#153 - From Westfield to IU: Jackson Wasserstrom on Betting on Yourself, Earning Everything, and Chasing Big Dreams Artwork

Coaching Mind's Podcast: Perform at your best!

This podcast is designed to help people take back control of their mind and body in high-pressure situations. We primarily focus on athletic situations usually spend time talking with athletes and coaches about how to use these tools in an athletic setting. However, we firmly believe that these are tools and skills that you will be able to use for the rest of your life in any situation or setting that causes your mind or body to get off track. Whether that is losing focus to distractions, losing confidence, that little voice in the back of your mind creating doubt, or wondering if you have what it takes, we use tools and strategies backed by cognitive brain research and neuropsychology to help YOU take back control and perform at your best when it matters the most.

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Coaching Mind's Podcast: Perform at your best!

#153 - From Westfield to IU: Jackson Wasserstrom on Betting on Yourself, Earning Everything, and Chasing Big Dreams

July 04, 2026 • Mental Training Plan • Episode 153

0:00 | 44:41

Jackson Wasserstrom joins The Coaching Minds Podcast to talk about his journey from Westfield High School to Indiana University football.

After arriving at IU as a walk-on, Jackson spent years earning his way, building his role, and eventually receiving a scholarship. His story is one of faith, discipline, visualization, gratitude, resilience, and betting on yourself when nothing is guaranteed.

In this episode, Ben and Jackson discuss:

• Growing up with a dream of playing college football
• Battling injuries in high school
• Using journaling, prayer, and visualization to build belief
• What it feels like to be a walk-on at the bottom of the depth chart
• Treating every rep like a game rep
• Earning a scholarship at IU
• The culture shift under Coach Cignetti
• Why everything has to be earned every day
• Choosing to stay at IU instead of transferring
• Advice for high school athletes who feel overlooked
• Why gratitude matters in the middle of chasing big goals

Jackson’s story is a powerful reminder that talent matters, but mindset, work ethic, preparation, and belief can carry an athlete further than most people expect.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/teams