Game Changers - Athlete Edition

Grit, Growth, and Kindness: Katie Scott’s Journey from Small-Town Athlete to Pro Soccer

In this inspiring episode of Game Changers Athlete Edition, co-hosts Kortney Harmon and Julie Jones sit down with 17-year-old professional soccer player Katie Scott for a candid conversation about her rapid rise through the ranks—from a competitive hometown sports family to the Kansas City Current, Penn State, and the U.S. National Team. Katie shares her firsthand perspective on what it was like to grow up in an elite athletic household, the value of playing multiple sports, and how her parents’ support (and hands-off approach) shaped her journey.
Listeners will gain insight into the off-field habits that set Katie apart, including nutrition, recovery, and mental skills like the all-important “reset” for moving on from mistakes. Katie opens up about the challenges of injury setbacks, handling the pressure of high-level selection, and the importance of building relationships and a positive team culture. She also discusses leadership, the power of making a difference beyond stats, and the habits and mindset that helped her excel—even when she wasn’t in the starting lineup.
Whether you’re a student-athlete, parent, or coach, Katie’s maturity, gratitude, and wisdom will leave you motivated to approach your own journey with fresh perspective. Don’t miss this episode packed with real stories, mental strategies, and a reminder that greatness is built every day, on and off the field.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk. 


Parenting Elite Athletes: How the Scott Family Nurtured Professional and Collegiate Sports Success

 In this special episode of Game Changers – Athlete Edition, hosts Kortney Harmon, Julie Jones sit down with Karen and Nick Scott, the parents behind rising soccer star Katie Scott. The Scotts share their real, unfiltered perspective on raising not just a pro athlete, but a family of driven competitors. From juggling hectic schedules with four active kids to finding the balance between support and pressure, they dive deep into the family dynamics that helped Katie reach the NWSL and represent the U.S. national team.
Discover their approach to motivation, resilience, and navigating setbacks at high levels of competition—plus, why “having fun” is still their most important advice both for parents and aspiring athletes. The Scotts open up about sibling support, managing parental emotions on the sidelines, letting kids build their own fire, and the difference between living for the game and living a well-rounded life. Whether you’re a sports parent, coach, or athlete, this episode is packed with candid insights and actionable advice straight from a family that’s been at every stage of the athletic journey.
Stay tuned for the follow-up, where you’ll hear directly from Katie about her own journey, but for now, don’t miss the inside scoop from the people who know her best.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk. 


Unlock Your Why: Transforming Mindsets for Peak Athletic Performance - Part 2 of 2

In this episode of Game Changers Athlete Edition, host Kortney Harmon and co-host Julie Jones dive into the powerful topic of finding an athlete's "why." They unpack the significance of understanding personal motivation, which can transform an athlete from saying "I have to do this" to "I want to do this." Julie, with her extensive experience in mental performance, shares insights on how vulnerability and relatable experiences can connect athletes to their sport. They discuss the importance of creating a nurturing environment where understanding one's motivation is key to resilience during challenges.
The episode also highlights the practice of consistently recalling one's "why" through exercises like the Five Whys technique and journaling, which can be crucial for maintaining focus during difficult times. The hosts emphasize how internally motivated athletes are better equipped to handle pressure and stress by employing task-oriented coping strategies. They offer actionable advice for athletes to develop their own distinctive "why" statements and incorporate practices such as intention circles and evidence journals to maintain continuous growth and connection to their goals.
This episode is packed with invaluable insights on merging intrinsic motivation with sports performance, ensuring athletes can endure and thrive in their athletic journeys. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, you'll come away with strategies to better guide and support athletes in uncovering their unique motivations.DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk. 


Unlocking the Athlete's Inner Drive: The Importance of the Why - Part 1 of 2

In Episode 3, Part 1 of "Game Changers - Athletes," hosts Kortney Harmon and Julie Jones dive into the transformative power of understanding the "why" behind athletic pursuits. The episode explores Simon Sinek's Golden Circle, focusing on the importance of identifying intrinsic motivation. As parents and coaches, guiding young athletes to uncover their deeper purpose can positively impact their performance and enjoyment of the sport. The discussion touches on valuable tools, like the "Five Whys" method, to help young athletes and their supporters navigate their personal and athletic journeys. Julie and Kortney share personal experiences, expert insights, and practical advice for both athletes and their support systems, challenging the conventional approach of solely focusing on outcomes. Don't miss this enriching and informative conversation about finding the heart of athletic motivation.Your Why Worksheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kDhRHkmbIFZC7jevzISXnzTQQ66LnXMV/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111305038917686065567&rtpof=true&sd=trueCulture Climate Survey: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BVFaOUYQqyqBImdzg9cK4C18-9MsGrk7/view?usp=drive_link DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk. 


Managing Youth Sports Pressure: A New Perspective

Welcome to the first episode of "Game Changers Athlete Edition" on the My Space podcast. Today, our hosts, Kortney Harmon, a former Division 1 softball pitcher turned high-performance business coach, and Julie Jones, a respected Hall of Famer 20+ year D1 College coach and performance specialist, delve into the crucial topic of supporting young athletes and their parents amidst the pressures of modern sports culture. They explore the developmental stages of youth sports, the importance of balancing competitiveness with rest, and how early sports participation translates into leadership in later life. Julie shares insights from her extensive background in college athletics, while Kortney discusses how her coaching experience shapes her perspective as a sports parent. Together, they aim to provide valuable information, expert insights, and personal experiences to help bridge the gap between daily sports motivation and real-world success. Join them as they tackle the current challenges facing young athletes and provide actionable steps to support and nurture their growth into well-rounded adults. Tune in to discover how to keep sports a source of joy and development for your child.

Connect with Julie Jones on Linkedin
Connect with Kortney Harmon on Linkedin

Want individual coaching? eMail JulieJ@SSBPerformance.com
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk. 


Beyond the Field: The Lifelong Impact of Team Sports on Personal Growth

In this episode of "Game Changers - Athletes," co-hosts Kortney Harmon and Julie Jones dive into the challenges and rewards of being a student athlete and the critical role parents and coaches play in fostering these young talents. From Kortney's personal experiences as a former Division 1 softball pitcher, she emphasizes the importance of teaching quality over quantity in sports practices. The conversation unfolds on how sports teach valuable life skills, such as time management and self-discipline, which can translate into success beyond athletic careers. Julie shares insights from her coaching career, highlighting how dedication and team support help athletes face unimaginable challenges, both on and off the field. Together, they discuss the profound benefits of sports, not just in terms of physical fitness, but in contributing to mental health, social relationships, and long-term achievements. The episode blends real-life anecdotes with practical advice, aiming to inspire and educate parents, coaches, and athletes on building a strong foundation for lifelong success through sports.