About the Host

Ashley Roberts is the host of the “It’s Just Different” Podcast and a former junior college basketball player who began her collegiate journey at South Plains Junior College before transferring to the University of Texas.

Now a basketball consultant, speaker, and founder of the Different Community, Ashley uses her platform to educate and empower parents navigating their athlete’s basketball journey.

Episode Summary

AAU tryout season can feel overwhelming — and parents often feel pressure to chase exposure at all costs. In this episode, Ashley breaks down what really matters when choosing an AAU basketball program.Ashley explains why attending multiple tryouts is critical, how to evaluate coaching beyond name recognition, and why development should always come before exposure. She discusses the hidden risks of burnout, the importance of confidence in athlete performance, and how highlight tapes fit into the recruiting puzzle.

Through practical advice and firsthand experience, this episode gives parents a clear framework for choosing the right AAU fit — one that supports both athletic growth and long-term success.

Key Takeaways

- Choose the right fit, not just the biggest name

- Development matters more than exposure — especially early

- Playing grade level can often lead to better growth

- Confidence plays a major role in performance and recruiting

- Parents should ask coaches direct, intentional questions

Resources for Basketball Parents

Join the Basketball Parent Community:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Download the FREE Guide (Save Time, Money & Stress):

https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe

Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit:

https://www.ashleynroberts.com/product-page/basketball-parent-toolkit

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code *Podcast* for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

About the Guest

Chuck is a dedicated parent and basketball coach who plays a central role in guiding A'zyua Blair's development both on and off the court. With a strong connection to the basketball community, Chuck emphasizes strategic decision-making, mentorship, and character development in youth sports.

A'zyua Blair is a rising star and basketball prospect in the Class of 2027, navigating the competitive youth basketball and AAU landscape with maturity, focus, and long-term vision.

Episode Summary

In this episode of It’s Just Different, host Ashley Roberts sits down with Chuck, the parent and coach of rising basketball talent A'zyua Blair (Class of 2027), for a real and insightful conversation about what it truly takes to support a young athlete’s journey.

The discussion dives deep into the realities of AAU basketball, college recruiting, and the often-overlooked role parents and guardians play in shaping an athlete’s path. Chuck shares how intentional mentorship, maturity, and strategic choices have guided A'zyua’s growth in a highly competitive basketball environment.

This episode goes beyond highlights and rankings, shedding light on the business of youth sports, the importance of finding the right teams and platforms, and how families can better prepare athletes for long-term success—both on and off the court.

Key Takeaways

- Maturity Matters: Developing emotional and mental maturity is just as important as skill development.

- Parents Play a Major Role: From planning to decision-making, parents help shape an athlete’s future more than many realize.

- Choosing the Right Environment: The right AAU team and competition level can significantly impact development and exposure.

- Every Journey Is Different: Success doesn’t follow one path—adaptability and timing are key.

- Understanding the Business: NIL, finances, and education are becoming essential parts of youth sports conversations.

Resources for Parents & Players

How To Pick An AAU Team In 2026: https://stan.store/_thisisashleyr/p/h...

Join the Basketball Parent Community (FREE 7-day trial):https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Download the FREE Guide to Save Money, Time & Stress:https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe

Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit (Your full roadmap):https://www.ashleynroberts.com/produc...

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code “Podcast” for 15% off):https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

About the Guest

Casey Boyd brings a unique perspective to youth basketball as both a coach and a parent. After spending 15 years as a CPA in the corporate world, Casey transitioned into coaching girls basketball during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is currently the high school basketball coach at Grace Prep and an AAU coach with True Texas Hoops.

Casey is also the mother of one of the most highly sought-after young athletes in the country, giving her firsthand experience navigating development, recruiting, and balance in youth sports.

Episode Summary

In this episode of It’s Just Different, host Ashley Roberts sits down with Casey Boyd to unpack the realities of youth basketball from a parent and coach perspective. Casey shares her unconventional journey from corporate accounting to coaching, and how that transition reshaped her approach to athlete development, leadership, and family life.

The conversation dives deep into key topics parents often struggle with — including whether athletes should play up or on level, how to choose the right AAU program, and how to balance ambition with long-term development. Casey emphasizes the importance of game reps, mental growth, team fit, and trusting the process rather than chasing exposure too early.This episode also highlights the growing impact of women-led basketball organizations, the importance of maintaining healthy parent-athlete relationships, and why allowing kids to enjoy the game is critical for sustainable success.

Key Takeaways

- Playing on an age-appropriate level can significantly impact confidence, skill development, and basketball IQ

- Parents should prioritize development, reps, and environment over status and hype

- Balancing parenting and coaching requires intentional boundaries and trust

- Women-led and independent basketball programs play a vital role in youth development

- The right team fit can make or break an athlete’s long-term growth

Resources for Parents & Players

How To Pick An AAU Team In 2026: https://stan.store/_thisisashleyr/p/h...

Join the Basketball Parent Community (FREE 7-day trial):https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community

Download the FREE Guide to Save Money, Time & Stress:https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe

Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit (Your full roadmap):https://www.ashleynroberts.com/produc...

Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code “Podcast” for 15% off):

https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com