Hey coaches, welcome back to the Mental Metal Podcast! This time, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Coach Brad Soderberg for a real heart-to-heart about what it takes to succeed in the world of college basketball. Strap in, because we're about to delve deep into the core values and grindability that make champions.

Grinding it Out

Coach Soderberg dropped some wisdom bombs on us, starting with the idea of "grindability." Now, this isn't just about hitting the gym or putting in extra hours on the field. It's about that relentless determination, that willingness to push through the tough times and keep going, no matter what.

Core Values Matter

But it's not all about sweat and tears. We also dug into the importance of core values. Coach Soderberg emphasized how these values, like humility and thankfulness, aren't just buzzwords – they're the bedrock of a winning team. Whether you're on the court or off, knowing what you stand for is key to success.

Lessons Learned

As our chat wrapped up, I couldn't help but reflect on the nuggets of wisdom Coach Soderberg shared. From grindability to core values,there's so much more to sports than meets the eye. It's about discipline, respect, and above all, being the best version of yourself, both on and off the field.

Signing Off

So, make sure to check the full episode wherever you get your podcasts! Until next time, keep grinding, stay true to your values, and remember –it's not just about the win, it's about the journey. This is Coach Thomann reminding you to forge your mettle!

Are you ready to forge your mettle?

More From Mental Mettle

Episode 156: Raising Superheroes: Megan Gilmore on Mental Health & Well‑Being for Kids
In Episode 156 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Megan Gilmore, founder and executive director of Larksong, certified coach, and author, to talk about why mental health and well-being skills should start much earlier than most people think. The conversation makes a clear case that kids benefit from learning these tools early, just like they do with physical health habits.
Episode 155: Time on Feet: How Kyle Thompson Uses Adversity to Chase Excellence
In Episode 155 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Regional Superintendent and ultramarathoner Kyle Thompson shares how “time on feet” in the mountains has shaped the way he leads, parents, and lives. His story is a powerful look at intentional adversity, resilience, and what it means to choose hard things on purpose so you’re better prepared for the hard things life brings your way.
Why Individual Mental Performance Coaching Matters for Athletes
Athletes train their bodies, sharpen their skills, and study the game, but many still struggle when pressure rises. Individual mental performance coaching helps bridge that gap by teaching athletes how to think, respond, and compete with more confidence, composure, and control.
Episode 154: Secrets Behind the Third Skill Set: Mental Performance
Most athletes train hard in two areas: sport skills and strength. But there’s a third skill set that often gets ignored, and it may be the one that matters most when pressure hits. In Episode 154 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann breaks down the real difference-maker in sports performance: mental performance.
Ember to Inferno: Building Mentally Tough Athletes Through Coach Development
Coaches spend countless hours perfecting physical training and game strategies, but mental toughness—the ability to thrive under pressure, regulate emotions, and respond to adversity—often gets overlooked. That's where Ember to Inferno comes in.
Episode 111: Tips for Mastering the Mental Game with Coach Brandon Beery
How do elite athletes and coaches rise above the noise, pressure, and setbacks to achieve peak performance? In Episode 111 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann and fellow mindset coach Brandon Beery break down the science and art of mastering the mental game.