Being great at what you do is only part of the equation. At some point, you also have to learn how to trust yourself, use your voice, and figure things out when there is no roadmap in front of you.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Jen Schroeder, former UCLA catcher, entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Jen Schro Catching, for a conversation that goes far beyond what happens behind the plate.
Jen shares how she developed the confidence to use her voice, why she believes so strongly in maintaining high standards, and how a “figure it out” mentality helped her build one of the most recognizable catching-development brands in softball. She also opens up about how motherhood has given her an entirely new perspective on coaching, leadership, and helping young athletes become the best versions of themselves.
Finding Your Voice
Catchers are expected to communicate, lead, and command the field — but finding that voice does not always happen automatically.
Jen talks about learning to trust herself enough to speak up, take ownership, and become confident in what she brings to the people around her. That journey extends well beyond catching and into leadership, business, and life.
For young athletes, it is an important reminder that leadership does not require having all the answers. Sometimes it simply starts with being willing to communicate, make a decision, and trust yourself enough to act.
Developing a “Figure It Out” Mentality
One of the defining themes of Jen’s story is her willingness to figure things out as she goes.
Whether building a business, coaching athletes, or stepping into a new challenge, Jen shares why resourcefulness has been such an important part of her success. Instead of waiting until everything is perfect or someone provides the exact roadmap, she has learned to start, adjust, solve problems, and keep moving forward.
That mentality is incredibly valuable for athletes, too. The game constantly presents situations they cannot completely control, and learning how to adapt rather than panic can become a competitive advantage.
Holding High Standards
Jen also talks about the role high standards have played throughout her career.
There is a difference between expecting perfection and expecting excellence. High standards create clarity around preparation, effort, communication, and how people show up for themselves and one another.
For Jen, those expectations are not about creating pressure simply for the sake of pressure. They are about helping athletes recognize what they are capable of and teaching them to take greater ownership over reaching that potential.
Building Jen Schro Catching
What began with Jen’s knowledge and passion for catching has grown into something much larger.
Through Jen Schro Catching, she has created a community and development system designed to educate catchers and the coaches and families supporting them. Along the way, she has had to become much more than a catching instructor — stepping into the roles of entrepreneur, educator, leader, problem-solver, and brand builder.
Her journey is a great example of what can happen when expertise meets initiative and a willingness to continually learn.
Coaching the Athlete Behind the Catcher
Even in a position as technical as catching, development cannot only be about mechanics.
Jen talks about helping young athletes understand themselves, communicate better, grow in confidence, and recognize the responsibility that comes with their position. Catchers are asked to process an enormous amount of information while also managing relationships with pitchers, coaches, umpires, and teammates.
Helping them become stronger people and leaders ultimately helps them become stronger catchers.
How Motherhood Changed Her Perspective
Motherhood has opened an entirely new chapter for Jen and changed the way she looks at coaching and development.
Experiencing sport and learning through the lens of a parent has given her another perspective on the ways adults communicate with young athletes, set expectations, and encourage growth.
That evolution reinforces one of the central messages of the episode: great coaches and leaders never stop learning. New experiences should challenge the way we think and help us become more thoughtful about the people we are trying to serve.
Becoming the Best Version of You
Ultimately, this conversation is not really about becoming the perfect catcher, coach, entrepreneur, or parent.
It is about understanding your strengths, having the courage to use your voice, maintaining standards that reflect where you want to go, and becoming increasingly comfortable figuring things out along the way.
Jen’s story reminds athletes that their sport can teach them skills that will serve them long after they take off the uniform.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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How to find and trust your voice
Developing the confidence to communicate, lead, and take ownership. -
Why a “figure it out” mentality matters
Becoming more adaptable, resourceful, and willing to solve problems. -
How high standards can help athletes grow
Expecting excellence without demanding perfection. -
What building Jen Schro Catching has taught Jen about leadership
Turning expertise and passion into a business and community. -
Why developing catchers requires coaching the whole person
Building communication, confidence, and leadership alongside physical skills. -
How motherhood has changed Jen's perspective on coaching
Seeing athlete development through an entirely new lens. -
What it means to become the best version of yourself
Owning your strengths instead of trying to become someone else.
About
Jen Schroeder
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Jen Schroeder is a former UCLA softball catcher, entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Jen Schro Catching, where she has built a nationally recognized platform dedicated to developing and educating catchers.
After her playing career at UCLA, Jen turned her passion for the position into a career focused on helping the next generation of athletes better understand both the physical and leadership demands of catching. Through instruction, camps, educational resources, and coach development, she has helped expand the way catchers are taught while creating a community around one of softball’s most demanding positions.
Beyond catching, Jen's work emphasizes leadership, communication, confidence, high standards, and developing athletes as people — principles that have also shaped her journey as an entrepreneur and, more recently, as a mother.
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Follow Jen:
- Instagram: @jen_schro
- Instagram: @jenschrocatching
