In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Marley Canales - pro soccer player and former UCLA Bruin - for a conversation every young soccer player (and parent) needs to hear about adversity, development, and mindset at the highest levels of the game.

Marley’s journey through college soccer and into the professional ranks didn’t follow the “easy path” many athletes expect. Like countless elite youth players, she entered college after being one of the best in her high school and club environment — only to quickly realize that success doesn’t automatically carry over. The speed of play increases. The competition sharpens. And for many freshmen, failure shows up early.

Instead of running from those moments, Marley learned to lean into them.

Early in the conversation, she opens up about how facing setbacks during her freshman year at UCLA became a turning point in her career. Minutes weren’t guaranteed. Confidence was tested. And the margin for error felt smaller than ever. Rather than letting those challenges define her, Marley used them as fuel — learning how to ask better questions, break down film with intention, and approach her training with a higher level of focus and accountability.

One of Marley’s core lessons is simple but powerful: control what you can control.

From preparation and effort to recovery and mindset, she explains how elite soccer players learn to narrow their focus when external factors — coaches’ decisions, results, or playing time — are outside their control. That mental shift not only helped her grow as a college player, but also prepared her for the demands of professional soccer, where resilience and consistency matter just as much as technical ability.

We also dive into a topic that creates anxiety for so many families in youth sports: early dominance. Too many athletes believe that if they’re not starring immediately in college, they’re falling behind. Marley pushes back on that idea completely. Development, especially in soccer, is rarely linear. Physical growth, tactical understanding, and mental maturity often take time — and the athletes who stick with the process are the ones best positioned for long-term success.

Throughout the episode, Marley shares insights that resonate far beyond soccer. Her experience applies to any athlete navigating transitions, pressure, or self-doubt — especially those learning how to respond when things don’t go their way for the first time.

In this episode, we cover:

- Why most college soccer players face failure early — and why that’s normal

- How film study and self-reflection accelerate player development

- The importance of controlling controllables at the college and pro level

- Why being the best high school player doesn’t guarantee college success

- How adversity shaped Marley’s mindset and professional career

- What young athletes can do when confidence takes a hit

- Lessons parents and coaches can reinforce during tough stretches

At Athletes Untapped, we believe youth sports should build confidence, resilience, and long-term love for the game — not fear or burnout. Marley Canales embodies exactly what that looks like. Her story is proof that growth comes from embracing challenges, staying curious, and committing to the process.

🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com - the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect families with elite, vetted coaches to help athletes grow through great instruction, strong habits, and positive sports experiences.

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