Raising Elite Competitors

Latest Episodes:

Athlete Tip: When You Don't Feel "Ready" to Compete Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

Did you know it’s completely normal to not feel ready before a big competition? But what do you do when those feelings creep in? In this episode, “When You Don’t Feel ‘Ready’ to Compete,” we’ll get into how to overcome doubt and perform your best no matter what.
Here’s what we cover:

Why “feeling ready” doesn’t determine your success.
A mindset trick to move from self-doubt to confidence.
How to focus on what you can control before game day.
Practical tips to compete like a pro, even on tough days.
Key strategies from the Elite Mental Game program to sharpen your routine.

Tune in now to learn how to step up, stay focused, and thrive – even when readiness feels out of reach! 🎧
Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction to the episode: Addressing the common feeling of not being ready to compete and shares strategies to overcome it.
[01:00] Shoutout to Ava, a hockey player from Arlington, MA, who’s thriving on her new team, showing leadership, confidence, and effort on and off the ice!
[02:00] Exploring reasons athletes feel unready, such as nerves before big competitions, expectations, or just feeling off.
[03:00] The difference between feeling ready and being ready, and why readiness is a choice, not a feeling.
[04:00] Mindset shift. How champions think differently by choosing readiness instead of waiting for the right feelings.
[05:00] Practical steps to choose readiness. working hard, focusing on what you can control, being a good teammate, and taking coaching.
[06:00] Emphasis on consistency. Showing up every day in practice prepares you to choose readiness in competition.
[07:00] Benefits of feeling ready. Aligning a feeling of readiness with intentional choices for peak performance.
[08:00] Strategies from the Elite Mental Game program. Using personalized pre-game routines and finding your ideal "hype number" for optimal competition performance.
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.

Breaking Barriers: How Sports Set Women Up For Success w/ Stef & Amy of Section Z Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

Too many girls never get the chance to experience the life-changing benefits of sports because of barriers like cost, lack of access, and representation. What if there was a way to break those barriers and set them up for lifelong success? In this episode, Steph and Amy of Section Z share how they’re using sports to empower young women, build confidence, and open doors to opportunities they never imagined.
This is the conversation you need to hear to see how a simple game can break barriers, build confidence, and change girls’ lives.
In this episode:

Steph’s personal story and the accident that inspired her to create Section Z.
The biggest barriers holding girls back and how Section Z is addressing them.
Eye-opening research on the connection between sports, mental health, and leadership.
How attending live sports events can inspire confidence and a sense of belonging.
Powerful success stories from girls who found their spark through Section Z.
Why brands are investing in women’s sports and the measurable ROI they’re seeing.
Ways you can support Section Z and make a difference for young girls.

Don’t miss this episode! This isn’t just a conversation about sports – it’s about changing lives. Tune in to hear how Steph and Amy are redefining opportunities for girls everywhere.

Come hang out with Stef on social @‌thesectionZ and learn more about Section Z!
Episode Highlights:

[04:19] What is Section Z? Steph explains Section Z’s mission: leveraging live sports to empower girls with exposure, workshops, and representation.
[08:00] Steph’s Personal Story. Steph shares how a life-changing accident inspired her to create something meaningful and impactful for young girls.
[11:30] Why Sports Matter. Amy highlights the benefits of sports participation, including improved mental health, confidence, and sense of belonging.
[17:00] Addressing Barriers. Amy and Steph discuss socioeconomic challenges that prevent many girls from accessing sports opportunities.
[19:00] The ROI of Women’s Sports. Steph outlines how investing in women’s sports provides long-term benefits for brands and communities.
[28:00] Success Stories. Steph shares impactful moments, including a girl taping a Section Z poster above her bed and another inspired by diverse athletes on the field.
[34:00] Sports as a Unifier. Steph discusses how sports foster community and build connections, transcending differences like race or socioeconomic status.
[38:00] How to Get Involved. Steph and Amy share how listeners can support Section Z through donations, partnerships, or sharing their mission.
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 FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Encouraging Self-Love Through Puberty w/ Kimberly Grustas, Founder of Good For You Girls Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

Is your daughter’s skincare routine harming her more than helping? We all know puberty is tough. But what if some of the products marketed to our daughters are actually making it even harder for them? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Kimberly Grustas, founder of Good For You Girls, to talk about the hidden dangers lurking in everyday skincare products and how they can affect your daughter’s health – especially during the crucial years of puberty.

“Puberty is a superpower.” Kimberly reminds us that our daughters’ bodies are amazing and deserve care that empowers them, not tears them down. But how can we ensure that the products they’re using support their growth without introducing harmful chemicals? Get the lowdown on what to avoid and how to help your daughter embrace self-love from the inside out.

Here’s what we talk about:

The shocking truth about estrogenic chemicals in products marketed to girls.
Why the average age of puberty is dropping – and what you can do about it.
How to guide your daughter through puberty with empathy, confidence, and non-toxic products.
Practical tips on creating a simple, effective skincare routine for your tween.

Whether you’ve got a daughter just starting to navigate puberty or you’re in the thick of it, this episode is packed with tips to help you guide her through with love, care, and confidence.

Love this episode? Don’t forget to share it with other moms who need to hear this! And if you’re feeling the love, take a moment to rate and review the show. Your support helps more parents find this valuable content.

Also, make sure you don’t miss out on Kimberly’s amazing offer! She’s giving our listeners a special discount on her clean skincare line. Grab a 20% discount on any Good For You Girls products by using the code: ELITE20 at checkout!

Come hang out with Kimberly on social: @‌goodforyougirls

Guest Interview Email: Kim@goodforyougirls.com
Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction to the Podcast and Guest. A discussion on encouraging self-love during puberty and introduces Kimberly Grustas, founder of Good For You Girls, highlighting the significance of non-toxic skincare for young girls.
[06:39] The Turning Point: A Shocking Discovery, Kimberly recounts a pivotal moment when her daughter asked for a Hannah Montana bath set, and she realized the harmful ingredients inside – sparking her commitment to creating non-toxic skincare for tweens.
[11:00] Puberty’s Shifting Timeline. Kimberly discusses the significant drop in the average age of puberty – from 14 to 11 – and the importance of recognizing these shifts while protecting girls from harmful chemicals.
[15:02] How Hormones Affect the Body During Puberty. Kimberly delves into how puberty hormones help growth, and how harmful chemicals mimic estrogen, affecting development in both boys and girls.
[36:55] A Call to Moms: Reclaiming Self-Care. Kimberly encourages moms to prioritize their own self-care, setting an example for their daughters and creating bonding opportunities around health and wellness.
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 FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Four-Peat: The Story Behind the Championship Season w/ Coach Bre Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

Parents -> Check out The Elite Mental Game, our self-paced mental training system for girl athletes.
Coaches -> Check out Plug & Play Elite Mental Game for Teams. Designed to simply implement mental training in your program in as little as 30 mins a week!
===
What does it take to win four consecutive state championships? In this episode, I share the story behind an unforgettable season, from overcoming challenges with a new team lineup to the mental strategies that made all the difference. Perfect for parents, coaches, and athletes looking to elevate their game.

What’s covered in this episode:

Building a Championship Mindset. How a young, inexperienced team thrived under the pressure of defending a title.
Mental Training Essentials. Visualization, reset routines, and other strategies that helped athletes perform in the most critical moments.
Practice Like a Champion. The importance of game-like scenarios, competitive drills, and structured planning in daily practice.
Thriving Under Pressure. Stories from the state championship match where mental tools turned nerves into confidence.
Lessons in Leadership and Teamwork. The role of culture, support, and communication in overcoming adversity.

This episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring stories, and actionable insights for anyone who wants to learn what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Whether you’re a parent supporting your athlete, a coach shaping a team, or an athlete aiming for greatness, this episode will leave you inspired and prepared.

🎧 Tune in now to discover the strategies behind a championship-winning program!
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Introduction. A reflection on achieving a historic fourth consecutive state championship, setting the stage for a behind-the-scenes look at the season.
[01:02] Answering Listener Questions. The episode focuses on mental training, practice strategies, and building a cohesive and successful team culture.
[01:52] Player of the Week: Brindley. A standout athlete credited highlight reel visualization as a key tool in helping her team remain undefeated and win their conference championship. championship title with a mostly new lineup and only one returning starter.
[05:36] Mental Training as a Foundation. Mental training has been a consistent part of the program for six years, becoming an ingrained habit for athletes.
[09:33] Snapback Routine. A practical mental reset routine, combining breathwork, a reset word, and a physical signal, helped athletes recover quickly from mistakes and stay in the moment.
[13:17] Turning the Season Around. Despite early-season challenges and inconsistencies, the team improved steadily, peaking at just the right time for postseason success.
[18:15] Locker Room Preparation for the Championship. The pre-championship routine emphasized gratitude, visualization, and the grounding "Turkey Dinner" analogy to reduce nerves and enhance focus.
[21:00] Championship Match Highlights. The team displayed resilience, battling through a fourth-set deficit to force a decisive fifth set, ultimately securing the championship.
[28:03] Practice Planning Strategies. Practice sessions emphasized game-like scenarios, competitiveness, and intentional skill development, creating a foundation for postseason success.
[36:18] Balancing Big Goals with Control. The team stayed focused on controllable elements like mindset, effort, and preparation, balancing ambition with actionable strategies.
[44:19] Final Reflections. The season is remembered as one of resilience, teamwork, and the power of mental training, highlighting the lasting impact on players and the program.
Next Steps:

Join our

Join our FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Athlete Tip: Playing to Win vs Playing Not to Lose Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

Are you holding back without even realizing it? Whether you’re playing from fear or stepping onto the field with confidence could be the difference between a game-changing performance and playing it safe. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to shift your mindset from just trying not to lose to playing full out – and why it matters!

Here’s what we cover:

The hidden dangers of “playing it safe” and why it actually leads to more mistakes
How playing not to lose holds back your potential (and even your team!)
Why taking calculated risks will make you a stronger, more confident athlete
Practical tips to bounce back from mistakes so they don’t mess with your head
Permission to stop hesitating and start showing up as your best self!

Athletes, don’t miss this! This mindset shift could change how you approach your next game. Ready to unlock your full potential? Listen to the full episode now!
Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Playing to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose: Introduction and Shoutout to Madison
[02:13] Understanding the Mindset of Playing Not to Lose
[04:43] The Impact of Playing Not to Lose on Performance
[05:22] The Benefits of Playing to Win
[08:17] Embracing the Mindset of Playing to Win
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 FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Making Kindness a Contact Sport w/ Rob Thorsen, Founder of #HT40 & The Shoulder Check Initiative Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome Rob, the driving force behind the Shoulder Check initiative, which aims to foster mental wellness in youth sports. Rob shares insights on the importance of creating safe spaces for athletes to express their feelings and how parents can effectively support their children in managing the pressures of competition.

Key Takeaways:

Creating Safe Spaces: Learn how parents can establish an environment where young athletes feel comfortable sharing their emotions.
Identifying Distress: Rob discusses the signs parents should look for to identify when their child may be struggling emotionally, even if they don't outwardly express it.
Encouraging Open Conversations: Discover practical tips for initiating conversations about feelings during everyday moments, such as car rides or family dinners.
Essential Resources: Rob outlines crucial resources available for parents in times of crisis, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to seek professional help.
Building Resilience: Understand how to foster emotional resilience in young athletes by allowing them to express disappointment and frustrations in a healthy way.
Future of Shoulder Check: Rob shares exciting developments and goals for the Shoulder Check initiative, aiming to integrate its message into sports culture.

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:10] Rob joins the podcast to share his passion for fostering mental wellness in youth sports through his initiative, Shoulder Check.
[00:02:30] He discusses the importance of creating safe spaces for athletes to express their feelings and the role parents play in this process.
[00:04:50] Recognising the signs of distress: Rob emphasizes how parents can better identify when their children may be struggling emotionally.
[00:07:00] Practical strategies for encouraging open conversations during everyday moments, like car rides or casual chats.
[00:10:05] Rob highlights essential resources for parents to access in times of crisis, ensuring they know when to seek professional help.
[00:12:20] The significance of building resilience in young athletes through emotional expression and coping strategies.
[00:15:35] Rob shares exciting developments for the Shoulder Check initiative, including plans to promote its visibility in sports culture
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 FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

3 Ways to Build Your Athlete's Confidence After a Bad Game So She Can Stop the Negative Spiral Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Coach Bree shares powerful strategies to help parents support their daughters after a tough performance. Learn how to turn post-game negativity into an opportunity for growth and connection.
What You’ll Learn:

Why the post-game car ride is more important than you think
How to create a positive post-game routine
Why focusing on effort and mindset reduces performance anxiety
The L.O.V.E. framework for better post-game conversations

Episode Highlights:
[00:02:35] Understanding what your athlete really needs after a tough game—why emotional support matters more than advice.
[00:04:40] The power of a consistent post-game routine to stop the negative spiral and build emotional resilience.
[00:06:15] Avoiding common post-game mistakes—how focusing on wins and losses can harm confidence.
[00:08:30] Shifting your athlete’s mindset to focus on what she can control, like effort and attitude, rather than the outcome.
[00:10:15] A deep dive into the LOVE framework—practical steps to guide post-game conversations with empathy and encouragement.
[00:13:45] Helping your athlete bounce back from setbacks and learn to separate self-worth from performance outcomes.

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 FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

BONUS Coach Special: How I'm training my team's mental game this season in less than 30 mins per week (and how you can too!) Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Are you tired of watching your team fall apart under pressure or struggle to bounce back from mistakes? In this bonus episode, I’m sharing the exact mental training system I use with my state championship teams that you can start using today! It takes less than 30 minutes a week and helps your athletes stay calm, focused, and ready to win – even in the toughest moments.

What you’ll learn:

How to quickly help your athletes recover from mistakes and bounce back stronger.

Simple techniques to keep your team calm under pressure and focused during critical moments.
How to improve team chemistry and reduce drama with better communication skills.
Why consistency in mental training leads to more reliable, high-performing athletes.
Learn how to help your athletes bounce back quickly, stay calm under pressure, and strengthen team dynamics with consistent mental training by using tools like the Snapback Routine, Team Scenario Planning, and Pre- and Post-Performance Routines.
Why bringing in guest speakers or one-off workshops isn’t enough; you need consistency to see real results.

Listen to the episode for game-changing insights. And if this episode hit home, don’t forget to rate, review, and share with fellow coaches! Every review helps spread the word, and I appreciate your support in helping more teams reach their full potential.

Want to make mental training easy? My Plug-and-Play Elite Mental Game for Teams is a simple, no-fuss system to get your team mentally tough in just 30 minutes a week. Check it out here for special offers and start leveling up your team today! [hyperlink]
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Introduction to Bonus Episode. Starting off the episode by explaining the focus on mental training for coaches, setting the stage for this bonus content.
[01:00] Overview of Free Training Session. A quick overview of the episode being a recording of a free training session that covers the Winning Edge method for mental training.
[03:00] Introducing Daily Mindset Routines. An introduction to the daily mindset routine, “3, 2, 1 Brave,” and how it fits into pre- and post-competition routines for athletes.
[06:27] Discussing Team Inconsistency Issues. Highlighting the common challenges coaches face with team inconsistency and how mental training offers solutions.
[08:34] Personal Experience with Losing Games. Sharing a personal story of losing key matches and how it became clear that mental training was essential to success.
[10:00] Addressing Common Myths About Mental Training. Breaking down three common misconceptions that hold coaches back from adopting mental training, such as time concerns and the overuse of team bonding.
[21:05] Explanation of the Snapback Routine. Discussing the Snapback Routine, which helps athletes recover quickly from mistakes and stay focused during games.

[28:18] Pressure-Proofing Athletes. Moving to the second part of the Winning Edge method, focusing on how to help athletes handle pressure and perform consistently.
[45:17] Introduction to the Plug-and-Play Elite Mental Game System. Introducing the full Plug-and-Play Elite Mental Game system as a tool for coaches to easily implement mental training in their teams.
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 FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Life Beyond Sports: How to Prepare Your Athlete Daughter For Her Future Now w/ Athlete Transition Coach Amanda Hazer Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Coach Bre is joined by Amanda Hazer, a former healthcare professional turned sports consultant, to explore the transition challenges athletes face when their sports journey ends. Amanda shares insights from her neuroscience background and years of research, revealing common struggles athletes encounter as they retire or pivot from their sport.

Episode Highlights:
[00:02:21] – Introduction of guest, Amanda Hazer, and her background in neuroscience and consulting
[00:06:06] – Amanda discusses her journey from healthcare to sports consulting
[00:08:03] – Amanda’s research on athletes’ retirement and lack of transition resources
[00:10:43] – The growing youth sports industry and challenges of athletic identity
[00:12:34] – Coping with athletic retirement: How and when to start preparing
[00:18:32] - The six themes of Aanada's research
[00:26:54] - Communication and leadership and final reflections and advice
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 FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Helping Your Athlete Handle Negative Coaching So It Doesn't Tear Down Her Confidence Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we dive into the world of sports psychology for girl athletes. Learn how to support your daughter mentally to ensure she performs her best on and off the field. From building confidence to handling pressure, these tips will help moms foster a growth mindset in their young athletes.

In This Episode, We Cover:

Why mental performance is crucial for girl athletes
The most common mental challenges they face in sports
How moms can support their daughters in boosting their mental toughness
The importance of a strong support system

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:30] Learn why mental toughness is just as crucial as physical training for girl athletes.
[00:02:15] Dive into the power of visualization and how athletes can mentally rehearse their performance before competitions.
[00:04:42] Explore the impact of positive self-talk and how it transforms an athlete's mindset.
[00:07:05] Understand the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals.
[00:09:28] Uncover simple breathing exercises that help athletes manage stress during high-stakes moments.
[00:12:10] Find out how a growth mindset helps athletes embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.
[00:14:35] Get actionable tips on how you, as a mom, can actively support your daughter's mental performance.

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 FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected