Champions don’t just show up on game day, they find their voice long before the first pitch. In the second part of our conversation with Coach Courtney Deifel, we unpack how confidence on the field becomes courage in life, why “nice” and “ruthlessly competitive” can live in the same coach, and how language and labels still shape how women leaders are seen. From the subtle double standards to the head-on charge through stereotypes, this conversation is a playbook for building athletes who speak up, stand firm, and win together.

We dig into defining moments: the first super-clinching celebration etched in memory, a two-strike swing that flipped a regional, and the surge of belief you can feel from a dugout to the last row. Beyond highlights, we get practical about growing women’s sports, expanding facilities, amplifying visibility, and building a professional pathway that matches the passion in the stands. Coach Deifel shares the heart of her program: athletes feel chosen and trusted, which turns potential into performance and raises everyone’s ceiling.

The story widens to legacy and family. Strong mentors at home, a sister who set the competitive standard, and players who become part of the family shape a culture where kids learn that sport is what you do, not who you are. Failure becomes a teacher, adversity a muscle. Along the way, we trade reflections on coaches who change lives, the power of honest feedback, and the simple, radical advice to young women: be yourself, and go for it.

If you care about women’s sports, athlete development, leadership, or the mindset that turns pressure into joy, this one’s for you. Subscribe to Youth Unmuted, share this episode with a teammate or coach, and leave a review telling us your biggest “go for it” moment.

What if the real edge in college sports isn’t a new playbook but a stronger sense of belonging? We sit down with Arkansas softball head coach Courtney Deifel to unpack how a California catcher with a passport full of stamps built an SEC contender by pairing uncompromising standards with human care. From a childhood spent on fields across tiny towns to lifting a national championship trophy at Cal, she shares how a love for fundamentals, team diversity, and steady leadership became the backbone of a winning program.

Courtney opens up about the evolution of college athletics; more resources and visibility, but louder pressure too. She tackles the realities of social media, NIL, and the transfer era, and why connection matters more than ever. Arkansas returned its roster this summer, a testament to the culture she’s built: athletes who feel safe, seen, and valued bring their best selves to the field. Her philosophy blends high standards learned from a detail-driven high school coach with the freedom she experienced under a non-micromanaging college mentor, proving that excellence and authenticity can coexist.

Her time playing professionally in Japan adds a unique lens. We explore the beauty of disciplined defense, the limits of negative motivation, and how communication cuts across languages when the goal is shared. Travel in Thailand, Kenya and Europe further shaped her approach, reinforcing the power of hospitality, perspective, and humility. The takeaway is clear: fundamentals create trust, freedom fuels expression, and belonging sustains performance when the landscape shifts. If you care about leadership, culture, and building teams that last, this conversation delivers practical wisdom you can use on any field.

If this resonated, follow and subscribe to Youth Unmuted, share the episode with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find the show.

What if your dream job at 18 isn’t your purpose at 38? We sit with Jim Clark, CEO and President of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, to chart how a finance-minded kid became a leader devoted to expanding opportunity for millions of young people. The story moves from lecture halls to club halls, showing how the right team, mission, and mindset can turn ambition into impact.

We dig into leadership the honest way, by naming mistakes. Jim shares why waiting too long on a poor fit slows everyone down, and how hiring slow, acting fast, and keeping dignity at the center protects culture. You’ll hear practical takeaways on feedback, transitions, and building teams that match values with performance. Then we lighten things up with a teen slang showdown that proves curiosity is a bridge: “bussin,” “no cap,” “sus,” “slay,” “mid,” “bet,” “cooked,” “low-key,” “fire,” “bro,” and “drippy” all make an appearance and spark genuine connection.

Away from the office, Jim finds balance on golf courses, water skis, and snowy mountains, reminding us that play fuels better decisions. The conversation widens with stories from the Oval Office, where Jim met Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden to advocate for after-school programs, youth safety, STEM access, and mentorship. The through line is simple and strong: try the Club before you judge it. Whether you want a creative outlet, a place to study, a path to a first job, or just friends who push you forward, there’s a lane for you.

If this resonated, follow Youth Unmuted, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review to help more teens find a space that feels like theirs. Your voice matters, join the conversation and tell us what you want to hear next.