In this episode of the Wrestling Mindset Podcast, Gene Zannetti talks with Kyle Kiss — coach with the Scarlet Knights Wrestling Club (SKWC) — about why focusing on development over results is key to long-term success. From belief being the biggest battle at every level to the reality that middle school champions don’t always become college stars, this episode is a reminder that growth, mindset, and consistency matter far more than early results.

Episode Overview

Kyle Kiss has spent years coaching and developing wrestlers at every level, from youth athletes to college competitors. In this conversation, he and Gene Zannetti discuss the mental side of development — particularly how belief, patience, and long-term focus separate athletes who continue to grow from those who burn out early. They also touch on how the wrestling community can better support athletes through the ups and downs of training, competition, and mental struggles.

Key Discussion Points

• 1:40 – Building Triumph and Garden State Wrestling
• 4:32 – Summer travel with international competition
• 9:46 – Biggest lesson: belief is always a battle
• 12:51 – Mental struggles at every level of wrestling
• 17:33 – Middle school phenoms don't always pan out
• 18:10 – Half of college wrestlers weren’t the best in middle school
• 20:14 – Writing down mental reminders before matches
• 22:22 – Focus on scoring points today

Belief Is Always the Biggest Battle

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is that belief is the biggest battle at every level of wrestling. Whether you’re a middle school athlete trying to find confidence or a college competitor managing high expectations, the mental struggle often determines performance more than skill or strength. Wrestlers who believe in themselves — even through losses — create momentum that compounds over time.

This is exactly what 1-on-1 mindset coaching develops: belief through action. Wrestlers learn to reset their thinking, build confidence, and manage pressure so they can compete freely and consistently.

Why Development Beats Early Results

Kiss and Zannetti highlight that early success doesn’t always predict long-term greatness. Many middle school “phenoms” never progress into elite college wrestlers because their growth plateaus when focus shifts solely to winning. Development requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to stay coachable — qualities that often outlast pure talent.

It’s a philosophy Wrestling Mindset reinforces with both athletes and coaches: measure progress by effort, focus, and attitude — not just medals or rankings. Building habits that last is the true marker of long-term success.

Dealing with Mental Struggles

The episode also dives into the reality that mental struggles exist at every level of the sport. Even top athletes face doubt, fear, and burnout. Recognizing this truth helps normalize the idea that mindset training isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Wrestlers must learn to recognize negative thought patterns and replace them with productive, confident ones before they take over performance.

Through team mindset training, athletes can practice these mental resets together, strengthening accountability and emotional resilience across the program.

Learning to Write Down Mental Reminders

Another practical strategy Kyle discusses is the act of writing down mental reminders before matches. Simple notes like “focus on effort,” “stay relaxed,” or “one point at a time” can serve as anchors when nerves or distractions creep in. These written affirmations reinforce the habits wrestlers work on during training, ensuring the right mindset shows up on competition day.

Scoring Points — Not Seeking Perfection

At the heart of Kiss’s philosophy is focusing on what wrestlers can control — namely, scoring points and staying aggressive. Thinking too far ahead about wins, losses, or rankings adds unnecessary pressure. When wrestlers focus on action instead of outcome, they perform more instinctively and enjoy the sport more. This aligns perfectly with Wrestling Mindset’s mission: helping athletes compete free from overthinking or fear of failure.

Long-Term Growth Over Instant Gratification

In an age of viral clips and instant recognition, long-term development often takes a back seat. This episode reminds athletes and parents that wrestling is a marathon, not a sprint. Growth happens in phases, and success is built one disciplined day at a time. The athletes who learn to love the process ultimately become the ones who thrive in college and beyond.

Sponsored By

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

• Eat Clean Bro – eatcleanbro.com
  Use code MINDSET for 15% off your order.
• Champion Athletes Sports Nutrition – champion-athletes.com
  Use code MINDSET25 for a special discount.

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About Wrestling Mindset

Wrestling Mindset helps wrestlers, parents, and coaches master the mental side of the sport. Founded by wrestlers, for wrestlers, our programs develop confidence, focus, and resilience so athletes can perform at their best when it matters most.

• 1-on-1 Mindset Coaching – Personalized training to build confidence and overcome mental barriers.
• Team Training – Group sessions that develop leadership, unity, and competitive focus.
• Unlock Your Free Assessment – Start today with a free mindset consultation.

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