What if the most important part of your performance isn’t your swing — but the voice guiding it?
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley is joined by Skylar Wallace, a standout at the Florida Gators Softball, for a powerful conversation on mindset, self-belief, and competing with clarity. Originally shared with members of Ashley’s Virtual Hitting Academy, this discussion dives deep into how elite athletes learn to manage their inner dialogue and show up with confidence in big moments.
Skylar offers honest insight into the mental skills that help her compete freely — and why mastering the voice inside your head can be a game-changer at every level.
Why the Inner Voice Matters
Every athlete has an internal narrator — the difference is how they respond to it.
Skylar explains how becoming aware of her inner voice allowed her to shift from doubt to intention, especially in high-pressure situations. Rather than trying to silence negative thoughts, she focuses on redirecting them, choosing language that supports confidence, focus, and trust in her preparation.
This episode reinforces that mindset isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being intentional.
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Playing Free by Betting on Yourself
Confidence isn’t accidental — it’s practiced.
Skylar shares how “betting on yourself” shows up in her preparation, her approach in the box, and her willingness to stay aggressive even after failure. She discusses how learning to compete from a relaxed, flow state allows her to stay present and responsive instead of tense and reactive.
Imagery and visualization play a key role in this process, helping her mentally rehearse success before stepping into competition.
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What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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How to recognize and reshape your inner dialogue
Turning self-talk into a competitive advantage. -
What it means to truly bet on yourself
Competing with belief, even when results aren’t guaranteed. -
How to access a relaxed flow state
Letting go of tension and trusting the work you’ve done. -
Why imagery supports confidence and execution
Seeing success before it happens. -
How mental skills elevate physical performance
The connection between mindset and consistency.
About
Skylar WallaceÂ
Skylar Wallace is a collegiate softball standout known for her competitiveness, presence, and mental toughness. As a leader within the Florida Gators program, she exemplifies what it looks like to pair physical preparation with intentional mindset work.
Her approach to mastering self-talk, visualization, and flow continues to set a powerful example for athletes looking to elevate both performance and confidence.
Connect with Skylar:
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Instagram: @skylar.wallace
