In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we focus on one of our core principles: Seek to bless, not to impress. This principle encourages athletes to shift their focus from seeking validation or admiration to genuinely lifting others up.

We dive into a deeply impactful conversation with Abby Cox, the First Lady of Utah, who works closely with the Especially for Athletes program and its Unified Sports initiative. Abby shares a touching story about a young man who, despite people being friendly, had to ask others if they would be his friend. His words—“People were friendly, but they weren’t my friend”—reveal the emotional depth of what it means to truly care for someone.

Abby’s work with Unified Sports has made a huge difference in the lives of athletes, teaching them to look beyond surface-level kindness and truly see others for who they are. This conversation leads us into an exploration of how we can take this principle into our everyday lives, both as athletes and as individuals in our communities.

Key Discussion Points:

• The difference between being friendly and being a true friend.
• Why being a friend takes work, sacrifice, and emotional investment.
• Abby Cox’s impactful work with Unified Sports and how athletes are stepping up to serve others.
• The importance of seeking to bless others without expecting anything in return.
• Why athletes should strive to be a positive force in their communities and teams by living with eyes up and doing the work.

This episode highlights the power of real connection and how athletes, coaches, and parents can influence their communities by going beyond superficial interactions. Seek to bless, not to impress—because when you lift others, you elevate yourself in the process.

Especially for Athletes:

Website: https://e4a.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/E4Afamily
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we dive into the core principle of resilience, with insights from national champion coach Diljeet Taylor. As the head coach of BYU’s cross-country teams, Coach Taylor recently led the women’s team to a National Championship. She shares her philosophy on resilience, explaining that true growth happens when athletes are willing to embrace the “dark place”—the discomfort and pain that comes with pushing beyond their limits.

In this episode, we reflect on her message that resilience requires a decision to face hardship before it even comes. It’s about knowing that discomfort is inevitable in the pursuit of excellence, and instead of running from it, we must embrace it and keep moving forward. Coach Taylor’s insights not only apply to cross-country but to all sports and life challenges.

Key Discussion Points:

• The concept of the “dark place” in sports and how to prepare for it mentally before facing challenges.
• The importance of embracing discomfort and how it leads to growth and success.
• How resilience can be built by committing to the process, even when it’s tough.
• Real-life examples of how athletes can push through adversity, whether in sports or in life.
• The role of having a clear why to motivate you through the tough times.

Whether you’re an athlete facing tough competition or someone working toward personal growth, this episode will inspire you to push through challenges, keep your focus, and embrace the discomfort that leads to resilience and long-term success.

Especially for Athletes:

Website: https://e4a.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/E4Afamily
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we explore the core principle of compete without contempt through the lens of NFL legend and future Hall of Famer Eric Weddle. Eric, who played at the University of Utah before having an illustrious NFL career, shares his unique perspective on competition within a team—highlighting the importance of pushing your teammates to be their best while supporting them along the way.

We dive into a powerful conversation about how to compete fiercely against your teammates in practice, not out of contempt, but out of a desire to make everyone better. Eric’s philosophy was central to his long-lasting career and his leadership, where he helped younger players grow while still striving to outperform them in drills. His approach to competition inside the locker room and on the field offers key insights into what it means to truly contribute to a team’s success.

This episode also explores the broader implications of competing without contempt—how team captains can foster this mentality, how athletes can embrace the grind even when they don’t feel like it, and how the right leadership can make all the difference in building a championship-caliber team.

Key Discussion Points:

• Eric Weddle’s philosophy of competing with teammates in a way that pushes everyone to excel.
• The importance of helping others grow, even when they’re competing for the same position.
• Why competing without contempt is crucial for fostering true team unity and success.
• The role of team captains in creating a culture of healthy competition.
• Insights on how to be a better teammate by showing up to push others to their best.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode offers actionable insights into building a competitive environment that encourages growth, respect, and, ultimately, team success. Don’t miss this discussion on competing with integrity and making your team better, together.

Especially for Athletes:

Website: https://e4a.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/E4Afamily
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.