Play Up or Stay the Same: Why Easy Matchups Kill Development
Why do some athletes hit a wall while others grow fast? The answer is competition. In this story, Brannon Snead reflects on the uncomfortable truth about wanting easier games—and why those matchups never actually made him better. For athletes, parents, and coaches: this is the mindset shift that separates real development from surface-level success.
FROM TRAINING TO TRIUMPH - WHAT MILITARY AND SPORTS TEACH ABOUT LEADING, WINNING, AND GROWING IN LIFE
Coach Leo Young
11/3/20252 min read
What’s Holding You Back: Talent or Comfort?
Not every athlete plateaus because of talent.
Sometimes, they’re just avoiding the one thing that forces growth:
👇 Have you—or your athlete—ever chosen the easier path, even when you knew a tougher challenge would lead to more growth? What did that moment teach you? Share your story in the comments.
Challenge.
In this clip, former college pitcher Brannon Snead shares a raw, honest reflection about something most athletes have felt—but rarely admit:
“I hated it. I didn’t want to pitch against the team that was 20–1. I wanted the 8–10 team. I wanted the easy game.”
Then, he drops the truth that changed everything:
“You don’t grow from that. That’s a tune-up game. You grow by playing up.”
What “Play Up” Really Means
Brannon doesn’t say it to be tough.
He says it because it’s true:
You don’t grow by playing below your level.
You grow by getting uncomfortable.
You grow by being pushed.
You grow by playing against athletes who are better than you.
“Be around people better than you. That’s how you grow.”
Every athlete wants to feel successful—but when success comes easy, it doesn’t last.
Real development comes from pressure. Adversity. Even failure.
False Confidence Is a Trap
Coach Leo adds:
“That overall record? That’s an ego record. What matters is your conference record. The real games.”
It’s easy to build up numbers against weak teams. But when the real test comes, fake confidence gets exposed.
This is why “tune-up” games exist: they’re warm-ups. But they’re not where greatness is built.
You don’t need more reps—you need real reps.
Why This Matters to Sore to Soaring
At Sore to Soaring, we don’t chase stats.
We chase standards.
We teach players to lean into discomfort, not hide from it.
To pursue development, not ego.
To be mentally and physically ready when the real test comes.
Our model prepares players to handle real pressure—on the field and in life.
We’re not just training athletes.
We’re building resilient, prepared, and adaptable people—who don’t shy away from challenge, but step into it.
👉 Learn how we train athletes to chase challenge and stay ready:
www.soretosoaring.org
Disclaimer:
The content shared is for informational purposes only. This is not a judgment of any person or program mentioned. All names and events are discussed from personal memory and are not meant to accuse or endorse. The goal is to share insight from lived experience.
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