From Setbacks to Success – The Path to Unlocking Potential

The story of my career isn’t one of constant triumph—it’s a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. It’s a story of soaring highs, crushing lows, and the transformation that comes when you decide to take control of your path.

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Growing up in a competitive hockey environment, surrounded by a family that valued commitment, I dreamed of playing at the highest levels of the game. As a young player, I competed in the GTHL at the AAA level for elite teams like the Toronto Marlboros and Mississauga Reps. I won championships, shared the ice with future NHL stars like Owen Power and Jamie Drysdale, and basked in the confidence that came with success. But that confidence became my greatest enemy.

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I thought success was my destiny—something I didn’t have to fight for every day. I didn’t fully grasp the sacrifices my parents were making—hours of driving, paying for extra training, and their unwavering support. I was too young to see that my approach wasn’t sustainable. Then came the 2018 OHL Draft. Out of a roster full of talent, I was one of only two players who didn’t hear their name called. That moment was devastating.

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I let the disappointment consume me, and instead of rising to the challenge, I faltered. I struggled with staying in shape, lacked direction, and let my frustration hinder my progress. While my peers advanced to junior hockey, I was left behind, trying to figure out where I belonged. It wasn’t until I joined the Toronto Red Wings Midget program—a team that finished 10th in the standings—that I began to find my footing again.

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That year, I had what I now call my “mirror moment.” Sitting alone one day, I looked at myself and asked: Is this really what you want? Are you willing to do what it takes to succeed? For the first time, I faced the reality of my situation and decided to take control.

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That moment changed everything. I overhauled my habits, restructured my training, and committed to the process. I focused on proper nutrition, transformed my physique to reach my ideal playing weight of 180 pounds with less than 6% body fat, and adopted a relentless work ethic. The summer of 2019 became a turning point—a time when I finally took ownership of my career.

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The following year, I earned a spot with the Aurora Tigers in the Junior A league. It wasn’t easy—I barely touched the ice in the first 10 games—but I stayed ready and believed in myself. By the end of the season, I led the team in goals as a rookie. That perseverance carried me to the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the AJHL, where I grew not only as a player but as a leader.

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In 2020, during the challenges of a COVID-shortened season, I was told I wasn’t good enough for Division 1 hockey and was asked to leave my team. For a month, I waited for a trade, questioning my future. Eventually, I landed in Bonnyville, Alberta, and despite playing only 17 games that year, I stayed focused on my goal: earning a Division 1 scholarship.

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The following year brought another slow start, but I refused to let setbacks define me. Halfway through the season, my first offer came, and shortly after, I achieved my dream—a full-ride scholarship to Colgate University.

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Even at Colgate, the road wasn’t easy. I wasn’t given many opportunities, and I often found myself questioning what could have been if I had “dialled in” earlier in my career. It’s not regret, but it is a lesson—a realization that with the right guidance, the right tools, and the right mindset, so much more is possible.

Ultimately, I made the decision to no longer play Division 1 hockey on the Colgate team. This decision has nothing to do with my love and passion for the sport, rather, it was due to forces beyond my control. I am using this opportunity to share my expertise with the broader sports community, and give players access to all of the resources that they could possibly need to succeed. Hockey has been a life-changing experience for me and I am incredibly grateful for all that the sport has taught me. I want to help others reach their maximum potential by passing on all that I have learned in my 19 years of playing hockey.

That’s why I created Dialled In Sports Mentoring. This isn’t just a business to me—it’s a mission. I want to be the guidance I wish I had. I want to help young athletes seize the opportunities they might not yet realize they have, to avoid the mistakes I made, and to unlock their full potential.

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This program is about more than improving performance or achieving short-term goals. It’s about equipping athletes with the mindset, resilience, and tools to take control of their journey and thrive—not just in sports, but in life. It’s about ensuring they don’t look back and wonder “what if.”

Every athlete deserves a chance to succeed, and every parent deserves to see their child achieve their dreams. Let me help guide your athlete through this journey, ensuring they’re prepared for every challenge and ready to seize every opportunity. Together, we’ll ensure they’re “dialled in” for the journey ahead.

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As a Division 1 hockey player, I’ve experienced the intense highs and crushing lows that come with balancing the demands of elite athletics and academics. I know the pressure young athletes feel—the weight of expectations, the drive to succeed, and the fear of falling short. Looking back, I see the moments where I let my confidence blind me, where I failed to appreciate the sacrifices others made for me, and where I missed opportunities because I wasn’t fully committed and didn’t quite understand. These experiences taught me lessons the hard way, and my goal is to help your child avoid those same mistakes and resistance towards success.

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My mission is to guide young athletes in unlocking their full potential by instilling the mindset I wish I’d embraced earlier. I want to teach them how to build resilience, sharpen their focus, and perform under pressure. But more than that, I want to show them how to seize the fleeting opportunities of their Youth, to fully commit to their dreams, and to navigate the challenges that inevitably come their way. Whether your child is chasing a scholarship, striving to take their game to the next level, or simply looking to gain confidence, I’m here to provide the strategies and mentorship they need to thrive—not just in their sport, but in life. - Sebastian Tamburro