Aubree Munro Watson Episode 32-33

What does it take to become an elite catcher, compete on the biggest stages in the sport, and still stay grounded in who you are?

In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Aubree Munro, Team USA catcher, two-time Women’s College World Series champion, and one of the most thoughtful leaders in the game, for a wide-ranging conversation about confidence, preparation, selflessness, identity, and the unique demands of catching at the highest level.

From learning how her mom mastered the postgame car-ride conversation to competing in the Olympics and Athletes Unlimited, Aubree shares the mindset, perspective, and practical tools that have helped shape her into both an elite athlete and an impactful person. This episode offers something for athletes, parents, coaches, and especially catchers who want to better understand how to lead, communicate, and compete with purpose.

Preparing With Confidence and Perspective

Aubree opens up about the importance of preparation and how athletes can approach big tryouts, pressure-filled moments, and important opportunities without getting overwhelmed.

Rather than obsessing over outcomes, she emphasizes focusing on what you can control, leaning into your strengths, and showing up with confidence rooted in preparation. She also talks about how gratitude has become a major part of her mindset and why it helps athletes stay grounded even in high-pressure environments.

For athletes trying to manage nerves and expectations, this part of the conversation is especially valuable.

What It Really Means to Be a Great Catcher

One of the strongest parts of this episode is Aubree’s passion for catching.

She breaks down what makes the position so unique and why great catchers must be more than technically skilled. They must also be communicators, leaders, and problem-solvers. Aubree talks about the importance of building trust with pitchers, knowing when to call time, how to communicate effectively in difficult moments, and why playing selflessly is actually a strength.

She also shares what catchers can say to help reset and support their pitcher, along with why relationships behind the plate are foundational to team success.

Playing to Your Strengths and Letting Go of Stereotypes

Aubree also speaks honestly about not allowing stereotypes or outside expectations to define the way you compete.

She encourages athletes to know their strengths, trust what makes them effective, and stop wasting energy trying to become someone else. This theme runs throughout the episode and reinforces the idea that confidence often grows when athletes stop comparing and start owning who they are.

That message applies not only to catchers, but to every athlete trying to compete more freely and authentically.

Championship Experience, Identity, and Life Beyond the Game

In addition to her role on Team USA, Aubree reflects on her two national championships at Florida and what it was like to compete in the inaugural Athletes Unlimited season.

She also shares a more vulnerable side of her story, including how she lost part of her identity during her time at Florida and what she learned from that experience. Her honesty about identity, purpose, and growth adds important depth to the conversation and reminds listeners that even elite athletes are still learning who they are beyond the game.

Playing for Something Bigger

Toward the end of the episode, Aubree talks about Church on the Dirt, the ministry she and several Team USA teammates built as a way to stay rooted in something bigger than softball.

That piece of the conversation ties together many of the episode’s central themes: gratitude, selflessness, identity, and purpose. It is a reminder that while sport can shape us deeply, it does not have to define us completely.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How to prepare for big tryouts and high-pressure moments
Building confidence through preparation and perspective.
What makes an elite catcher stand out
Leadership, communication, and relationship-building behind the plate.
How to better support and communicate with pitchers
Knowing when to call time and what to say in key moments.
Why gratitude and selflessness can strengthen performance
Staying grounded and connected to the team.
How to play to your strengths without letting stereotypes define you
Competing with confidence and authenticity.
What Aubree learned from Florida, Athletes Unlimited, and Team USA
Identity, growth, and playing for something bigger.

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