PrepZone

THE MENTAL SIDE OF THE GAME.We talk a lot about training harder, getting stronger, winning games and performing under pressure.But what about the mental side of being a student-athlete?In this important PrepZone conversation, Dr. Jenna Wider joins us to discuss Staples High School’s new Mental Health & Performance Initiative and what it could mean for student-athletes both on and off the field.We talk about the pressure young athletes face today, expectations, confidence, setbacks, mental performance, and why giving students the tools to take care of their mental health can be just as important as anything they do in the weight room or at practice.This isn’t just a conversation for athletes.It’s for parents. It’s for coaches. It’s for our entire community.Because behind every jersey, every highlight and every result is a young person trying to navigate school, sports, expectations and life.And sometimes the strongest thing we can do is make sure they know they don’t have to navigate it alone.Produced by: PrepZone Media LLC Host: Estevao Divino Guest: Dr. Jenna Wider Recorded at: Verso Studios Location: Westport Library, Westport CT#StudentAthleteMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #AthleteMentalHealth #MentalPerformance #SportsPsychology #StudentAthletes #HighSchoolSports #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #StaplesHighSchool #StaplesAthletics #WestportCT #PrepZone

On this episode of the PrepZone Podcast, Staples High School Field Hockey Head Coach Ian Tapsall looks back at last year’s incredible undefeated season and gives us an inside look at what’s ahead for the Wreckers. He talks about a strong incoming freshman class, the culture surrounding the program, and shares a powerful testimonial from a former player about the impact Staples Field Hockey had on her.Coach Tapsall also shares his vision for making FCIAC field hockey even more competitive, including an interesting idea involving promotion and relegation within the conference. From last season’s success to the next generation of Wreckers, we cover the past, present, and future of Staples Field Hockey as another exciting season gets underway.#StaplesFieldHockey #StaplesHighSchool #FieldHockey #FCIAC #CIAC #ConnecticutFieldHockey #HighSchoolFieldHockey #PrepZone #PrepZonePodcast #WestportCT #WreckerPrideProduced by: PrepZone Media LLCHost: Estevao DivinoGuest: Ian TapsallRecorded at: Verso StudiosLocation: Westport Library, Westport CT

On this episode of the PrepZone Podcast, we sit down with the head coach Barry Beattie of Staples High School Girls Soccer for a candid conversation about the program and the upcoming season. Coach talks about his viral Polymarket interview, reflects on the turning point that changed the course of last season, and shares what he learned along the way.We also look ahead to a strong and talented Staples squad with big expectations for the year ahead. Coach opens up about the challenges the program faces with its facilities, what he’d like to see improve, and why he’s excited about what this group can accomplish this season.#fciac #soccer #prepzonepodcast #stapleshighschool #polymarket #viralProduced by: PrepZone Media LLCHost: Estevao DivinoGuest: Barry BeattieRecorded at: Verso StudiosLocation: Westport Library, Westport CT

In this episode of the PrepZone Podcast, we sit down with Staples High School Boys Soccer Head Coach Liam Whitman to reflect on one of the most memorable seasons in program history.In his very first year leading the Wreckers, Coach guided Staples to an incredible double championship, capturing both the FCIAC Championship and the CIAC State Championship. We discuss what made last year’s team so special, the challenges and rewards of stepping into the role of a first-time high school head coach, and the lessons learned throughout a championship season.Produced by: PrepZone Media LLCHost: Estevao DivinoGuest: Liam WhitmanRecorded at: Verso StudiosLocation: Westport Library, Westport CT

Staples Football Head Coach, Matty Jacowleff, joins the PrepZone Podcast to kick off the 2026 season with an honest and emotional conversation about leadership, pressure, and the future of Wreckers football. Produced by: PrepZone Media LLC Host: Estevao Divino Guest: Matty Jacowleff Recorded at: Staples Football Offices Location: Staples High School, Westport CT #staplesfootball #football #prepzonepodcast #coaching #mentalhealth

Staples Baseball Head Coach Jack McFarland joins the PrepZone Podcast to talk about what’s shaping this year’s team and what’s changing across high school sports.In this episode, Coach McFarland highlights the importance of team chemistry and the leadership of a special senior class that has helped set the tone for the program. He shares how culture is built day-to-day, and why leadership from within the locker room matters as much as anything a coach can do.We also dive into the evolving challenges of coaching at the high school level. From balancing development and competition to navigating what increasingly feels like a “transfer portal” for high school student-athletes, this is an honest and insightful conversation about the current state of the game.If you care about culture, leadership, and where high school sports are headed, this is one you don’t want to miss.Topics covered:Building team chemistryLeadership of a senior classChallenges of high school coachingThe rise of athlete movement / “transfer portal” discussionProgram culture and long-term successProduced by: PrepZone Media LLCHost: Estevao DivinoGuest: Jack McFarlandRecorded at: Verso StudiosLocation: Westport Public Library

After a historic run that cemented his place in program history, Staples Basketball Head Coach David Goldshore steps away from the sidelines.In this emotional and candid conversation, Coach Goldshore reflects on his journey, why now felt like the right time to step down, and the Dee connection he has with the Staples community. Throughout the episode, his passion comes through, especially when speaking about his players, the moments they shared, and the impact they’ve had on his life.This is more than a goodbye. It’s a look back at a legacy built on commitment and heart.Produced by: PrepZone Media LLCHost: Estevao DivinoGuest: David GoldshoreRecorded at: The Westport Library

In celebration of Athletic Trainer Month, we sit down with Staples’ own Sam Romano, whose impact behind the scenes has been felt across every Wrecker program. Sam shares stories from their journey—starting at Staples, to their time in the Navy working on aircraft, to the daily grind of keeping athletes healthy. They also offer practical insight on injury prevention and what athletes can do to stay on the field.Produced by: PrepZone Media LLCHost: Estevao DivinoGuest: Sam RomanoRecorded at: Verso StudiosLocation: Westport Public Library

Staples Lacrosse Head Coach Will Koshansky talks about the upcoming 2026 boys lacrosse season, mental toughness, program legacy, and gets emotional about his own personal journey and what has mattered the most during his years as Wrecker head coach.PrepZone PodcastProduced by = PrepZone Media LLCGuest = Will Koshansky Host = Estevao DivinoRecorded at Verso StudiosLocated at the Westport Public Library

Head Coach David Goldshore of Staples High School sits down to talk about the 2025-2026 season in which the Wreckers went 26-1 for an undefeated regular season, the second straight FCIAC Championship, and played in the historic CIAC Div I Basketball championship game. Goldshore talks about the special seniors, the wining culture of Staples basketball, and the moment he knew this team was going places… and it’s not what you think.PrepZone PodcastProduced by = PrepZone Media LLcGuest = David GoldshoreHost = Estevao DivinoRecorded at Verso StudiosLocated at the Westport Public Library