76 - Overcoming Adversity: From College Athlete to TLH Reckoning Founder

In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, host Mark McNees speaks with Dr. Ashlee Fontes, the founder and head coach of TLH Reckoning. Dr. Fontes shares her journey from a childhood filled with sports, including American football through her father’s coaching career, to becoming a college athlete at Florida State University. She discusses the challenges she faced, including transitioning from college sports to professional aspirations during a time when opportunities for women’s professional soccer were limited. Dr. Fontes explains the founding of TLH Reckoning, aimed at providing pathways for local girls in Tallahassee to reach college and professional soccer. The conversation delves into the importance of mental rigor, family support, responsible coaching, and the potential pitfalls of today's travel sports culture. This episode provides insights into the drive and passion required to establish a successful sports organization dedicated to developing young female athletes.

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 Early Life and Love for Sports

02:07 College Soccer Journey

03:49 Post-College Challenges and Career Transition

10:02 Founding Tallahassee Reckoning

13:41 Developing Young Athletes

17:50 Balancing Fun and Commitment in Sports

20:46 Understanding the Soccer Landscape in Leon County

21:08 Building Relationships with Schools

22:21 Challenges and Support for Girls' Sports

23:31 Business Model and Funding

24:58 Transition to a Community Ownership Model

26:11 Travel Sports: Pros and Cons

31:32 The Impact of NIL on Student Athletes

38:35 The Meaning Behind Tallahassee Reckoning

40:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections