This episode of Beyond the Stick explores performance psychology and how mindset shapes the way athletes prepare, compete, and respond under pressure. Host Joe Nardella is joined by performance psychology specialist Mark Glicini for a conversation that breaks down the mental side of the game in a practical, athlete-focused way.

They unpack the difference between mental health, mental performance, and mastery, while emphasizing that sport is ultimately a series of problem-solving moments that require clarity, self-awareness, and preparation. Glicini highlights common challenges athletes face—like overwhelm, anger, and fear—and explains how these can either disrupt performance or be used as tools when managed effectively.

The discussion focuses on actionable strategies, including building a “self-scouting report,” improving self-talk, maintaining body language, and learning to respond rather than react in high-pressure moments. Joe adds his own experience competing at a high level, sharing how preparation, perspective, and past adversity shape confidence and in-game decision-making.

They also explore visualization, goal setting, and the importance of aligning actions with values, along with how team dynamics, communication, and leadership impact both performance and wellbeing. The episode closes with a strong emphasis on recovery, mindfulness, and mental training as essential—but often overlooked—parts of long-term development.

Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding that mental performance isn’t separate from the game—it’s embedded in every moment, and developing it consistently is key to performing at a high level.

This episode of Let’s Talk with USA Lacrosse explores sleep hygiene and its impact on athletic performance, recovery, and overall wellbeing. Host Fran Argentieri is joined by Dr. Emily Clark, senior psychological services provider for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, who works in mental performance and behavioral sleep medicine with elite athletes.

The conversation unpacks why sleep is foundational for athletes, influencing reaction time, decision-making, mood, and physical recovery. Dr. Clark also challenges common misconceptions—like treating sleep as a strict performance metric or assuming one bad night will derail performance—emphasizing instead the importance of long-term sleep patterns over isolated nights.

They discuss frequent challenges athletes face, including travel, early training schedules, academic demands, and stress, along with common sleep mistakes such as inconsistent routines and over-fixating on sleep targets. Dr. Clark introduces practical behavioral strategies to support better sleep, including stabilizing routines, managing stress before bed, and understanding individual sleep needs.

Fran also shares her experience competing with the U.S. U20 team in Hong Kong, highlighting how structured sleep routines and team support helped manage a major time zone shift—and how difficult it was to readjust afterward.

Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding that sleep is less about perfection and more about consistency, awareness, and building habits that support performance over time.

This episode of Beyond the Stick explores nutrition and its direct impact on performance, recovery, and long-term athlete health. Host Abby Bosco is joined by Colleen Carrion, Director of Sports Nutrition at the University of Maryland, and Dr. Catherine Logan, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon, for a practical, athlete-focused conversation.

They break down some of the most common nutrition mistakes athletes make—especially around hydration and under-fueling—and why even small gaps can affect energy, recovery, and injury risk. The discussion emphasizes simple, realistic strategies, from building better hydration habits to finding pregame and postgame routines that actually work.

The episode also highlights how nutrition supports injury prevention and recovery, including its role in bone health, muscle repair, and overall tissue function. Logan explains how poor nutrition can increase the risk of overuse injuries, delay healing, and impact mood and performance—especially in youth and developing athletes.

Bosco shares her own experience navigating nutrition on game day, including managing nerves, finding foods that work for her body, and adapting her routine over time. Carrion adds practical, go-to options for busy athletes, including easy meals and recovery snacks that balance carbohydrates, protein, and antioxidants.

Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of how nutrition fuels performance, why consistency matters more than perfection, and actionable strategies to build habits that support both training and recovery.