Baylor Scheierman - Boston Celtic on Playing Free and Confident Through Faith and Preparation
Max Out Mindset
In this episode, Boston Celtic Baylor Scheierman breaks down what it means to “play free.”—It’s about trusting his preparation, leaning on his faith, and letting go of mistakes so he can perform without fear. Baylor shares how coaches like Greg McDermott instilled belief, how teammates modeled servant leadership, and how culture and confidence become contagious. From being a 5’9” overlooked recruit to hitting clutch shots on the biggest stages and now earning his role with the Celtics, Baylor’s journey is rooted in preparation, faith, and resilience. This episode is a masterclass...
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Merritt Beason | Discipline, Leadership, and Confidence
Max Out Mindset
In this episode of Max Out Mindset, we sit down with Merritt Beason, a First Team All-American at Nebraska, two-time college captain, and the number one overall draft pick in the Pro Volleyball Federation who now plays for the Omaha Supernovas. Merritt opens up about her journey to competing on some of the biggest stages in college volleyball. She shares how discipline became her competitive advantage, what it was like to step into a leadership role at a new school, and how she learned to manage self-talk, confidence, and performance pressure. Merritt also reflects on her transition to...
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Elite Softball Coach Beth Singleton-Winners Win
Max Out Mindset
Welcome to the Max Out Mindset podcast. In this episode, Dr. Larry Widman and Coach Jess sit down with Coach Beth Singleton, a powerhouse in the softball world and a model of sustained excellence at both the club and collegiate levels. From winning national championships with Nebraska GOLD 16U and 18U teams to leading Midland University to two NAIA World Series appearances in the last three years, Coach Singleton has proven she knows how to build a championship culture with an emphasis on training mindset. She shares her journey from club coaching to the college ranks and what it takes to lead...
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Brian Rosen on Training Confidence and Leading with Grace and Vulnerability
Max Out Mindset
In this episode, Dr. Larry Widman and Coach Jess sit down with Coach Brian Rosen, the new head of Creighton University Volleyball and one of the rising stars in collegiate coaching. From his beginnings in high school sports to leading one of the top volleyball programs in the country, Rosen shares a candid and insightful look into what it takes to max out as a coach, a leader, and a person. Coach Rosen unpacks his journey and the power of vulnerability, grace, and intentional self-talk in developing an elite mindset. He speaks to the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people,...
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Coach Steven Gream: Sustained Excellence in Volleyball, The Cowley Way
Max Out Mindset
Dr. Larry Widman hosts the Max Out Mindset Podcast with special guest Coach Steven Gream, head coach of Cowley College Volleyball—a junior college powerhouse with a staggering 307–46 record, 81 straight wins, and two back-to-back national championships. Coach Gream shares how sustained excellence is built from the inside out. He reveals why mindset matters most, suggesting a 3:1 mental-to-physical ratio in performance, and reflects on how COVID-19 reshaped his approach to coaching. From his roots in basketball to building a volleyball dynasty, Gream unpacks his philosophy on team culture,...
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Kristen Kelsay | Betting on Yourself
Max Out Mindset
In today's podcast episode, we welcome back Kristen Kelsay, the Head Volleyball Coach at Michigan State University. With this inspiring new head coach, we dive into mindset, leadership, and team dynamics. She emphasizes the importance of betting on yourself, taking calculated risks, and making decisions based on personal values. Building psychological safety and trust within a team is crucial. Athletes need to feel safe to fail and learn; trust is built through small actions but can be lost quickly. Resilience through adversity is highlighted, with past struggles and embracing challenges seen...
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Trish Siedlik | Reigniting Passion for Coaching: The Power of Positive Intention
Max Out Mindset
On this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, we welcome back Trish Siedlik, head coach of Bellevue University Volleyball, for an in-depth conversation about the journey to sustained success. Trish has built an incredible program, leading her team to multiple national tournament appearances and a recent national championship runner-up finish. With over 20 years of coaching experience, she has learned that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about culture, leadership, and the ability to evolve. We dive into the evolution of her coaching mindset, from trusting her players and staff to...
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Jordy Bahl | Fearless and Competitive Mindset
Max Out Mindset
We welcome Jordy Bahl back for a second podcast episode, where she dives deeper into her incredible journey. Jordy shares her experiences transitioning from Oklahoma to Nebraska after an ACL injury and reflects on the evolving concept of "maxing out." She opens up about her struggles with perfectionism, adopting a "good enough" mindset, and embracing vulnerability to foster team unity. Jordy shares her strategies for overcoming challenges, such as leaning on spirituality, maintaining perspective, and using visualization to bolster confidence. Jordy also explores the importance of role...
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Coach Laura “Bird” Kuhn, Head Coach Omaha Supernovas: Relationships and Competitive Chemistry—Key factors in winning championships
Max Out Mindset
Welcome to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. This is your host, Dr. Larry Widman, and my co-host, Coach Jess Knecht. Our guest today is someone who knows all about performing under pressure and achieving greatness. She has had an extraordinary athletic and coaching career. Her journey started as a standout athlete at Georgia Tech University, where she played on the right side and helped her team reach the Elite Eight in 2003. Her coaching career has been equally impressive, with stops at Appalachian State, the University of Miami, and the University of Kansas. As an assistant coach at Kansas,...
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Steven Ashworth | Maxing Out Through Hard Work, Growth and Leadership
Max Out Mindset
In this episode of the Max Out Mindset podcast, we explore the remarkable journey of Steven Ashworth, basketball player at Creighton University. Steven shares his experiences of overcoming challenges, from being doubted and undersized to becoming a key player through relentless work ethic and mental toughness. He reflects on his personal definition of "maxing out," which means surpassing expectations with the support of teammates, coaches, and for some, sports psychologists. Steven emphasizes the importance of trust, communication, and being present both on the court and in life. He also...
info_outlineWelcome Coach Todd Petersen to the Max Out Mindset podcast. As one of the best coaches in the history of Nebraska High School and Club Softball, he shares many nuggets to help other coaches and athletes max out when it matters the most. He has continued a long pattern of success as the head coach of Papillion-Lavista High School softball, and has coached arguably the most talented high school team ever to suit up in Nebraska. Yet, even during those years, he was always making sure that there weren’t barriers that would get in the way of his team performing at the highest level. You will learn about his “Be Secretariat” mantra that he brought to those “dynasty” teams, but it is really how he thinks about every team. It’s also great to learn from a coach that has been willing to evolve with an emphasis on building relationships better than ever with his athletes and coaching staff. I really enjoyed this conversation.
Order Dr. Widman's new book Max Out Mindset for Volleyball or Max Out Mindset for Softball at www.maxoutmindset.com A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most.