Episode #169: Val Whiting on Recruiting

The Mental Side of Greatness with Val Whiting | Ep. 168 

On this episode of the Significant Coaching Podcast, Matt Rogers is joined by Val Whiting, former Stanford All-American, WNBA player, two-time NCAA National Champion, and mental performance coach for female athletes. 

Val shares her journey from winning championships at Stanford Cardinal women's basketball and playing professionally in the ABL and WNBA to helping athletes strengthen their mindset, confidence, and resilience. She discusses the pressure young female athletes face today, how coaches can create healthier team environments, why identity and self-worth matter, and what true mental toughness really looks like. 

This conversation is filled with perspective for coaches, parents, and athletes who want to help young women compete with confidence while staying mentally strong and emotionally healthy. 

Topics include: 

•  Mental toughness vs. mental health 
•  Confidence and self-worth in female athletes 
•  Handling pressure, comparison, and social media 
•  Creating healthy team culture 
•  The relationship between identity and performance 
•  Advice for coaches, parents, and recruits 

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Visit coachmattrogers.com for books, recruiting help, speaking inquiries, blogs, and resources for coaches, athletes, and parents.

Follow Coach Val on Instagram @iam.coachval or visit her website at mentallystrongher.com

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📚 Books & Recruit’s Journals by Matt Rogers

Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes
👉 https://amzn.to/3NbWP9S

Recruit’s Journal Series (Sport-Specific Editions):

⚽ Soccer Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3M4PFDX

🏐 Volleyball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4qMLr2S

🏀 Basketball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/4bxljEJ

⚾ Baseball Recruit’s Journal
👉 https://amzn.to/3ZGbCMQ

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