Podcast
The Pure Athlete Podcast
Hosted by Jeff Francoeur · EN
Former MLB player Jeff Francoeur and PA co-founders Britt Lee and Brad Williams interview well-known pro/college athletes, coaches, and topical experts to gain insight into the world of youth sports, in order to equip and inspire young athletes, parents, and coaches to successfully navigate their sports journeys. For more info, visit www.pureathleteinc.com
30episodes
Episodes
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PA Replay: Bobby Witt Jr. — From MLB Son to MLB Star
2w ago00:42:50Tap to summarizeIn 2024, Bobby finished as the runner-up for the American League MVP Award after delivering an incredible season at the plate while also winning his first Gold Glove at shortstop in just his third year in the majors.Not long ago, though, Bobby was playing travel and high school baseball in Colleyville, Texas. Despite being the son of former MLB pitcher Bobby Witt Sr., he took a different path than many of today's top prospects. He never took a private hitting lesson until after high school. Rather than chasing launch angles and home runs (though he hit plenty of those), Bobby focused on making hard contact to all fields, limiting strikeouts, and becoming the most complete player he could be.Bobby shares his approach to hitting, the relentless work ethic that helped him become a Gold Glove-winning shortstop, the lessons his parents taught him about character and humility, and so much more.We're bringing back this replay of our conversation with Bobby Witt Jr.—one that's still packed with valuable and relevant insights for players, parents, and coaches.
Transcribe →177. What's Broken in American Youth Soccer—and How We Fix It with U.S. Soccer Legend Carlos Bocanegra
3w ago00:57:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad sit down with U.S. Soccer legend and former US World Cup Captain Carlos Bocanegra to share his story from his remarkable journey—from playing multiple sports as a kid in Southern California, to starring at UCLA Bruins, becoming MLS Rookie of the Year, competing in two FIFA World Cups, and playing in some of the world’s top leagues, including the English Premier League. He also reflects on the lessons he learned along the way and why playing multiple sports helped shape his athletic career.The conversation then shifts to youth sports, where Carlos offers his passionate assessment of the current youth soccer landscape in America. He discusses the challenges facing youth development, the importance of positive coaching environments, why fundamentals matter more than winning at young ages, and what parents should look for when choosing a sports program for their children.Whether you're a soccer fan, a parent navigating youth sports, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind elite athletes, this episode delivers valuable insights on development, resilience, leadership, and helping kids fall in love with sports the right way.Topics Covered:The impact and excitement of the 2026 World CupCarlos Bocanegra’s path from youth athlete to World Cup captainLife in MLS and the English Premier LeagueThe value of multi-sport participationWhy technical skill development mattersChallenges in youth soccer todayHow parents can identify healthy sports environmentsBalancing development and winning in youth sportsBuilding a better future for young athletesPlus, Carlos shares why he believes improving the youth sports culture is one of the most important opportunities facing American soccer today.
Transcribe →Former USMNT Captain Carlos Bocanegra Breaks Down U.S. Win Over Australia
3w ago00:03:54Tap to summarizeIn this bonus feature, Jeff and former USMNT great Carlos Bocanegra break down the United States’ dominant 2-0 victory over Australia, a win that secured first place in Group D and a perfect record at the World Cup.A must-listen for U.S. soccer fans celebrating another impressive performance on the sport’s biggest stage!
Transcribe →U.S. Soccer Hall Of Famer Carlos Bocanegra Previews U.S. vs Australia World Cup Match
4w ago00:04:59Tap to summarizeIn this special World Cup bonus feature, Jeff continues the conversation with former World Cup captain Carlos Bocanegra.Packed with rich tactical insight and entertaining analysis, this segment is a must-listen for die-hard soccer fans and casual supporters alike as they gear up for the USA's match against Australia.
Transcribe →Former World Cup Captain Carlos Bocanegra Analyzes U.S. Victory Over Paraguay
4w ago00:10:17Tap to summarizeIn this special World Cup bonus feature, Jeff is joined by soccer legend Carlos Bocanegra — former UCLA standout, MLS Rookie of the Year, U.S. Men's National Team captain, World Cup veteran, and U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer.Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan or just beginning to follow the United States' World Cup journey, this segment delivers expert analysis and insider perspective on the USMNT's impressive victory over Paraguay, along with in-depth discussion of other World Cup contenders, key storylines, and the most compelling matchups shaping the tournament.
Transcribe →PA Replay: Former MLS Star & USMNT Player Taylor Twellman
4w ago00:50:18Tap to summarizeFormer MLS star and current MLS TV Analyst Taylor Twellman shares his youth sports story as a multi-sport athlete who played both baseball and soccer in college before going all-in on soccer. Taylor had a prolific soccer career as a 2x Golden Boot winner and MLS MVP. He shares some strong opinions about American soccer, our current youth sports cullture, advice for parents, and advice for coaches.
Transcribe →176. I9 Sports' Madison Gates: How to Give Kids a Positive Early Sports Experience
Jun 900:34:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, hosts Britt and Brad sit down with Madison Gates, VP of Marketing at i9 Sports and former University of Michigan soccer standout, D1 player, and coach.They explore one of the biggest challenges parents face today: how to introduce young kids to organized sports in a positive, healthy way. With youth sports shifting toward earlier specialization, intense travel teams, and skyrocketing pressure, many families feel overwhelmed and worried their kids will fall behind or burn out.Madison shares her personal journey—from multi-sport youth athlete to college star—and discusses the real issues plaguing youth sports: parental “keeping up with the Joneses,” early burnout, overuse injuries, and the loss of simple childhood fun. She explains how i9 Sports offers a refreshing, contrarian approach: fun-first, multi-sport leagues for ages 3–14, with just one practice and game per week, age-appropriate coaching, and a strong emphasis on building confidence, character, and a sense of belonging.The conversation dives deep into i9’s Games for Girls campaign, which aims to get 500,000 girls playing annually by 2030. They discuss survey insights on what girls and parents value most (spoiler: winning is at the bottom), the importance of positive coaching, girls-only programming, and strategies to keep girls in sports through the critical middle school years when dropout rates spike.Whether you’re a parent trying to make the right first sports decision, concerned about burnout, or looking for a more balanced youth sports experience, this episode delivers practical wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice.Tune in for an honest, hopeful conversation that puts kids first.Listen now and visit i9sports.com to find a local program near you.
Transcribe →175. David Pollack: How My Perspective Changed Through My Kids' Sports Journey
Jun 200:46:20Tap to summarizeIn this powerful return episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we welcome back former CFB Hall of Fame and the host of the popular podcast See Ball. Get Ball, David Pollack, three and a half years after his first appearance.Now raising a 17-year-old son who just committed to Clemson football and a 16-year-old daughter who’s a standout basketball player, David delivers raw, honest, and deeply practical insight into how sports parenting evolves as kids move through high school. From shifting roles — moving from “commander” to “coach” to eventually “friend” — to learning how to give your children true ownership of their journey, David explores the challenges, failures, and wins that come with raising athletes.He also opens up about the realities of the modern recruiting process in a transactional, NIL-influenced world, how to support your child without taking over, and why surrounding them with the right people and culture matters more than ever. Finally, David shares candidly about his wife Lindsay’s major brain surgery and ongoing battle with cancer, how their family has grown stronger through adversity, and the powerful lessons in resilience, faith, and perspective they’ve gained.Listeners will hear David’s signature intensity as he discusses:Why parenting gets harder (but more meaningful) as kids gain independenceThe importance of letting kids own their journey — even when it’s uncomfortableHow to balance support with space in recruiting and athleticsBuilding family values that outlast sportsThe power of praying for “hard” things and watching your kids rise through themWhat coaches and parents need to prioritize for long-term success and character developmentFilled with humor, vulnerability, and actionable wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent, coach, or young athlete navigating the beautiful chaos of youth sports.Tune in now and be reminded that the goal isn’t perfection — it’s growth, faith, and enjoying the journey together.Also, check out David's new book...Every Day Counts: Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.
Transcribe →174. Reclassifying - The Controversial Extra Year in Youth Sports
May 2700:26:49Tap to summarizeIn this candid episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad tackle one of the hottest and most controversial topics in youth sports today: reclassification — holding kids back a grade, primarily for athletic advantages.The guys break down:What reclassification really means and how it’s shifting from a rare academic decision to a common sports strategyThe potential benefits for late bloomers and physical developmentThe serious downsides — social and emotional impacts, disrupted friendships, academic considerations, and long-term opportunity costsWhy some high school programs quietly encourage it and how club/travel teams have adapted with grad-year rulesReal talk on whether that extra year actually leads to D1 scholarships or just creates unfair advantagesWith honesty and zero judgment, the hosts share personal stories, coach and athletic director perspectives, and question whether we’re putting athletics above the holistic development of our kids. They also explore the broader trend of older athletes in high school and college sports.This is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and anyone involved in youth sports. The conversation is nuanced, thought-provoking, and far from black and white.What do you think? Have you reclassified your child? Did it work out — or do you regret it? Drop your experiences in the comments or send us a message. We want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly.Listen now and join the conversation.
Transcribe →173. The State of Youth Sports with Aspen Institute's Project Play Director Tom Farrey
May 1900:39:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we sit down with Tom Farrey, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Project Play and a longtime voice in youth sports. With decades of experience and groundbreaking research, Tom shares the latest data on participation trends, the impact of commercialization, early specialization, and the growing influence of NIL at younger ages.Discover powerful lessons from Norway’s remarkably successful youth sports model, why joy and love of the game matter more than wins at young ages, the importance of multi-sport play, and practical ways communities can drive real change through the “power of the permit.”Whether you’re a parent, coach, or youth sports leader, this conversation delivers honest insights, hope, and actionable ideas for building healthier, more inclusive youth sports environments.Tune in for a big-picture look at where youth sports stands today — and where it’s headed.#YouthSports #ProjectPlay #ParentingInSports #AspenInstitute
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