Sports

Elevate 2 Great

Elevate 2 Great is the podcast for athletes, sports organizations, and sports business leaders who want to build powerful brands, gain real exposure, and grow their impact both on and off the field.

Hosted by the team behind Factory // 11, this show breaks down the strategies shaping the modern sports industry. From athlete branding and recruiting exposure to digital marketing, NIL opportunities, and fan engagement, each episode explores what it takes to stand out in today’s competitive sports landscape.

You’ll hear conversations with athletes, coaches, sports executives, and industry leaders who are building successful programs, developing elite athletes, and creating brands that attract real opportunities.

If you’re serious about growing your brand, your program, or your athletic career, this podcast will give you the insights, strategies, and mindset needed to elevate your game.

Want help growing your brand, program, or athlete exposure?

Book a coaching session with the Factory // 11 team:
https://factoryeleven.net/coaching-session/

Latest Episodes:

Why Confidence Isn’t Enough: Building a Mentally Tough Athlete Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

Confidence isn’t enough when the pressure rises.
In Episode 13 of Elevate 2 Great, Trey Fowler sits down with mental performance consultant Donovan Martin to explore how athletes build mental toughness through preparation, self-awareness, and emotional control.
Donovan brings two decades of experience working with high achievers, including NFL and NBA players, Division I athletes, and Fortune 500 professionals.
In this episode:
• Build belief through preparation and consistent actions.
• Practice an emotional reset to move forward after mistakes.
• Learn how coaches and parents can support athletes without adding pressure.
Connect with Donovan:
https://donovanmentalperformance.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovan-martin-a0112975
https://www.instagram.com/martin_donovan/ https://www.instagram.com/dmp_elite/
Elevate 2 Great Links & Resources:
Schedule a Free Coaching Session
https://factoryeleven.net/coaching-session
Follow Elevate 2 Great
https://x.com/Elevate2GreatHQ
https://www.facebook.com/elevate2great
https://www.instagram.com/elevate2greatpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@FactoryElevenE2G⁩
Call Us
(404) 594-8470
Want to Be a Guest or Have Questions?
nikki@factoryeleven.net
Chapters:
0:00 Mental Performance with Donovan Martin
7:22 Can Mental Toughness Be Taught?
10:13 What Habits Hurt Athletic Performance?
16:51 What Does Mental Toughness Really Mean?
19:17 How Athletes Can Understand and Manage Anxiety
33:55 Confidence vs. Belief: Why Preparation Matters
39:16 How to Reset Mentally After a Mistake
42:53 How to Handle Nerves Before a Game
46:35 How Parents Can Support Athletes Without Adding Pressure

Why So Many Parents Accidentally Hold Their Athletes Back Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Most parents want what's best for their athlete.
But what if some of the things meant to help are actually holding them back?
In Episode 12 of Elevate 2 Great, Trey Fowler sits down with leadership coach, author, speaker, and Florida PGF State Director Bill Hoopes to discuss the lessons every athlete, parent, and coach needs to hear.
From overcoming childhood adversity and serving in the United States Navy to leading one of the nation's largest girls fastpitch softball organizations, Bill shares how leadership, communication, consistency, and purpose can transform athletes both on and off the field.
Whether you're raising a young athlete, coaching a team, or chasing your own goals, this conversation is filled with practical advice that reaches far beyond sports.
In this episode you'll learn:
- Why parents unintentionally create pressure for young athletes
- How to help athletes build confidence without tying identity to performance
- The importance of consistency over short-term results
- Lessons Bill learned from military leadership
- What families should know about the recruiting journey
- Why leadership begins at home
- How athletes can become the best version of themselves
Connect with Bill:
https://www.leadyourjourney.com
https://www.instagram.com/60forme
https://x.com/60formeLYJ
https://www.youtube.com/@60-ForMe
https://www.tiktok.com/@60forme
Elevate 2 Great Links & Resources:
Schedule a Free Coaching Session
https://factoryeleven.net/coaching-session
Follow Elevate 2 Great
https://x.com/Elevate2GreatHQ
https://www.facebook.com/elevate2great
https://www.instagram.com/elevate2greatpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/@FactoryEleven526
Call Us
(404) 594-8470
Want to Be a Guest or Have Questions?
nikki@factoryeleven.net
Chapters:
0:00 Who Is Bill Hoopes? From the Navy to Youth Softball
7:17 How Rejection Teaches Athletes Perseverance and Patience
16:32 How Coaching His Daughter Changed His Approach to Youth Sports
28:48 How Travel Softball Has Changed for Athletes and Parents
37:21 Why Athletes Should Not Tie Their Identity to Performance
40:13 How Parents Can Stop Putting Too Much Pressure on Athletes
43:35 What Needs to Change in Youth Softball Today
45:53 Why Parents and Coaches Need to Take Care of Themselves
57:08 How Parents Accidentally Hold Their Athletes Back
1:00:45 Why Taking Care of Yourself Makes You a Better Sports Parent

Why Most Athletes Never Fully Recover From Injuries with Dr. Drew Yeager Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

What if the biggest mistake athletes make after an injury is the advice they're most often given?
In this episode of Elevate 2 Great, Trey Fowler sits down with Dr. Drew Yeager, founder of Moveworx Sport and Spine Clinic, to discuss injury recovery, athletic performance, movement, mobility, and the habits that keep athletes on the field.
After suffering multiple injuries that ended his opportunities to play college football, Drew was forced to confront the loss of his athletic identity. That experience ultimately led him to dedicate his career to helping athletes recover smarter, move better, and perform at a higher level.
This episode covers:
• Why injuries impact more than just your body
• The biggest mistakes athletes make during recovery
• Why mobility matters just as much as strength
• How athletes can reduce their risk of injury
• What coaches and parents need to know about long-term development
Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or someone dealing with chronic pain, this conversation is packed with practical advice that can help you stay healthy and active for years to come.
Connect with Drew:
www.moveworxclinic.com
Elevate 2 Great Links & Resources:
Schedule a Free Coaching Session
https://factoryeleven.net/coaching-session
Follow Elevate 2 Great
https://x.com/Elevate2GreatHQ
https://www.facebook.com/elevate2great
https://www.instagram.com/elevate2greatpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/@FactoryEleven526
Call Us
(404) 594-8470
Want to Be a Guest or Have Questions?
nikki@factoryeleven.net

Chapters:
0:00 Why Most Athletes Never Fully Recover From Injuries
2:54 How Injuries Affect an Athlete’s Identity
9:10 What Are the Most Common Youth Sports Injuries?
17:30 How Should Athletes Warm Up to Prevent Injuries?
26:53 Should Young Athletes Play Multiple Sports?
34:28 Why Recovery Is Just as Important as Training
38:32 How Sleep and Stress Affect Pain and Recovery
46:34 The Best 30-Minute Workout for Busy People
53:09 What Is the Most Overlooked Area for Athletes?

The Mental Skills Every Athlete Needs with Heather Larkin, Ed.D., LMHC, MGCP, MPM Aug 15, 2026

Show notes

What separates athletes who perform at their best under pressure from those who fall apart when adversity strikes?
In this episode of Elevate 2 Great, Trey Fowler sits down with Heather Larkin, Ed.D., LMHC, MGCP, MPM, founder of ALL IN Counseling & Mental Performance and Founder & CEO of the Beyond the Game Foundation.
Heather has spent years helping athletes, parents, and coaches understand the mental side of performance. Through her ALL IN Mindset™ system, she teaches athletes how to build confidence, overcome fear, handle pressure, and develop the resilience needed to succeed both on and off the field.
This episode covers:
• Why mental toughness is a skill that must be taught
• How confidence is built through daily mental reps
• The biggest mistakes parents and coaches make
• Why perfectionism hurts athlete performance
• How athletes can respond instead of react to adversity
Whether you're an athlete, parent, coach, or sports organization leader, this episode offers practical strategies that can improve performance while protecting the mental wellbeing of young athletes.
Upcoming Event: Heather and the Beyond the Game Foundation are hosting the Student-Athlete Development & Future Readiness Summit on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 PM at Farmhouse Sports Academy in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Designed for student-athletes in grades 7–12 and their families, the summit will cover mental performance, wellness, leadership, college and career pathways, financial literacy, and more.
Connect with Heather:
http://theallinpro.com
https://beyondthegamefoundationinc.com
https://allinrecruit.com
Elevate 2 Great Links & Resources:
Schedule a Free Coaching Session
https://factoryeleven.net/coaching-session
Follow Elevate 2 Great
https://x.com/Elevate2GreatHQ
https://www.facebook.com/elevate2great
https://www.instagram.com/elevate2greatpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/@FactoryEleven526
Call Us
(404) 594-8470
Want to Be a Guest or Have Questions?
nikki@factoryeleven.net
Chapters:
0:00 - Meet Mental Performance Expert Heather Larkin
4:31 - How Athletes Build Mental Toughness
9:12 - Hard Work, Self-Belief, and Confidence
15:39 - The ALL-IN Mental Performance Framework
20:30 - Overcoming Perfectionism in Sports
28:49 - Visualization, Breathing, and Positive Self-Talk
36:41 - How Coaches Can Support Athletes’ Mental Health
43:08 - What Parents Should Say After a Bad Game
58:41 - The Mental Skills Every Athlete Needs

Why High Performers Burn Out (And How to Prevent It) with Laura Robichaux Aug 01, 2026

Show notes

Why do so many successful athletes, coaches, executives, and high achievers eventually burn out?
In this episode of Elevate 2 Great, Trey Fowler sits down with Laura Robichaux, a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, behavior change strategist, and founder of By Way of Grey.
After building a successful career working with major brands and global organizations, Laura reached a breaking point. Her experience with burnout led her to completely rethink what sustainable success actually looks like.
This episode explores:
• Why high performers often ignore burnout warning signs
• The simple habits most successful people overlook
• How coaches can have a lasting impact on athletes
• Why your identity should never be tied solely to performance
• How to build success without sacrificing yourself
Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, entrepreneur, or executive, this conversation offers practical lessons for building a healthier, more sustainable path to success.
Follow Laura Robichaux
Website: www.bywayofgrey.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bywayofgrey/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Laura_Robichaux
Links & Resources
Schedule a Free Coaching Session
https://factoryeleven.net/coaching-session
Follow Elevate 2 Great
https://x.com/Elevate2GreatHQ
https://www.facebook.com/elevate2great
https://www.instagram.com/elevate2greatpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/@FactoryEleven526
Call Us
(404) 594-8470
Want to Be a Guest or Have Questions?
nikki@factoryeleven.net
Chapters
01:08 How Sports and Coaching Can Change a Life
06:46 The Hidden Cost of High Performance and Burnout
11:40 Why Coaches Must Help Athletes Feel Seen
18:17 The Foundations Elite Performers Often Ignore
22:38 Why Athletes Can't Tie Identity to Performance
24:22 Sleep, Recovery, and the Science of Peak Performance
39:00 Processing Failure, Grief, and Athletic Identity
52:11 The Simple Habits That Lead to Greatness

How One Baseball Dad Solved a Massive Travel Ball Problem with Sean Holbrooks Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a travel baseball parent encounters a problem that nobody seems able to solve?
In this episode of Elevate 2 Great, Trey Fowler sits down with Sean Holbrooks, founder of Pickup Portal, a platform helping players find pickup opportunities while helping teams keep their schedules intact.
After spending years navigating the travel baseball world with his son, Sean saw firsthand how difficult it was for players to find teams and for coaches to fill roster gaps. Instead of accepting the problem, he built a solution.
This episode covers:
• How Pickup Portal connects players and teams
• Why many travel sports parents focus on the wrong things
• Lessons learned from raising an athlete through travel baseball
• What it takes to build a business from an idea
• Why taking risks often lead to bigger opportunities
Whether you're a travel ball parent, coach, athlete, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers valuable lessons about sports, business, and pursuing your passion.
Follow Pickup Portal
https://pickupportal.com
https://www.instagram.com/pickupportal/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556981788989
Links & Resources
Schedule a Free Coaching Session
https://factoryeleven.net/coaching-session
Follow Elevate 2 Great
https://x.com/Elevate2GreatHQ
https://www.facebook.com/elevate2great
https://www.instagram.com/elevate2greatpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/@FactoryEleven526
Call Us
(404) 594-8470
Want to Be a Guest or Have Questions?
nikki@factoryeleven.net
Chapters
00:00 Meet Pickup Portal Founder Sean Holbrooks
03:35 How Pickup Portal Helps Travel Baseball Players Find Teams
06:47 The Biggest Challenges Facing Travel Ball Families Today
10:23 Are Young Athletes Playing Too Much Baseball?
14:29 The 5 AM Routine That Built Discipline and Success
17:20 Leaving the 9-to-5 to Build a Business
22:32 Advice Every Travel Ball Parent Needs to Hear
36:32 Toxic Sports Parents, Recruiting, and Team Culture
50:56 The "What If?" Mindset for Sports and Business Success

What It Really Takes to Reach the Next Level in Baseball with Travis Bergen Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

What does it actually take to go from overlooked to the Major Leagues?
In this episode of Elevate 2 Great, Trey Fowler sits down with former MLB pitcher Travis Bergen (a walk-on turned big leaguer) to break down the real path to high-level success in baseball.
Travis wasn’t a top recruit. He didn’t throw elite velocity early. And he wasn’t handed anything.
But through development, discipline, and learning what actually works, he built a career that took him from Kennesaw State to the MLB, and now into elite player development as Director of Pitching at Maven Baseball Lab.
This episode is packed with real, actionable insight for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to understand what it really takes to reach the next level.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Why most athletes choose the wrong path during recruiting
- The biggest difference between minor league and MLB hitters
- How to actually develop velocity and command (what works + what doesn’t)
- Why routine and preparation create real confidence
- What Travis learned from MLB players during injury rehab
- The truth about why some players make it… and others don’t
🏆About Travis Bergen
Travis Bergen is a former MLB pitcher who debuted with the San Francisco Giants after being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays. A former walk-on at Kennesaw State turned team captain, Travis now serves as Director of Pitching at Maven Baseball Lab, helping athletes develop using elite-level data and training systems.
Links & Resources
Schedule a Free Coaching Session
https://factoryeleven.net/coaching-session
Follow Elevate 2 Great
https://x.com/Elevate2GreatHQ
https://www.facebook.com/elevate2great
https://www.instagram.com/elevate2greatpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/@FactoryEleven526
Call Us
(404) 594-8470
Want to Be a Guest or Have Questions?
nikki@factoryeleven.net
Chapters
0:00 Intro: MLB Pitcher Travis Bergen's Journey to the Big Leagues
1:37 How Travis Bergen Fell in Love with Baseball
4:49 Learning to Handle Failure and Build Mental Toughness
7:20 College Recruiting Mistakes Young Players Should Avoid
10:06 How Strength Training Added Velocity and Changed His Career
19:01 Getting Drafted and Overcoming Tommy John Surgery
25:20 The Mindset Shift That Helped Him Reach MLB
42:23 Starter vs Reliever: How the Routine Changes in Pro Baseball
57:07 How Young Players Can Improve Velocity, Command, and Confidence

Inside the Mind of One of America’s Top High School Pitchers with Matthew Sharman Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

What does it actually take to become elite?
In this episode of Elevate 2 Great, Trey Fowler sits down with Matthew Sharman, one of America’s top high school pitchers, a University of Georgia commit, Team USA athlete, and potential future MLB draft pick, to break down the mindset, discipline, faith, and consistency required to compete at the highest level.
This conversation goes far beyond baseball. Matthew opens up about handling pressure, learning through failure, balancing faith with competition, and the sacrifices required to chase greatness. From mental performance and leadership to recruiting, routines, and identity beyond the game, this episode is packed with lessons for athletes, parents, coaches, and competitors at every level.
In this episode:
- The mindset behind elite athletes
- How great players handle failure and pressure
- The sacrifices required to reach the next level
- Faith, leadership, and identity beyond baseball
Connect with Matthew:
Instagram – @matthew_sharman10
Links & Resources
Schedule a Free Coaching Session
https://factoryeleven.net/coaching-session
Follow Elevate 2 Great
https://x.com/Elevate2GreatHQ
https://www.facebook.com/elevate2great
https://www.instagram.com/elevate2greatpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/@FactoryEleven526
Call Us
(404) 594-8470
Want to Be a Guest or Have Questions?
nikki@factoryeleven.net
Chapters
0:00 Inside the Mind of an Elite High School Pitcher
1:45 How Did Matthew Sharman Fall in Love With Baseball?
5:30 What Makes Great Coaches So Important for Athletes?
9:15 How Do Elite Athletes Stay Calm Under Pressure?
13:45 How Should Athletes Handle Failure and Adversity?
18:45 What Is the Best Mental Routine for Success?
22:00 What Makes Someone a Great Teammate?
25:15 What Separates Good Players From Great Players?
28:45 How Do Elite Athletes Recover and Stay Focused?
33:00 What Advice Would Matthew Give His Younger Self?
36:30 How Did Matthew Commit to the University of Georgia?
39:45 How Faith Shapes Performance, Leadership, and Success

Why Most Athletes Don’t Last (Lessons From a 17-Year MLB Career) with Charlie Culberson Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Why do most athletes fall short… while a few find ways to last?
In this episode of Elevate 2 Great, Trey Fowler sits down with Charlie Culberson, a former MLB player who spent 17 seasons in professional baseball with organizations like the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, and Atlanta Braves.
Charlie wasn’t the biggest or the most recruited. But he built a career that most athletes never reach.
This episode breaks down what it really takes to survive and succeed at the highest level, including:
• How to stand out when you’re overlooked
• The mindset needed to push through failure
• Why most athletes struggle in the minor leagues
• How to embrace your role and stay valuable
• What it takes to handle injuries and setbacks
From early struggles to clutch moments in the big leagues, this is a blueprint for athletes who want to last.
If you're serious about developing as an athlete and creating real opportunities in sports, this episode is a must-listen.
Follow Charlie Culberson
https://www.instagram.com/charlieculberson/
Links & Resources
Schedule a Free Coaching Session
https://factoryeleven.net/coaching-session
Follow Elevate 2 Great
https://x.com/Elevate2GreatHQ
https://www.facebook.com/elevate2great
https://www.instagram.com/elevate2greatpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/@FactoryEleven526
Call Us
(404) 594-8470
Want to Be a Guest or Have Questions?
nikki@factoryeleven.net
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Elevate 2 Great with Charlie Culberson
01:20 Growing Up Around Baseball in Georgia
03:10 Why Playing Multiple Sports Matters for Young Athletes
05:00 Lessons Charlie Learned From His Dad
09:15 Being an Undersized Athlete and Outworking Everyone
11:40 Charlie Culberson’s Recruiting and MLB Draft Journey
18:10 The Reality of Minor League Baseball and Early Failure
23:10 Getting the Call to the MLB and Debuting With the Giants
25:30 Charlie’s Legendary Walk-Off Home Run With the Dodgers
30:15 Is the “Clutch Gene” Real in Baseball?
36:25 Overcoming Injury and Returning After Getting Hit in the Face
46:45 Life After MLB, Broadcasting, and Giving Back to Youth Baseball

What MLB Scouts Actually Look For (From a New York Mets Scout) with Brett Campbell May 15, 2026

Show notes

What does it actually take to get noticed by MLB scouts?

In this episode of Elevate 2 Great, Trey Fowler sits down with Brett Campbell, former MLB pitcher turned scout for the New York Mets, to break down what separates players who get recruited… from those who get overlooked.

Brett has seen the game from every angle.
Player. Scout. Coach.

And what he shares in this episode is what most athletes, parents, and coaches get completely wrong about the recruiting process.

This isn’t just about talent.

It’s about:

How players are evaluated
What scouts actually pay attention to
The biggest mistakes athletes make
And how to position yourself for real opportunities

If you’re serious about playing at the next level, this episode is required listening.

Brett Campbell is also launching Gulf South Academy this fall, a new baseball development academy focused on building complete athletes through elite instruction, development, and mentorship. Learn more at: https://gulfsouthacademy.com

He also continues to lead Power Baseball Gulf South, a travel baseball organization committed to developing players the right way both on and off the field. Follow here: https://www.facebook.com/share/17GcERiQUY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Links & Resources
Schedule a Free Coaching Session
https://factoryeleven.net/coaching-session

Follow Elevate 2 Great
https://x.com/Elevate2GreatHQ
https://www.facebook.com/elevate2great
https://www.instagram.com/elevate2greatpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/@FactoryEleven526

Call Us
(404) 594-8470

Want to Be a Guest or Have Questions?
nikki@factoryeleven.net

Chapters:
00:00 Intro: Former MLB Player & Mets Scout Brett Campbell
05:42 Lessons From Growing Up With a Coach as a Dad
11:43 Brett’s Recruiting Journey, Injuries & Transfers
20:04 Grinding Through Minor League Baseball
27:47 Transitioning From MLB Player to Coach & Scout
36:40 What MLB Scouts Actually Look For in Players
43:53 Why “Process Over Results” Changes Everything
49:02 The Biggest Problems in Youth Travel Baseball
55:57 What Needs to Change in Youth Sports Today
58:52 How Parents Should Behave at Games
01:02:42 Playing Time, Tough Conversations & Player Development
01:11:16 Final Take: Why Failure Is Not Your Enemy

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