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How do you know when your athlete needs a new team and how do you make that decision without feeling disloyal to the coach who believed in her? Ashley Roberts sits down with Chay and Victor Mann, parents of college basketball player Chloe Mann, for an honest conversation about development, team loyalty, and raising an athlete without letting sports take over your relationship. Both former Kansas State athletes, Chay and Victor share what their own experiences prepared them for and what they still had to learn as sports parents. From independent basketball to Duncanville and Chloe’s college journey from Cincinnati to Grand Canyon, they discuss how their family approached changing environments and making difficult decisions. They also reflect on the sacrifices, money, and childhood moments they would approach differently. IN THIS EPISODE: • What’s different when the athlete becomes the parent • How to include your child in major basketball decisions • Team loyalty, independent programs, and knowing when to move • Why being the star doesn’t always mean your athlete is developing • How to evaluate training and development opportunities • Playing multiple sports versus specializing • Motivating your child without forcing your own dream • Adjusting to college basketball and evaluating a transfer • Protecting your relationship and your child’s identity beyond sports • What Chay and Victor would do differently today Whether you’re evaluating a club team, investing in training, or preparing your daughter for college basketball, this conversation offers questions to help your family think through the next step. JOIN THE BASKETBALL PARENT COMMUNITY Join the Basketball Parent Community for direct guidance, resources, and conversations with other basketball families: https://www.skool.com/itsjustdifferent/about?ref=e5c985b2c58c47afb7bb18a0d15b34e6 GET THE ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com/pages/3-year-anniversary?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=comment&utm_campaign=three_years_different_2026 JOIN THE CONVERSATION What would make you change your athletes team: development, the environment, or something else? LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-just-different-podcast/id1710474099 Share this episode with a sports parent who is weighing their family’s next move.

Your daughter can score 20 points for one team and have a completely different job on another. That does not automatically mean a coach is holding her back—it may be the adjustment that exposes what she needs to develop next.Coach Kelley Meiklejohn joins Ashley Roberts to explain what changes between AAU and high-school basketball, why trust and communication matter, and how parents can support athletes without removing every difficult moment. They discuss changing positions, training outside team practice, balancing basketball with grades and sleep, realistic college levels, and why D2, D3, and JUCO can be valuable paths.In this episode:• Why an athlete’s AAU and high-school roles may be different• How coaches build trust through attendance, accountability, and communication• When adversity is productive—and when a role may truly be the wrong fit• Why games reveal trained skills rather than create them• How families can evaluate D1, D2, D3, JUCO, and other opportunities• What incoming varsity players must learn about pace, defense, IQ, and team cultureAshley on Instagram: @_thisisashleyrJoin the Basketball Parent Community for direct guidance, resources, and conversations with other basketball families:https://www.skool.com/itsjustdifferent/about?ref=e5c985b2c58c47afb7bb18a0d15b34e6Join Different First Access to shop new DIFFERENT merch before the public:http://itsjustdifferentapparel.com/firstaccess

Families are making expensive decisions about prep school and reclassification without checking whether their athlete's courses actually protect NCAA eligibility.In this episode, Ashley Roberts sits down with educational consultant Shanay Y. Howard to explain the transcript checks, Division I 10/7 requirement, prep-school questions, and athlete-support systems parents should examine before changing schools or adding another year.You'll learn:• Why high school graduation requirements and NCAA eligibility requirements are not the same• How to check every attended school's NCAA-approved core courses• What to ask about academics, housing, mental health, training, scheduling, and recruiting access• When reclassification may solve a real problem—and when it may only add costNCAA certification is individual and current rules can change. Confirm your athlete's situation with the NCAA Eligibility Center and the appropriate school professionals.Subscribe for direct, practical conversations that help parents make smarter decisions throughout the girls' basketball journey.Ashley on Instagram: @_thisisashleyrJoin the Basketball Parent Community for direct guidance, resources, and conversations with other basketball families:https://www.skool.com/itsjustdifferent/about?ref=e5c985b2c58c47afb7bb18a0d15b34e6Join Different First Access to shop new DIFFERENT merch before the public:http://itsjustdifferentapparel.com/firstaccess

Parents can spend thousands on basketball exposure and still end up with footage a college coach skips. Rare—Sean Rogers of Rare Footage Sports—breaks down the difference between a social-media highlight and useful recruiting footage, and why chasing attention can expose an athlete before she is ready. In this episode, Ashley and Rare explain how parents can define the job of a video, evaluate a media outlet's credibility and relationships, avoid paying for edits coaches will not watch, and recognize what makes athletes stand out beyond scoring. What you'll learn: • How to decide whether footage is for memories, social reach, or coaches • What to ask a media outlet before paying • Why exposure can reveal weaknesses as quickly as it creates opportunity • What coaches notice beyond points, including communication, leadership, grades, and parent behavior Follow Rare on Instagram: @rarefootagesports Follow Ashley on Instagram: @_thisisashleyr Subscribe for direct, parent-centered guidance on competitive girls' basketball: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0X3Dw6PhEInhKQM7s_MOow?sub_confirmation=1

Waiting for the right coach to discover your daughter is not a recruiting strategy.Brooke Bizzell earned three Division I offers while playing on an EYCL team. In this conversation, Brooke and her parents explain how they combined updated film, detailed outreach, repeated follow-up, live-period opportunities, player development, and NCSA to create recruiting interest—including the relationship that led Brooke to commit to Houston Christian.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why a circuit or AAU program cannot do all the recruiting work for an athlete• How Brooke’s family made NCSA work for them• Why detailed schedules, film, and consistent coach outreach mattered• What families should consider when choosing an AAU team• How Brooke handled recruiting uncertainty without abandoning her team• What uncommitted athletes should do instead of waitingWatch through the end for Brooke’s advice to uncommitted 2027 athletes.Subscribe to It’s Just Different Podcast for honest conversations that help parents make smarter decisions throughout the girls’ basketball journey. Stay in Touch Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/ Brooke: https://www.instagram.com/brookes_ballin12/

Should your daughter leave public school for a prep program—or can the right public-school environment be better for her development?Chris Desdunes (CD), father of Rutgers guard Chikae Desdunes, joins Ashley for an honest parent-to-parent conversation about the decisions that shaped Chikae’s path: independent AAU versus circuit basketball, a coaching change after committing to Penn State, a second recruiting process, official visits, prep school, NIL, and knowing when an athlete is truly ready for the next level.Ashley and CD break down:- Why independent teams have a harder exposure path than they used to- What families should watch for during an official visit- Why a coach’s contract situation matters before a commitment- When prep school can accelerate development—and when it may not- How to judge an athlete’s level without letting parent ego lead- What a serious sixth-grade-to-college development path can look likeKEEP IN TOUCHAshley Roberts: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/RESOURCES FOR BASKETBALL PARENTS Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community Shop DIFFERENT merch and use code Podcast for 15% off: https://itsjustdifferentapparel.comSubscribe for weekly conversations that help basketball parents make smarter decisions.

Your athlete is being evaluated before the first basket. KP explains why communication, body language, response to mistakes, role value, and projection can matter more than points or highlights—and how parents can help without taking over the journey.Kenneth “KP” Pannell is a national girls' basketball evaluator whose current work includes the ESPNW Top 100 team and ESPN HoopGurlz scouting. He is a voting member of the McDonald's All American selection committee and also works with Select Winter Series, USA Basketball championship selection, the Naismith Trophy Board of Selectors, and the Basketball Hall of Fame's Wootten Award Committee. He evaluates elite players across major grassroots circuits, which is exactly why parents should pay attention to what he notices before an athlete scores.Ashley and KP break down:- The difference between getting exposure and getting exposed- What earns an evaluator's attention before the box score- Why mistakes can reveal more than perfect possessions- How role players create real college value- How to evaluate camps before spending money- Why youth rankings should not control development decisionsKEEP IN TOUCHAshley Roberts: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/KP: https://www.instagram.com/kpannell_/RESOURCES FOR BASKETBALL PARENTSJoin the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community Shop DIFFERENT merch and use code Podcast for 15% off: https://itsjustdifferentapparel.comSubscribe for weekly conversations that help basketball parents make smarter decisions.

Getting the offer is exciting. But choosing the wrong level, roster, role, or coaching fit can leave a talented athlete unprepared for the reality of college basketball.Texas Tech head coach Krista Gerlich joins Ashley Roberts to explain what families should evaluate after a college coach shows interest—and before an athlete commits. Coach Gerlich knows this journey from every side: she was an All-American guard on Texas Tech’s 1993 national championship team and is now the 2026 Big 12 Coach of the Year leading the same program.In this conversation, Krista explains why a phone call is not the same as an offer, why an offer does not guarantee playing time, what college coaches evaluate beyond talent, and how families can judge the right level and roster opportunity.IN THIS EPISODE:- Why recruiting has become more transactional- What “fit” really means to a college coach- What coaches evaluate after an athlete gets their attention- Why a recruiting phone call is not automatically an offer- How parents can judge the right college level- Why strong high-school statistics can be misleading- Questions families should ask during official visits- What coaches notice about athletes and parents- Why talented freshmen struggle with college practices- How athletes earn roles and playing time- Advice for 2027 recruits who still have no offersJOIN THE BASKETBALL PARENT COMMUNITY:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/communityLEARN MORE ABOUT KRISTA GERLICH AND TEXAS TECH:https://texastech.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/krista-gerlich/4327

What does it really take to build a winning basketball program—and how can parents and athletes make sure they’re choosing the right path to get there?In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Coach Stan Delus, head coach of Etiwanda Girls Basketball and Sports Academy to talk about building championship culture, developing athletes, and preparing players for the next level.With more than 27 years of coaching experience and a recent EYBL Nike Nationals Championship, Coach Delus shares his perspective on the evolution of AAU basketball, the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and why finding the right fit matters more than simply chasing the biggest name.The conversation also explores player development, confidence, mentorship, college recruitment, and the importance of setting realistic expectations for young athletes and their families.Whether you're a parent navigating AAU basketball, an athlete pursuing the next level, or a coach focused on developing players the right way, this episode is full of insight on building a successful basketball journey—both on and off the court.In This Episode:- Building a championship culture in girls' basketball- How AAU basketball has evolved with space, pace, NIL, and the transfer portal- Why training and preparation matter at every level- Balancing basketball, family, education, and career- Building confidence and mentorship in the social media era- The importance of development for young athletes- Navigating college recruitment beyond the elite level- How coaches build trust with players and families- Finding the right AAU team and program for your athlete- Setting realistic expectations for the college basketball journeyAbout Coach Stan Delus:Coach Delus is the head coach of Etiwanda Girls Basketball and Sports Academy. With more than 27 years of coaching experience, he has built a reputation for developing athletes and creating winning cultures. He has coached top-tier talent, earned national recognition as a coach of the year, and most recently led his team to an EYBL Nike Nationals Championship.Key Takeaways:- Development takes time: Even elite athletes need consistent training, structure, and intentional development.- Maturity matters: Basketball can teach young athletes how to balance competition, education, relationships, and personal growth.- Find the right fit: The biggest or most recognizable program isn't always the best fit for an athlete's goals.- Coaching goes beyond tactics: Great coaches build trust, provide mentorship, and genuinely invest in their athletes.- Set realistic expectations: There are multiple pathways to playing college basketball, and understanding those pathways can help athletes and families make better decisions.- Culture creates consistency: Championship programs are built through standards, accountability, preparation, and a shared commitment to getting better.Resources for Basketball Parents:Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/communityShop DIFFERENT apparel and use code Podcast for 15% off: https://itsjustdifferentapparel.comFollow Ashley:https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/Follow Coach Delus:https://www.instagram.com/coach_delus/

The AAU season is over—but your development doesn't stop here.What should athletes be doing after months of tournaments, travel, and competition? Should you jump into another camp, take time off, or start training immediately? In this solo episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts shares the five-step post-AAU game plan every athlete and parent should follow to maximize growth before the next season. From recovery and goal setting to choosing the right camps and making smart investments, this episode is packed with practical advice to help athletes improve with purpose—not just stay busy.Whether you're preparing for your school season or planning for next summer, these strategies will help you make the most of the offseason. In This Episode: Why recovery should come before more basketballHow to evaluate your AAU season honestlySetting goals that actually improve your gameChoosing camps, trainers, and opportunities strategicallyMeasuring progress and maximizing every investment About The Host Ashley Roberts is the host of the It’s Just Different Podcast and a former junior college basketball player who transferred to the University of Texas. As a basketball consultant, speaker, and founder of the Different Community, Ashley helps parents confidently navigate their athlete’s basketball journey with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Resources for Basketball Parents Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off): https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com/?... Keep in Touch Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashl...

Can you really handle playing college basketball? Playing for the University of Hawaii isn't just about basketball—it's about independence, emotional maturity, and embracing a completely different culture. In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with University of Hawaii Head Coach Khalilah Mitchell to discuss what she looks for in recruits, how the transfer portal is changing the recruiting landscape, and the advice every athlete and parent needs to hear during the recruiting process. Whether you're hoping to earn a college basketball scholarship or simply want to better understand what coaches value beyond the stat sheet, this conversation offers practical insight into recruiting, player development, and finding the right fit. In This Episode - Why culture fit matters just as much as talent - What Coach Mitchell looks for at every position - How the transfer portal is impacting high school recruiting - Why emotional maturity is a recruiting advantage - The importance of embracing your role on the court - Common mistakes parents make during the recruiting process - Developing leadership through adversity and failure - How Hawaii prepares players for opportunities beyond college About the Guest Khalilah Mitchell is the Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of Hawaii. With more than 20 years of coaching experience, she has built a reputation for player development, relationship building, and preparing athletes for success at the collegiate and professional levels. Her approach emphasizes emotional maturity, culture fit, and helping players maximize their unique strengths on and off the court. Key Takeaways - Talent gets attention, but character and culture fit earn opportunities. - Every position requires a different skill set, and coaches recruit with specific roles in mind. - The transfer portal continues to reshape how college programs build their rosters. - Player development is about mastering the small details that create long-term success. - Parents can have the greatest impact by supporting—not controlling—the recruiting journey. Resources for Basketball Parents Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off): https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com Keep in Touch Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/ Coach K: https://www.instagram.com/coachkmitch/

Should parents be more involved in their athlete's recruiting journey...or take a step back? What really separates elite athletes and elite families from everyone else? In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with Kim Nakamura, Director of Why Not Premier, to discuss what truly sets top athletes apart in today's youth basketball landscape. With more than 18 years of coaching and leadership experience, Kim shares what she has learned from helping athletes navigate recruiting, player development, and the changing world of youth sports. From the impact of NIL at the high school level to the new NCAA eligibility rules, this conversation is filled with practical advice for players, parents, and coaches trying to make informed decisions throughout the recruiting process. Kim also explains why mindset matters more than rankings, what elite parents consistently do well, and how athletes outside the Top 100 can still create incredible college opportunities. Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this episode offers valuable insight into navigating today's basketball landscape with confidence and purpose. What separates elite athletes from everyone elseThe role elite parents play in their athlete's developmentHow NIL is changing youth and high school basketballThe impact of the NCAA's new eligibility rulesWhy athletes outside the Top 100 still have major opportunitiesBalancing development, competition, and travel basketballHow social media influences recruitingWhat college coaches are really looking for during the recruiting process About the Guest Kim Nakamura is the Director of Why Not Premier, one of California's premier girls basketball programs. With more than 18 years of coaching and leadership experience, she has helped develop athletes at every level while guiding families through the ever-changing recruiting landscape. Her expertise includes player development, team culture, recruiting strategy, and navigating today's NIL environment. Key Takeaways Elite athletes separate themselves through consistency, discipline, and their love for the game.Great parents trust the process, support their athlete, and allow coaches to coach.NIL creates exciting opportunities, but development should always remain the priority.Recruiting success is about finding the right fit—not chasing rankings.Preparation, relationships, and mindset often matter more than talent alone. Resources for Basketball Parents Join the Basketball Parent Community:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com Follow Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/?hl=en Follow Why Not Premier: https://www.instagram.com/whynotpremier/

What if one month could completely change your recruiting journey? Are you making the most of the July live period? In this solo episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts shares the strategies every basketball player and parent should know before stepping into the biggest evaluation period of the summer. From setting intentional recruiting goals to improving your social media, highlight tape, and coach communication, this episode is your roadmap to maximizing every opportunity during AAU season. Whether you're hoping to earn your first college interest, increase your visibility, or simply make the most of your final summer on the circuit, this episode will help you approach recruiting with confidence, preparation, and purpose. In This Episode: - Why every athlete needs dream, realistic, and July recruiting goals - How to make your social media profile coach -friendly - What coaches actually want to see in your highlight tape - Building and organizing your target school list - The importance of consistent communication with college coaches - Ways to stand out without relying solely on scoring - Why recruiting success is about more than scholarship offers - How parents can best support their athlete throughout the process - Staying patient and trusting your recruiting journey Key Takeaways: - Set clear recruiting goals before every evaluation period. - Your social media and highlight tape should work for you—not against you. - Communicating with coaches consistently creates more opportunities. - Coaches evaluate much more than points scored. Your recruiting journey doesn't have to follow anyone else's timeline.About The HostAshley Roberts is the host of the It’s Just Different Podcast and a former junior college basketball player who transferred to the University of Texas. As a basketball consultant, speaker, and founder of the Different Community, Ashley helps parents confidently navigate their athlete’s basketball journey with clarity, confidence, and purpose.Resources for Basketball ParentsJoin the Basketball Parent Community:https://www.ashleynroberts.com/communityShop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com/?...Keep in Touch Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/

Should NIL money be the biggest factor when choosing a college? What happens when rankings, recruiting, coaching changes, and the transfer portal all influence one of the biggest decisions of your life? In this episode of It's Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former Wake Forest and Tennessee standout and current professional basketball player Jewel Spear to discuss what really matters when choosing a college. Jewel shares how she navigated recruiting, transferred to Tennessee, handled multiple coaching changes, and balanced NIL opportunities with her long-term goals. She also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of college basketball, why mental health became a priority, and the lessons she hopes the next generation of athletes will learn before making their own decisions. Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation offers valuable insight into today's college sports landscape. In This Episode - Why rankings don't define your future - How to evaluate NIL opportunities the right way - The real reason Jewel transferred from Wake Forest to Tennessee - Navigating coaching changes during your college career - Why campus visits matter more than social media - The importance of finding the right fit over chasing money - Mental health, therapy, and building resilience as an athlete - Advice for athletes preparing for the recruiting process About Jewel Spear Jewel Spear is a professional basketball player who starred at Wake Forest before transferring to the University of Tennessee. Known as one of the nation's top shooters, she has built her career through resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continual growth. Off the court, Jewel is passionate about mentorship, communication, and pursuing opportunities in sports broadcasting. Key Takeaways - Choose the school that's the best fit—not just the biggest NIL offer. - Rankings may open doors, but they don't determine your success. - Coaching changes are part of college athletics, and adaptability is essential. - Prioritizing your mental health is just as important as developing your game. - Building meaningful relationships can have a lasting impact far beyond basketball. Resources for Basketball Parents Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off): https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com Keep in Touch: Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/?hl=en Jewel: https://www.instagram.com/spearj23_/?hl=en

What does it really take to raise and develop elite basketball players in today’s youth sports landscape? In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with former high school coach, program director, and parent of an elite athlete Chris Hunt to break down the realities behind youth basketball development, parenting decisions, and the shifting culture of exposure and recruitment. From navigating championship-level programs like Duncanville to understanding what actually matters in athlete development, Chris shares a grounded perspective on what helps young athletes succeed—and what often gets in the way. The conversation dives into the importance of finding the right fit, balancing structure with childhood, and how parents can unintentionally impact their child’s long-term development. Chris also opens up about nutrition, mentorship, and his journey into entrepreneurship with More Gains, a meal prep business focused on fueling athletic performance.If you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode will challenge how you think about development, opportunity, and success in youth sports. In This Episode: - The truth about raising elite athletes- Why “fit” matters more than exposure - Lessons from Duncanville’s championship culture- How parents influence athlete development - Balancing structure, pressure, and childhood - The role of nutrition in performance - Building confidence through environment and mentorship - Chris Hunt’s journey from coaching to entrepreneurship with More Gains - Finding the right program fit is more important than chasing exposure or status. - Parents play a critical role in shaping their athlete’s environment and decisions. - Youth athletes need balance between structure, development, and enjoying childhood. - Nutrition and off-court habits directly impact on-court performance. About the Guest Chris Hunt is a former high school coach and program director with deep experience in athlete development and mentoring. As a parent of an elite basketball player, he brings a unique perspective on balancing performance, family, and long-term growth in youth sports. He is also the founder of More Gains, a meal prep business designed to support athletic performance through proper nutrition. Key Takeaways - Finding the right program fit is more important than chasing exposure or status. - Parents play a critical role in shaping their athlete’s environment and decisions. - Youth athletes need balance between structure, development, and enjoying childhood. - Nutrition and off-court habits directly impact on-court performance. - Mentorship and community are essential for long-term athlete success. Resources for Basketball Parents Join the Basketball Parent Community: https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code Podcast for 15% off): https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com Keep in Touch Ashley:  https://www.instagram.com/_thisisashleyr/ Chris:   https://www.instagram.com/coach_chris_cool/