Navigating the Mental Game of Recruitment

In this 100th episode, the hosts celebrate their milestone while diving into the mental aspects of recruitment, focusing on how athletes deal with rejection and the pressure of being evaluated. They discuss the importance of managing pressure, transforming nerves into positive energy, and the role of mental performance coaching in the recruitment process.

DJ McMoil from ACG Mental Performance joins the conversation to provide insights on how athletes can navigate the challenges of recruitment effectively. This conversation delves into the mental performance aspects of athletes, particularly focusing on how to manage rejection and build confidence during the recruiting process.

The speakers discuss the fight or flight response in athletes, the importance of evidence-based confidence, and the need for resilience in the face of rejection. They emphasize the significance of self-awareness in goal setting and the necessity for athletes to separate their identity from the outcomes of their performance. The discussion highlights the challenges young athletes face in navigating the competitive landscape of sports and the mental strategies that can help them succeed.

100 episodes is a significant milestone for the podcast.
The mental aspect of recruitment is often overlooked.
Rejection is a common experience in the recruitment process.
Managing pressure is crucial for athletes during recruitment.
Nerves can be transformed into positive energy for performance.
Athletes often feel they are auditioning during recruitment events.
Coaches play a vital role in helping athletes manage pressure.
Virtual meetings are becoming essential in the recruitment process.
Understanding the psychological aspect of recruitment can aid athletes.

Pressure can be viewed as an opportunity for growth. The sympathetic nervous system activates during high-pressure situations.
Confidence is built on evidence of past performance.
Athletes should focus on their strengths to regain confidence.
Rejection is a natural part of the recruiting process.
Self-awareness helps athletes understand their motivations.
Setting tiptoe goals can help athletes reach their potential.
Resilience to rejection is crucial for long-term success.
Athletes often tie their identity to their performance outcomes.
Feedback from unbiased sources is essential for growth.
Parents play a significant role in how children handle rejection.

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About Rush Soccer

Formed in 1997, Rush Soccer is the largest youth soccer organization in the world with more than 60,000 players in 50 countries. Comprised of 175 clubs around the globe, Rush Soccer has cultivated a reputation of excellence on and off the field all while maintaining a local feel in the communities we serve. This expansive global footprint provides unparalleled opportunities for our entire player base to pursue pathways all the way to the highest level of professional soccer. Our breadth and depth of programs support our network of local clubs, coaches, staff, and partners. For more information about Rush Soccer, visit www.rushsoccer.com.

Media Contacts:
Rush Soccer Media Relations
Phone: (833) 546-7874
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com

The game brought us together. The mission keeps us together. Celebrating National Soccer Day as our leaders unite at the Rush Summit at Nike World Headquarters — one vision, one family, one Rush. ⚽ #NationalSoccerDay #RushSummit #RushSoccer

Greatness always finds its way home. Rush x Nike. 2027. We’re proud to announce that Rush Soccer is reuniting with Nike as our global apparel partner beginning in 2027. Nike was Rush’s very first apparel partner back in 1997 - and now, 30 years later, we’re coming back to where it all began. Two of the world’s biggest brands in the game, together again. The best is yet to come. ⚽ @nikefootball @soccerpost #rushsoccer #nike #youthsoccer #nikefootball #soccer

#RushSummit is underway in Oregon🏔️⚽️💙 We are excited to host over 250 leaders around #RushNation for our annual Rush Summit event 🌍 #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer

#RushRapidFire driven by @gocarvana ⚽️🚙 We asked players at #RushFest if they could recognize flags from around the world!🌍 #youthsoccer #rushsoccer #soccer

Thanks to our partner @gocarvana Sofia Sebastian from @amarillorush and her family are headed to Charlotte, NC for the All-Star game⚽️💙 Thank you Carvana!💙 #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #allstargame #soccer

Rush Core Values driven by @gocarvana ⚽️🚙 July is a reminder of ALL of the #RushCoreValues 🤝💙 #rushsoccer #soccer #youthsoccer #carvana

Rush Nation, the future of the game is brighter when more girls stay in it. ⚽✨ That’s why @elfcosmetics @soccergirl and @nwsl are giving girls and gender-expansive youth ages 13–18 the chance to experience life as an NWSL pro for a day. Ready to step into the world of the pros? Tell us what this opportunity would mean to you and apply via the link in our bio by August 16. When you apply, don’t forget to select Rush Soccer from the organization dropdown. #GlowForGlory #rushsoccer

Thank you for everyone who participated in our #WorldCup Prediction Game!⚽️ 🔮 After seeing into the future - our Winner is DRIFT9 out of @amarillorush 🎉 Congrats to our top 5️⃣ out of the following Rush Clubs; @amarillorush @iowarushsoccerclub @kcmorush @plantationfcrush Now it’s time to Get geared up for the Women’s World Cup in 2027🇧🇷 #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer #worldcup2026

Thank you @vitacoco for sponsoring and activating at #RUSHFEST & running the USMNT🇺🇸 kit giveaway from @west.mckennie 🤝⚽️ Congrats to Bennett from @virginiarushsoccer for winning the kit by showing the most Spirit 🧬 at RUSH FEST!! #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #usmnt #worldcup

That’s a wrap for #RUSHFEST 2026🎉⚽️💙 Thank you to all of our players, families, and Rush Staff members from all of our clubs who participated in this years Rush Fest✅ A special shoutout to our hydration partners who powered #Rushfest in @vitacoco 🥥🫶 and also gave away a Weston McKinnie signed USMNT kit🇺🇸 Also, our sponsors in @gocarvana got it on the fun as the winner of the All-Star event in Charlotte later this month was won by one of our very own players from @amarillorush ⚽️🚙 Thank you once again and we hope to see YOU👉in 2027! #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer

The many faces of #RUSHFEST 🫶🧬💙 #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer #worldcup

Fun, Focus, and Smiles at #RUSHFEST 🎉⚽️💙 #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #wearetherush #feeltherush

C U L T U R E 🧬⚽️ #rushfest #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer #wearetherush

#RUSHFEST • The most exciting week in youth soccer🧬⚽️ #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer #wearetherush

The vibes continue at #RUSHFEST 🎉🧬⚽️ #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #rushsoccer #soccer

RushFest Culture🧬🎉⚽️ #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #rushfest #wearetherush #soccer

What’s #RushFest been like for you?⚽️🎉 #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer #wearetherush

#RUSHFEST is taking over in Colorado🏔️🎉⚽️ From Coast to Coast players around #RushNation are experiencing what Rush Culture is all about at RushFest 2026🧬 #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer

#RUSHFEST 🎉2026 powered by @vitacoco 🥥 The block party, opening ceremonies, and watch party set the players up for an awesome week of soccer!⚽️ #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer

Its a @vitacoco type of Summer⚽️🥥💙💚 #summer #vitacoco #rushsoccer #worldcup #hydration

USA🇺🇸 v BELGIUM🇧🇪 #RushFest Watch Party • Big Screen • right after Opening Ceremonies🎉 THE COUNTDOWN TO RUSHFEST BEGINS….🕚🥳 #worldcup #usa #usmnt #rushsoccer

FREEEEEDOM!🇺🇸🗽 Have a very safe & Happy July 4th Weekend! #independenceday 🌟🔴⚪️🔵 #july4 #july4th #braveheart #rushsoccer

For the love of the game 💙⚽️ #bleedblue #wearetherush #rushsoccer #rooftopper #nyc

Obviously what Mauricio Pochettino was showing the @usmnt ⚽️🇺🇸😂 #usmnt #worldcup #rushsoccer #rushfest #youthsoccer

The lore continues to grow…🌱 @alaskarush Alumni @obed.vargas has appeared in all 4 of Mexicos🇲🇽 World Cup matches so far - and he’s only 20 years old👀 Obed is the FIRST and ONLY player from Alaska to be rostered and appear in the @fifaworldcup 🏆 Obed started his pro career with the @soundersfc and recently signed to @atleticodemadrid in Spain🇪🇸 Legendary💙⚽️ #worldcup #rushsoccer #mexico #obedvargas #alaska

You’re not that guy, pal 👉 😂 #rushsoccer #sophiecunningham #soccermeme #youthsoccer #trendingmemes

Rush Soccer has officially entered the @guinnessworldrecords ✅ Last month at @therushopen San Diego - players at the event (from any club) had the opportunity to take part of the Where Football Lives @_footballworldrecord World Record Attempt! We did it! #RushSoccer does it like no other club⚽️ Thanks to our players who participated to make history!! #wearetherush #youthsoccer #recordbooks

Your family’s All-Star moment starts here ⚽⭐ @gocarvana and Rush Soccer are giving one lucky family the ultimate VIP soccer experience in Charlotte! Visit RushSoccer.com for your chance at winning this incredible experience.

TOMA NYC 🗽⚽️ Shout out @nikefootball @nikenyc & @_ronaldinho49

@westlakerush Welcome to the #RushFamily 💙 Hear from Executive Director Victor DeOliveria & why Westlake decided to choose @rushsoccer ⚽️💙🙏 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer

Congratulations to the Rush Boys Teams who helped qualify their Rush club into the postseason in their respective leagues!⚽️🏆 33 teams are playoff bound in their respective leagues: @mlsnext Homegrown & Academy Leagues @ecnlboys & @theecnl RL @nationalpremierleagues - soon to be the @national1league & the @eliteacademyleague 🙏 Way to go boys, bring it home!🏆💙 #RUID #rushsoccer #wearetherush #playoffs #youthsoccer

Congratulations to the Rush Girls Teams who helped qualify their Rush club into the postseason in their respective leagues! With 40 teams headed to the playoffs in either @theecnl RL , the @girlsacademyleague , the @dp_league and @nationalpremierleagues (soon to be National 1 League), the Rush Girls are representing #RushNation all across the country!🇺🇸 Go Get It! #wearetherush #rushsoccer @rushunion

Rush Nation continues to grow. Our newest club is here. Welcome @westlakerush to the Rush Family💙⚽️ #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #palmbeach #floridasoccer

Happy Fathers Day to all & especially all our Soccer Dads⚽️ #fathersday #happyfathersday #youthsoccer #soccer

The #RushSelect Pathway explained💭 We are giving players in #RushNation more chances than ever to be scouted⚽️ #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer

#RushRapidFire driven by @gocarvana ⚽️🚙 We asked players at @therushopen who they thought would win the 2026 FIFA #WorldCup 🌏🏆 Comment who YOU think will win!! #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #ᴡᴏʀʟᴅᴄᴜᴘ2026

#RushSelect is an elite player pathway and this year we are giving players more chances than ever to be scouted🔍⚽️ Earn your Stripes & Rep your Region🙌 In 2027, we are sending our top U15 teams to @therushopenspain 🇪🇸 Check the linktree in our bio to learn more about Rush Select. #wearetherush #pathtovictory #youthsoccer #playerpathway

A second Rush Select Midwest Regional Center & College ID Camp is taking place in Blaine, Minnesota in August! ⚽️ #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #rushselect #playerpathway @centrallakesrush @rocksoccerclub @iowarush_central

The Rush Select South Center will be live in Pensacola, Florida during the South Rush Cup the last weekend of July! ⚽️ #rushselect #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #playerpathway @rushsoccertournaments #soccer @plantationfcrush @fortlauderdalerushsoccer

The West Rush Select Regional Center & College ID Camp is coming up in Boise, Idaho⚽️ Learn more about #RushSelect in our linktree bio🔗 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #idcamp @natomas_rush @santaclararush @fremontrush

Next week we are hosting a Rush Select Regional Center & College ID Camp in Springfield, Missouri⚽️ Rush Soccer gets players more chances to be seen. #wearetherush #rushsoccer #rushselect #idcamp #collegeidcamp

The Northeast Rush Select Regional Center & College ID Camp is this weekend in Virginia Beach⚽️ Learn more about #RushSelect using the linktree in our bio🔗 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #idcamp

No Team? No Problem✅ Rush Fest is taking registration for individual players if your team is not able to make it! Rush Fest is not only a giant fun coming of age party - but a cultural and soccer experience for players to gain new friends, create new moments - and enjoy #TheRush ⚽️ #rushfest

Rush Soccer Family Ties 🧬 #WorldCup edition 🏆 We have more ties than tags allow. Shout out to: @kickstartrush @dbsinternationalacademy @trinadavis_ @corushsoccer @kharltonbelmar @indiarushsc @tfa_dubai @dimasescazucr @clint_dempsey @oguchionyewu5 @charliedavies09 @bradfriedel @interstars_rush @jordangeli #wearetherush #rushsoccer #soccer #youthsoccer

The 2026 World Cup x Rush Prediction Game⚽️🏆 Check out the rules, place your picks, win @capellisport gift cards✅ Happy World Cup!! #wearetherush #rushsoccer #worldcup #youthsoccer #fifa

Welcome to the Rush Open San Diego 🌴 Rush teams from California, Texas, and Hawaii came out to the first ever @therushopen at Surf Sports Park⚽️ Our hydration partners @vitacoco activated on site🥥providing 3.5x the electrolytes to players at the event, along with several Rush players who contributed to breaking the World Record of Most Players Juggling at one time around the world🌎 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer #soccertournament

Rush Alumni @markmckenzie4 representing the US🇺🇸 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup!🏆 #rushsoccer #rushalumni #usmnt #worldcup #rushplayerpathway

Rush Alumni @obed.vargas is representing Mexico 🇲🇽 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup🏆⚽️ From @alaskarush to the biggest stage on earth🌎 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #mexico #fifa #worldcup

Rush Alumni @cmpulisic x FIFA World Cup 2026🇺🇸 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #worldcup #rushalumni #usmnt

The Rush Core Value of the Month driven by @gocarvana ⚽️🚙 In June, we focus on #TENACITY #rushsoccer #wearetherush #youthsoccer #carvana

Congratulations to 3️⃣ #RushAlumni representing their countries in the 2026 #fifaworldcup ⚽️ @markmckenzie4 & @cmpulisic 🇺🇸 @obed.vargas 🇲🇽 All 3 of these players were in the Rush Soccer pipeline once upon a time. We are so excited and proud to have been a part of their journey that is now on the biggest stage of the beautiful game🏆 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #rushplayerpathway

Can your coach hit a free kick like this? 🥵🫣tag them #freekick #golazo #goal #setpiece #soccer

😂 aura @gavinosland @krewerush #aurafarming #maxxing #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer

GRIT #wearetherush #rushsoccer #soccerclub #golazo #youthsoccer

bleed blue 💙 #wearetherush #ruid #mlue #blue #colors

have a safe & enjoyable Memorial Day 🇺🇸⚽️ #memorialday #youthsoccer #rushsoccer

The @coachesvoice Leaders in Learning around #RushNation⚽️🌏 Check out the leaderboard of the top 5 Clubs! 1. @coastalrushsoccer 2. @chicagorushsoccer 3. @rushunion 4. @bullsrushfc 5. @flatironsrush & shout out to the Top 5 Coaches! Jack Maher - Rush Union Dallas Dickerson - Bulls FC Rush Nathan Murdock - Coastal Rush Brandon Hall - Bulls Rush FC Yaser Salih - Coastal Rush Learn more about Coaches’ Voice x Rush Soccer 👇 https://www.rushsoccer.com/rush-way-of-coaching Follow @rushsoccerdevelopment

the latest version of #RushRapidFire driven by @gocarvana featuring @kcmorush ⚽🚙 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #carvana

For the second consecutive year, the top of the boys #RushPlayerPathway @nkvarazdin in Croatia has qualified for the #europaconferenceleague 🏆 🫵you could be playing on the big stage in Europe as a male Rush player in our ever growing global network🌐⚽️ Congrats & best of luck to the boys representing #RushNation in the Europa Conference League!🇭🇷 #playerpathway #youthsoccer

Try & Try again Grady Hoffman from @starsoccerclubcincinnati B2016 Blue with the persistent effort to (literally) reach his goal⚽️ #soccer #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #golazo

Rush Soccer offers an unparalleled experience as we help develop players, and more importantly; people. #wearetherush #rushsoccer #soccerclub #socceracademy #youthsoccer

@hudl Tips & Tricks ✅ Learn more on how to utilize @hudlsoccer ⚽️ with @thekenskinner & @rushsoccerdevelopment 📝💭💡 #rushsoccer #wearetherush #hudl #sportscamera #hudlup

That mean I’m way UP🔝🐐🥷 @lindseyhoran10 🫶

OLIMPICO⚽️ Colbie LeClaire from @connecticutrush with the awesome bending goal off the corner! #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #olimpico #golazo

Happy Mothers Day 🌸 Thanks to all the Mothers who dedicate time to be a Soccer Mom⚽️💙 #mothersday #soccermom #happymothersday #wearetherush #tushsoccer

Rush Alumni @felix_10gomez (currently playing with the @lafc_2 ) put on a show at @thevertexcup last month in Miami helping the U16 Mexican National Team 🇲🇽 defeat Argentina in a 3-2 comeback victory⚽️ credit to @footyaccess covering the event & capturing this epic moment from our very own @calirushsoccer Alum #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccer #footy

Life lessons happen every day, in all types of ways. Be a part of the best youth sports experience in the world with Rush Soccer. #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccerclub #socceracademy

The #RushCoreValue of the Month driven by @gocarvana 🚙⚽️ We’ve dedicated the month of May for #PASSION 🔥 #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #carvana

The Rush Open Spain 🇪🇸 2026 was an epic adventure in Salou at the magnificent @mediterraneansportshub ⚽️ @rushsoccertournaments & @spainrush_spf put on an amazing event with teams from all over the world🌎 Get ready for 2027! #rushsoccer #wearetherush #soccertournament #youthsoccer #soccer @dripfc @footyaccess @buyingsandlot @socceryouthusa

More images from The Rush Open Spain🇪🇸 The ups, the downs, the smiles, the frowns; This is the beautiful game we all love⚽️ #wearetherush #rushsoccer #therushopen #socceracademy futbolacademy

The squads at @therushopenspain came to play. Competition, beautiful weather & facilities, this weekend has been one for the memory books. Tomorrow is CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY⚽️🏆🇪🇸 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #soccer #youthsoccer #futbol

@therushopenspain 🇪🇸⚽️ DAY TWO! #rushsoccer #wearetherush #youthsoccer #socceracademy #tournament

Day 2 at @therushopenspain 🇪🇸 at the beautiful @mediterraneansportshub ⚽️ Teams are bringing the Hype on their Quest for the top prize🏆🥇 #therushopen #rushsoccer #soccer #youthsoccer #wearetherush

The Rush Open Spain 🇪🇸 Day One ✅ #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #socceracademy #laliga #wearetherush

Clubs from all over the world 🌎 are showing out and bringing their cultures, skills, and passion for the game at @therushopenspain 🇪🇸⚽️ #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #socceracademy #soccer #futbol

Day One of the #RushOpenSpain 🇪🇸 has kicked off! @therushopenspain has 9 different countries representing teams participating in Salou!⚽️ Teams are enjoying the beautiful @mediterraneansportshub fields & facilities! Follow @rushsoccertournaments 🏆 for updates throughout the event! #rushsoccer #wearetherush #youthsoccer #socceracademy

Passion. Purpose. Rush #wearetherush #rushsoccer

Become a part of something bigger than your local soccer club. #WeAreTheRush

Enjoy your weekend💙⚽️🧊 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #iceman #drake #youthsoccer

where the trails of Passion & Purpose meet: begins the Path to Victory⚽ #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #youthsoccerclub #soccerclub

Check out this months @hudl Highlight of the Month⚽️ Adan Rodriguez from @coloradorushcos makes an amazing save covering for the GK who also made a great stop towards the edge of the 18! This is teamwork. This is Rush Soccer. In the DNA🧬 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #hudl #hudlup #soccerhighlight

Thanks for having grass and land to play soccer on, Earth!⚽🌎 #happyearthday #earthday #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #earthdayeveryday

The @coachesvoice Leaders in Learning around #RushNation⚽️🌏 Check out the leaderboard of the top 5 Clubs! 1. @coastalrushsoccer 2. @alabama_rush_soccer 3. @chicagorushsouth 4. @marylandrushsc 5. @rushunion & shout out to the Top 5 Coaches! Adonay Jovel - @utah_rush Dallas Dickerson - @bullsrushfc John W Hurd - Maryland Rush Soccer Joe Snyder - Coastal Rush Jack Maher - Rush Union Soccer Learn more about Coaches’ Voice x Rush Soccer 👇 https://www.rushsoccer.com/rush-way-of-coaching

When you are a part of Rush Soccer, you are part of one big family. #wearetherush #youthsoccer #youthsoccerclub #youthsocceracademy #rushsoccer

The 2026 @rushwisoccer Spring Classic is in full swing!⚽️ #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #wisconsinrush #wisconsindells #tournament

on & off the pitch #RushSoccer has you covered⚽ #wearetherush #youthsoccer #soccerlife #soccerplayer

#WeAreTheRush 🔵⚪️⚽️ #youthsoccer #rushsoccer #soccerlife #soccerplayer

#RushRapidFire driven by @gocarvana featuring @blountunitedrushsc #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #carvana

The beautiful game⚽️🔥 Lucas Pachon from @coloradorushcos #rushsoccer #wearetherush #youthsoccer #deeney #golazo

The best environments bring out the best in people. At Rush Soccer, players are pushed to grow, supported by those around them, and able to enjoy the process because of the standard that’s set and continuously raised. This growth extends far beyond the field at the end of the day. #wearetherush #rushsoccer #soccerclub #youthsoccer #youthsoccerclub

We are The Rush⚽ #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccerplayer #soccerclub

Smile😬📸 #wearetherush #rushsoccer #soccerweekend #soccermoments #youthsocceracademy

Rush Soccer creates a cultural community that feels like Family⚽ #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccerplayer #soccerlife

Weekend Tips #weknowball ⚽️ #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #wearetherush #soccerlife

Rush prepares Players to become better People, on & off the pitch⚽ #wearetherush #rushsoccer #YouthSoccer #soccerclub #soccerteam

New Tournament? 600 Team tournament? @rushsoccertournaments can handle all operations for your event, from marketing, scheduling, and running the event the weekend of or select from a number of options of we offer a-la-carte for clubs! # Send an email to Brian Kukla at bkukla@rushsoccer.com to learn more✉️ #rushsoccer #wearetherush #soccertournament #youthsoccer youthsports

Rush develops players into better people. One Unit. One Family. We are the Rush. #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccerplayer #soccerlife

#RushFest 2026 ⚽️ x @vitacoco 🥥 = loco⚽️🎉 #rushsoccer #wearetherush #youthsoccer #vitacoco

Development is the standard; but our environment is what makes it meaningful. At Rush Soccer, players are challenged every day while building relationships that push them, support them, and make the process enjoyable. Be part of a player-centered environment. #wearetherush #rushsoccer #youthsoccer #soccerlife #soccerplayer