The Sport Fuels Life Podcast

The Miracle League: When the Game Includes Everyone, Miracles Happen

The Miracle League: When the Game Includes Everyone, Miracles Happen

The Miracle League is more than baseball — it’s a movement rewriting what’s possible.

What started with one field in Georgia has grown into 345+ communities worldwide, giving every child, regardless of ability, the chance to play. Through a powerful buddy system, players with disabilities are paired with peers, breaking barriers and building lifelong friendships.

“We’re not segregating that population like they’ve been their entire life… that bond is being built off the baseball field.”

In this episode, you’ll hear inspiring stories — like Lauren’s, who was born blind with brittle bone disease and found freedom through baseball:

“If I could play the game of baseball… I could do anything in this world.”

Tune in to learn how the Miracle League is transforming communities, one swing at a time — and why two new leagues are launching every month to keep the momentum going.

"I'll Find a Way or Make One": Dana Mathewson's Story of Grit and Greatness

"I'll Find a Way or Make One": Dana Mathewson's Story of Grit and Greatness

Champion wheelchair tennis player Dana Mathewson shares her remarkable journey from diagnosis with transverse myelitis at age 10 to becoming America's most accomplished wheelchair tennis player. With candid humor, Dana discusses her initial reluctance toward adaptive sports and how her mother's persistence led her to the court. Her impressive career includes reaching World No. 7 in singles, World No. 4 in doubles, and becoming the first American wheelchair tennis player to win a Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

Dana reveals the competitive spirit and "bulldog mentality" that fueled her success, along with cherished memories from the Paralympic Games. Now navigating retirement—a transition she describes as an athlete's "first death"—Dana is embracing new roles in coaching and philanthropy while discovering her identity beyond competition.

Her guiding philosophy, "I'll find a way or make one," has applications far beyond tennis, offering listeners powerful insights on resilience, problem-solving, and finding your path when life presents unexpected challenges.

Fear Is a Passenger, Not the Driver: Jenn Drummond’s World Record Climb

Fear Is a Passenger, Not the Driver: Jenn Drummond’s World Record Climb

In 2018, Jen Drummond survived a car crash that should have ended her life. Instead, it sparked a world-record journey that would redefine what’s possible—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In this episode, Jen shares how that near-death experience became her “line in the sand” moment, propelling her from business owner and mom of seven to the first woman to climb the Seven Second Summits—the second-highest (and often most technical) peaks on every continent. And she didn’t stop at seven—she climbed nine mountains to account for global boundary disputes.

From transforming her home into a training facility to preparing for death on a freezing Canadian glacier, Jen’s story is one of resilience, mindset, and purpose. She opens up about training during Zoom calls, balancing family with ambition, and learning that progress isn’t linear—it’s acclimatized.

“You don’t get rid of fear,” she says. “But you don’t have to let it drive the car.”

If you’re an athlete, coach, or anyone chasing a big goal, this conversation is packed with inspiration, mindset shifts, and hard-earned wisdom.

Listen now to discover how fear became a passenger—and purpose took the wheel.

The Champion's Mindset: USTA's Dr. Larry Lauer on Mental Performance

The Champion's Mindset: USTA's Dr. Larry Lauer on Mental Performance

The difference between good and great in tennis often comes down to mental skills. Dr. Larry Lauer, Director of Mental Performance for the USTA, has revolutionized how players approach the psychological side of the sport.

"How you do what you do is way more important than the outcome," Lauer emphasizes. "You can't really get the outcome without the process."

As the USTA's first full-time mental skills specialist since 2013, Lauer has witnessed the stigma around mental training diminish significantly. Today's players increasingly recognize mental skills as essential components of athletic development.

His approach centers on collaboration between mental coaches and tennis coaches, creating consistent messaging for players. Effective coaching balances challenge with support: "When you get after a kid... you don't make it personal. You make it about the behavior, never about them as a person."

Lauer champions integrating character development into daily training. Mental skills like resilience, focus, and discipline aren't just performance enhancers but valuable life tools. "If you're resilient and tough-minded, super professional... these character things... need to be part of your training every day."  

Tune in to hear Dr. Lauer break down what it really takes to develop mentally tough, high-performing athletes — and how coaches can lead the way.

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.