What does it really take to build championship players?

In this episode of What It Takes, Paul Reddick and Coach Marla Townsend sit down with one of the most respected coaches in softball, Shonda Stanton, head coach of the AUSL Chicago team and former longtime head coach at Indiana and Marshall.

Coach Stanton shares the habits, mindset, and leadership principles that have shaped her career and transformed countless athletes. From competing against Coach Townsend, to building winning cultures, to teaching players how to become energy-givers instead of energy-takers, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for players, parents, and coaches.

If you’re looking for insights on leadership, resilience, confidence, and what separates elite competitors from everyone else, you won’t want to miss this episode.

00:00 – Coach Marla introduces longtime friend, competitor, and coaching legend Shonda Stanton.

01:00 – The story behind the famous tarp slide and how competition created lifelong friendships.

03:30 – Shonda’s coaching journey from player to Marshall, Indiana, and professional softball.

06:00 – Why coaching is about creating positive collisions that change lives.

10:50 – Inside the AUSL: What it’s like coaching the best softball players in the world.

15:40 – Why confidence grows through failure, not by avoiding it.

20:10 – Become a “rat”: The daily habits that separate elite athletes from everyone else.

24:00 – Hustle, anticipation, and why every play reveals a player’s mindset.

28:40 – Energy-givers vs. energy-takers and how championship teams are built one behavior at a time.

33:15 – Developing leaders instead of followers and helping athletes own their role.

37:45 – The incredible story of a player who transformed from overlooked athlete to scholarship leader.

42:30 – Why coaches should challenge players instead of protecting them from adversity.

48:00 – Scholarships, opportunities, and preparing athletes for life beyond the game.

52:15 – The lasting impact of great coaches and the responsibility of pouring into the next generation.

56:00 – Final thoughts on leadership, legacy, and what it truly takes to succeed on and off the field.

Connect with Coach Shonda Stanton

• Head Coach, Indiana Hoosiers softball

• Head Coach, Chicago Bandits in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League

• Check out the One Day Softball App for drills, coaching, and player development resources.

and check out:

https://marlatownsend.com