The journey to becoming a Division 1 (D1) collegiate athlete begins much earlier than many realize. Coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen discuss the crucial timeline and benchmarks that aspiring student-athletes should focus on, starting as early as 5th or 6th grade.

In this episode, Coaches EJ and Aaron discuss the concept of the "guru" in the fitness and training industry. They share insights on how to identify legitimate experts versus those who may be more focused on popularity and marketing than actual results.

In the world of youth athletics, it's easy for parents to find themselves caught up in a never-ending cycle of training, tournaments, and travel. The allure of the "next big thing" can lead families down a path of endless commitments, sacrificing time, money, and energy in pursuit of athletic success. However, as Coaches EJ and Aaron discuss, it's crucial to take a step back and evaluate the real cost of this intense training regimen.

In this episode of the "Champions are Built" podcast, hosts Coach EJ and Coach Aaron discuss the importance of having a "Reason for Every Season" when planning an athlete's annual calendar. They provide insights on navigating the complex youth sports landscape, avoiding overspecialization, and developing well-rounded athletes.

In this episode, hosts Coach EJ and Coach Aaron discuss the common pitfalls that can slow down an athlete's development, including the tendency to chase "magic beans" (quick fixes), having too many cooks in the kitchen (too many conflicting voices), and not being "all in" on their chosen path. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, defining a clear development process, and maintaining discipline and consistency.

In this episode, hosts Coach EJ the Brand and Coach Aaron the Source discuss the growing trend of excessive celebrations in sports and how it is impacting the essence of the games. They explore potential reasons behind this phenomenon, including the influence of social media, the commercialization of sports, and the changing attitudes of younger generations. The hosts also delve into the broader issue of sports becoming more about entertainment than the pure love of the game.

Establishing a Strategic Social Media Approach for Student-Athletes

As the world of sports recruitment evolves, an athlete's online presence has become a crucial component of the process. In this podcast, we'll explore the optimal timing and best practices for student-athletes to establish their digital footprint and leverage social media as a tool for connecting with coaches and showcasing their talents.

The Dangers of Gamifying Athletic TrainingPrioritizing Numbers Over Substance in Youth Sports

In the world of youth sports, there has been a concerning trend towards the "gamification" of training, where the focus has shifted from developing well-rounded athletes to chasing arbitrary numbers and statistics. This shift, as discussed by coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen, is having a detrimental effect on the competitive spirit and long-term development of young athletes.