 Confidence is not about becoming someone else — it is about learning how to trust, own, and express who you already are.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Ashley Carter for a conversation centered on confidence, identity, and what it looks like to become more fully yourself in sport and in life. Together, they explore the mindset shifts and personal growth that help athletes show up with more belief, more authenticity, and less fear of being judged or getting it wrong.
This episode is especially meaningful for athletes who are still figuring out who they are, how they want to compete, and how to stop shrinking themselves in high-pressure spaces.
Confidence Starts With Self-Awareness
One of the strongest themes in this conversation is that real confidence begins with knowing yourself.
Rather than chasing an image of what confidence is supposed to look like, athletes can begin by understanding what matters to them, what helps them feel grounded, and what makes them most effective. That kind of self-awareness creates a much stronger foundation than trying to copy someone else’s energy or style.
When athletes know themselves better, they often compete with more freedom.
Letting Go of the Need to Perform for Others
This episode also touches on the pressure many athletes feel to be seen a certain way.
Whether that pressure comes from coaches, teammates, social media, or their own expectations, it can easily pull athletes away from who they really are. Ashley Carter shares perspective on how athletes can let go of some of that noise and build confidence from a place of authenticity instead of performance.
That shift can help athletes feel more at peace and more powerful at the same time.
Becoming More Fully Yourself
At the heart of the conversation is the idea that growth does not always mean becoming “more” in a traditional sense. Sometimes it means becoming more honest, more grounded, and more willing to own your strengths, your voice, and your individuality.
For athletes, that can be a game-changer. Competing as yourself instead of as a version you think others want often creates more joy, more resilience, and more lasting confidence.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why confidence begins with self-awareness
Understanding who you are and what helps you perform best. - How athletes can become more authentic in competition
Letting go of outside noise and trusting themselves more. - Why trying to “look confident” is different from feeling it
Building belief from the inside out. - How identity shapes mindset and performance
Competing with more freedom when you feel grounded in yourself. - What it means to be more confidently you
Owning your voice, strengths, and individuality.
About Ashley Carter
Ashley Carter brings a thoughtful perspective to conversations around confidence, identity, and personal growth. Her message centers on helping athletes and individuals better understand themselves so they can show up with more authenticity, belief, and clarity.
Through her perspective and lived experience, she encourages others to stop performing for approval and start building confidence rooted in who they truly are.
