Max Out Mindset

Two-time state championship volleyball coach Jenny Gragert joins the Max Out Mindset Podcast to share the leadership, communication, and mindset principles behind her sustained success. During 20 years of high school coaching, Jenny has led her teams to 14 state tournament appearances while building programs known for their trust, high standards, and consistent winning. In this honest and insightful conversation, Jenny discusses the challenge of building Elkhorn North volleyball from the ground up and how she created a culture where athletes feel supported without being protected from accountability. She shares how she prepares athletes to respond to mistakes, handles difficult conversations about roles and playing time, and helps talented players continue growing as leaders. Jenny also explains why coaches must make time for mindset training, how competing demands can contribute to athlete burnout, and why athletes need to know they are valued for more than their statistics or performance. She reflects on the championship matches that showed her what it looks like when athletes trust one another, clear their minds, and become completely absorbed in competing. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode offers practical lessons on building trust, maintaining high standards, handling pressure, and developing a culture that wins consistently. It is a powerful reminder that championship programs are built through more than talent. They are built by teaching athletes how to respond when things get difficult. Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here. Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht  Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

Michigan softball NFCA All-America Second Team All-American Lauren Putz joins the Max Out Mindset Podcast to share the mental skills that have helped her perform at one of the highest levels in college athletics. In this honest and insightful conversation, Lauren opens up about overcoming negative self-talk, learning to stay present under pressure, and why confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build through consistent work. Lauren discusses the routines and mindset shifts that helped transform her game, including simplifying her approach with "see ball, hit ball," embracing pressure as a privilege, and discovering that athletes perform their best when they are both fun and focused. She also shares how mindset training has impacted not only her performance on the field but her growth as a person. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode offers practical lessons on confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and competing with freedom when the stakes are highest. It's a powerful reminder that the best athletes aren't the ones who never struggle—they're the ones who learn how to respond when challenges come. Max Out Mindset for Softball Book Max out Mindset services here. Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht  Instagram:@scottpapek Twitter: @scottpapek  

Five-time Nebraska Class A State champion volleyball coach Katie Tarman returns to the Max Out Mindset Podcast for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a championship culture. Katie shares how vulnerability, role acceptance, consistent communication, and genuine relationships have become the foundation of one of the nation's most successful high school volleyball programs. She explains why great cultures aren't built during the playoffs, but through months of intentional conversations, trust, and player ownership. The discussion also explores the realities of balancing motherhood with coaching, leading with both empathy and accountability, creating psychological safety, and helping athletes become leaders who elevate everyone around them. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or leader, this episode is filled with practical insights on building teams that compete fearlessly, stay connected through adversity, and create an environment where players never want to take off the jersey.

  In this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, Dr. Larry Widman and Coach Jess sit down once again with the number one beach volleyball team in the world, Taryn Brasher and Kristen Nuss Cruz, for an honest conversation about growth, pressure, and the mental work behind elite performance. This is the third time Taryn and Kristen have joined the show, and their journey has evolved in powerful ways. After the emotional highs and lows surrounding the Olympic experience, they reflect on what it truly means to grow as athletes and teammates. The conversation dives deep into how elite performers navigate disappointment, rebuild belief, and continue to push forward. Taryn shares the internal work that helped her develop confidence and self-trust, while Kristen talks about the mindset shifts that allowed them to keep improving even while competing at the highest level in the world. You'll hear powerful insights on communication between teammates, handling pressure on the biggest stages, and why vulnerability and honesty are essential for teams that want to sustain success. Taryn also shares how journaling became a critical tool for managing thoughts, building belief, and improving sleep and recovery during tournaments. Together, they explain how the mental side of the game helped them transform setbacks into one of the most successful seasons of their careers. This episode is packed with practical insight for athletes, coaches, and leaders who want to: • Build real confidence through preparation and self-talk • Communicate honestly with teammates during high-pressure moments • Turn setbacks into growth instead of self-doubt • Train mindset habits like journaling and awareness • Develop trust and resilience within a team Whether you're an athlete chasing your potential, a coach developing a culture, or a leader working through challenges with others, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: Elite performance isn't just about talent. It's about the mindset you bring to the journey. Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here. Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht  Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

In this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, Coach Jess sits down with Alyssa D'Errico, head coach of Utah Volleyball, for a powerful conversation on leadership, mindset, and what it truly means to max out. Alyssa shares her journey from championship athlete to head coach and unpacks how elite performers sustain success without losing themselves in the process. The conversation dives into why behaviors—not results—must drive performance, how authenticity allows athletes to stay present under pressure, and why connection is the foundation of championship culture.  You'll hear real stories about managing competitiveness, learning emotional control, training response after failure, and helping athletes move from frustration to freedom. Alyssa also explains how elite programs "out-team" opponents by aligning coaches, athletes, and support staff around shared standards and trust.  This episode is packed with practical insight for athletes, coaches, and leaders who want to: ·       Stay consistent when results fluctuate ·       Train focus, readiness, and response under pressure ·       Use failure as feedback instead of fear ·       Build confidence without comparison ·       Lead with clarity, connection, and purpose  Whether you're a high school athlete, college competitor, or coach building culture, this conversation offers a clear reminder: who you are and how you show up every day matters! Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here. Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht  Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

In this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, we welcome back John Cook for his second appearance on the show. John is a four-time national champion volleyball coach and the current GM of the Omaha Supernovas. This time, the conversation goes beyond trophies and records and into what actually lasts inside great programs. John shares how he defines success with his teams, especially as he builds a brand-new professional organization. We talk about playing for each other, trusting the work when it matters most, competing with joy, and creating a culture people want to be part of — win or lose. This episode is for coaches who want sustained excellence, not short-term results. For leaders who want trust, connection, and standards that hold up under pressure. And for anyone who believes the scoreboard never tells the full story. Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here. Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht  Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

Norah Sis has built a career on more than talent — everywhere she goes, teams win. From state appearances with her high school team, a national championship in club, gold medals in international competitions, Elite 8 runs at Creighton, and a PVF championship in her first professional season, her impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. Norah shares how joy fuels her competitiveness, why culture drives championships, and what it means to play free under pressure. She opens up about perfectionism, confidence struggles, and the evolution of her leadership — from a timid freshman to the emotional heartbeat of elite teams. We also explore her transition to the pros, coping with new roles, leaning on faith, and her excitement to return home to Omaha with the Supernovas. This episode is a blueprint for athletes and teams who want to compete with belief, stay grounded in who they are, and build cultures where everyone can thrive. Whether you're a coach, player, or fan of women's sports, you'll learn a lot from Norah's wisdom and authenticity. Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here. Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht  Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

Coach Rhonda Revelle returns to the Max Out Mindset Podcast to reflect on growth, healing, and joy in coaching after adversity. Now in her 34th year leading Nebraska Softball, Revelle opens up about the defining challenges of her career and the deep personal work that helped her rediscover peace, purpose, and trust. She speaks candidly about emotional recovery, learning to care less about outside opinions, and finding strength in the people who walked beside her when life felt uncertain. Through stories of connection, faith, and the "team within the team," Coach Revelle reveals the evolution of her leadership—from chasing outcomes to cherishing the daily process. She explains her 80/20 rule: 80% of her energy now goes toward building human connection, 20% toward softball. Listeners will hear why "you win in the locker room first," how joy and competitiveness can coexist, and why she believes true success is measured by hugs, trust, and the feeling that no one wants the season to end. Her reflections on trust, team-first culture, and her bond with athlete Jordy Bahl bring the episode full circle—showing how relationships, vulnerability, and peace can fuel both performance and purpose. It's a masterclass in how to lead with heart, adapt with grace, and define success on your own terms. Max Out Mindset for Softball Book Max out Mindset services here. Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht  Instagram:@scottpapek Twitter: @scottpapek

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 in grit, resilience, and controlling the controllables. For athletes, Baylor's story offers simple, repeatable tools: resetting routines, practicing positive self-talk, and committing to daily preparation. For coaches, it's proof that instilling belief and valuing every role on a team fuels long-term success. Baylor's path embodies the 4Cs of Max Out Mindset—Commitment, Confidence, Concentration, and Composure—with confidence and composure shining brightest. Max Out Mindset for Basketball Book Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind Instgram: @scottpapek  Twitter: @scottpapek Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht  Visit 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 professional volleyball and why relationships have been central to her success. This conversation is a masterclass in vulnerability, resilience, and leading with both love and accountability. Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here. Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht  Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind