Summary: In this episode of Transcending Sport, Rob invited Mo Mercado to the show to discuss her time as a University of Arizona athlete. Now a softball instructor., Mo shares her origin story of how she became the pro she is today and how she’s passing on the torch to the softball athletes of tomorrow!

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction to Mo Mercado

[03:25] Mo grew up in Temecula, Ca, which is now a hotbed for up-and-coming softball players. In her earlier years, they would commute to Garden Grove, a hub for the best teams at the time. Through her many years of practice, Mo learned the meaning of being successful and prepared, setting herself to a high standard to meet with her California competitors.

[10:09] Having an uncle who played for the University of Arizona, Mo felt inspired to follow in his footsteps. After attending her dream school, Mo moved on to Team USA.

[13:44] Mo credits getting her edge from her parents, who installed batting cages in their home, giving her and her sister the advantage of practicing every day. Overall, Mo recognized that if she kept up with physical training, doing drill work, remaining agile, and altogether staying active, she would always have the edge over others.

[16:07] Mo recalls the feeling of surprise but excitement when she was recruited to the Team USA and going to Japan that same summer.

[21:59] Mo goes into the importance of being in tune with your mental game. She trusted her ability which was exhibited in her skill.

[29:40] Mo describes going to bed visualizing what her pitch would be for her next day so when it was game time, she felt as if she already done the pitch which in turn gave her the confidence boost she needed.

[35:58] Connect with Mo

Key Topics Discussed:

• Temecula, CA
• Getting into UOFA
• Getting that “edge”
• Team USA experience
• The mental game
• Visualization

Quotes:

• “Putting the jersey on for the first time felt… surreal.”
• “Understanding and trusting your ability to open the zone is huge from when you get two strikes first none”
• “Visualization is huge!”

Connect with Mo:

• Instagram
• Twitter