What does it really mean to be tough when life throws something your training could never prepare you for?

In this episode, Coach Bre sits down with Kelly Vo, Co-Founder of The Pink Ribbon Army and Ironman athlete turned cancer survivor, to talk about how the mental strength built in sport can transform how we face life’s hardest battles.

Kelly shares her powerful story of moving from competition to recovery and how mindset tools like visualization, self-talk, and focus helped her navigate chemotherapy and healing. Together, she and Coach Bre explore the deeper side of resilience, the kind that’s rooted in vulnerability, community, and purpose.

You’ll learn:
💪 What true mental toughness looks like beyond the game
🧠 How to use mindset strategies to stay grounded through uncertainty
🎀 Why vulnerability and connection are key to lasting resilience
🌸 The inspiration behind The Pink Ribbon Army and its mission of hope

Whether you’re an athlete, a mom, or someone walking through your own challenge, Kelly’s story will remind you that your strength isn’t measured by medals or times, it’s measured by how you rise, again and again.

Come hang out with Kelly and join her movement on Instagram @thepinkribbonarmy, or learn more at www.pinkribbonarmy.com.

Episode Highlights:

[00:02:41] Kelly joins the conversation, sharing how her diagnosis at age 40 led her to create the Pink Ribbon Army. As a lifelong athlete and “super aunt,” she reflects on how community and purpose helped her turn a difficult experience into a movement for good.

[00:11:27] Kelly emphasizes that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. She shares how many friends admitted they hadn’t yet scheduled mammograms—and encourages every listener to get checked. Early detection, she stresses, can make the difference between a manageable journey and a life-threatening one.

[00:15:08] Kelly debunks the myths around mammograms, assuring listeners they’re quick, manageable, and nothing to fear. She shares that healthcare providers perform them every day and encourages women to prioritize their peace of mind.

[00:24:04] She shares how she reframed her cancer journey as her most important “Ironman.” Each stage—surgery, chemotherapy, recovery—became her version of the swim, bike, and run. Her mindset: stay steady, stay focused, finish strong.

[00:23:25] Kelly discusses how the mental tools she developed through sport helped her handle uncertainty, fear of recurrence, and moments of exhaustion. “It’s the same muscle,” she says—training the mind to stay calm and keep moving forward.

[00:30:40] Kelly dives into her daily practices for positivity, including using a five-minute gratitude journal, reframing tough moments, and staying thankful for even the smallest blessings.

[00:36:00] Kelly gives an update on The Pink Ribbon Army’s annual October event featuring a golf tournament, 5K, and after-party that raises funds for women undergoing treatment.

[00:40:23] Kelly closes with a heartfelt reminder for listeners to get their screenings, trust their intuition, and face fears early—because early detection saves lives.

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.

Every athlete faces it—the big moment when the game’s on the line and nerves kick in. In this episode, Coach Saylor shares powerful mindset tools to help athletes rise in those pressure moments instead of crumbling.

You’ll learn how to reframe pressure from something to fear into something to embrace, using simple, science-backed strategies your daughter can start practicing today.

Coach Saylor dives into:

💪 Why “pressure is a privilege” (and what that really means)
🦃 The “Turkey Dinner” analogy that helps athletes stop overthinking big games🎯 How to train with intensity so pressure feels familiar, not scary
🧠 A quick “scenario planning” exercise to prepare for clutch moments
🔥 How to find your athlete’s ideal “hype number” for peak performance
💬 Powerful self-talk phrases that build belief under pressure

Plus, hear how one athlete, Asha, learned to bounce back quickly after mistakes—proof that mental training works.

Whether your daughter’s facing a championship game, a tough tryout, or everyday team stress, this episode will help her see pressure as an opportunity to trust her training and play with confidence.

🎧 Tune in to learn how your athlete can turn nerves into fuel—and rise as a true pressure player.

👉 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Join Coach Saylor as she shares mindset tips to help athletes rise in high-pressure moments instead of crumbling. Learn how to trust your training and become the reliable “pressure player” your team can count on.

[00:02:32] Coach Saylor reframes pressure with one powerful truth: “Pressure is a privilege.” Discover how those butterflies mean you’ve earned your moment to shine.

[00:03:42] Hear the fun and memorable “Turkey Dinner” analogy. Learn how athletes can stop turning big games into huge, stressful events and instead approach them like any other competition.

[00:04:24] Find out why athletes don’t actually rise to the occasion—they fall to the level of their training. Coach Saylor explains how bringing focus and intensity to practice sets you up to perform under pressure.

[00:05:40] Get ahead of pressure moments before they happen. Saylor walks athletes through a “scenario planning” exercise to help them visualize challenges and choose confident responses in advance.

[00:07:23] Discover the power of your “hype number.” Find out how maintaining the right energy level can help athletes perform their best—even when nerves kick in.

[00:08:43] Not all stress is bad! Coach Saylor breaks down how a little “good stress” can push athletes into their peak performance zone. Learn to use that energy instead of fighting it.

[00:09:22] Build confidence with empowering mantras like “I was made for this” and “I can trust my skills.” Saylor reminds athletes that their self-talk can make or break performance in pressure situations.

[00:10:27] Wrap up with key takeaways to help athletes rise under pressure: treat pressure as a privilege, make practice competitive, and remember—it’s just another opportunity to play the sport you love.

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.

If your daughter has been dragging through games, feeling moody, or dealing with nagging injuries, it might not just be “teen stuff.” Her energy, focus, and confidence could be slipping because she isn’t fueling her body properly.

In this episode, Coach Bre sits down with sports dietitian Lindsey Cortes to talk about female athlete nutrition, including what to watch for, what to fix, and how to make it work in real life.

Lindsey brings her experience as a former Division I athlete and mom to share what she sees most often in teen girls: some eat whatever is fast and convenient, while others try to eat perfectly healthy but end up not eating enough. Both can lead to low energy, fatigue, and even long-term issues with strength and recovery.

She breaks down:

⚠️ The biggest red flags to look for in your athlete’s eating habits
🥗 Why fueling matters most between ages 12 to 18
💪 How under-eating affects bone health, energy, and development
🍎 Practical fixes that do not require calorie counting or complicated meal prep

You will learn how small, consistent habits like eating every few hours, pairing carbs and protein, and hydrating properly can help your athlete perform at her best.

This episode is perfect for moms who want to support their daughter’s nutrition without adding more stress or guilt. Because when she’s fueled, she’s confident. And when she’s confident, she shines. ✨

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:27] Coach Bre welcomes sports dietitian Lindsey Cortes, an expert who’s worked with college athletes and military performers and now helps girls fuel for peak performance and healthy development.

[00:05:47] Lindsey shares the two biggest red flags: girls who eat anything fast and easy, and girls who under-fuel because they’re trying to “eat clean.” Both extremes can hurt growth, performance, and bone health.

[00:10:53] Why fueling matters most between ages 12–18: this is when bones and muscles are developing. Under-fueling here can lead to fatigue, injuries, and even long-term health issues.

[00:13:09] Lindsey breaks down easy, doable steps for busy families: balanced meals, quick protein options, and helping athletes connect what they eat to how they perform.

[00:21:13] Forget calorie counting. Lindsey gives realistic guidelines for meals and snacks that fit around practice schedules and growth needs. Spoiler: three meals + two snacks minimum!

[00:25:13] Coach Bre shares how her team created a “pre-practice snack cart” showing how small systems can help athletes stay energized without overwhelming parents.

[00:29:47] Lindsey gives practical advice for athletes who resist eating early. She explains why eating before competition isn’t optional and how to train the body to adapt.

[00:33:19] Coach Bre and Lindsey talk about how Dream Team athletes learn to take ownership of their nutrition, ask smart questions, and apply female-specific fueling strategies that improve both performance and confidence.

[00:38:00] Lindsey shares where parents can connect with her (Female Athlete Nutrition podcast + website) and how she partners with Dream Team to help girls fuel their confidence one meal at a time.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game
• Dream Team Waitlist - 6 month coaching program for elite athletes

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

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.