Raising Elite Competitors

Latest Episodes:

How to Give Your Athlete a Competitive Advantage (In Her Sport & Life!) Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

Ever wondered how to give your young athlete a competitive edge in their sport and life?
In This Episode:

Discover the keys to equipping your daughter with confidence and mental strength.
Learn why physical training alone won’t cut it.
Understand the importance of mental training and its impact.
Hear real stories of athletes benefiting from mental training.
Find out how parents play a crucial role in their athlete’s success.

Ready to empower your athlete and unlock their full potential? Tune in to the full podcast episode!
Listen to the full episode [insert podcast link]
Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Giving young athletes a mental edge in sports. Discover tips for equipping girl athletes with confidence and a competitive advantage in sports and life.
[03:57] Mental training for athletes. Discover the importance of mental training for athletes.
[08:15] Mental training for athletes to overcome mistakes quickly. The importance of athletes being able to quickly recover from mistakes in their sport, with some sports requiring a quicker recovery time than others.
[12:16] The impact of mental training on a 12-year-old athlete’s performance and personal growth.
[15:48] Developing mental strength and confidence in young female athletes. The importance of equipping girls with confidence skills to navigate life and sports, citing the value of peace of mind and self-advocacy.
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

How To Know if Mental Training is Worth The Investment - 3 Questions To Ask Yourself Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how crucial mental training is for young athletes? Join me in today’s episode as we explore the game-changing world of mental training in sports.
In this episode, we discuss:

The significance of mental training in your child’s sports journey.
Finding the right balance between physical and mental training.
The valuable life lessons that sports can instill in your young athlete.
Bonus questions: Envisioning your child’s future and weighing the cost of inaction.

Ready to unlock the secrets to your child’s sports success? Tune in to the full podcast episode for a deep dive into these essential insights and more!

Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Investing in mental training for athletes. Discover the importance of mental training for athletes and parents, with a highlight on the benefits of my signature program for girls, the Elite Mental Game.
[01:56] Why investing in mental training is worth the investment of time, money, and energy for long-term benefits.
[05:32] Mental training in youth sports. Discover the three key questions parents should ask themselves.
[10:06] Mental training for athletes and its impact on performance and personal growth. The importance of mental training for athletes.
[14:34] Learn more about the importance of developing skills to navigate wins and losses, and to be resilient in the face of challenges. How investing in mental skills training for your daughter can help her navigate the ups and downs of her sport and life, and set her up for success.
[19:30] Mental training for athletes and its impact on performance. Learn more about my personal story – how I struggle with mental training in sports and the impact it had on my athletic performance and relationship with my mother.
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 The Pressure of Her Sport w/ Volleyball Mom Silvana Rivero Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

Are you a parent struggling to support your child in the world of competitive sports? In this episode, we talk about the challenges and provide solutions for parents helping their young athletes navigate the pressures of sports. Join us as we explore the journey of Silvana and her daughter Serena, uncovering valuable insights for every sports parent.
What we cover in this episode:

Parental Challenges. Silvana’s initial struggles in supporting Serena’s sports endeavors.
Impact of Parental Support. The importance of understanding and adapting parental support in high-pressure environments.
The Role of Mental Strength Programs. How enrolling in ECP transformed their approach.
Communication is Key. Learning the art of listening and effective communication in sports parenting.
Emotional Growth and Independence. Encouraging young athletes to manage their emotions and make independent decisions.
Sharing Lessons Learned. The importance of spreading knowledge and support within the sports community.

Curious to hear more about Silvana and Serena’s inspiring story? Tune into our full podcast for an in-depth look at their journey and gather essential tips to help your athlete thrive under pressure.
Listen now and join our community of supportive sports parents!
Listen to the full episode here: [insert podcast link]
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Parental pressure in youth sports. Silvana shares her journey of navigating high-pressure sports environments with her 14-year-old daughter, Serena.
[04:13] Parenting and athletic development. Silvana shares her experience of discovering ECP through a session and eventually signing up after recognizing the need for mental strength training for her daughter.
[08:07] Mental training for young athletes. Silvana shares how she uses their own experiences and learnings from ECP to help Serena manage this pressure and improve her performance.
[13:08] Impact of mental training program on mother-daughter relationship. Learn how the mental training program improved Serena’s confidence and helped her bond with her mother, who noticed changes in her anxiety and pressure.
[17:04] Parenting and mental training for a 14-year-old athlete. Discover Silvana’s tips and insights for parenting and mental training for a 14-year-old athlete.
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

A Parent's Critical Role In Their Child's Athletic Journey With John O'Sullivan Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Are you wondering how to best support your child’s journey in sports? In this enlightening episode, we sit down with John O’Sullivan from the Changing the Game Project to dive deep into the world of youth sports and the pivotal role parents play.
What I cover in this episode:

Learn about John’s transition from athlete and coach to a youth sports reform advocate.
John shares his motivations for starting an initiative to make youth sports more child-centric.
Discussion on the positive changes in youth sports starting from the family level.
Insights into how parents can help their children discover and enjoy their sports passions.
Identifying typical mistakes parents make in their children’s sports journeys.
Tips for selecting a coach and environment that best suit your child.
The importance of supportive communication and giving space to young athletes.
How to match your aspirations with your child’s interests in sports.
Encouraging children to own their sports experience and find internal motivation.
Advice on handling difficult coaching scenarios and when to intervene.
Key takeaways for parents to support and nurture their child’s sports experience.

Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on fostering a positive and supportive sports environment for your child.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Improving youth sports with mental performance coach and author John O’Sullivan. Learn more about the man behind the Changing the Game Project, his journey from a collegiate and professional soccer player to a youth sports advocate.
[05:27] Parental role in youth sports and creating positive experiences for children. Discover the importance of prioritizing children’s well-being in sports, with an emphasis on the need for families and communities to make changes to benefit student athletes.
[10:08] Parenting and supporting children in sports. Learn more about the importance of aligning parental goals with a child’s goals in sports, rather than pushing them towards a specific achievement that doesn’t align with their desires.
[15:20] Navigating coaching issues as a parent. Discover the importance of recognizing when to step in and when to let children face challenges and learn from them.
[18:56] Parenting and coaching in sports. Key takeaways for parents to support and nurture their child’s sports experience.

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

Athlete Tip: How To Stay Motivated! Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

Here’s a question for you: Ever wonder how to keep your motivation alive when you’re just not feeling it as an athlete? We’ve got you covered with some practical tips in today’s show!
In this episode, we’ll cover:

Why motivation isn’t a constant friend, and why you shouldn’t wait for it.
The secret to boosting motivation: Action first, enthusiasm follows.
The power of reconnecting with your “why” and how it fuels your drive.
The real difference-maker: Showing up, even on the days when motivation is lacking.
The importance of having a structured plan, making it easier to stay committed.
The five-minute rule to kickstart your motivation.
Preventing burnout through regular breaks and self-care.
The golden rule: Give what you have on those off days.

Don’t miss out on these valuable insights to keep your athlete’s fire burning! Tune in to the full podcast episode to get the scoop on staying motivated in your athletic journey.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Staying motivated as an athlete with mental performance coach. Discover tips for staying motivated as an athlete, including the “snapback routine” to stay in the present moment.
[01:37] Relying on motivation as an athlete. Discover why motivation is not a reliable factor for athletes, as it comes and goes.
[03:29] Staying motivated and committed to sports goals. Discover the importance of setting goals and showing up to practice even when motivation is lacking, as it separates athletes from their competition and helps them stay disciplined.
[05:18] Creating a workout plan and staying motivated. Learn how to plan ahead and set specific workout times to stay motivated.
[06:36] Maintaining motivation in athletics despite ebbs and flows. Discover the importance of not relying solely on motivation and recognizing it’s okay to not feel motivated all the time.

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.

When a Coach Cuts Your Athlete's Confidence - Here's What To Do Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Ever wondered how to handle it when a coach affects your athlete’s confidence? In this episode, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this common concern and how to empower your young competitor.
In this episode, we cover:

Understanding that coaches are human and make mistakes.
The importance of open communication between athletes and coaches.
Shifting your mindset to see coaching challenges as growth opportunities.
The power of staying curious and asking for clarification.
Maintaining a positive perspective and avoiding gossip.
Empowering your athlete to take control of her mindset and confidence.
The significance of a strong support system for your athlete.
Teaching your athlete to advocate for herself and have constructive conversations with her coach.
How these challenges can be valuable life lessons, teaching resilience, communication, and self-confidence.

Want to dive deeper into empowering your athlete and helping her thrive under coaching challenges? Listen to the full podcast episode now!
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] How to handle a coach who diminishes an athlete’s confidence. Exploring the issue of a coach cutting an athlete’s confidence and useful tips for addressing the situation.
[02:36] Coaching styles and communication with athletes. Learn the importance of a mindset shift for parents whose athletes are in challenging coaching situations, seeing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a negative experience.
[07:31] Athlete-coach dynamics and mental skills training. Avoid criticizing or badmouthing athletes’ coaches, as it can create conflict and make it harder for athletes to maintain a positive relationship with their coach.
[12:32] Empowering athletes to navigate challenging coach-athlete relationships. Discover the importance of athletes developing mental strength and confidence, even in the face of negative coaching behaviors.
[17:22] Empowering athletes to communicate with coaches. Parents are encouraged to help their daughters build confidence and mental skills, such as recognizing and advocating for their own competence, and surrounding themselves with 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 FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

How to Improve the Parent-Coach Relationship with J.P. Nerbun Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how to best support your child in sports without unintentionally causing hurdles? Today, let’s dive into this important topic with J.P. Nerbun, a coach’s coach. We’ll break down the coach-parent relationship, discovering simple ways you can be a solid ally for your child on the field!
In this episode, we talk about:

Supporting athletes’ mental game and confidence.
Sports parenting and coach dynamics.
Coaching culture and parent-coach relationships.
Coaching and parenting perspectives.
Parental involvement in youth sports teams.
Coping with abusive sports coaches.
Coaching, playing time, and communication in sports.
Athlete development and communication between coaches and parents.
Athlete development, coaching, and parent-coach communication.

Ready for more insights? Listen to the full podcast episode and discover how you can play a vital role in your child’s sports journey.
Come hang out with J.P. on social @‌J.P. Nerbun and learn more about his newest book: The Parent Solution.

Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Supporting athletes’ mental game and confidence.
[02:24] Sports parenting and coach dynamics.
[05:15] Coaching culture and parent-coach relationships. Exploring the parent-coach relationship and how it can be improved.
[10:40] Coaching, accountability, and father-son relationships.
[13:15] Coaching and parenting perspectives. The importance of coaches and parents seeing each other as human beings, rather than just labels or roles.
[20:13] Parental involvement in youth sports teams. Parents can support team culture by taking initiative to introduce themselves and their child to the coach and other parents.
[23:30] Coping with abusive sports coaches. The challenges of dealing with difficult coaches in sports, particularly in terms of emotional abuse and building resilience.
[26:37] Coaching, playing time, and communication in sports. The complexity of dealing with perceived favoritism in sports, considering factors such as age, level of competition, and job security for coaches.
[32:55] Athlete development and communication between coaches and parents. The importance of recognizing a coach’s strengths and weaknesses in communicating with athletes.
[35:39] Athlete development, coaching, and parent-coach communication. The importance of clear communication between coaches and athletes, particularly when it comes to role expectations and player improvement plans.
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

Keys to Raising a Secure, Confident Athlete. How This Mom is Doing it Inside The Elite Mental Game w/ Basketball Mom Kym Donnelly Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Ever wondered how to make young athletes feel confident? Meet Kym and her daughter Lila as they share their journey to boost Lila’s confidence on and off the field. So, let’s dive right in and discover the secrets of raising confident athletes with this wonderful mom-daughter duo! It’s time to unlock their potential and watch them shine on and off the field.
In this episode, we talk about:

Empowering Young Athletes
Balancing Roles as a Mom and Coach
Recognizing the Need for Change
Taking the First Steps
Committing to Change
Presenting the Opportunity to the Athlete
Investing in the Relationship

As a parent, coach, or athlete, their journey offers valuable insights on how you too can empower the young athletes in your life to shine brightly. Let’s get started!
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] A mother’s experience with mental training program for high school athlete. Kym shares her experience with the elite mental game program and how it transformed Lila’s mental game, empowering her to recognize her own greatness and inner strengths.
[05:09] A high school athlete’s lack of confidence and mental strength. Lila, a high school freshman athlete, struggles with confidence and self-doubt, despite her natural talent and physical effort.
[10:18] Investing in a program to help a daughter overcome self-doubt in sports. Kym was hesitant to join the program due to considerations such as cost and effectiveness, but ultimately decided to enroll after finding the free live webinar informative and resonant with their experience.
[14:59] Empowering a young athlete through a sports psychology program. Kym highlighted how the program empowered Lila to prioritize her enjoyment of the game and find a balance between competitiveness and fun as a teammate.
[20:06] Investing in a child’s sports career and personal growth. Kym reflects on investing in their child’s mental and emotional well-being as a parent, recognizing the importance of relationships and the impact on their sport.
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

"How Do I Get My Athlete To Stop Being So Hard On Herself?" Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

We’ve all been there – watching our young athletes give it their all on the field, only to see them being incredibly hard on themselves afterward. So, here’s the million-dollar question: How can we help them shift gears from self-criticism to a more productive, positive mindset?
In this podcast episode, we’ve got practical strategies to help your athlete shift from self-criticism to a more productive mindset. Get ready to transform your athlete’s mental game!
We talk about:

Understanding the Challenge
Unrealistic Standards and Perfectionism
The Role of Automatic Negative Thoughts
Associating Achievements with Self-Worth
Practical Strategies to Help Your Athlete

Listen to the full podcast to gain further insights and practical tips on supporting your athlete in overcoming self-criticism!
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Helping young athletes overcome self-criticism.
[01:57] Helping athletes overcome self-criticism after performances.
[05:27] Negative thoughts and self-worth in athletes. Athletes often struggle with negative self-talk and self-worth issues due to their association of achievements with their self-worth.
[08:44] Supporting athletes’ mental health. Parents can support athletes by shifting recognition towards their effort, preparation, and response to adversity, rather than solely focusing on outcomes.
[13:23] Helping young athletes overcome self-criticism and develop mental toughness. The importance of mental training for athletes, particularly in handling loss and failure.
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

Strategies to Help Your Athlete Stop Overthinking So She Can Play with Confidence Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

Is your young athlete overthinking on the field? It’s a common challenge for many parents and their sports-loving kids. So, what can you do about it? Join us in this episode as we explore strategies to help young athletes conquer overthinking and regain their confidence!
In this podcast episode, we’ll cover:

Understanding Overthinking
Strategies to Help Your Athlete Stop Overthinking
Supporting Your Athlete: Your Role as a Parent

Join us in empowering your athlete to play with confidence, on and off the field! Listen to the full podcast for more insights.
Episode Highlights:
[00:06] Helping athletes overcome overthinking and gain confidence. Discover how parents can help their athletes overcome overthinking and build confidence.
[01:57] Helping athletes overcome overthinking and perform with confidence. Overthinking can consume athletes, leading to unproductive thoughts and hesitation in competition.
[04:51] Strategies to help athletes overcome overthinking. Discover strategies for athletes and parents to address overthinking include mental training, self-talk, visualization, and reframing the role of mistakes in athletic development.
[09:16] Mindfulness techniques for athletes to overcome overthinking. Mindfulness is the act of being present in the moment, and athletes can practice this skill through techniques like deep breathing, grounding, and visualization.
[13:34] Helping athletes overcome overthinking and perform at their best. Parents can help athletes overcome overthinking by using mindfulness, visualization, and reassuring language.

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

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