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