Does it feel like nothing your daughter does is ever good enough? She may win a game, set a personal record, or master a new skill, yet still criticize herself.

Perfectionism is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can motivate athletes to improve, push harder, and reach higher goals. On the other hand, it can become overwhelming, causing emotional distress, frustration, and even avoidance of challenges. In this episode of Raising Elite Competitors, Coach Bre dives into the five key signs that your daughter may be a perfectionist and shares practical strategies you can use to support her.

You’ll learn how to identify these common perfectionist tendencies:

1. Beating herself up after mistakes – Coach Bre explains how the “snapback” routine can help athletes quickly reset, regain focus, and continue performing without letting one mistake define the rest of their game.

2. Never satisfied, even after wins – The episode covers ways to help your daughter practice gratitude, celebrate effort, and focus on progress instead of outcomes, reinforcing confidence and enjoyment in her sport.

3. Avoiding risks or playing it safe – Coach Bre shares strategies for helping your daughter take healthy risks, gradually build confidence, and learn that mistakes are manageable and part of the journey.

4. Big emotional reactions to mistakes – Emotional responses can be intense when performance feels tied to identity. Learn how emotional regulation, visualization, and mindful breathing can help athletes process setbacks.

5. Tying self-worth to performance – The episode explores ways to develop a supportive inner voice, including daily affirmations and mindset practices, so your daughter can care about her performance without letting it define who she is.

The insights shared in this episode give you the tools to understand your daughter’s mindset, provide the encouragement she truly needs, and help her thrive with confidence, resilience, and joy on and off the field.

Episode Highlights:

[00:02:25] Your athlete struggles to move on from errors and spirals into negative self-talk. Coach Bre shares how the Snapback Routine, a quick two-second reset using breath, a power word, and a signal, helps athletes bounce back fast and stay focused.

[00:08:40] Perfectionist athletes often play it safe to avoid failure. Bre explains how to help them build “risk-taking muscles” through low-stakes practice and praise for bravery over outcomes. The goal? Encourage effort, not perfection.

[00:11:20] When performance feels tied to self-worth, even small errors can trigger tears or meltdowns. Bre shares how parents can anchor calm: validate feelings first, then gently redirect. Be her “calm in the storm” instead of rushing to fix it.

[00:15:30] Perfectionism isn’t all bad; it drives growth and high standards. The key is helping your daughter let go of self-criticism while keeping her motivation. Bre invites parents to the TrainHerGame.com free training for practical tools to help their athlete find confidence without the crush of perfectionism.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Playing time can be one of the most emotional and confusing parts of sports for athletes and parents alike.

You see your daughter working hard, but she’s frustrated when she doesn’t get minutes on the court or field. You want to help, but you’re not sure how to do it without stepping in or making things worse.

In this episode, Coach Bre shares practical ways to support your daughter when she’s struggling with playing time, and how to guide her to confidently talk to her coach.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to understand your team’s playing time philosophy
✅ How to help your daughter own her role and see her value beyond minutes played
✅ What to do (and not do) when you’re frustrated, too
✅ Step-by-step conversation tips for your daughter to approach her coach
✅ How to reframe tough situations into powerful growth opportunities

Your daughter’s worth isn’t measured in minutes. It’s reflected in her effort, her courage to speak up, and her growth through challenges.

When she learns how to advocate for herself, she doesn’t just earn more playing time. She earns lasting confidence.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Coach Bre sets the stage: Playing time is one of the most emotional, frustrating topics for parents and athletes alike.

[00:03:10] Invitation to join the TrainHerGame.com free training, a gateway to the Elite Mental Game program designed to boost girls’ confidence fast.

[00:05:30] Inside look at how Bre’s varsity team sets clear expectations and defines roles to help players feel valued even if they aren’t starters..

[00:09:20] Bre shares her own college story of being a blocking sub. This is proof that limited playing time doesn’t equal limited impact.

[00:11:40] Moms, check yourselves. Is it your frustration about playing time, or your daughter’s? Honest self-reflection prevents emotional overreactions.

[00:13:50] Encourage self-advocacy! Don’t email the coach yourself. Let your daughter take the lead to build real-world communication skills.

[00:15:00] How to prepare for “the talk” with her coach: plan ahead, reflect on strengths and areas to improve, and approach with curiosity, not blame.

[00:17:00] Sample conversation starters: “Coach, can you help me understand my role?”, “What can I work on to contribute more?”

[00:18:40] Prepare her for tough feedback and remind her to thank the coach for clarity. This is growth in action!

[00:20:10] Perspective check: Coaches make decisions for the team, not just one player. Parents can remind their daughters to see the bigger picture.

[00:21:00] If the environment doesn’t fit your daughter’s goals, it’s okay to seek a better team next season. Look for one that aligns with her needs.

[00:22:00] Wrap-up: These hard conversations build confidence, communication skills, and resilience. Playing time might not change overnight, but her self-belief will.

[00:23:00] Final encouragement: Remember, your daughter’s self-worth isn’t measured in minutes on the field but in her courage to keep showing up and speaking up.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Is mental training for young athletes actually worth it? If you’ve tried pep talks, advice, or even therapy and still feel stuck, this episode brings you real parent stories that lay it all out. Hear how two families faced mental struggles, found new tools, and saw their athletes regain confidence and love for their sports.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How common parenting pep talks might be doing more harm than good
• Why including parents in mental training makes a big difference
• How hesitant teens can be gently introduced to mental skills
• What real confidence looks like beyond "just be confident"
• Creative ways busy athletes fit mental training into their day
• The power of live community calls and coach texting support
• Differences between mental training and therapy approaches
• How these mental skills also help in non-sport performance areas
• What the no-risk, two-week trial means for families trying it out

Curious about the honest ups and downs these parents experienced? Ready to hear how mental training brought peace, focus, and fun back to their families?

Listen to the full episode now. You won’t want to miss a minute!

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction to Real Parent Stories. Two parents share honest experiences about how the Elite Mental Game program helped their daughters overcome mental struggles in sports.

[00:01:00] Chris’s Daughter’s Mental Challenges. Chris talks about her 15-year-old volleyball player who used to break down in tears at tournaments and how traditional pep talks made things worse.

[00:01:30] Carlos’s Daughter Nearly Quitting Gymnastics. Carlos shares his daughter’s loss of confidence and how nothing was working until they joined the program.

[00:06:00] Presenting the Program to Teens. Chris and Carlos discuss their approaches to getting their daughters on board without making it feel like something was wrong.

[00:12:30] Overcoming Mental Blocks and Shifting Mindset. Carlos shares how his daughter went from struggling with confidence to trusting herself and enjoying her sport again.

[00:22:00] How Mental Training Fits Busy Schedules. The parents describe how their daughters fit 15-60 minutes of mental training into their busy days, including during car rides and before practices.

[00:46:00] What Parents Gain from the Program. The program helps parents redefine their role, to support without over-coaching or pressuring, and improves family communication.

[00:52:00] Mental Training vs. Therapy and Other Programs. Carlos explains how previous therapy didn’t help but the practical, tool-focused approach of this program did.

[00:58:00] Easy Getting Started and Lifetime Access. Athletes get clear, self-paced steps to begin, plus lifetime access to materials and parent support communities.

[01:01:00] Recap: Building Trust, Confidence, and Joy. Mental training builds trusting self-confidence, equips for challenges, and helps athletes enjoy their sport, while parents learn effective support.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Stressed thinking about scholarships, applications, and college costs? You’re not alone. Shellee Howard shares simple, practical advice that actually makes this process feel doable.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How to set your athlete up for success academically and financially.
• Practical strategies for aiming for a debt-free education.
• Tips for athletes at every stage, from just starting high school to preparing for college.
• Real-life examples showing how small steps now can pay off big later.

Get ready to feel more confident and less stressed about the whole college journey!

Come hang out with Shellee:

• Instagram: @collegereadyplan
• Learn more & work with her: https://collegereadyplan.com/
• Guest interview inquiries: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:04] About Shellee Howard and College Ready. Shellee has spent nearly two decades helping families navigate the college admission process, and she’s walked the walk – her own four kids all went to college debt free!

[00:08:07] Biggest Mistake: Lacking a Plan. One of the biggest issues families face is putting all their hopes on an athletic scholarship without having backup plans in place for college funding.

[00:10:19] Viewing College as a Business. The availability of athletic scholarships depends a lot on whether the sport brings in money for the university, so it’s smart to think about academics and other scholarship options too.

[00:14:33] Finding the Right Academic and Athletic Fit. It’s not just about grades and scores—showing passion, leadership, and finding the right fit academically and socially can really open scholarship doors.

[00:18:56] Helping Athletes Determine College Fit. Rather than picking a school because it’s sunny or close to the beach, it’s important for students to start exploring their interests and values early to find a good college fit.

[00:23:59] College Prep Timeline: Start in Middle School. Starting as early as 7th or 8th grade gives students time to build their resume through community service, leadership, and other activities that will help them stand out.

[00:29:11] The “Brag Binder” Strategy. Keeping a binder or digital folder of all achievements and awards helps kids see their strengths and makes application prep easier down the line.

[00:32:05] Addressing Uncertainty About Majors and Careers. A lot of students don’t know what they want to study. Focusing on core values and strengths can help guide that decision without pressure.

[00:37:00] The Value of Neutral Mentors. Sometimes teens need a safe, judgment-free space to open up about their goals, and having a neutral coach or mentor can make all the difference.

[00:38:11] Additional Resources. There are great resources – books, websites, and personal coaching – that families can tap into for support with college prep and making it debt free.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

How do you get your daughter to actually want to work on her mental game… without the sighs, eye rolls, or “Mom, stop”?

This episode is packed with strategies to help you bring up mental training in a way that doesn’t feel pushy, awkward, or like something’s “wrong” with her. Instead, you’ll learn how to spark curiosity, connect it to her goals, and make it fun.

Here’s what you’ll hear inside:

• Why some athletes resist mental training at first and what makes them change their mind.
• A simple way to show your daughter that top athletes all work on their mindset.
• The secret to tying mental training directly to your daughter’s personal goals so it clicks with her.
• Quick wins that make mental training feel exciting instead of overwhelming.
• A fun quiz that helps athletes see their “competitor style” and gets them talking about mindset.

If you’re tired of feeling like the “nagging mom” every time you bring this up, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and find out how to introduce mental training without the eye rolls!

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Why Mental Training Matters. Most athletes don’t get taught mental skills by their coaches, even though confidence, handling nerves, and bouncing back from mistakes are key to success.

[00:01:30] A Story from Sheridan. One athlete inside the Elite Mental Game admits she was skeptical at first but after using her reset routine, she quickly felt calmer and more in control at practice.

[00:03:00] Strategy #1: Show Her What the Best Athletes Do. Teens listen more when advice comes from athletes they admire. Using examples like Simone Biles, Serena Williams, or Steph Curry helps make mental training feel legit.

[00:06:07] Strategy #2: Connect It to Her Goals. Your daughter is motivated by what she wants, not what you want. Linking mental training to her personal goals (making varsity, having more fun, or being a great teammate) makes the conversation easier.

[00:08:18] Strategy #3: Start Small with Quick Wins. Long lectures won’t work. Instead, give her fast, fun wins like the “What’s Your Competitor Style?” quiz so she learns about herself and sees the benefits of mental training right away.

[00:11:16] Resources to Make It Easier. The Elite Mental Game program is built for athletes and parents, giving quick, practical tools that stick. Plus, the Conversation Guide includes scripts and starters to make talking about mental training way less awkward.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes
• Grab the Conversation Guide for helping get your athlete on board with mental training

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Your coach just said your athlete needs to "be more mentally tough." But what does that even MEAN, and how are you supposed to make it happen?

If you're wondering if your athlete is ready for mental training or if you should wait until she's "struggling," this episode is for you. Here, I break down the three clear signs that your athlete is ready to build a powerful mental game and reveals the absolute best time to start (the answer might surprise you!).

Tune in to stop guessing and start getting her the tools she needs to play with more confidence, bounce back from mistakes, and actually enjoy her sport again.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

✅ The three signs your athlete is ready for mental training.
✅ The real definition of "Elite". It’s not what you think, and it takes the pressure right off.
✅ The #1 mistake parents make when trying to introduce mental training (and how to avoid it so she doesn't shut down).
✅ The "prime age" for mental training. Is there a perfect window to start? (Spoiler: Yes, but it's wider than you think).
✅ In-season vs. off-season. When is the actual best time to start? the answer isn't black and white.
✅ How to get your athlete on board without her thinking you believe she "isn't confident."

Don’t wait until the pressure hits. Listen now and help your athlete master the mental game!

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:31] A Mom’s Story of Change. Inside our program, a mom shared how her daughter started using her snapback routine on her own: pausing before reacting and bouncing back faster from mistakes. That’s a huge sign of growth.

[00:07:07] Sign #1: She’s Entering the Prime Age. Ages 11–16 are the sweet spot for formal mental training. Younger athletes (5–10) can learn basics like breathing and visualization, while older athletes (16+) must train their mind to keep up with the demands.

[00:10:56] Sign #2: She’s Facing Normal Athlete Struggles. Nerves, comparison, mistakes, and beating herself up are all normal, but athletes need tools to handle them. Don’t wait until she’s spiraling; front-load the skills now.

[00:12:53] Sign #3: She Has Goals. If she wants to level up, whether that’s more playing time, varsity, or college, mental training is essential. The higher she goes, the more pressure she’ll face. The best time to start is while things are going well.

[00:16:32] Your Next Step. If you’re wondering if your daughter is ready for The Elite Mental Game, reach out to us. Or join us inside now, the doors are open, and we’d love to support her (and you) as she builds her confidence and mental strength.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes
• Grab the Conversation Guide for helping get your athlete on board with mental training

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Have you ever felt like you’re lagging behind, struggling to keep up with your teammates, or crushed by negative vibes from others? Or maybe you’re coming back from an injury and wondering if you’ll ever be your old self again. This episode is for all of you who need some no-fluff, real advice to boost your confidence, handle pressure, and keep your head in the game.

In this episode, we discuss the real questions athletes face every day and sharing simple, practical tips that actually work, from stopping comparison and staying calm under pressure, to dealing with negative teammates and much more.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why looking over your shoulder in a race can make you fall, literally and mentally.
• How to flip “Why am I not like her?” into “What can I learn from her?”.
• The power of celebrating tiny daily wins instead of chasing perfection.
• Staying grounded in the present moment so your confidence stays solid.
• Real tips for coming back from injury without beating yourself up.
• What to do if your coach says you look scared and why bravery isn’t about never feeling fear.
• How to protect your energy when teammates are negative and even turn it around with kindness.
• Simple ways to stay calm and have fun when the pressure’s on.
• Why what others think shouldn’t stop you from playing your best.
• Handling tough feedback from parents without losing your confidence.
• Taking risks without being paralyzed by fear of mistakes.
• Getting ready for tryouts with the right mindset.
• Setting boundaries when team drama tries to drag you down.

Ready to run your own race with your head held high? Listen to the full episode now and let’s do this together!

Episode Highlights:

[00:08:20] Find Your Micro Wins. The second tip: combat comparison by focusing on how you were better than yesterday and finding one small win from today, no matter how practice went.

[00:12:25] Coming Back from Injury. Coach Saylor advises an athlete feeling behind after an injury to trust the process, focus on micro wins, and even suggests writing a "breakup letter" to your past self to embrace who you're becoming.

[00:19:26] Dealing with Negative Teammates. I share a story about a disengaged player to illustrate a key point: you can't change negative people, so stop focusing on them and instead pour your energy into the teammates who are locked in.

[00:29:00] When Teammates Hate on Your Wins. Coach Saylor advises creating a "bubble" to let negative comments bounce off and to surround yourself with positive teammates. Coach Rachel adds that giving a genuine compliment can sometimes change the dynamic entirely.

[00:37:23] Navigating Team Drama. Advice on dealing with a specific negative teammate: protect your energy, align with positive players, and remember it's not your job to fix them. Only involve a coach if there's bullying or abusive behavior.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Does your daughter ever come home from a game second-guessing herself… or even in tears after a tough play? Wish you had a game plan for helping her bounce back stronger and actually love the sport again—even when things don’t go perfectly? This episode is the boost every sports parent needs, packed with honest stories, hands-on tips, and the real talk that rarely makes it onto the sidelines.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How real moms are helping their girls conquer nerves, shake off mistakes, and find their confidence, even after rough games or tough coaching feedback.
• The simple yet powerful strategies that actually work: from pre-game breathing routines and visualization to “snapback” rituals for mistake recovery.
• What to do when “work on your attitude” just isn’t enough and how parents are filling the gaps coaches can’t always reach.
• How making mental skills part of everyday family life transforms not just one athlete, but siblings (and sometimes parents!) too.
• Inspiring and relatable stories, messy moments, honest emotions, and small family wins matter most on the journey to resilience.
• Tips for celebrating progress, talking about tough games, and connecting with a supportive community of parents walking the same path.

Don’t miss out! If you’re ready for real-life advice and a few “that’s so us!” moments, plus new tools you can try this week, hit play on the full episode. Join the conversation and discover how to help your athlete build confidence that lasts all season long.

Episode Highlights:

[06:45] Mental Challenges Young Athletes Face. Discussion about nerves, pressure from coaches, and difficulty bouncing back after mistakes. Highlights the gap in mental skills training in many youth sports programs.

[11:00] What Sparked Moms to Join the Program. Moms describe spotting struggles like anxiety, self-doubt, and harsh coaching feedback. They explain how generic advice wasn’t enough, leading them to seek mental training tools tailored for their daughters.

[22:30] Integrating Mental Skills into Family Life. Panel discusses how mental tools influence siblings and parents too, creating a supportive environment where resilience and positive mindset become family habits.

[34:00] Invitation to The Elite Mental Game Program. Encouragement to incorporate mental training this season and details about current program offerings and discounts for families interested in deeper support.

[58:40] Q&A: Parents Ask About Habit-Building. Discussion about how to encourage consistent mental skill practice without making it feel like a chore, emphasizing small daily habits and family involvement.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.