About the Guest(s)

Kaleena “Special K,” Tati Griffin, and Chloe Jenkins are top recruits out of Ontario Christian High School in California.

-Kaleena Smith, the #1 ranked player in the Class of 2027, sets the tone every time she steps on the court. A true floor general and proven scorer, she leads with IQ, confidence, and a competitive edge that elevates everyone around her.

- Tati Giffin is a gold medalist and the #1 ranked player in the Class of 2028. Her decision-making under pressure is years ahead of her age, making her one of the most composed young guards in the country.

- Chloe Jenkins, a 6'0 freshman combo guard, has already made her mark as a fierce rebounder and relentless competitor. She thrives in high-pressure situations and plays with the kind of intensity coaches dream about.

Together, they represent the future of women's basketball: talented, dynamic, and hungry.

Episode Summary

In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with three top recruits— Special K, Tati Griffin, and Chloe Jenkins out of Ontario Christian, to talk about the real experiences behind today’s basketball culture.

The conversation provides serious insight as the players compare AAU and school ball, break down their pregame routines, discuss the realities of recruitment, and open up about the pressures young athletes face on social media.

From dealing with injuries to growing as leaders and teammates, this episode gives a raw look into what it takes to thrive as a young athlete today.Their stories bring listeners behind the curtain of elite competition, offering an honest perspective on preparation, team dynamics, and mental toughness. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or young athlete, this episode is full of wisdom, connection, and inspiration.

Key Takeaways

- AAU vs. School Ball — Different vibes, different chemistry, and different expectations.

- Recovery Matters — Epsom baths, PT, treatments, and consistency are key to staying healthy.

- Handling Pressure — Each guest shares their mental reset routine before big games.

- Life Balance — Young athletes talk honestly about juggling sports, school, and social life.

- Recruitment Insight — Genuine relationships with coaches matter more than constant communication.

Resources for Parents & Players

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About the Guest

Shaitece Trigg is a seasoned sports psychology specialist with over eight years of experience helping athletes, teams, and coaches reach their highest potential.

With a focus on mental performance, Shaitece supports high-level athletes by applying therapeutic practices from the field of sports psychology.

She is the founder of Shift Performance, a company dedicated to securing happiness and facilitating positive transitions for athletes.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with sports psychology specialist Shaitece Trigg to explore the mental challenges athletes face and how parents can best support their children through the ups and downs of competitive sports.

From performance anxiety to dips in confidence, Shaitece breaks down the mental patterns that impact athlete performance and the core strategies that can help. Ashley and Shaitece discuss the importance of mental performance coaching, why athletes struggle with pressure, and how parents can shift from critics to true supporters in their child’s athletic journey.

The conversation also dives into athlete identity, what happens when kids tie their self-worth entirely to sport, and how expanding that identity can build healthier, more resilient young people. This is a powerful episode for any parent looking to understand what their child is feeling, thinking, and battling behind the scenes.

Key Takeaways

• Performance Anxiety & Confidence: Athletes often experience game-day paralysis due to fear, anxiety, or low confidence.
• Parental Influence: The way parents engage with their children after practices and games shapes athletic identity and performance.
• Value of Mental Coaching: Mental performance work helps athletes manage stress, build confidence, and unlock their full potential.
• Understanding Identity: Encouraging athletes to develop interests and identity beyond their sport supports healthier self-esteem.
• Communication Matters: Open, supportive conversations help parents better understand their child’s needs and athletic experiences.

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About the Guest(s):

Coach Eubanks and Coach Sutton lead the Red Oak Lady Hawks with a shared vision: pushing their athletes beyond district success to compete at the state level. Coach Eubanks, the head coach, instills grit and determination, while Coach Sutton complements the program with discipline and a focus on team camaraderie.

Together, they emphasize conditioning, skill growth, spiritual grounding, and creating a family-like culture that develops champions on and off the court.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the It’s Just Different podcast, Coach Eubanks and Coach Sutton take us inside the Red Oak Lady Hawks program. They share their approach to building a championship-level team through discipline, spiritual grounding, and a strong, cohesive culture.

Listeners will learn how these coaches balance on-court strategy, community support, and player development, while also adapting to the evolving, positionless style of modern basketball.

From nurturing confidence in individual roles to establishing a culture that spans middle and high school programs, this episode offers a full view of what makes Red Oak’s program unique.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual Beliefs: The team prays on Mondays to foster focus, fearlessness, and purpose in their play.

- Role Clarification: Clear role definitions ensure each athlete contributes effectively to team goals.

- Cultural Evolution: Adapting to modern, positionless basketball while strategically using traditional positions.

- Program Consistency: Building a consistent basketball culture from middle school through high school is key to long-term success.

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