Standing O with Coach D

When you picture sports, we often imagine the girl on the field or the coach on the sidelines. But, if you zoom out, you can actually see so many leaders helping make sure sports happen! Erin Gerlich is one such person. The associate Director of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, Erin's inaugural project was sanctioning the sport of girls wrestling in the state of Iowa. We hear the behind the scenes story of bringing a sport to life. Plus a lot of great leadership insights on carving your own path and asking the question "why not!?" You'll be inspired. Be sure to share Erin's passion and fire with a girl who plays. Standing O with Coach D is part of the She Plays mission to encourage girls and women in sports to play with confidence. Learn more and support the cause at sheplaysnow.com/donate sheplaysnow.com Facebook Twitter Instagram

The principle to fulfillment, to dreams coming true, as an Iowa kid, I watched it my whole childhood. It's the concept of sowing and reaping. In order to enjoy the harvest, you first must plant the seeds. This is true in our pursuit of our goals and dreams. We must first sow. Coach D shares several examples of what sowing and reaping looks like in sport. She teaches us about Bloom Moments and that they are only worth it when we sow through the dirt. Find encouragement in this episode and relearn the importance of commitment to a goal. Share with a teammate, coach, and anyone working towards a big dream. Standing O with Coach D is part of the She Plays mission to encourage girls and women in sports to play with confidence. Learn more and support the cause at sheplaysnow.com/donate sheplaysnow.com Facebook Twitter Instagram

Jessica Heims is a professional athlete, an American record holder, and an advocate for adaptive sports and adaptive sport athletes. Born with amniotic banding syndrome, Jessica's leg was amputated at one year old. In her conversation with Coach D, Jessica reflects on the advice of her dad to just "find a way" and the impact her supportive family and friends have had on her mental toughness and success. Be inspired to - chase big dreams - reframe the concept of failure - find joy and gratitude in the process Find Jessica on social media as she chases some really big goals: Twitter Instagram Standing O with Coach D is part of the She Plays mission to encourage girls and women in sports to play with confidence. Learn more and support the cause at sheplaysnow.com/donate sheplaysnow.com Facebook Twitter Instagram

When did you stop dreaming? Not the small dreams. Not the to-do list kind of dreams. But the no condition dreams. The childlike dreams. When did those dreams stop for you? The transition from little girl dreams to growing up is often where dreams turn into to-do lists. In this episode, Coach D encourages us that we need to go ALL-IN on dreaming little kid big dreams again. She reminds us that broken dreams can still come true. Quotes from this episode: "Find the spot where dreaming is like breathing" Coach D "Picture yourself in your mind's eye as having already achieved this goal. See yourself doing the things you'll be doing when you've reached your goal." Earl Nightingale "You can't do big things if you're distracted by small things" - Unknown “You never know if you can actually do something against all odds until you actually do it.” – Abby Wambach “I'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than the chances I didn't take at all.” – Simone Biles For more on She Plays follow the links below: sheplaysnow.com Facebook Twitter Instagram

Until I set the state record. Until I win the championship. Until I earn the scholarship. In this episode, Coach D shares the one piece of advice from her dad, The Coach, that changed her athletic career. Here's a hint, it has something to do with avoiding the 'until clause'. Not waiting to be happy, or healthy or have all your ducks in a row before starting to feel purpose or meaning. If you're going through a hard time. If you're in a slump, or stressed, or struggling to get back to peak performance, this episode is for you. No more waiting. Start now. For more on She Plays follow the links below: sheplaysnow.com Facebook Twitter Instagram

Making plans for the new year? Creating your vision board? Coach D shares why none of the big dreams you have will happen without taking a step of courage. Learn: -Why goals without courage aren't goals -How courage creates habits -Why steps of courage level up your playing field Be inspired to step into the new year and new goals with courage. For more on She Plays follow the links below: sheplaysnow.com Facebook Twitter Instagram

Jealousy ruined my potential Jealousy within a team can be dangerous to the success and camaraderie of the team. It can also be the hurdle holding you back from reaching your goals. Coach D shares her experience with jealousy and the negative impacts it had on both her emotional well-being and her ability to perform on the track. Through her story, you can learn: -how to recognize when jealousy is taking place -how to acknowledge boundaries within a team to keep jealousy from growing -positive options to cope with your jealousy Standing O shares stories and conversations to help you win your confidence. Let this episode be the beginning of the real conversations you need to have with yourself and within your team. For more on She Plays follow the links below: Facebook sheplaysnow.com Twitter Instagram

So you wanna play sports in college? Coach D and her guest, Lindsey Long discuss the skills and traits necessary to not only play college sports, but to be successful. Here's a secret: it has very little to do with talent! Lindsey Long is the Assistant Athletic Director of Student-Athlete and Letterwinner Engagement at Iowa State University. Lindsey is building programming and out-of-class curriculum for student-athletes to document experiences that are core to their personal and professional development. As a four time letterwinner for the Cyclone soccer team, Lindsey's personal and professional experience make her the go-to person for navigating these large life transitions. Coach D and Lindsey hit on: -What kids and high school programs are missing these days -What the top skill athletes need to be successful -The real question kids should be asking themselves when it comes to picking a college, and a job. This is a conversation you'll want to save, and hopefully it will spark a real conversation for you as you navigate any upcoming transition. Where to find Lindsey: Instagram Twitter ISU Letterwinners socials: Instagram Twitter For more on She Plays follow the links below: Facebook sheplaysnow.com Twitter Instagram

The 2022 She Coaches Conference wrapped up and it was an empowering event. Reflecting on all I learned and the incredible women leaders who spoke, I complied a list of the best pieces of coaching advice. Some are inspiring. Some motivating. Some practical. And one is personal. Coaching is more than a position. It's a calling. This list will encourage you to BE A COACH in all the areas of your life. Enjoy and share with a coach you admire. Ladies, if you are a coach please join our Facebook community group. Facebook sheplaysnow.com Twitter Instagram

As a female athlete, imagery and messaging of how to look, how to eat, how to feel... it's everywhere! This conversation with author, coach and eating disorder recovery advocate, Rachael Steil is important for all athletes, parents and coaches. An eating disorder, or forms of disordered eating can prosper in the silence. Rachael provides tools, grace and hope to bring them out into the open. Our conversation hits on: Difference between Listening and Responding Gradual forming of eating disorders Pitfalls of perfectionism Reevaluating core memories and most importantly, the importance of reaching out for help. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, look to: runninginsilence.org/resources nationaleatingdisorders.org Connect with Rachael: Running in Silence Facebook Twitter Instagram Remember, it's never too late OR too early to ask for help! Find Confidence resources & more from Coach D: sheplaysnow.com Facebook Twitter Instagram

It's a new season! In this episode, Coach D reminds us about the old habits and routines that come once the newness and excitement wear off. One of those old habits, are the voices of doubt, fear and shame. "You can't do that." "You'll never be good enough." "You knew this wasn't going to work." Through the relatable story of her daughter learning to ride a bike, Coach D reminds us of the voice we should really be listening to. For a full boost of confidence, be sure to listen to the full episode. Links from this episode: For screen saver affirmations, and more helpful content: sheplaysnow.com/for-athletes Find Confidence resources & more from Coach D: sheplaysnow.com Facebook Twitter Instagram

Visualization is a component of sports performance a lot of coaches and experts talk about today, but how do you really do it? In this episode, Coach D will take you through a very simple yet highly effective activity that will help you, and your team, prepare for competition. All you need is a pen and paper. With just a simple question, you'll be more focused, composed, and ready to compete. We'd love to hear how this activity works for you. Leave a comment or connect with us at our website, sheplaysnow.com. Quotes from this episode: "The body will do what the mind has made up." -Coach D "Picture yourself in your mind's eye as having already achieved this goal. See yourself doing the things you'll be doing when you've reached your goal." Earl Nightingale This episode concludes Season 1 of the Standing O Podcast with Coach D. Looking forward to sharing more stories and conversations to help you win your confidence next season. Until then, remember, you are worth the ovation!

Once, there was a girl who thought she had to be perfect. Perfect like her brothers. Perfect like the pros she's watched on YouTube. If there's one thing this girl loves, it's being on the golf course with her family. She watches them play. She studies. But she's not ready to join them. Her swing isn't perfect yet. The thing is, she has never taken a swing. In this episode, you'll meet May. May is paralyzed by perfection. Ever been there? Hear how her family encourages May to overcome her perfectionism and learn to take the swing. "May's Perfect Swing" is written by Coach D and read by Elizabeth McBryde. Special Bonus: Share this story with your team and start a conversation on perfectionism and courage. Coach D has put together some great discussion questions to go along with this episode. Just head to Stories with Coach D If you liked this story, you'll enjoy our other story time episodes: Ep. 5 Brooklynn's Shot Ep. 14 Melody the MVP Leave a comment and let us know what other topics you'd like to hear more stories and conversations. This episode is produced by Scott Lynn

Dreams don't always come true. Well, at least not without a lot of work, sweat and heartbreak. In the 2021, Iowa high school softball season, Fort Dodge Head Coach Andi Adams, sure made winning look easy. They not only dominated all season long, but they took home the State Championship Trophy on their home turf. But, that's not all there is to this story. Not even close. Tune in to hear Coach Adams talk about; the moment after her daughter, Jalen Adams threw the game winning pitch the compounded heartbreak that led up to the magical season what it's like to build a championship program Whether you are a coach, a mom, or an 8 year old softball player wanting to play for Coach Adams some day, this is the episode for you!

Do you remember when you started playing? The first time you put on a jersey. Or laced up your shoes. Or performed in front of a crowd. Can you remember what that was like? Do you remember how you felt? Coach D recreates her very first race for us. As you listen to the story, let it search your memory for your first. -How old were you? -What were you doing? -Who was with you? -How did you feel? Too often we let the 'have tos' of sport and profession take over our 'why dos'. Let today be a day where you remember your why! We'd love to hear your story. Share it with us @sheplaysnow on instagram and twitter or email it to us at hello@sheplaysnow.com

An athlete's life is all about waiting. Waiting for the championship game. Waiting to see your time drop. Waiting for the coach to call your name. The hard part as the athlete, is learning how to capitalize on that waiting time. Coach D tells the story of one of her former athletes that demonstrates the surprises that can come from waiting well. Other key take aways from this episode: -How to work through a slump -Importance of visualizing big goals -Why focus should be on the day to day Know a friend who needs a confidence boost? Share this episode! Follow Coach D and She Plays on instagram @sheplaysnow.com

Ever thought you had to be thinner to be faster? Ever tried to change your body to match some ideal? Ever worried how the scale would define you? If you answered yes, this conversation is for you. Coach D sits down with her friend, Annie Brees. Even while they attended the same high school and had the same circle of friends, each struggled with how they looked and what their body said about them. It only took 20 years for them to talk to each other about it! Annie Brees is the founder of Balance 365, a program and platform equipping women to live a more balanced life rather than follow a joyless diet. Through Annie's own struggles with body issues, experiences as an athlete and her life beyond it, she is own a mission to change how women embrace their own bodies. This episode dives into: -situational confidence -coping strategies for insecure days -strength training -appreciating difference in each other's bodies No more struggling in silence or shame. Join in our conversation and reflect on how far you've come in embracing your own body's strengths. Find Annie on socials: @annie.brees @balance365life

Once, there was a girl who wanted to win. If there's one thing you should know about this girl, it's that; she is the best. The GOAT. The MVP. All her life, this girl had her eyes on the prize. And now, she has the proof. Sitting on a shelf, collecting dust. In this episode, you'll hear a story about Melody. It is a cautionary tale. You will ponder the question, "Why do I play?" "Melody the MVP" is written by Coach D and read by the talented Elizabeth McBryde. Special Bonus: Share this story with your team and start a conversation on identity and purpose beyond achievement. Coach D has put together some great discussion questions to go along with this episode. Just head to Stories With Coach D This episode is produced by Scott Lynn

When did we start thinking sports should be easy? When did we start wanting our journey to be free of hurdles? When did we start expecting our goals to be achieved in record time? It's supposed to be hard. Coach D not only encourages you to embrace the hard things, she shares how confidence grows through adversity. In this episode, you'll learn -the difference between complacency and confidence -the importance of adversity for longevity -how to get out of the comfort zone and into the stretch zone where real growth happens. Quotes from this episode: "Self confidence doesn't grow in the easy things. That's complacency." Coach D "Confidence can constantly grow when you are constantly growing." Coach D "We don't find confidence in perfect things. We find confidence in trying new things." Coach D Let Coach D know the new, hard thing you're stretching for by leaving a review. For more confidence tips and encouragement, find Coach D and She Plays on Instagram @sheplaysnow

Coach D continues her conversation with guest Beth Shelton. As the Chief Executive Officer of a large organization, Beth gets real on leadership, personal goals and her work with the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. Key takeaways from this episode: -The 3 essential areas every leader must work on -Moving from transactional outcomes to transformational moments -Learning to pivot from hardships Most importantly, Coach D and Beth discuss the alarming gap in self confidence and girls and the one thing you can do to improve it. This episode will challenge you to grow personally so you can impact professionally. Connect with Beth Shelton: Twitter TikTok Facebook LinkedIn

In part one of this 2 part interview, Beth Shelton, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, shares her journey as an athlete with a physical disability. From big dreams, to the pitfalls of perfection and self-doubt, to gaining an ownership of confidence and a detachment of outcomes, this conversation is rich in hindsight and perseverance. Whether the hurdles you're facing are physical or mental, you will learn so much from our incredible guest, Beth Shelton. Key takeaways: -Fear of disappointment and not being perfect hinder performance and confidence -Progress is a process and it's important to keep taking shots -Importance of defining your own goalposts of success. "Success is no longer for me married to the outcome of whatever the thing is….maximizing my learning and growth along the way that is success, only failure I have is when I lose my sense of self” Beth Shelton Where to find Beth: Twitter TikTok Facebook LinkedIn

Ever feel trapped between courage and fear? In this episode, Coach D gets a little personal and shares what her new experiences are teaching her heading into a new year. Enjoy a story about Coach D's grandfather and his advice to Never Say Never. This isn't a New Year's episode about resolutions, but rather a calling to walk with boldness into a new year, a new challenge, a new mindset. You'll want to save this encouraging message. Subscribe. Share. Leave a 5 star review.

Natural athletic talent was enough for Tony Douglas to rely on, until it wasn't. As one of the nations best long jumpers in high school, today's guest shares how it wasn't a lack of talent, work ethic or motivation that held him back from reaching his full potential. It was a lack of positive athletic habits. In this episode you'll learn: -the difference between hard work and struggle -why talent alone isn't enough -athletic habits that lead to success Tony Douglas is the founder of Verti-GO Athletics, a training methodology that turns players into athletes. You can find more, and sign up for his motivational newsletter: https://www.vertigoathletics.com/gofurthernewsletter Find Tony on socials @ tdouglas1 As always, be sure to subscribe, share with a teammate and leave a review. Cheering you on!

Do you need someone to tell you when you screwed up? Chances are you don't. You already know the choice you should have made instead. Yet, how many coaches will spend time and energy yelling, pointing out and embarrassing their athletes at the sake of the mistake? Sadly, we all know that too many will. So what should you do instead? Coach D shares several stories on the power of being an encouraging voice of potential over a Captain Obvious voice of judgment. Tune in and share. A message timely for coaches, parents, and all leaders. For more, please visit www.sheplaysnow.com

"If I don't show up in another stat sheet for the rest of my life, who am I?" Have you considered that question? Or maybe you still are. What happens after sport? That transition from athlete to non athlete is challenging for many. Our guest, speaker Morgan Jones shares how you can redefine success and find your identity through fulfillment. Topics discussed: -Detaching from what you do -Taking ownership of your own dream -Limitations of the athlete experience -The importance of curiosity, self-teaching and forgiveness Quote from this episode: "Success is in your everyday. Loving what you do when you get up and being fulfilled while doing it." Morgan Jones Find Mo: www.morganmjones.com More athletes and teams need to begin having conversations like this one. Be sure to share it with a teammate or coach. For more confidence resources head to: www.sheplaysnow.com

Setting goals, preparing for victory, and visualizing your standing O moments are necessary parts of your athlete journey. But how are you preparing for the hurdles along the way? Coach D shares the two different choices you have when you face disappointment. One way leads to discouragement, the other towards success. How are you preparing to handle disappointment? For more encouraging conversations, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to The Standing O Podcast with Coach D Connect with Coach D and more confidence resources from She Plays at www.sheplaysnow.com

Once, there was a little girl, barefoot and pigtails learning the game of basketball. She wasn't trying to be a star. She wasn't trying to be perfect. She was just trying something new. If her brothers can do it, well, she figured, why not her? In this episode, you'll hear a story about Brooklynn, her daddy and the game of basketball. More, you'll ponder the question, "Where has my little girl joy gone?" "Brooklynn's Shot" is written by Coach D and read by the talented Elizabeth McBryde Special Bonus: Share this story with your team and start a conversation on playing with joy, passion and confidence. Coach D has put together some great discussion questions to go along with this episode. Just head to www.sheplaysnow.com/coachDstories This episode is produced by Scott Lynn

Have you ever wondered who you were before you felt the pressure to perform, post, or be perfect? Coach D offers an inspiring message for you in this episode. Go and be a Girl on Purpose!

Coach D's guest is Jummy Barlass. Jummy is the Girls Head T&F Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Eden Prairie High School in Minnesota. She and Coach D talk about their transitions from high school to college athlete and back to high school as coaches. Great insight on the importance of moments, teammates and friendship. For more or to donate, visit sheplaysnow.com

OPD could be causing you to lose, and you may not even realize it. Coach D defines OPD, or rather, Other People's Drama, and explains why you must identify it in order to cure it. Standing O is powered by She Plays. Learn more and donate www.sheplaysnow.com

In this inaugural episode, Coach D introduces us to her dad, Coach Steve Lynn and the impact of his legacy. Growing up a “Coach's Daughter”, she followed her dad into athletics and eventually coaching. Through this story of her dad, Coach D reminds us that “Legacy continues beyond the finish line.” Coach D is the founder of the nonprofit She Plays. Connect with her; www.sheplaysnow.com

Welcome to the Standing O Podcast with your host, Coach Erica Lynn Douglas! This is the place where we will share stories, and have real conversations around the victories and defeats of sport. As well as all the ups and downs that happen when the crowd isn't watching. You are worth a standing ovation. Let's go! ... Standing O Podcast is powered by She Plays, a nonprofit educating and empowering female athletes and coaches to play with confidence. For more confidence boosting resources, visit www.sheplaysnow.com