Dr. Doug Gardner, Ed.D.
@thinksport
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Husband & Dad. Human Performance Architect in sport & business. I teach people to think, lead, prepare w/purpose & to compete regardless. My opinions are mine.
California
Joined July 2011
Sincere thanks to @Sentinels for the opportunity to work with a group of friends who truly care about each other. The sky is the limit @itskaplan, @DrewSparkR6, @sen_sacy, @1johnqt, @Zellsis, @zekkenVAL & @TenZOfficial. Amazing journey @ValorantEsports Madrid. Let's do it again!
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In my role, I mentor & develop both coaches & players in the professional esports scene. @DrewSparkR6 was absolutely critical to @Sentinels unprecedented success this year. Any pro team who wants to win will be fortunate to have him. Here to serve as a reference, so please DM me.
LFT for VCT 2025. I was informed yesterday that I will not be included in plans for 2025. I want to thank @Sentinels for trusting me to help lead SEN to new heights; the team - @itskaplan, @zekkenVAL, @TenZOfficial, @sen_sacy, @pANcada, @1johnqt, @Zellsis, @Zyto_ and @KOR_Kez -
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Clearly, the guys played great last night. IMO, the best since Madrid. Lots of learning occurred during the roller coaster ride of the last few months. Nothing hard comes easy. Next steps forward @itskaplan, @1johnqt, @Zellsis, @TenZOfficial, @zekkenVAL, @sen_sacy & @DrewSparkR6.
wearing it like a fucking badge.
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Tweets like this are heartbreaking. Player after player in @overwatchleague succumb to the mental & physical toll of a 29 week season, where most teams have played roughly 16 games. Months of preseason practice & endless days of scrims while isolating. Gotta be a more humane way.
The hardest time has come for me now. The game is too stressful for me. I'm so sorry to have caused inconvenience to my teammates. I'll try to find my old self as soon as possible. I'm so sorry for the fans who support me. ggs @ChengduHunters.
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Just another day at work with @mibr. Thank you @Casemiro for being a wonderful host. Was a pleasure to meet you and your family. Looking forward to my first @realmadrid game tomorrow!
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For those in esports, meta changes are part of the game. For others, imagine making changes to the playing environment during the season. Credit to @itskaplan, @DrewSparkR6, @1johnqt, @Zellsis, @sen_sacy, @zekkenVAL & @TenZOfficial for choosing to do the difficult work.
Sentinels have not dropped a map in stage 2.
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The quiet moments leading up to competition, especially when it matters the most, are my favorite times. Let's go @LAValiant.
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Cannot express how proud I am of @baemoN for getting his first offical win as an @overwatchleague head coach. It is amazing what can be achieved when you believe in yourself. Once a @LAValiant always a @LAValiant! Enjoy mamen from @ParisEternal
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Let's not forget that @Zellsis is a great player. Agreed to come on as a sixth man & earned his place at highest level of the game. Yes, he has all of the leadership intangibles but all you have to do is look at Game 5 of @ValorantEsports Madrid to see why @Sentinels won.
Wanted to chime in on this video and shed some light on what High Performance looks like in game.-----.FNS calls Zellsis the most overrated player in Americas. Now to be clear I'm not coming at this butthurt as a friend of Jordan, but rather I don't think people appreciate the
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I disagree wholeheartedly. I would like to see any traditional sport athlete grind for 8+ hours a day and see how they feel. Esports are endurance sports and athletes need to train accordingly. Come by the @LAValiant campus to come take a look. #LTAD
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Received my @LAValiant skateboard today from the @StJude fan art auction. @KarivOW is my favorite baseball player in Los Angeles.
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It should not be the players who have to apologize for poor performance. A comprehensive & impartial examination of working conditions for @overwatchleague players must be done to improve day-to-day life. Most of these players get paid the minimum salary of $50k, before taxes.
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A timely Kobe quote for @Sentinels after a great season & tough loss. Gratitude to @robmooreEsports for investing in player development. Most importantly, thank you to my friends @itskaplan, @1johnqt, @Zellsis, @TenZOfficial @zekkenVAL, @sen_sacy & @DrewSparkR6 for your trust.
“Go after your dreams.” 🐍 . - Kobe Bryant .
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Picked up camp counselor @mbelladesigns today and saw she busted out her @LAValiant jersey in @SFShock territory.
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Such a great pre Father's Day gift to have my son, @Gabe_Fencer with me at the @riotgames studio. Let's do this @100Thieves!
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Unfortunately @Bjergsen, there are no easy answers to these and other questions. You must think for yourself, decide and act decisively.
What do you say no to so you can say yes to the things that matter to you?.
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Very excited to work with @Immortals & @LAValiant, who continue to push the envelope in providing players and staff with innovative #LTAD resources.
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Thank you to @TheUndefeated.and @BrandoStarkey for talking with me about player mental health and wellness in professional esports. Helping to develop people who perform is very important in this growing industry and is easily overlooked by many involved.
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@itskaplan @Sentinels @DrewSparkR6 @sen_sacy @1johnqt @Zellsis @zekkenVAL @TenZOfficial @ValorantEsports Kaplan, you are a wonderful human being and that is what makes you a great coach. Enjoy your rest and short vacation!!!.
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My Uncle Mike passed away this morning at the age of 79. He was a pioneer in the growth of professional bass fishing and the best storyteller I have known. Fitting I am in London, where my grandmother (his mom) immigrated from. He will be missed. #fishhavenohands
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The view of a champion! @LAValiant Stage 4 Champions! Best Father's Day present when you can't be with your family. Congrats to the coaches and staff!
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Panel Two is killing it with their insight and expertise in diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry. @LAValiant Girls in Gaming Summit presented by @Microsoft
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Time to relax & recover @pr0lly, @JungleJuiceLoL, @aphromoo, @Bang, @Amazingx, @Ryulol, @FakeGod & @SabbyrinaW. 2020 will be here soon enough. Enjoy some downtime, reflect & let's get ready to take the next step in our development individually & as a team. Thank you @100Thieves!.
When you are resting because you are worn out, you need to remember that you are not wasting time. You are doing exactly what you need to do. You are recovering.
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As a 27 year member of @AASPTweets I am honored to be a keynote speaker at the organization's 36th annual conference. This is the first presentation to focus on esports & I am proud to present my work building NA's first player development department in professional esports.
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And seeing @KarivOW mature into a successful young professional, be in control of his life in and outside of OWL shows that development leads to success, even if that is not defined as a championship. And finally, LA>FLA. Proud of all S1 @LAValiant players & coaches!
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It's been a blast watching this team practice & compete over the past two weeks . Even though we are 2-0, there are 38+ matches to go. Remember @LAValiant, we only control our effort and preparation. Continue to work with purpose and stay hungry. #timetogotowork
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Here is a young man who get it. @C9Goldenglue is a true student of his profession and has earned his success.
It’s been such an honor coaching @Jensen this Worlds. I’ve realized to be one of the best you need to work with the best. I’ve had constant support from the team and every day is a day full of growth. This experience alone will forever impact my path to succeeding my goals.
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Easy when the turkey shows up in your front yard on Thanksgiving morning. Happy Turkey Day to everyone!
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One area where esports athletes can vastly improve. Why flame a teammate who already knows they have made a mistake? Why internally flame yourself? Mistakes happen & everyone has choices in how to respond. @FalleNCS best demonstrates how to be stoic when shit happens.
“When a teammate makes a mistake, give grace. When you make a mistake, take ownership.” - @CoachRosene Share this with a player today!
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Want to thank @Shuasays, @TrainerLuisCR, @ahcraaaap, @thegod_rf, @RoyalRares, @ohhyeahh_cr, @LaPoKaTi & everyone who contributed to @Immortals first ever North American championship! Was an honor to be a part of this very talented, intelligent and passionate group of competitors!
This group that @TrainerLuisCR built has an internal strength that goes beyond brand names and logos. Nothing changes today. @ahcraaaap @thegod_rf @RoyalRares @LaPoKaTi @ohhyeahh_cr @mattmawcho @thinksport. Wherever you are, success will follow you.
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Nobody within @overwatchleague gives two shits about player health and welfare. Not @Blizzard_Ent, not any of the organizations fielding teams or anyone else. Same goes for @CallofDuty. Look at their travel schedule too. Feel bad for the players and fans.
Los Angeles Lakers are expected to travel around 40,000 miles this NBA season. London Spitfire are expected to travel around 76,000 miles this upcoming Overwatch League season (per @Upcomer). This is hilarous and I feel like no one is discussing how absurd travel for OWL will be.
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Excited to announce my candidacy for @AASPTweets President. I will be posting pieces of my platform over the next few days. Please read the bios of everyone running and exercise your right to vote and be heard.
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@dapr Over thinking is really not thinking about the correct things at the correct times. Learning to take in, process, decide & act is a learned skill requiring practice, especially in practice. A decisive mind is a quiet mind.
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2x champion. @UCLA student. Great eye for talent development. Excellent, excellent coach. When you are called Mr. Clash Royale, you clearly have that special sauce. @TrainerLuisCR is that special.
My contract with SSG ends in a month but they’ve allowed me to explore offers.Experience: 4 years.Roles: Head Coach, GM, Director of Operations.Accomplishments: NA, Western, and World Champion. Looking for: .1. Mobile Director .2. Team Ops.3. Project Manager. RT/Vouch appreciated.
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Looking forward to meeting everyone at the @InvenGlobal esports conference @UCIrvine. Please stop by our round table at 5pm where we will discuss best practices in cultivating high performance environments for esports teams & organizations. @UCIEsports @redbullesports #IGEC2019.
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Officially met my wife half my life ago. 28 years.
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@TACOCS The average person has no idea what it is like to prepare and compete at the highest levels, especially for the amount of years you have committed to yourself & to your teammates. I know the "haters" don't bother you. More gratifying to prove yourself right then the opposite. 👊.
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Rarely do I post personal stuff on twitter & today, November 3, 2021 I do so. 20 years of marriage with my best friend & the love of my life. I am a very, very lucky person.
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Question: Would you rather have your athletes playing games till 2 or 3am, in the comfort of their homes, or would you rather have them out at a bar or club? .
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I have first hand experience watching @moonbyungchul89 out work his players in the gym. Way to go coach and nice to see the work of @HPforGamers carried on in @overwatchleague, as physical exercise does contribute to performance success. Keep it up @ShanghaiDragons!.
Reason #1 why @moonbyungchul89 is the best coach is because he encourages THIS. 🐉 #ShanghaiDragons #Breakthrough
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Fueling stereotypes during esports competition debunked. No different then traditional sport when healthy choices are provided.
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Come support your @LAValiant on their road to the finals. #nosleeptilbrooklyn
Our friends, the @LAValiant, are looking to add to the championship Los Angeles legacy. Join them at the official #VALLA playoff watch party on July 20th!.👉
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Building a solid pitching rotation with professional esports athletes. First, @KarivOW and his "fire ball" and now @Bang bringing the heat. Next stop, @Dodgers stadium for a bullpen session with @HyunJinRyu99!.
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It has been a honor and a pleasure. Once an @Immortals , always an @Immortals.
With 2 years representing @Immortals @Valiant i’ve learned & grown beyond expectations. I’m so thankful for the opportunities given which came with incredible memories to cherish. Looking forward to where I find myself next. Thank you, much love♥️ #VALLA
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Great start to the @LAValiant Girls in Gaming Summit presented by @Microsoft. Panel One is setting a high bar!
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100% agree. One of the best discussions I have listened to in a long time. Both @ddk and @zews were able to address core issues related to applying sport psychology. A must listen to.
Every esports coach (no matter what game you coach) should listen to @ddkesports podcast with @zews. Super educational and well put together.
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Just another day at the office, hanging with Lord Stanley in the @LAValiant performance room. OG @LAKings fan since 1979 who was at Game Six in 2012.
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I was hired by Team Solomid to conduct a two month needs assessment during the 2017 Spring Split, then was hired by @Immortals as the Director of Player Performance and then was contracted by @100thieves to work with their LOL program #eSportsMentalCoaching #PerformancePsychology.
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Never take winning for granted. It is difficult on a game to game basis, more so to win a championship and exponentially more difficult to win two. Today was a good day. Congrats to:. @TrainerLuisCR .@thegod_rf .@ahcraaaap .@Goldenglue .@dignitas . #onegameatatime.
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Honored to be a member of such a talented performance team whose mission is to contribute towards @EvilGeniuses goals of player development, organizational success & the eventual takeover of esports.
Performance Coaches:. @GamerDoc_ - Director.@thinksport - Mental Performance.@Artemis - LCS Performance.@DrJordantsai - Esports Physical Therapist.
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Let's get old school @Immortals. Mattel Basketball 2 added the three point line to stay up with the times.
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The real question for any pro athlete is what are you doing now to assist your transition from what you are currently doing to what you will do for the rest of your life. Evidence illustrates that those who take steps while still competing transition more successfully.
We ask the NA LCS players what they would be doing if they never went pro ft. @C9Goldenglue @deftlylol @WildTurtle and more!.
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This man is a worker and a student of the game. I have been fortunate to watch him grow as a person and as a professional and know he can be an asset for any organization.
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@KarivOW is a perfect example of long term athletic development in esports. In S1 with @LAValiant all 11 players were introduced to physical training guided by a structural approach integrating a theory-to-practice approach from the field of applied sport psychology. 1/.
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Getting the day started listening to @SabbyrinaW at the @InvenGlobal esports conference talking about the traits of successful esports teams. #IGEC #LTAD
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@Fate_ow is the hardest working player/coach in @overwatchleague. The @LAValiant family tree continues to thrive in a difficult & changing OW ecosystem. @moonbyungchul89, @baemoN, @Packing_10, @KukiOW, @Custa, @KarivOW, @SoOn99, @uNKOE to name a few. .
LFT Coach Saudi eLeague. Discord : fate101. i can do some english communications.
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Excited to participate in this seminar with @Aramori_OW and @kaijucorp_gg where we will be discussing ways to create a healthy competitive healthy mindset when battling issues such as negative hyper-focusing on mistakes and strategies for continual in-game growth.
one last mibc announcement before we get started next week. our guest speakers for our seminars are @Aramori_OW and @thinksport!!. #kaijucorpforever #wemakemonsters. 👺
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Winning is ALWAYS a team effort. Gonna be a lot more viewing parties on campus over the next 9 days! @mibr + @Immortals + @LAValiant = #Family. #FACEITMajor
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@JacobWolf As the former Director of Player Performance for IMT, we were building a robust player development program. @NWhinston committed to this and the work spoke for itself in 2018. New management did not want to pay for or invest in development and you see what you have there now.
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Dota viewing party in the @Immortals player development room. Nice wins gentlemen. Let's play some tennis, sleep and get back at it tomorrow!
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Good things come to those who choose to work hard, practice with purpose and treat what they do professionally. Winning can occur by chance, but champions choose to do what is right on a day-to-day basis. Hence, @LAValiant.
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Wanted to thank the women of @Immortals & @LAValiant for hosting such an impactful event. Amazing work @PBQueen411, @MsJenNeale , @SabbyrinaW, @baymaxedTV, @RequineGG, #vanessaschoth and anyone else I may have missed.
Thank you everyone who tuned in to our first panel via stream! 💚💛Our second panel is now LIVE on our Twitch channel! . 📺: . #VALLA #WingsOut #BeValiant Girls in Gaming Summit Presented by @Microsoft
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Quite a last day of bootcamping in Madrid with @mibr. Thank you to the team, @Movistar_Riders, @Casemiro and everyone I have met over the past 8 days. Next stop, Hong Kong!
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Honored to be the oldest guest speaker for the @InvenGlobal Esports Conference :) Hope you can attend our panel w/@GamerDoc, @levelupdoctor, @DrCarolynR & @KangasCasts at 10am, PDT, where we discuss how player development impacts performance, winning & the financial bottom line.
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Twenty nine years ago today my grandmother passed away. A business woman in the 1940's, raising three children alone, she was one tough person. Everything my family has is because of her. Got to live with her my first 20 years. The single most influential person in my life. ❤
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I like to think we are building this culture @Immortals & @LAValiant. Hoping the attitude, approach & will to win from @mibr will rub off on our younger & less experienced players. #culture is more than a word. it is an attitude developed & honed by purposeful intent to compete.
Duncan Keith (3 time Stanley Cup Winner) on Toughness is a choice. "In the 2010 Playoffs I took a puck to the face and lost 10 teeth. Was I happy about it? Hell no, but that was no reason to stop playing the game. Toughness is about heart & the face is a long way from the heart."
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An honor to be on the 1st @HPforGamers podcast discussing how player development & a focus on overall health & wellness positively impacts preparation & performance in esports.
The first episode of HPforgamers, new podcast about how we can maximize health & performance in esports. With episode one we decided to establish the baseline and talk about the current state of health and performance in esports with @thinksport .
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@RushindraSinha @Zellsis @MiokenGE @mohitisraney @RahulMHinduja @GlobalEsportsIn @Sentinels That is what @Zellsis does. Always working, no days off. .
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Long dota day on the @Immortals campus. Team went 2-2 on Day One of NA qualifier. Back at it tomorrow. Very proud of the players, coaches and our staff who stayed to support the team! #IMTDOTA
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NCAA will not consider esports due to Title IX issues. Ultimately, it is on the entire gaming industry to provide more opportunities for competitive female players. While the NCAA is an archaic institution, Title IX is the law that demands gender equity.
NCAA is out on esports for the time being. Probably a net good for us. NCAA will inevitably get involved, but I’d rather it happen when some of their most antiquated policies are put to rest.
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Great day running a youth softball clinic with @Athletics. Always fun spending time with @mbelladesigns, empowering the next generation of softball players! #acalanessoftball #2019dvlchamps
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My fourth publication discussing the unique challenges & opportunities developing players & coaches in the professional esports ecosystem. The ROI from finacially investing in personal & professional development will make esports thrive. The question is, will owners do it?
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Another reminder that the sport ecosystem has become the leading cause of mental health issues among its participants.
I am really sad to report that suicidal ideation was a persistent theme in the interviews we conducted with former college football players related to their experiences with the dehumanizing culture of college football.
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If anything, we should all congratulate @numlocked on his grit, perseverance and passion to stay with game and for his belief in himself. What a road of resiliency he has been on, the intangibles any organization would tremendously benefit from. Cheers to my British brother!.
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Live in 27 minutes. @philbirch02 and I will be answering question live between 11am and 12pm, ET. Come join us!!.
Interested in the world of Esports? You won’t want to miss our keynote panel about considerations for practitioners surrounding mental performance in Esports. Register for the #AASP2021 Annual Conference today!
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@TJQuinnESPN @MiLB players need to be a part of @MLB_PLAYERS. The landscape is drastically changing. Gone are the days of 160+ minor leaguers. The draft has & will be cut, orgs are only investing in a small # of top players. Get em in the Union & start teaching them their history & value.
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The best part of player development is when teachable moments occur & resonate with everyone on a team. Excellent work @moonbyungchul89, @schwartzbruder, @baemoN, @GunbaOW, @Stoop_OW, @Korean_Mulan
With only 2 games left until playoffs, it's crunch time for #VALLA. It's the end of the honeymoon phase in the NEW episode of Inside LA Valiant. ➡️ #VALLA #WingsOut
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