Future First, Softball Second: College Planning for Softball Athletes & Parents
Are you ready to own the college planning process as a softball family? Then you’re in the right place! I’m your host, Quincy Lewis-Buggs, and I’m a former DI, D2, and D3 college coach, D2 pitcher, and education/athletic administration major. Join me (along with some amazing guests) as we discuss college planning, finding your perfect fit, academics, and more!
COMMUNITY: https://www.diamonddynamics.org/connect-with-us.html
CONNECT: Quincy@diamonddynamics.org
WORK WITH ME: https://www.diamonddynamics.org/work-with-us.html
Episodes
78 episodes
77: A Convo with Mental Performance Consultant Valerie Alston
Today on the podcast we welcome Valerie Alston, a former D1 softball player and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant who also boasts over 15 years of experience dedicated to teaching and training Soldiers in the intricate art of mental tou...
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36:48
76: About Diamond Dynamics College Planning // COACHING SESSION
This week's coaching session is brought to you by a college coach friend who will be beyond excited to be the feature of an episode. *Insert excited face emoji here!* She asked "Now that I know College Coaches are allowed to ask que...
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15:30
75: A Convo with Kerri Jacklets About All Things College Prep
This week on the podcast I'm joined by Kerri Jacklets, former college coach and owner of KJaxx Sports. We dive into making the most of travel ball, the current and changing college landscape, skill development, and more! The podcast...
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43:46
74: Social Media Mistakes Athletes Make // COACHING SESSION
On this week's coaching session I cover common mistakes athletes are making when it comes to using social media to connect with college coaches! SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTION
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23:00
73: Why Communicating Without a Response Matters
In today's episode I dive into coach communication, why it matters to consistently reach out, and more! Connect with us: Our College Planning Prog...
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12:38
72: My 2028 Thinks She's a 2026 // COACHING SESSION
This week on the podcast I answer "My 2028 (freshman) is playing with all 2026s (juniors) and is struggling to understand that she's at a different point in the process than they are. What can we do to support her through this?"
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17:05
71: A Convo with Layla Weaver (2024 grad, Niagara Unv)
On today's episode I chat with Layla Weaver, an alumna of our 1:1 college planning program and freshman at Niagara University! We touch on her journey through high school, being picky in her college search, how playing college softball is a pri...
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26:52
70: My 2026 (Junior) Isn't Getting Looks // COACHING SESSION
This week on the podcast I give some insight into what to do and how to adjust when you aren't getting the looks you feel like you should be as we get close to the end of junior year. If you're looking for additional support, I onboard 2026s in...
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19:37
69: Why HS Season Matters
There's so much misinformation out there about playing high school softball and how it impacts playing in college and connecting with coaches. On this episode I chat about why most college coaches want their athletes to play high school ball!&n...
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18:30
68: I Have a Quiet Athlete // COACHING SESSION
This week on the podcast I chat about how to navigate the process when your athlete is on the shy and quiet side especially as they start to transition to communicating with coaches more as they get older!
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17:30
67: A Convo with Peyton Sullivan (2024 grad, Unv of New Haven)
On today's episode I chat with Peyton Sullivan, an alumna of our 1:1 college planning program and freshman at the University of New Haven, about a coaching change in the middle of her process and how she overcame it, reflecting back on her time...
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25:12
66: Money Grabs in Softball // COACHING SESSION
A conversation came up in our middle school parent seminar about money grabs, so I wanted to expand on it in this week's episode! There are so many different opportunities and events athletes are getting communication about, it's important to w...
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22:03
65: The High Academic Process (Ft. Coaches from Kenyon & Hillsdale)
In this week's episode I'm joined by two college coach friends: Emily Miller (head coach at Kenyon College) and Erica Hess (assistant coach at Hillsdale College) to chat all things high academic! They share insights on similarities and differen...
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34:47
64: How to Know What Level to Target // COACHING SESSION
On today's coaching session episode I talk about how to know what level to target when you can't communicate with D1 coaches until Junior year! RPI Ranki...
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21:32
63: A Conversation with Elle Walasavage (2024 grad, Susquehanna University)
On today's episode I chat with Elle Walasavage, an alumna of our 1:1 college planning program and freshman at Susquehanna University, about her recruiting journey, why Susquehanna, and how she makes the most of all of the opportunities she has ...
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20:49
62: The Sophomore Slump // COACHING SESSION
I've been having so many conversations with sophomores and parents of sophomores (2027s) the last few weeks about how hard things feel right now as they work to play in college. In this episode I share some of why you might feel this way so you...
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15:41
61: A Convo with Penny Roberts: D2 Coach, High Level Travel Coach & Softball Mom
This week on the podcast I dive into all things college planning and college softball with Penny Roberts. As a former D1 softball player at Rutgers, Olympian for Puerto Rico, D2 coach at St. Thomas Aquinas in NY, coach of the Empire State Huski...
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36:45
60: How to Help Athletes Understand All Opportunities // COACHING SESSION
On today's coaching session episode I talk about how to expose middle school athletes to all opportunities and have age appropriate conversations about playing in college!Have more questions about how to prepare for your athlete to hit ...
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13:29
59: Off Season Conversations to Have as a Family
Grab a piece of paper and get ready to hit pause a lot as I guide you and your family through some conversation starters for this off season to help set you up for success during this year's recruiting cycle! Feeling like you have ...
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13:34
Celebrating 4 Years of College Planning!
We launched our college planning program 4 years ago today, and wow have we grown..crazy that the podcast wasn't even in the picture until year 3 and it's now my favorite way to connect with you all! A huge THANK YOU for being here...
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1:53
58: How do I Know she Wants to Play in College // COACHING SESSION
On today's coaching session episode I answer a question from a parent of a 2029 (8th grader) about how to figure out if your athlete really wants to play in college. SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTION...
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13:54
57: Updates from the NFCA Convention
In today's episode I go over updates from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Convention that I attended last week! I'll cover everything from updates on the House Settlement, to what 25 scholarships for D1 softball looks like, to...
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30:49
56: Pressure from a Parent // COACHING SESSION
On today's coaching session episode I share some questions to ask yourself if you love softball and want to play in college but you're feeling pressure from a parent and playing isn't as fun anymore.
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13:35