Be Valiant

Ep. 47 Episode 24 - The Truth About College Recruiting (and What Parents Get Wrong)

In this episode of Be Valiant, Todd sits down with former Arizona State baseball standout and SportsForce CEO Andrew Beinbrink to unpack the reality of youth sports development and the college recruiting process.

Andrew shares his journey from multi-sport athlete to pro baseball, and how those experiences shaped his mission to help families navigate one of the most confusing—and often misunderstood—paths in youth sports.

This conversation goes far beyond recruiting. It dives into parenting, pressure, mental resilience, and what truly matters in an athlete’s development.

If you’re a parent trying to make the “right” decisions for your child—or feeling overwhelmed by the process—this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

• Why early specialization may be hurting your athlete

• The 3 things kids actually want from sports (hint: it’s not scholarships)

• How the transfer portal is reshaping recruiting opportunities

• Why most families misunderstand their athlete’s true level

• How to support your child without adding pressure

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Host: Todd Merkow (Founder & CEO, Valiant Sports Society)