89. Fall in Love with Failing with 3x World Champ Softball Player Haylie McCleney
In this week’s captivating episode, Laura is joined by the outstanding Olympic Silver medalist and softball legend, Haylie McCleney, for an entertaining and informative conversation chock-full of ‘mic drops and truth bombs’. Haylie's extraordinary journey began early in her life, fueled by an insatiable passion for sports and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Graduating with a degree in Human Performance from the University of Alabama and attaining a Master's in Exercise Physiology at Florida Atlantic University, Haylie's dedication has ultimately led to her becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with membership in the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Throughout her discussion with Laura today, Haylie shares invaluable insights touching on her approach to thriving as a leadoff hitter, embracing relentless presence, and the profound significance of playing the long game.
Key takeaways from the episode reveal Haylie's emphasis on prioritizing personal growth over mere trophies as well as valuing the role of a supportive teammate in boosting morale. She also illuminates the transformative power of journaling as a means to navigate emotions, set goals, and express intentions, offering an enriching perspective on personal growth and competition. While recounting her journey to the Olympics, which saw the unique challenge of softball's temporary removal from the Games, Haylie's tenacity shines through in her work to realize her dream of representing the USA in Tokyo. The complexities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic are addressed as well, emphasizing the importance of stability during uncertain times. Haylie McCleney's inspiring narrative, as shared here today, stands as a testament to relentless dedication, unwavering commitment, and the unending pursuit of excellence - a truly inspiring tale brimming with invaluable wisdom born out of extensive and elite experience.
Episode Highlights:
The pursuit of personal growth and competition over mere trophies
Being a supportive and uplifting teammate in sports
Dedication to playing the long game and maintaining focus
The distractions and obligations faced while playing professional softball.
Navigating the unique challenges of an Olympic journey
Coping with disappointment
The importance of resilience and team bonding
Positive aspects of unconventional Olympics
Journaling for mental health
Quotes:
"You've got to be really in love with failing and learning from your failure."
"I was raised to begin with the end in mind and trust that the effort you put in today, weeks, months, years from now, you're going to see the benefits of it."
"Softball can be my year-round, full-time job. I can sign one contract, and that's enough money for me to make an incredible living."
"What if we try out again and get cut? What if I was an Olympian? But now I'm not an Olympian. Do I still say I'm an Olympian?"
"I might as well just have some fun, like, continue to play softball."
"Time heals everything."
"Play the long game, try to see the long game as best you can."
"Every single second matters."
Links:
The Confidence Journal- FREE SHIPPING with checkout code: STARTNOW
Laura’s Social Media:
Connect with Haylie:
4. Softball is back on the Olympic schedule and so is Cat Osterman
Laura welcomes three-time National Player of the Year, four-time All-American, and two-time Olympic medalist in softball, Cat Osterman, to the podcast today. Cat is an incredibly successful, multiple record-holding pitcher who is now an Assistant Coach at Texas State, and is coming out of retirement to play for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics next year now that softball has been reinstated.
In this episode, Cat describes her start in softball, her journey to becoming a star at the University of Texas, and her experiences at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. She also shares her standout collegiate career moment, the difference between pro and college ball, and softball’s fluctuating status with the Olympics. Her coaching career, her return to softball, and how she and her team are handling these unusual times are also explored, and she offers some sage advice for up and coming athletes when dealing with adversity such as this pandemic. Cat Osterman is an elite athlete possessing a vast amount of knowledge, skill, and insight regarding both sport and life in general, and you will be educated, informed, and inspired as you listen in on this conversation today.
Episode Highlights:
Cat’s start in softball and her journey to the University of Texas
Cat’s road to the Olympics and her advice for others doing the same
Her first Olympic Games adventure in 2004
Cat’s standout moment from her collegiate career
The difference between pro and college ball
Her second Olympics in 2008
Softball’s changing status with the Olympic Games
The coaching/playing relationship
Cat’s situation when the pandemic struck and how she and her team are navigating it
Her advice to young athletes handling adversity
Quotes:
“That 2004 group was a special group, how we kind of gelled and worked together.”
“When we’re immersed in this sport and it’s what you love to do…you almost do anything to make sure it happens.”
“Keep your eye on your goal, and remember to do your part towards that goal.”
“With team…you also love bronze, because you’re winning the bronze, whereas a silver, you’re losing the gold.”
“Everything we preach to our kids, we have to remember it applies to ourselves as well.”
“In just being a teammate and communication-wise, I think coaching has helped me be a better player more than playing has helped me be a better coach again.”
“Control what you can control.”
Links:
The Pursuit of Gold homepage: http://thepursuitofgold.com/
Cat’s homepage: https://www.catosterman.com/
Cat’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catosterman/