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.

Join our LIVE trainings for sports moms happening now! [REGISTER]

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.

Join our LIVE trainings for sports moms happening now! [REGISTER]

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.

Join our LIVE trainings for sports moms happening now! [REGISTER]

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.

Join our LIVE trainings for sports moms happening now! [REGISTER]

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.

Join our LIVE trainings for sports moms happening now! [REGISTER]

Is your athlete gearing up for tryouts… and you’re secretly more stressed than she is?

You’re not alone. Tryout week can bring all the nerves, for athletes and their moms. But how do you actually support her without adding pressure, overstepping, or spiraling right alongside her?

In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to prepare your athlete (and yourself) for tryouts – mentally, emotionally, and practically.

Here’s what this episode covers:

• What parents need to check in on before tryouts even start.
• How to shift the focus from “making the team” to “showing up strong”.
• A coach’s honest perspective on what actually stands out at tryouts.
• Simple ways to help your athlete prep without hovering.
• What to say (and what not to say) during the tryout season.
• How to boost her confidence outside of her sport.
• Key mental skills athletes need to handle nerves, bounce back from mistakes, and perform under pressure.
• What to do if she doesn’t make the team and how to turn disappointment into growth.

Tryouts don’t have to break her or you. Listen in and get the tools to show up steady, supportive, and strong... no matter the outcome.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Tryout Season = High Stress. Tryouts bring a wave of stress for athletes, coaches, and especially parents. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, but there are ways to handle it well.

[00:01:47] Start with the Parent. Before helping an athlete, parents should check in with themselves. Acknowledging personal stress and avoiding projection helps create a calmer environment.

[00:03:00] Focus on Her Goals. Instead of assuming what she wants, ask the athlete what her goals are for tryouts. Shifting the focus to effort and pride helps relieve outcome pressure.

[00:05:03] When the Goal Feels Out of Reach. If the athlete sets a big goal, parents can gently steer the conversation toward effort and backup plans, without crushing her confidence.

[00:06:49] Watch the Words. Phrases like “You better make the team” only add pressure. Encouragement should stay focused on effort, attitude, and what’s in her control.

[00:07:41] Mental Game is the Real Game. Tryouts are mentally demanding. Without tools to manage nerves and recover from mistakes, even skilled athletes can struggle.

[00:08:43] Visualize the Outcome. Positive visualization, seeing success before it happens, helps athletes shift from anxious anticipation to confident execution.

[00:09:00] Anchor in Affirmations. Simple self-talk like “I’m ready” or “I belong here” gives athletes something to lean on in high-pressure moments.

[00:10:23] Reset Fast With a Snapback Routine. A go-to reset routine helps athletes move on from mistakes quickly, one of the most valuable tools in competitive sports.

[00:12:28] Real Success is in Adaptability. The biggest win from tryouts? Learning to adapt, stay grounded, and keep going no matter what the outcome says.

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.

Join our LIVE trainings for sports moms happening now! [REGISTER]

Tryouts don’t have to be overwhelming or nerve-wracking. Whether you're months out or walking in tomorrow, having a plan makes all the difference. In this episode, we break down exactly how to get ready, both physically and mentally, so you can show up confident, calm, and ready to shine.

Here’s what we cover:

✅ The real purpose of tryouts (and why that should ease the pressure).
✅ How to lay the groundwork weeks, or months, in advance.
✅ Why visualization actually works (and how to do it right).
✅ What to prep the night before and morning of tryouts.
✅ Simple ways to stand out without needing to be “the best”.
✅ What to do after tryouts so you don’t spiral.
✅ How to handle disappointment with confidence and clarity.

🎧 Press play and get your step-by-step plan to show up strong. You’ve got this!

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Tryouts Are Just Another Chance to Play. We kick off with a mindset reset: tryouts aren’t about becoming someone else; they’re about showing what you already know how to do.

[00:01:34] Control the Controllables. Shoutout to Ava shows how effort and mindset matter more than results. You're in charge of your attitude, body language, and how you respond.

[00:02:37] Lay the Foundation Early. If you’ve got weeks or months to prepare, focus on skill work and daily progress. Build confidence through small, steady steps.

[00:03:55] Let Go of the Pressure. Tryouts don’t need to feel heavy. They’re simply another opportunity to play the sport you love.

[00:05:01] Create a Game Plan (Months Before). Now’s the time to get serious about training. Work on your weaknesses, but know and strengthen your top skills so you can showcase them later.

[00:05:45] Start Training Your Mind (Weeks Before). In the weeks leading up to tryouts, lean into visualization and choose a mantra. Practicing mental reps is just as important as physical ones.

[00:07:10] Prep the Night Before. From gear to meals to choosing a standout shirt, set yourself up to feel steady and ready in the morning.

[00:07:54] Own the Morning. Use music, breathwork, and your mantra to walk in calm and confident. Arrive early, introduce yourself, and make a strong first impression.

[00:11:22] During Tryouts: Lean Into Strengths. This isn’t the time to fix weaknesses; it's time to showcase what you're great at. Go big, take risks, and bounce back fast.

[00:13:13] Be the Athlete Coaches Remember. Coaches notice effort, leadership, coachability, and energy. You don’t have to be the best, just someone they can trust on their team.

[00:14:06] Reflect, Don’t Ruminate. After tryouts, thank the coaches. Do a quick check-in with yourself: 3 things that went well, 1 or 2 to work on and then let it go.

[00:15:00] Your Team Doesn’t Define You. Whether you made the team or didn’t, it doesn’t say anything about your worth. There’s always opportunity in the outcome, so make sure to look for it.

[00:16:08] Your Final Step: Stick to the Plan. Create your plan, visualize your success, and go play your game. No matter what happens, you’ve already won by showing up prepared.

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