Standing out in competitive softball requires more than talent — it takes leadership, preparation, and the ability to consistently bring your best to both practice and competition.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Nicole Trimboli, a three-time All-Big 12 honoree, National Pro Fastpitch All-Star, and championship MVP. With more than a decade of experience coaching at the collegiate level, Nicole shares valuable insight into what separates athletes who get noticed from those who blend into the crowd.
From recruiting advice to building mental toughness, this conversation offers practical guidance for players, parents, and coaches alike.
What College Coaches Look for in Recruits
Having spent 12 years recruiting athletes at the collegiate level, Nicole has seen firsthand what helps players stand out to coaches.
She explains that while skill and performance matter, coaches are also paying close attention to qualities like effort, attitude, communication, and how athletes carry themselves on and off the field. Athletes who consistently demonstrate these traits often leave the strongest impressions during the recruiting process.
Nicole also shares some of the small details that can make a big difference when coaches are evaluating players.
Building Mental Toughness
Softball is a game built around failure, which makes mental toughness an essential skill for athletes at every level.
Nicole discusses several techniques she uses with her players to help them develop resilience and maintain confidence even when things don’t go as planned. By learning how to manage pressure and stay focused on the next opportunity, athletes can turn difficult moments into valuable learning experiences.
These mental habits often separate athletes who perform well in practice from those who thrive in games.
Translating Practice Into Game Performance
One of the biggest challenges athletes face is bringing what they do in practice into competition.
Nicole shares how she structures practices and communicates with players to help bridge that gap. By creating intentional training environments and reinforcing confidence, coaches can help athletes trust their preparation and execute when it matters most.
When athletes approach practice with focus and purpose, game performance often follows.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
-
How athletes can stand out during the recruiting process
The traits coaches notice most. -
How to build stronger mental toughness
Developing resilience and confidence through adversity. -
Ways coaches can communicate more effectively with athletes
Creating environments where players thrive. -
How to translate practice success into game performance
Trusting preparation under pressure. -
How athletes can separate themselves from the competition
Habits that make a lasting impression on coaches.
About
Nicole Trimboli
Nicole Trimboli is a former professional softball player, NPF All-Star, and championship MVP who has spent more than a decade coaching at the collegiate level. As a three-time All-Big 12 honoree during her playing career, Nicole developed the competitive mindset and leadership skills that continue to shape her coaching philosophy today.
Through her work with athletes, Nicole focuses on developing strong fundamentals, mental toughness, and the habits that help players succeed both on and off the field.
Connect with Nicole:
- Instagram: @ntathleticsllc
- Facebook: NT Athletics LLC
