The ProPlayer Podcast

by David Gough

Season 5

Episode 68: Season 5: In conversation with...Cathy Gruss "Helping You Bring Your Vision To Life" - this special episode is dedicated to all members of our armed services around the world - "we will remember them"

Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, where we explore the journeys, mindsets, and stories behind high performers from every corner of the world. Today’s guest is someone whose work sits at the intersection of resilience, identity, and the power of the human spirit. I’m joined by Cathy Gruss—an author, speaker, and advocate whose story is one of strength, courage, and transformation. Cathy’s journey is deeply moving. As a survivor, she has taken her life experiences and turned them into a mission—to educate, inspire, and empower others. Through her writing and speaking, she sheds light on the realities of trauma, healing, and what it truly means to rebuild and rediscover yourself after life’s most difficult moments. Her work doesn’t just tell a story—it creates impact. Cathy challenges perspectives, encourages difficult but necessary conversations, and reminds us all of the importance of empathy, awareness, and inner strength. She represents a level of mental toughness and emotional resilience that, in many ways, mirrors what we talk about in sport—but in a far more profound, human context. In this episode, we go deep. We talk about adversity, mindset, recovery, and the lessons that athletes, coaches, and leaders can take from experiences that go far beyond the pitch. This is a conversation about perspective, about gratitude, and about what really matters. This is one of those episodes that stays with you. More Info at https://cathygruss.com Let’s get into it. And before we begin, I want to take a moment to dedicate this episode. As this conversation was recorded around Remembrance Sunday, we dedicate this episode to all members of the military who have served and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Your courage, your commitment, and your willingness to stand for something greater than yourselves will never be forgotten. This episode is a reminder of perspective—of sacrifice, resilience, and service. We honour you, we remember you, and we thank you.

S5 · E68

Mar 24, 2026

1:34:13

Episode 67: Season 5: In conversation with...Angela Crawford PHD "helping leaders and organizations unlock growth from the inside out."

Welcome back to The Pro Player Podcast, the show where we dive into the minds, journeys, and high-performance habits of individuals operating at the very top of their game. Today’s guest is someone who brings a completely different—but incredibly powerful—perspective on performance, leadership, and what truly drives people to succeed. I’m joined by Dr. Angela C. Crawford, a founder, consultant, executive coach, and leadership expert with over two decades of experience working at senior levels within Fortune 500 organizations. Throughout her career, Angela has worked across financial services, healthcare, technology, government, education, and retail—giving her a unique, 360-degree understanding of how individuals and teams perform in high-pressure environments. What makes this conversation especially fascinating is Angela’s global lens. She’s conducted research on workplace motivation across 23 countries, exploring what really ignites passion and purpose in people. That research, combined with her PhD work published in the Journal of Service Research, forms the foundation of the work she does today—helping leaders and organizations unlock growth from the inside out. She’s also the creator of the Leaders SUCCEED Together© program, an integrated system designed to elevate leadership, strengthen culture, and drive meaningful, sustainable performance across teams. In this episode, we go deep into leadership, mindset, motivation, and how principles from the corporate world translate directly into sport and high-performance environments. Whether you’re a player, coach, or leader in any field, there’s something in this conversation for you. This is a powerful one—let’s get into it.

S5 · E67

Mar 24, 2026

55:04

Episode 66: Season 5: In conversation with...Georgia Evans Rugby Superstar "its about more than the bow"

Get ready for an inspiring kickoff to Season 5 of The Pro Player Podcast with our very special guest, Georgia Evans! 🌟 Georgia is a powerhouse of women’s rugby — a Welsh international playing for both the Wales women’s national rugby union team and Saracens in the Premier 15s. Born on January 29, 1997, she fell in love with rugby at age 16 and has since risen through the ranks to become a key figure in elite women’s sport. Since making her Wales debut in 2020, Georgia has earned over 40 caps and represented her country at major tournaments including the Women’s Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup. Off the field, she holds a master’s degree in strength and conditioning and is known for her fierce competitive spirit and authenticity — both on and off the pitch. You’ll also hear the story behind Georgia’s signature bow — a colourful ribbon she wears in her hair during matches as a bold expression of her personality and femininity. It’s become a symbol of self-expression and confidence in a traditionally male-dominated sport, and Georgia has used it to challenge stereotypes and inspire young fans to be unapologetically themselves. Tune in for her insights on elite performance, resilience, and what it takes to succeed in pro rugby!

S5 · E66

Jan 14, 2026

59:09

Season 4

Episode 65: Season 4: In conversation with...James Thomas Newcastle United Women Academy Manager

James Thomas joined Newcastle United to oversee our Professional Game Academy, having previously spent three years as Academy Manager at Bristol City Women. During his time with the Robins, they were noted as the most productive women’s academy in the game by an FA Productivity report, with a host of players making it into their first team via the pathway. Most recently, he was manager of Gwalia United in the Women’s National League South, and he also has international managerial experience as an assistant coach of Wales and as Head Coach with Trinidad and Tobago Women. Today he is sharing his insight and expertise from a life lived in professional football in the hope his journey can inspire and add support to all the aspiring coaches who find this episode.

S4 · E65

Jan 14, 2026

1:01:10

Episode 64: Season 4: In conversation with...Samuel Fagerholm (Assistant Coach ACF Fiorentina Femminile in Serie A)

“Welcome to The Pro Player Podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys of elite athletes and coaches—those who’ve stepped into the spotlight, carved their paths, and now share their stories. I’m your host David Gough and today I’m thrilled to introduce someone who embodies transformation, ambition and the drive to lead. Samuel Fagerholm is not your typical coach. Born on the Åland Islands and armed with a UEFA Pro License, Samuel has coached at the highest level across Scandinavia, and now finds himself blazing a trail in Italy with the women’s game. From playing as a defender in his early days to managing champions and rebuilding teams, his story is one of resilience, adaptability and vision. His coaching career took a defining turn when he took over his hometown side, Åland United in Finland in 2018. Under his stewardship, in 2020 the club captured both the national league and the cup — a feat described as nearly “impossible” by the sporting director given the club’s remote island status. One favorite line of his: “We set up for a journey to become the best team in Finland … this year we managed to win” — a quote he shared on LinkedIn to mark the end of that breakthrough season. Today we’ll explore Samuel’s philosophy: how he builds a winning mindset in teams, how he handles pressure, how he cares for the human side of performance. Whether you’re a player, coach or just someone chasing excellence in your field, there’s something to learn from his path. So settle in, press play, and join us as Samuel Fagerholm draws back the curtain on the world inside the technical area—the high-stakes moments, the turning points, the setbacks and the breakthroughs. Let’s get into it.”

S4 · E64

Nov 19, 2025

52:29

Episode 63: Season 4: In conversation with...Rob Porter "The Sunday Share".

Today on The Pro Player Podcast, we’re joined by a coach whose fingerprints can be found across every level of the English football landscape — from the first spark of a young player’s passion to the competitive fire of senior football. Rob Porter, Oxford United’s Advanced Programme Lead Coach, embodies what it means to live and breathe player development. Rob’s coaching journey spans an incredible breadth of environments. With UEFA B, the FA Youth Award, and the prestigious National Goalkeeper Award, he’s built a coaching toolbox grounded in technical excellence, psychological insight, and a true appreciation for long-term player growth. He’s served as an FA Grassroots Casual Coach Developer, sharing knowledge and elevating standards for coaches across the country. Over the years, Rob has guided players from pre-academy football all the way through open-age competition. His experience includes time in RTC leagues, grassroots systems, and even on the touchline during FA Cup and FA Plate fixtures. And that impact is measurable — several players under his guidance have gone on to first-team football and earned international youth call-ups. But Rob’s influence extends far beyond the pitch. He’s a published author and a dedicated educator, providing coaching content through articles, podcasts, and webinars that have supported thousands of developing coaches. His voice in the coaching community is trusted, thoughtful, and rooted in years of hands-on experience. Today, we’re diving into the mindset behind his work — the principles that shape his coaching, the lessons he’s learned across different levels of the game, and the philosophies that continue to drive him forward at Oxford United. Whether you’re a coach, a player, or simply someone who loves the game, you’re about to learn from one of the most committed development-minded coaches in modern English football. Let’s welcome Rob Porter to the show.

S4 · E63

Nov 18, 2025

57:24

Episode 62: Season 4: In conversation with...Pete Sturgess - "The Godfather of the Foundation Phase"

Today on The Pro Player Podcast, we welcome a true architect of modern player development—Pete Sturgess, a name that resonates with anyone who follows the evolution of youth football in England and beyond. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the FA’s coaching system, Pete has spent decades shaping the way young players learn, think, and express themselves on the pitch. His vision helped redefine the early player pathway, emphasizing creativity, freedom, and emotional intelligence in a sport that too often focuses only on structure and results. As the mastermind behind the FA’s Foundation Phase DNA, Pete built a framework that has inspired thousands of coaches and supported the rise of some of the brightest talents in English football. His work has shifted the culture around youth development, championing environments where children feel empowered to play with joy, confidence, and imagination. From grassroots volunteers to academy coaches at the very top level, his influence is felt in training sessions, club philosophies, and coaching education throughout the game. But beyond the accolades and the impact, Pete is widely admired for his humility, his curiosity, and his unwavering commitment to serving the next generation of players. He sees football not just as a sport, but as a vehicle for human growth—where character, resilience, and love for the game matter just as much as technique or tactics. In this conversation, we dive deep into his journey, his guiding principles, and the lessons he’s gained from a lifetime dedicated to developing young people through football. Whether you’re a coach, a parent, a player, or simply someone who loves the sport, Pete’s wisdom will leave you inspired and thinking differently about the beautiful game. Please enjoy this special episode with Pete Sturgess.

S4 · E62

Nov 16, 2025

1:04:25

Episode 61: Season 4: In conversation with...Larissa Mills - What you didn't know "YOU NEED TO KNOW" about our athletes and their cell phones

Welcome to this episode of The Pro Player Podcast, Where we dive deep into the mindset that sets champions apart—not just in sport, but in life. I’m your host David Gough and today I’m honored to introduce you to a woman whose work is redefining how we think about peak performance and holistic development in athletes, especially in relation to their cell phone and tech usage: Larissa Mills. Larissa is the driving force behind The Mental Game Academy, a dynamic program born out of her 25-plus years of coaching across multiple sports and her educational expertise in sociology, psychology and the science of learning. With a B.A. in Sociology & English and a Master of Science in Education focused on behavioural management and brain functionality, Larissa has spent her career bridging high-level athletic coaching with a deep understanding of how technology, parenting and mental habits shape our young people’s potential. thementalgameacademy.ca What drives her? As a mother of three growing up in this tech-fueled era, Larissa was alarmed by how many athletes—so talented, so full of promise—were being held back not by lack of ability, but by the silent obstacles of social-media overload, poor digital habits, and weak emotional foundations. That curiosity propelled her into the creation of The Mental Game Academy: a hybrid educational platform that doesn’t just train bodies, but nurtures resilient minds, strong character, and lifelong skills. thementalgameacademy.ca In our conversation today, we’ll explore how Larissa helps athletes and teams build a “mental advantage,” strategies for parents and coaches to support the next generation, and the impact of modern life on performance and wellbeing. So whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a parent—or simply someone curious about unlocking human potential—get ready for an insightful dialogue that will challenge your assumptions and elevate your game. Let’s jump in.

S4 · E61

Oct 27, 2025

57:11

Episode 60: Season 4: In conversation with...Michelle Betos "The first goalkeeper ever to score in the National Women's Soccer League" (NWSL)

Michelle Betos is a seasoned professional goalkeeper whose career reflects resilience, leadership, and a deep passion for the game. A standout at the University of Georgia, she quickly made a name for herself as a tenacious shot-stopper with sharp instincts and a commanding presence in the box. After college, Betos began her professional journey with stints in the USL W-League and abroad in Europe, including time in Norway with Avaldsnes IL. Her breakthrough came in the NWSL, where she played for multiple clubs including Seattle Reign FC, Portland Thorns FC, and Racing Louisville. At Portland, Betos became a fan favorite, famously scoring a stoppage-time equalizer in 2015 — the first goal ever scored by a goalkeeper in NWSL history. That same year, she earned NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year honors. Known for her leadership and vocal presence on and off the field, Betos has consistently been a mentor to younger players and a steadying force in goal. Her career has spanned over a decade and includes international experience with the U.S. U-23 team. Whether making crucial saves or inspiring teammates, Michelle Betos is currently coaching at Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League and she has life changing advice and vocational evidence for how players should be coached in the modern era. This is a must listen for any aspiring player (and their parents) or coach who one day dreams of operating in the professional technical area...

S4 · E60

Oct 20, 2025

48:17

Episode 59: Season 4: In Conversation with... Derek Marinatos "The ever changing world of USA college athletics"

As the Associate AD Development Athletics at the University of North Florida, Derek' focus is on major gifts fundraising for athletics, a testament to his deep commitment to the institution and its sports programs. With 15 years of experience at the university, he has honed a keen eye for detail and a talent for communication, both essential in nurturing donor relationships and advancing the college's athletic endeavors.Transitioning from a 13-year tenure as Head Coach of the universities soccer team to a leadership role in administration and development, In this episode he leverages his in-depth understanding of the sports domain, enriched by relationship building in the Jacksonville community and opens up on his team's collaborative efforts to empower the university's athletic programs to achieve new heights. He also delivers a masterclass in the strategic approach to alumni engagement and financial stewardship. This is not only a must listen for anyone interested in college athletics in the USA but it is a step by step mentoring guide for those who dream of being athletic directors and working in college athletics one day.

S4 · E59

Oct 20, 2025

52:23

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