A Three-Part Podcast Series with Ashley’s Dad

Sometimes the most impactful coaching lessons don’t come from famous names or big stages — they come from the people who shaped you long before the spotlight.

In this special three-part series of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley brings her dad onto the podcast for an honest, reflective, and deeply personal conversation about coaching, parenting athletes, and staying connected to the game across decades and roles. From raising and coaching three competitive daughters, to building practices with intention, to finding a new passion in umpiring, this series offers rare insight into youth sports done thoughtfully and with heart.

Together, these episodes explore what it looks like to coach people first — and why that approach lasts far beyond wins and losses.

Dad Chats Part 1: Coaching Experience & Practice Planning with Scott Burkhardt

In Part 1, Ashley’s dad reflects on his experience coaching his daughters through both youth sports and elite competition in basketball and softball. He shares why practice planning was always his favorite part of coaching, how intentional structure creates confident athletes, and the coaching mentors who influenced his philosophy along the way.

This episode highlights:

• Why preparation matters more than hype

• How thoughtful practice design builds trust and confidence

• The role mentors play in shaping long-term coaching philosophies

It’s a meaningful look at coaching with purpose — especially when the athletes are your own children.

Dad Chats Part 2: Raising Three D1 Athletes with Scott Burkhardt

Part 2 dives into one of the most important truths in athlete development: no two athletes are alike.

Ashley and her dad unpack the similarities and differences between three Division I athletes raised in the same home — and how each developed a competitive edge in her own way. From personality to motivation to learning style, this conversation emphasizes the importance of individualization, patience, and adaptability in coaching.

Key takeaways include:

• Why comparison can limit growth

• How to build confidence without forcing sameness

• What parents and coaches can learn from letting athletes be themselves

This episode is especially valuable for parents navigating youth and high school sports with multiple children — or coaches working with diverse teams.

Dad Chats Part 3: How he’s “serving the game” as an umpire

In Part 3, the conversation shifts to a newer chapter: umpiring.

Ashley’s dad shares why he was drawn to officiating, how he approaches calling a “tight” strike zone, and what allows him to stay calm and composed in high-pressure situations. He also offers honest perspective on what umpires appreciate — and struggle with — when interacting with coaches during games.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How umpires see the game differently than coaches and players

• Why emotional control matters on all sides of competition

• What respectful coach-umpire relationships really look like

This episode adds valuable perspective for anyone involved in the game — and reinforces the idea that learning never stops, even when your role changes.

Past Episodes with Scott Burkhardt