The Sport Fuels Life Podcast

Unstoppable: Shelby Baron's Rise to the Paralympic Tennis Stage

Unstoppable: Shelby Baron's Journey to Paralympic Tennis

From struggling to keep up in PE class to becoming a two-time Paralympian, Shelby Baron’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, discovery, and the transformative power of adaptive sports. Born with spina bifida in Hawaii, Shelby found new possibilities through wheelchair tennis—ultimately representing Team USA in Rio and Tokyo.

In this episode, Shelby shares how her introduction to adaptive sports opened doors she never imagined, how a last-minute phone call changed her life, and why the Tokyo Paralympics challenged her in unexpected ways. Now working with USTA player development, she’s paying it forward to support the next generation of athletes.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode offers powerful insights on inclusion, independence, and the joy of sport.

Key Themes:

• Adaptive sports as a life-changing force

• Inclusion in athletics

• Mental resilience & rediscovering joy

• The power of community in Paralympic sport

• Shelby’s ongoing impact through player development

“When I was younger, I didn’t even know what adapted sports were... I definitely did not know that this was the path for me.”

ATP Coach Craig Boynton on Building Champions

ATP Coach Craig Boynton on Building Champions

Great coaching isn’t just about drills and strategy—it’s about connection, trust, and mindset. ATP coach Craig Boynton, who has worked with world-class players like Jim Courier, John Isner, and Hubert Hurkacz, knows that success starts with putting the player first:

"It’s not about the coach—it’s about the athlete."

He helps players balance physical skills ("hardware") with mental strength ("software"), using data-driven insights to refine performance:

"Feelings can lie, but the numbers don’t."

But success isn’t just about grinding—it’s about staying fueled by joy. Whether it’s a high-five at practice or drawing energy from the crowd, happiness fuels performance:

"Pick out someone cheering for you. That energy might be the difference between winning and losing."

✔ Build trust—strong relationships lead to better coaching.
✔ Use data to improve—let numbers guide decisions.
✔ Joy fuels success—happy athletes play better.

Tune in to hear Boynton’s insights on coaching, performance, and the mindset behind building champions.

Game-Changing Coaching: Bill Riddle Previews the National HS Tennis Coaches Conference

Game-Changing Coaching: Bill Riddle Previews the National HS Tennis Coaches Conference

We’re thrilled to have Bill Riddle join us today on the podcast! Bill is not only one of the most well-respected coaches in the country but also played a key role in helping us put together the National High School Tennis Coaches Conference. His passion for growing the game and his wealth of experience have been instrumental in shaping this unique event, and we’re incredibly grateful for his involvement.

Bill is currently the Head Tennis Coach at the University of Tennessee Southern and holds esteemed credentials, including being a PTR International Master Professional and an RSPA Master Professional. With over 30 years of experience in the tennis industry, Bill has made a profound impact on the sport, helping to shape the careers of countless coaches and players. We’re so excited to have him as the host and emcee for this event, and we can’t wait for you to hear his insights on what’s in store.

The National High School Tennis Coaches Conference, presented by Sport Fuels Life, will be held January 7th–9th, from 5 PM to 8 PM EST. It’s a one-of-a-kind virtual event designed to help you elevate your coaching game, connect with other high school coaches, and gain practical tools to lead your team to success. This conference will feature world-class coaches and speakers, offering invaluable insights and inspiration to take your coaching—and your team—to the next level.

For the first time ever, this conference brings together top experts to share cutting-edge strategies, best practices, and actionable insights. Plus, all sessions will be available on-demand for an entire year, so you can watch and learn at your own pace.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as a coach and shape the future of tennis at the National High School Tennis Coaches Conference. Listen in as Bill shares more about this exciting event and what you can expect!

CJ Beatty: From Baseball Dreams to Global Inspiration

CJ Beatty’s journey is the ultimate playbook for resilience, grit, and redefining success. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC, CJ discovered his love for baseball at just five years old. Fueled by passion and relentless determination, he worked tirelessly to elevate his game. A pivotal turning point came when a coach recognized his potential, challenging him to dream bigger and push further. This mentorship not only transformed CJ’s approach to the game but also set him on a path to greatness, playing baseball at NC A&T and eventually being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals.

However, CJ’s story didn’t follow the script he envisioned. When faced with setbacks, he chose to adapt, pivot, and persevere—turning challenges into opportunities and failure into fuel for growth. Known globally as “The Baseball & Softball Motivator,” CJ Beatty has spent years inspiring others through his electrifying YouTube content, professional coaching, and motivational speaking, reaching millions around the world.

In this episode, CJ opens up about his journey—from chasing baseball dreams to becoming a beacon of hope and a global force for positive change. His insights on mental toughness, resilience, and embracing setbacks as stepping stones will inspire anyone striving for their own version of success.

Today, CJ Beatty channels his experiences into being one of the world’s top rising motivational speakers. With an electric personality and a gift for connecting with audiences, he equips others with the tools to build mental toughness and create championship mindsets—whether in sports, schools, organizations, or life.

Tune in to hear CJ’s incredible story and discover why his message continues to resonate on and off the field. Get ready to "stay in the fight" and reimagine what's possible.

Ted Rath: The Blueprint for Peak NFL Performance (Former Eagles VP of Performance)

Ted Rath: The Blueprint for Peak NFL Performance (Former Eagles VP of Performance)

Gain exclusive insight from Ted Rath, former Vice President of Player Performance for the Philadelphia Eagles, as he shares his extensive 16-year NFL journey. From securing two NFL Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year awards to playing an integral role in the Rams' healthiest season and back-to-back Super Bowl runs with both the Rams and Eagles, Rath’s expertise exemplifies innovation and excellence.

Discover how his commitment to outcome-based goals, a process-focused mindset, and holistic training strategies translate into impactful leadership on and off the field.

Rath's story isn’t just about team wins but fostering the support systems and performance strategies that keep athletes at their best. As the first President of the Professional Football Performance Coaches Association (PFPCA), he represents an elite group dedicated to advancing the profession. Ted’s passion extends beyond football; he’s a published author and speaker with a deep focus on personal development and the power of connections.

Don’t miss this episode filled with valuable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and anyone inspired by the pursuit of elite outcomes.

Parker Byrd Doesn’t Let a Prosthetic Leg Stop Him From Playing College Baseball and More

Parker Byrd Doesn’t Let a Prosthetic Leg Stop Him from Playing College Baseball and More

In sports, injuries are an unfortunate reality. While we often brace for accidents on the field, the most unpredictable ones can happen far away from the game.

Parker Byrd's life took an unimaginable turn before his freshman season at East Carolina University when he was involved in a life-threatening boating accident. At just 18 years old, Parker lost his leg—just as he was about to live out his dream of playing Division I baseball.

But Parker’s story didn’t end there. His unbreakable faith, the support of family and friends, and an ironclad determination helped him through an excruciating recovery process. Despite the physical and emotional challenges that lay ahead, Parker refused to give up. In 2024, through grit and perseverance, he made history by becoming the first athlete to play in a Division I baseball game with a prosthetic leg, shattering expectations and inspiring others along the way.

Beyond the field, Parker’s journey has taken on a new meaning. His story isn’t just about overcoming physical challenges—it's about finding purpose, resilience, and using his platform to inspire those who may be struggling with their own setbacks.

Parker Byrd is living proof that no obstacle, no matter how insurmountable, can stop a dreamer with passion and faith. Listen in as we dive into his incredible journey and the lessons he's learned about courage, determination, and never giving up.

From Army Veteran to Pickleball Pro: Jonny “Pickleball” Andrews’ Inspiring Journey

From Army Veteran to Pickleball Pro: Jonny “Pickleball” Andrews’ Inspiring Journey

Today’s episode is all about pickleball—the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.—as we sit down with Jonny Andrews, also known as Jonny Pickleball. From serving his country as a U.S. Army veteran to carving out a niche as a professional pickleball player, Jonny found a new sense of joy, purpose, and community in a sport that has quickly become a nationwide phenomenon.

As a key figure in the pickleball world, Jonny wears many hats. Not only is he a pro athlete, but he’s also a commentator, coach, and director of camps with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). His passion for the sport extends beyond just playing—he’s deeply involved in helping the sport grow and evolve. Jonny shares his unique story of getting involved with pickleball at its early stages, long before it became the sensation it is today.

Through his journey, Jonny highlights the mental and physical benefits of the game and how it's created a tight-knit community where anyone, from veterans to complete beginners, can thrive. His story is one of resilience, inspiration, and the power of finding a new path after service.

Tune in to our podcast to hear how Jonny’s passion for pickleball has shaped his life and the lives of countless others!

ATP Tennis Coach Chris Eaton Shares How He Transforms Teams Into Champions

ATP Tennis Coach Chris Eaton Shares How He Transforms Teams Into Champions

Some say that coaching is both an art and a science.  In today’s Sport Fuels Life podcast, we hear from Chris Eaton, a British professional tennis player who continued his tennis journey as a coach in the U.S. at both the NCAA and professional levels.  He shares how he has been able to successfully influence team dynamics, leading to high-level victories on the court.

Chris Eaton grew up outside London, England, and played tennis for seven years.  A few highlights among his many athletic achievements include qualifying and winning a round of singles at Wimbledon in 2008 and making the third round of doubles in 2010.  He also played for Great Britain in the Davis Cup in 2009.

From 2015 to 2016, he coached Australia’s John Peers and Henri Kontinen from Finland and then coached Wake Forest University Men’s tennis from 2016-2023.  Highlights at Wake Forest included winning a team and individual title with Wake in 2018 along with several ACC titles.  He currently coaches Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury, who have won the US Open doubles over the past three years, World Tour Finals over the past two years, and won the Australian Open.

Coaching athletes to win on the world stage takes a special ability and comes with unique challenges.  Lean how he has been able to turn those challenges into competitive advantages.

Listen in to hear his approach to coaching a team to win championships.

Jean Francois Menard: Mastering High Performance from the Circus to the Olympics

Jean Francois Menard: Mastering High Performance from the Circus to the Olympics

In this Sport Fuels Life podcast episode, we have a very special guest who shares the valuable lessons he learned from working with Cirque Du Soleil.  This extraordinarily demanding contemporary circus provided a master class on high performance.

Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Jean Francois Menard is highly regarded in the field of performance psychology.  At the age of 25 and fresh out of graduate school, he joined the world-famous entertainment company Cirque Du Soleil, where he coached circus artists to handle immense physical pressures and perform their best (up to 450 times a year).  Five years later, he founded Kambio Performance and has since become a sought-after mental performance specialist.

During the past four Olympic Games, the athletes he coached won 17 medals for Canada.  His private clients are proven winners: Olympic gold medalists, X-Games and Super Bowl Champions, surgeons, musicians and corporate leaders.

Jean Francois Menard is a professional speaker for organizations such as the FBI, PepsiCo, RedBull, Cisco, RBC and NASA and is also a bestselling author of two books: "Train Your Brain Like an Olympian" and "Team Chemistry".

His insights on achieving high performance are helpful to athletes, coaches, and more!

Boosting Confidence and Positive Self-Talk with Tami Matheny

Boosting Confidence and Positive Self-Talk with Tami Matheny

If you’re looking for a little extra motivation or confidence, then you’ve come to the right place!  Confidence and overcoming adversity are today’s two main topics.

In this Sport Fuels Life podcast episode, we bring back returning guest, Tami Matheny.  She is a mental game coach, author, and Jon Gordon-certified trainer.  She has a background as an athlete playing basketball and tennis at Lenoir-Rhyne College, as well as coaching men’s and women’s tennis at the University of South Carolina Upstate.  She shares her knowledge to help people in all walks of life (not just athletes) with confidence, motivation, focus, mental toughness, leadership, and teamwork.

Tami emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process, not the outcome.  She shares ways that you can regain confidence and learn to have more positive self-talk.  She also has a new book to check out called Challenge Deeper!

Listen to our podcast to learn more!