“If You Want It, You Gotta Take It From Me”
Some athletes play the game—others raise the standard. In this Sore to Soaring Podcast episode, Coach Leo Young and former pitcher Brannon Snead unpack what it means to carry the gravity of a winner. From dominating presence on the mound to earning respect in college coaches’ meetings, this episode explores how mindset, maturity, and authenticity separate leaders from the pack—and why real confidence is always backed by evidence.
FROM TRAINING TO TRIUMPH - WHAT MILITARY AND SPORTS TEACH ABOUT LEADING, WINNING, AND GROWING IN LIFE
Coach Leo Young
5/16/20252 min read


The Gravity of a Winning Mindset
Some Athletes Play the Game—Others Raise the Standard
When Brannon Snead stepped on the mound, the tone shifted.
He didn’t talk trash. He didn’t try to intimidate. But the message was clear:
“If you want it, you gotta take it from me.”
Coach Leo Young calls that presence the gravity of winning—an attitude and mindset that doesn’t just raise your game but elevates everyone around you.
Brannon wasn’t just a pitcher—he was a tone-setter. A competitor who brought grown-man focus at 18 years old.
Have you ever coached or played with someone who raised the standard just by showing up? Tell us what made them different in the comments on this video:
What Coaches Really Talk About
Behind closed doors, in meetings with legends like Jeff Hogan, Bill Fuller, and Coach McLeod, Brannon’s name kept coming up—not just for his stats, but for how he carried himself.
“He showed up like a man. He didn’t act like a kid. That presence changed the dynamic.”
When a player walks in like a professional—focused, prepared, and all business—coaches notice.
And that kind of maturity? It sets the culture.
“You Came to Get Somebody”
Coach Young puts it simply:
“You weren’t a rah-rah guy, but you came to get somebody every time you pitched.”
Brannon didn’t need noise to make an impact. His work ethic, body language, and intent said it all.
And every team—at every level—needs that guy. The one who raises the standard without saying a word.
Authenticity Backed by Evidence
At Sore to Soaring, we define authenticity as belief through objectivity.
It’s not just confidence. It’s earned confidence—based on preparation, performance, and proof.
“You had receipts,” says Coach Young. “That’s why your teammates followed you.”
Brannon’s leadership wasn’t self-appointed. It was earned. That’s the difference between a loud player and a respected one.
How Gravity Affects Teams
When a player has the gravity of a winner, they: – Raise the intensity of practice
– Force everyone to prepare harder
– Attract trust from coaches and teammates
– Make opponents feel pressure before the first pitch
– Become the cultural anchor every team needs
It’s not about being flashy—it’s about being consistent, reliable, and undeniably locked in.
Key Takeaways
✅ Gravity comes from presence—not volume
✅ Leadership can be silent but powerful
✅ Coaches notice how you show up, not just what you throw
✅ Authenticity = belief backed by evidence
✅ Winning energy is contagious and culture-shaping
How Sore to Soaring Develops This Mindset
At Sore to Soaring, we develop athletes who lead from the front.
We teach players how to carry themselves with purpose, own their role, and build the kind of presence that commands respect—without ever needing to say a word.
We’re not building hype—we’re building gravity.
Support our mission:
👉 www.SoreToSoaring.org
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Disclaimer
This episode is for informational purposes only. Any mention of a company, product, or business does not constitute an endorsement by Sore to Soaring. Always consult with a qualified professional before making training, medical, or career decisions.
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