When The Cleats Come Off

Ashley Burkhardt

Hey! I’m Ashley Burkhardt, a Midwest girl who lived out her dream of becoming a D1 softball player and, later, a professional athlete. SO MANY parents ask me how my parents were able to raise THREE daughters to become D1 athletes, and I truly believe it wasn’t a coincidence. I’m ready to share with you a little bit of how WE did it (from the car-ride home conversations to traveling 4 hours a week to lessons!) and give you some tips and tricks to help your daughter reach her dreams. I’m eager to also share with you interviews with some of the BEST softball influencers, parents and coaches to see how THEY did it...because, just like you, I’m eager to learn how to become the best version of myself, and learning from other people’s journeys is how we can make that happen. Buckle up! This is going to be a FUN ride! read less
SportsSports

Episodes

Pre-game journaling, physical and mental preparation tips, how to work on the high pitch and more!
3d ago
Pre-game journaling, physical and mental preparation tips, how to work on the high pitch and more!
I’m excited to share with you the behind the scenes of an “Ask Ashley” session we did recently with my Virtual Hitting Academy members! I get to answer questions they had from: “How do I make sure I’m physically and mentally prepared for games?”, “How did you deal with not being able to hang out with friends a lot because of softball?”, “How can I work on the high pitch so I can get better at it?” and more! I love these and I think you will too! Join the When the Cleats Come Off Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff Learn more about the Virtual Hitting Academy - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 Similar episodes of WTCCO referred to in this one:Ep. - Softball Pre-game Confidence Meditation (10 min) - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/665243b2-1bad-4037-a918-f48f2c7e2333 Ep. 167 - The key to boosting your athlete’s confidence and problem-solving skills - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8ea3b053-d9c8-4595-b669-ba43601576af Ep. 38 - Hitting tips: A faster way to make adjustments - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f7bdde57-78a4-4a79-bd50-dc0dd31d95d5 Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social media!Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining
Lizzy Ristano: Swing fundamentals and how to build your competitiveness
01-05-2024
Lizzy Ristano: Swing fundamentals and how to build your competitiveness
A huge hitting MENTOR of mine and former Notre Dame Softball Hitting Coach, Lizzy Ristano,  is on the show this week talking about the importance of consistently practicing swing fundamentals, timing and tempo, the power of visualization and creating and owning your own style as a hitter. Get ready to boost your hitting IQ and learn what you should be including in your next hitting practice (coaches AND players, alike)!Reach out to Lizzy and see the full podcast shownotes here - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/blog/lizzy-ristano-lizzy-ristano-swing-fundamentals-and-how-to-build-your-competitiveness Learn more about WeCOACH - https://wecoachsports.org/ Lean more about Virtual Hitting Academy - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 Follow and subscribe to us on social!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining Similar episode of  When the Cleats Come Off:Ep. 114 - Chris Vasami: How to make the most of this off season - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000588085290 Ep. 60 - Rachel Folden: How to master your swing and build a great relationship with your athlete - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000539868603 EP. 8 - JT Gasso: “Championship Mindset” with University of Oklahoma Softball’s Hitting Coach - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000491508359
Keke Tholl: Dominance and leadership behind the plate and in the box
17-04-2024
Keke Tholl: Dominance and leadership behind the plate and in the box
This episode with current catcher and leading power hitter for the University of Michigan’s Keke Tholl dives into all things catching from developing strong relationships with her pitchers, drills that help her with her transfer, throwing and more along with building her game IQ day by day. Then we dive into hitting, what drills she loves to feel her best at the plate (physically and mentally) and lastly, we dive into her leadership role as Michigan’s SAAC Vice President and how she was recently able to  speak at a congressional hearing in Washington D.C. on matters of NIL in college athletics!Follow Keke on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/keke.tholl.2/?hl=en Follow Michigan Softball on Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/umichsoftball View ABT’s 14-Day Confidence Course - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-coaching-opportunities Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining Similar topics from When the Cleats Come Off:Carol Hutchins: Building a winning legacy, Part 1 of 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000577170651 Kristina Burkhardt: Her last dance in college softball - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000551243459 Ben-Marvin Egel: A few things golf can teach us - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000546973210
Nicole Mendes: How to LOVE competing in the big moments and selflessly lead your team to Championships
03-04-2024
Nicole Mendes: How to LOVE competing in the big moments and selflessly lead your team to Championships
One of the most humble and gifted athletes of our time is joining us on the podcast today talking a bit about her experience playing at Oklahoma and the mindset that helped her shine her brightest in post-season, what it was like being part of the Championship culture at OU and playing for Hall of Fame Coach Patty Gasso, the overwhelming challenges she’s faced in her career, and some recruiting advice to help you find the right school for you!Follow Nicole on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nicole_mendes__ Follow Nicole on Twitter - https://twitter.com/nicole_mendes_ Listen to the “10 Teams, Two Rings” Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z_3p9gsw4c Get your $10 off discount on some When the Cleats Come Off merch here - https://ashley-b-training.myshopify.com/discount/podcast10 Follow and share this episode on social media!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining Similar topics from When the Cleats Come Off:Ep 8 - “Championship Mindset” with University of Oklahoma Softball Hitting Coach, JT Gasso - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000491508359 Ep. 125 - Dr. Dot Richardson: How to lead with love and make your dreams become a reality - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000599690728 Ep. 168 - 5 reasons why college softball should be on your TV this weekend - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000644448867
5 ways to be a GREAT parent from the stands
27-03-2024
5 ways to be a GREAT parent from the stands
Today I’m sharing a list of do’s and don’ts that will make your experience watching softball better as a parent, and it will especially help your athlete’s experience on the field so she can perform her best and really gain confidence while doing so!Join the When the Cleats Come Off Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 Past episodes of WTCCO referred to in this one:Ep. 167 - Get to know how an umpire thinks with pro Victor Canales - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000643629680 Ep. 166 - The key to boosting your athlete’s confidence and problem solving skills - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000642749246 Ep. 13 - Softball is more than just a game with HOF Coach, Sue Enquist - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000495523376 Ep. 30 - How to master the “car ride home talk” - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000509631933 Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social media!Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining
Erin Coffel: Dreaming BIG, handling pressure effectively and what it truly takes to be the best at what you do!
20-03-2024
Erin Coffel: Dreaming BIG, handling pressure effectively and what it truly takes to be the best at what you do!
2x All-American and NOW home run record holder from the University of Kentucky, Erin Coffel is BACK sharing with my Virtual Hitting Academy Members how she didn’t let being from a cold state limit her capacity to work hard and dream BIG, what she feel has separated her MOST from her competition, how she’s come close to burnout but what she did to ultimately avoid it, how her Dad has supported her throughout her career, how she trained to handle pressure well and more!Follow Erin on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erin.coffel/ Learn more about the Virtual Hitting Academy - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 Follow Ashley B Training on social:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining Similar episodes from When the Cleats Come Off:Ep. 127: Erin Coffel: How she went from Midwest standout to an All-American in the SEC - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000602245039 Ep. 83 - Scott Burkhardt: What it’s like being a “softball dad”, Part 1 of 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000555670125  Ep. 168: 5 reasons why college softball should be on your TV this weekend - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000644448867 Ep. 163: Carol Hutchins: The secret sauce to successful teams - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000640407691
Amanda Scarborough: The life of a softball analyst
06-03-2024
Amanda Scarborough: The life of a softball analyst
One of the best college softball analysts in the game, Amanda Scarborough, is BACK on the podcast this week sharing a bit of her behind the scenes life behind the mic, why she thinks pitchers are struggling a bit more early on this year, her take on the new rules we’ve seen implemented this season (like a pitch clock and allowing pitchers to be airborne), a breakdown of how YOU can find and watch games, and some of her predictions for the rest of the D1 season.Amanda’s post on how to find/watch college softball - https://www.facebook.com/profile/100044317272013/search/?q=college%20softball  Follow Amanda on:Twitter - https://twitter.com/ascarborough Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/amanda9scarborough/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amandascarborough Join the When the Cleats Come Off Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ Follow and share with me your favorite parts with me on social!Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining Similar Episodes of WTCCO:Ep. 25 - Amanda Scarborough: How to become a more confident pitcher - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000505260031 Ep. 168 - 5 reasons why college softball should be on your TV this weekend - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000644448867 Ep. 126 - 10 things to look for while watching college softball - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000601059288
Kevin Hinde: Breaking the stigma of travel ball
21-02-2024
Kevin Hinde: Breaking the stigma of travel ball
Travel softball has gotten a “bad rap” lately, but today’s guest, Kevin Hinde - Coach of 18U Team NC, is doing it RIGHT. From helping 30+ players in the Team NC organization get recruited to developing top-notch practices, players, team culture (and coaching staff!), Kevin is the perfect guest to crush the stigma of travel ball and show us how to do it right – even at the pressures of the highest level. Follow Kevin and Team NC 18U - https://www.teamncfastpitch.com/page/show/3310157-18u-hinde-all-seasons- Follow Team NC Hinde on Twitter - https://twitter.com/TeamNCHinde Join the When the Cleats Come Off Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ Follow and share with me your favorite parts with me on social!Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining Past episodes of WTCCO you might like:Ep. 165 - Donnie Danklefsen: Winning teams, cultures and leaders leave clues - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000641956740 Ep. 163 - Carol Hutchins: The secret sauce to successful teams https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000640407691 Ep 131 - Coach Ballgame: How to make the game FUN again - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000606410640
Morgan Zerkle: The tough get tougher
14-02-2024
Morgan Zerkle: The tough get tougher
Great things are to come for Marshall Softball as their brand new leader, Morgan Zerkle takes the reins on her first season as Head Coach for The Herd! This fun conversation consists of not only her excitement for the season but also how she came from a mid-major University and still made her dreams of playing professional softball a reality along with how one coach believing in her has allowed her to thrive in her playing and coaching career.Follow Marshall Softball: https://herdzone.com/sports/softball/schedule Follow Morgan on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mzerkleee Get $10 off When the Cleats Come Off Gear - https://ashley-b-training.myshopify.com/discount/podcast10 Follow and share with me your favorite parts with me on social!Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining Past episodes of WTCCO you might like:Ep. 146 - Patrick Murphy: Building leaders and a Championship culture - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000626922757 Ep. 100 - Carol Hutchins: Building a Winning Legacy, Part 1 of 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000577170651Ep. 8 - “Championship Mindset” with University of Oklahoma’s Hitting Coach, JT Gasso - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000491508359
5 reasons why college softball should be on your TV this weekend
07-02-2024
5 reasons why college softball should be on your TV this weekend
I’ve said it before and it’s worth saying again – we NEED to get our athletes watching the college game to not only learn how the game is played and executed at a high level, but to also inspire them to think and play BIGGER than they ever thought imaginable! Here is a list of 5 important reasons why we all need to tap into college softball this Spring, and also WHERE you can tune in!Nearly 3,200 games on ESPN platforms article - https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2024/01/espn-hits-home-run-with-nearly-3200-regular-season-softball-games-across-platforms/ MLB Network to air live college softball games for the first time - https://www.mlb.com/news/first-college-softball-games-to-be-broadcast-on-mlb-network Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social!Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining Similar Episodes of When the Cleats Come Off:Ep. 126 - 10 things to look for while watching college softball - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000601059288 Ep. 77 - Why you should be watching college softball - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000551960482 Ep. 91 - 5 ways to grow your game while watching the WCWS - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000564779397
Donnie Danklefsen: Winning teams, cultures and leaders leave clues
17-01-2024
Donnie Danklefsen: Winning teams, cultures and leaders leave clues
Success looks different for everyone, but when it comes to work-ethic, leadership and straight up “guts” when a lot is on the line – the best teams do things similarly. Learn from 2023’s Division 3 National Championship Head Coach, Donnie Danklefsen, what it took from himself, his staff and most importantly his PLAYERS to hoist up the trophy this past season and how he was able to transform this program into something GREAT.Follow Trine Softball - https://www.trinethunder.com/sports/sball/index Follow Donnie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/CoachD_TUSB Follow and share with me your favorite parts with me on social!Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining Past episodes of WTCCO you might like:Ep. 146 - Patrick Murphy: Building leaders and a Championship culture - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000626922757 Ep. 100 - Carol Hutchins: Building a Winning Legacy, Part 1 of 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000577170651Ep. 8 - “Championship Mindset” with University of Oklahoma’s Hitting Coach, JT Gasso - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000491508359
Coach Carol Hutchins: The secret sauce to successful teams
03-01-2024
Coach Carol Hutchins: The secret sauce to successful teams
Everyone wants to be a part of a successful team, but not everyone is willing to work for it. Learn from 2005 National Champion and the winningest coach in Division 1 softball, Carol Hutchins, what she’s seen the most successful players and teams do that set themselves apart from the rest. Learn more about the Virtual Hitting Academy! - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 Learn more about the Fearless Warrior Program (use code ASHLEYB50 for $50 off!) - https://www.fearlesswarriorprogram.com/enrollment Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social!Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining Past episodes of WTCCO you might like:Ep. 100 - Carol Hutchins: Building a Winning Legacy, Part 1 of 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000577170651Ep. 101 - Carol Hutchins: Building a Winning Legacy, Part 2 of 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000577893113 Ep. 13 - Softball is more than just a game w/ HOF Coach Sue Enquist, Part 1 of 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000495523376