I'm Zechariah Dapaah Host of Chat ZDP a former division I and II collegiate soccer player now serving student-athletes to maximize their potential on and off the field. This podcast that will be about my experiences as a former student athlete and different area of a student athletes' life. I will be doing solo episode on various topics relating to student athlete as well as having my friends that are or were athletes in college. Thank you for listening if you can take just one point away from my talk can make the difference. I can't wait for you to listen to your 1 st or 100 th episode!
Coaches Have a Method to the Madness – Their actions may not make sense in the moment, but looking back, they have a purpose.Discipline & Accountability Matter – Strict rules and consequences taught me to be responsible and always on time.Small Details Make a Big Difference – From picking up trash to always carrying a notebook, the little things shape professionalism.Coaching is More Than a Job – Coaches invest everything—some lose sleep, others take losses harder than players.Listen When It Counts – Not everything a coach says will stick, but the lessons that do can shape your future.
Top 5 Things to Consider Before Transferring SchoolsPlaying Time: The most common reason student-athletes transfer is due to a lack of playing time or issues with coaching dynamics.Finances: Will transferring benefit you financially? Consider scholarships, tuition costs, and overall expenses at the new school.Location/Type of School: Does the school align with what you're looking for in terms of campus culture and location?Academics: Does the school offer your desired major, and how many of your current credits will transfer to keep you eligible?Coaches and Teammates: Do you like the coach's playstyle, and where do they see you fitting in? What are your impressions of your future teammates, and will you connect with them?Leave a 5-star review let me know what other aspects you want me to cover
Key Takeaways:Life moves fast; you don't stop and look around. Once in a while, you could miss it. The importance of “being where your feet are” live in the present moment. There was a lady who, when she was eating breakfast, would always ask what's for dinner. Not paying attention to the food she is eating, always thinking ahead, not enjoying what is in front of you.
I interviewed my former teammate and friend Hunter De Valle a 4-year D1 soccer athlete. Now working in tech sales and modelingWe talked about: His college journey, how he got to where he is todayTaking chance, brave enough to be a creatorcareer prep tips Fail to learnWays to show your personality on social mediaQuote of the episode:"He who jumps into the void, owes no explanation to those who stand and watch."Follow Hunter on social media!TikTok: HunterdevalleInstagram: Hunter_DeValle
Key Takeaways:Importance of the mental side of sports: the use of positive self-talk, meditation, and visualization.Injuries happen; make sure to listen to your body if you are hurt or injured.You're a great player, maybe just in the wrong system.Setbacks happen; it's up to you how you let them affect you, positively or negatively.
I interviewed my close friend Al Cooper, a former D2 student-athlete who is now Real Estate and Entrepreneur.We talked about:His college Journey on how he found his passion for Real EstateImportance of Time ManagementWorking to get 1% better each dayDealing with criticsFollow Al on Instagram social media: @alcooper11_Linkedin: Al CooperPlease leave a 5-star review and let me know what other topics you want to tackle!
Key Takeaways: Challenges international athletes face at new place Student Athlete development creating programing for team building. American athlete curious about learning new cultures commonalities Coaches creating a player focused culture Thank you for listening leave a 5 star review and let me know of any aspect of being a student athlete you want me to dive into more!
I interviewed my close friend Brandon Scoffield, a former D1 student-athlete who is now a micro influencer.We talked about:His collegiate soccer journeyHis journey of building his personal brand.Tips to start your personal brandCommon mistakes people make when building their personal brandThe importance of consistency and discipline Follow Brandon's social media: @Triples.17 on all social media platforms.Please leave a 5-star review and let me know what other topics you want to tackle!
In today's episode, we are going to speak about dealing with coaches.They have one of the biggest influences on your sport, and that is your parents.Articles say coaches are one of the main reasons athletes leave the sport.importance for athletes to understand your relationship or thoughts towards your coach can change everything. How you play, how you show up!not be afraid to speak up and ask for clarification or understanding on why he did certain things.Key takeaways:Your thoughts and mentality are ultimately what shape you. What information can you learn from your coach to make you a better person and player?
My story of how I made it to play college soccer. Goal to build commonality sharing my past.Key Takeaways: Enjoy playing your sport and be competitiveNever complain Consistent with emails Belief that you will play in college.