprehensive guide to baseball success.
 
🔥 Key Takeaways:
Foundations of Baseball Excellence: Learn the essential skills and mindset that every elite player must develop.
Training Techniques: Discover advanced training methods that help players refine their skills and excel on the field.
Building a Winning Mentality: Ronnie shares how mental toughness and focus are crucial in shaping a player's career.
Youth to Pro: Insights on guiding young players from their first game to their professional aspirations.
Whether you’re a coach, parent, or aspiring player, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you elevate your game.
 
Follow Ronnie Bernick:
Facebook: Ronnie Bernick
Instagram: @ronniebernick
Twitter: @RonnieBernick
Hot Corner Athletics: Instagram
 
Follow Nick Lemke:
Instagram: @nicklemkerd
Facebook: Nick Lemke RD
Twitter: @nicklemkerd
YouTube: Nick Lemke RD
 
🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast and share this episode with your fellow athletes, coaches, and anyone passionate about baseball!

Inside MLB Scouting with Chicago Cubs' Nate Metzger

What does it take to get noticed by an MLB scout? 🎯
In Episode 12 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, host Nick Lemke sits down with Nate Metzger, a scout for the Chicago Cubs, to dive into the world of Major League Baseball scouting.
With his extensive background as both a college coach and an MLB scout, Nate shares invaluable insights on what it really takes to stand out in the eyes of professional scouts.
 
🔥 Key Takeaways:
Tools Over Performance: Learn why raw tools often outweigh performance when it comes to getting drafted.
The Importance of Size: Discover how physical attributes like height and strength can influence your chances of being scouted.
Wired Different: Understand why athletes who are "wired different" have the best chance of making it to the big leagues.
Visibility & Self-Promotion: Find out the fine line between being proactive and overdoing it on social media.
 
Whether you're an aspiring pro or just curious about the inner workings of MLB scouting, this episode is packed with valuable advice and real-world examples.
 
Contact Nate Metzger:
Email: natemetzger@cubs.com
Follow Nick Lemke:
Instagram: @nicklemkerd
Facebook: Nick Lemke RD
Twitter: @nicklemkerd
YouTube: Nick Lemke RD
 
🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for more expert insights and advice to help you reach your athletic potential. And don't forget to share this episode with teammates and coaches who might benefit from these professional insights!

The New Age of College Recruiting with Corey Else

Do you know what it really takes to get recruited by a college sports program in the new landscape of the transfer portal? 
 
In Episode 11 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, Nick sits down with Corey Else, Oklahoma State Director of National Scouting Report (NSR) and owner of Pro Day Athlete Development. Corey brings a wealth of knowledge about the recruiting process, sharing essential strategies for standing out to college coaches and securing your spot on a collegiate team.
 
Key Takeaways:
Consistency is King: Learn why maintaining consistent habits in training, nutrition, and performance is crucial to getting noticed by scouts in 2025 and beyond.
Navigating the Four Stages of Recruiting: Corey breaks down the four critical phases of college recruitment, guiding you from initial identification to receiving that coveted offer.
Strategic Relationship Building: Discover how to effectively build and maintain relationships with college coaches to keep yourself top of mind.
Social Media Savvy: Uncover how your online presence can either help you shine or hold you back in the recruiting process.
Don't miss out on Corey's expert insights into navigating the highly competitive world of college recruiting. Whether you're an athlete aspiring to play at the next level or a parent looking to guide your child through the process, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you achieve your goals.
 
Follow Corey:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/corey.else.3
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CoreyElse_NSR
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nsr_college_scout/
Pro Day Athlete Development: www.facebook.com/ProDayAthlete
Follow Nick:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicklemkerd
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nicklemkerd
 
🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for more episodes designed to help you reach your full potential. Don’t forget to share this episode!
 
 
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction00:52 The Role of NSR in College Recruiting02:15 Pro Day Athlete Development and Its Impact04:20 The Importance of Consistency in Athletic Development07:03 Breaking Down the Four Stages of Recruiting09:24 Why Metrics Matter in Recruitment11:09 Building Relationships with College Coaches17:03 Challenges and Changes in the Recruiting Landscape23:59 Key Characteristics College Coaches Look For28:46 Final Thoughts and How to Reach Corey Else35:57 Conclusion

Shut Up and Work with Coach Michael Holochuck

Work ethic is the key attribute that separates those who succeed from those who don't. 💪
 
In Episode 10 of the Student Athlete Performance Podcast, Nick Lemke sits down with Michael Holochuck, the Head Baseball Coach at Bishop Gorman High School in Tyler, Texas. With extensive coaching experience at both the youth and college levels, Michael shares valuable insights on what it takes to excel in baseball.
 
Key Takeaways:
Work Ethic is Key: Discover why just talking about your goals isn't enough—it's the work behind the scenes that truly counts.
Early Development: Learn how the influence of parents and coaches plays a big role in shaping an athlete’s work ethic.
Balancing Sports and Practice: Understand the challenges of balancing multiple sports and activities, and why athletes should prioritize practice over games.
Growth Mindset: Find out why adopting a growth mindset and putting in the hard work is essential for success.
 
Don’t miss Michael's advice on navigating the demanding world of high school and college baseball. Whether you're an athlete or a parent, this episode offers practical strategies to help you achieve your goals.
...
Follow Michael:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michael.holochuck
Dallas Patriots: www.facebook.com/DallasPatriotsOfficial
...
Follow Nick:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicklemkerd
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicklemkerd
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nicklemkerd
 
🎧 Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for more episodes designed to help you reach your full potential. Don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow athletes and parents!
 
 
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction00:21 Key Attributes of Work Ethic01:51 Shaping Work Ethic in Early Development03:26 Balancing Multiple Sports and Prioritizing Practice08:08 Challenges of Increased Baseball Opportunities09:24 The Value of Games and Practice14:28 The Importance of Shutting Up and Working19:12 Advice for Athletes21:27 How to Reach Out to Michael22:21 Conclusion

How to Get Recruited with Tommy Davis

Want to learn how to get recruited as a college athlete?
 
Tune in to hear expert advice from Tommy Davis, president of Total Sports Recruiting and former Red Sox pitcher. With over 35 years of coaching experience, Tommy shares invaluable tips on how to get noticed by college coaches, what your social media and email communications should look like, and the key steps to making your athletic dreams a reality.
 
Key Takeaways:
Get Noticed: Learn the importance of getting your information to coaches and being in front of them at the right events.
Honest Self-Assessment: Understand the importance of being realistic about your athletic level and finding the right fit.
Effective Communication: Discover the dos and don’ts of email communication and social media presence.
Early Preparation: Start early and build good habits to increase your chances of success.
Join us as Tommy Davis provides practical advice and strategies to help you navigate the recruiting process and achieve your goals.
 
Follow Tommy Davis:
Twitter
Facebook
...
Follow Nick Lemke:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
 
Subscribe to the Student Athlete Performance Podcast for weekly episodes that help you reach your potential. Don’t forget to share this episode with your athlete friends!