Athlete Spotlight: From Gold Medals to the Demon Deacons with Opal Bird | EP 165 (Pt. 2)

In this episode of Raising Athletes, Kirsten sits down with Megan and Nick Weisheipl to explore the often-overlooked mental side of sports and how the environments we create can shape an athlete’s confidence, performance, and overall well-being. Drawing on Nick’s more than two decades of experience coaching at the collegiate and professional levels, alongside Megan’s perspective as a parent and certified life coach, they share valuable insights into the mindset, habits, and culture that help athletes thrive. Together, they discuss the lessons we can learn from both great and not-so-great coaches, why mental skills training deserves just as much attention as physical development, and how parents can support their children without adding to the pressure. From making the car ride home a positive experience to encouraging passions beyond sports, Megan and Nick offer practical ways to help young athletes build resilience, learn from failure, and develop a healthier relationship with competition. Whether you’re a sports parent, coach, or athlete, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the inner game—and how we can help young people reach their potential without losing sight of what makes sports meaningful in the first place.

What does it take to build a successful college basketball program in an ever-changing world of sports? This week on Raising Athletes, Kirsten sits down with Jamie Dixon, head coach of TCU Men’s Basketball, to discuss the evolution of college basketball, the lessons that shape great athletes, and what it takes to succeed both on and off the court. From his own athletic journey and late growth spurt to his philosophy on recruiting, player development, and building a lasting legacy, Jamie shares insights from decades of experience coaching at the highest levels of the game. Together, Kirsten and Jamie explore how the transfer portal and NIL have transformed college athletics, changing the way coaches recruit, develop talent, and build team culture. They also discuss the evolving relationship between coaches, athletes, and parents, and why perseverance, hard work, resilience, and mindset remain essential ingredients for long-term success—regardless of how much the game changes. Whether you're a sports parent, coach, or young athlete, this conversation offers a valuable look inside the world of college basketball and a reminder that success is about more than talent alone. It's about showing up, embracing challenges, putting in the work, and developing the character and mindset to navigate whatever comes next. Tune in for an insightful conversation about leadership, mindset, and the values that help athletes thrive in basketball and beyond.

What does it really mean to be mentally tough? In sports, athletes are taught to be resilient, stay composed under pressure, and push through adversity. But sometimes, the expectation to always be “tough” can make it difficult to admit when we’re struggling. In this episode, Kirsten sits down with Avery Nelson, who brings a unique perspective through her training in both performance psychology and mental health counseling. Avery and Kirsten explore what happens when athletes, coaches, and high performers feel like they have to carry everything on their own This conversation is a reminder that the person behind the performance matters. Real strength isn’t about carrying the weight alone—it’s having the courage to acknowledge what you’re feeling, ask for support, and figure out what comes next. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone navigating a high-pressure season of life, this episode offers a powerful reminder: you don’t have to face it alone.

What does it really mean to be mentally tough? In sports, athletes are taught to be resilient, stay composed under pressure, and push through adversity. But sometimes, the expectation to always be “tough” can make it difficult to admit when we’re struggling. In this episode, Kirsten sits down with Avery Nelson, who brings a unique perspective through her training in both performance psychology and mental health counseling. Avery and Kirsten explore what happens when athletes, coaches, and high performers feel like they have to carry everything on their own This conversation is a reminder that the person behind the performance matters. Real strength isn’t about carrying the weight alone—it’s having the courage to acknowledge what you’re feeling, ask for support, and figure out what comes next. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone navigating a high-pressure season of life, this episode offers a powerful reminder: you don’t have to face it alone.

What does it take to build confidence that lasts long after the final buzzer? This week, Kirsten sits down with former WNBA player Chantelle Anderson to explore the powerful connection between confidence, leadership, identity, and resilience. As one of the most accomplished basketball players of her generation, Chantelle broke barriers at Vanderbilt, competed at the highest level in the WNBA, and has since dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations develop authentic leadership and lasting confidence. Drawing from her experiences as an elite athlete, coach, and leadership speaker, Chantelle shares why confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build through intentional choices, embracing challenges, and staying true to your values. She offers practical insights for athletes, parents, and coaches on overcoming self-doubt, leading with authenticity, and helping young people develop the mindset needed to thrive both in sports and in life. Whether you’re raising an athlete, coaching a team, or striving to become a stronger leader yourself, this conversation is filled with wisdom that will inspire you to lead with purpose and compete with confidence.