The podcast that brings you interesting and informative discussion on today’s youth sports scene.
Topics we discuss
We have topics that are fresh, interesting, edgy, and FUN. Topics range from “Playing time – what’s the coach thinking?” to interviews with nationally prominent leaders in the youth sport scene.
The Car Ride Home
Interview with Bob Westbrook – founder of A5 volleyball
Playing time – what’s the coach thinking?
Goals of Our Podcast
Our goals are simple. Bring you interesting topics about youth sports. Inform and educate. What to expect in today’s youth sports. What is important? How to get the most from youth sports.
How to help your athlete
How to better understand the coach
New trends and traps
About your hosts…
Sabrina Rodgers – Owner of The Mental Gain
Sabrina Rodgers is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC), volleyball coach, entrepreneur, and co-host of The Full Approach Podcast.
A former dual-sport collegiate athlete in volleyball and track, Sabrina has spent more than 13 years coaching volleyball at both the youth and collegiate levels. She currently coaches for A5 Volleyball Club, the #1 club in the country.
After earning a master’s degree in Sport Administration, Sabrina pursued a second master’s degree in Sport, Exercise, & Performance Psychology to combine her passion for athletics, coaching, and psychology. Today, she is the founder of The Mental Gain, where she works with athletes ranging from youth to the professional level on the mental side of performance.
Through her work, Sabrina helps athletes develop skills such as confidence, responding to mistakes, resilience, motivation, handling pressure, and much more! She is passionate about helping athletes perform at their best while also enjoying the game.
As both a coach and mental performance consultant, Sabrina brings a unique perspective to youth sports. She understands the commitment, challenges, and pressures that athletes, parents, and coaches face, and is dedicated to helping families navigate the journey in a healthy way that still promotes peak performance.
Brynja Thompson – Coach, mom, volleyball player
Brynja Thompson brings more than 30 years of volleyball experience as a player, coach, mentor, and advocate for athlete development. With over 20 years of coaching experience at the recreational, club, high school, collegiate, and national levels, she is passionate about helping athletes reach their potential both on and off the court.
Currently the Boys Head Volleyball Coach at Hamilton High School in Gilbert, Arizona, Brynja has coached with some of the nation’s top programs, including Vision Volleyball Club, Northern Kentucky Volleyball Club, Northern Lights Volleyball Club, and Thomas More University. Her coaching philosophy centers on providing exceptional coaching and positive experiences for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
As a player, Brynja competed at the NCAA Division I level for both New Mexico State University and the University of Florida after a successful youth and high school career that began with Iowa Rockets Volleyball Club. Her experiences as an athlete and coach have shaped her belief in athlete-centered development, leadership, resilience, and lifelong learning.
Through coaching, mentoring, and The Full Approach Podcast, Brynja is committed to helping athletes, parents, and coaches navigate the youth sports journey with confidence, perspective, and purpose.
David Rodgers, Club Director and Coach
David Rodgers has been involved in volleyball for more than 40 years as a player, coach, referee, and club director. Since 1993, he has coached athletes of all ages and skill levels, from beginners just learning the game to nationally competitive players. In 1998, he founded Iowa Rockets Volleyball Club and continues to serve as its club director.
As a coach, David has guided teams to 18 Iowa Regional Championships, helped 12 teams qualify for USA Volleyball Nationals through National Qualifiers, and coached teams that have appeared in six USA Volleyball National Championship matches, winning two national titles. As a referee, he is a Jr National referee and officiates at the club, collegiate and high school levels, giving him a unique perspective on the game from every angle.
David is passionate about teaching all aspects of volleyball, including offensive and defensive systems, individual skill development, team strategy, and player growth. For more than 20 years, he has also focused on the mental side of performance, helping athletes develop confidence, resilience, focus, and the mindset needed to perform at their best under pressure.
Subscribe to receive the latest episodes in your inbox
available on
