Dr Erik Dean Episode Page

In this Be Valiant Rewind, Todd Merkow revisits his conversation with Dr. Erik Dean, Medical Director for Sports Medicine at HonorHealth, former Division I football player at the University of Arizona, longtime team physician, youth sports coach, and sports parent.

After more than 25 years treating athletes, Dr. Dean has watched youth sports change dramatically—and not always for the better. He explains why early specialization, year-round training, overuse, and the pressure to constantly do more are contributing to injuries at younger ages.

Todd and Dr. Dean discuss growth plate injuries, the increasing prevalence of ACL injuries among young female athletes, the physical demands and often-underestimated injury risks of cheerleading, and why fatigue and growth spurts can create a dangerous combination for developing bodies.

They also tackle one of the biggest misconceptions in youth sports: that specializing earlier and training more gives an athlete a better chance of reaching the next level. Dr. Dean offers a very different perspective from his experience working with high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. Multi-sport athletes are still being sought out—and talented athletes don't need to spend every weekend at another tournament, camp, or showcase to be found.

His advice to sports parents is remarkably simple: let kids play multiple sports for as long as possible, give their bodies real time off, pay attention when something hurts, and make sure they're still having fun.

Because even professional athletes have an offseason. Our kids should, too.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society

Powered by Valiant Sports Society

www.PlayFearless.org

Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.

© 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

This week on Be Valiant Rewind, we revisit our conversation with former Arizona State and professional baseball player Andrew Beinbrink, founder and CEO of SportsForce.

Andrew brings a unique perspective to youth sports—as a former multi-sport athlete who reached the highest levels of college and professional baseball, and now as someone who works directly with athletes and families navigating the increasingly complicated college recruiting landscape.

But this conversation goes well beyond recruiting.

Andrew shares why playing multiple sports helped shape the athlete he became, what happened when he finally asked his own father to step back, and why parents need to create enough space for their athletes to find their own voice.

We also dig into some of the biggest challenges facing families today: early specialization, overcoaching, chasing exposure too soon, the impact of the transfer portal, and the pressure to pursue a school's brand instead of finding the right fit.

Among Andrew's most important reminders:

"Failure is an ingredient in development."

And as parents navigate all the pressure surrounding youth sports, don't lose sight of what kids themselves value most: fun, friends, and feedback.

Most importantly, Andrew closes with a deeply personal reminder for every sports parent: the days of watching your child put on a jersey are fleeting. Savor them.

In this episode:

• Why multi-sport participation matters

• Giving athletes the space to develop independence

• Why failure is an essential part of growth

• The dangers of overcoaching

• Why development should come before exposure

• How the transfer portal is changing college recruiting

• Finding the right college fit instead of chasing the biggest name

• Why parents should savor the experience while it lasts

Go deeper with this episode: Visit Andrew's episode page at PlayFearless.org for key takeaways, memorable quotes, and additional insights from the conversation—all in one place:

https://playfearless.org/episodes/andrew-beinbrink-failure-is-an-ingredient

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society

Powered by Valiant Sports Society

www.PlayFearless.org

Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.

© 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

Be Valiant Rewind | When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes (Part 3) – The Athlete's Perspective with Will Proctor

In this special Be Valiant Rewind, we're revisiting the powerful conclusion of our three-part conversation with the Proctor family.

After hearing from sports dad Jeff Proctor and sports mom Lisa Proctor, the final chapter belongs to the athlete himself.

Former Division I baseball player Will Proctor shares his remarkable journey from one of the nation's top high school prospects to the emotional realities of performance anxiety, career-ending injury, identity loss, and ultimately discovering a new purpose beyond the game.

Will speaks candidly about the pressure he placed on himself, what it felt like to watch his lifelong dream unexpectedly change, and how he found healing by embracing a new path as a filmmaker. His story is a powerful reminder that our worth is never defined by the sport we play—and that sometimes life's greatest setbacks become our greatest opportunities.

If you haven't heard the beginning of this family's story, start with Part 1: "Be There for the Journey" with Jeff Proctor, available here: https://playfearless.org/episodes/jeff-proctor-be-there-for-the-journey

This episode is just the beginning. Visit PlayFearless.org to explore even more free resources created specifically for sports parents, including:

• Full Be Valiant podcast episodes and video interviews • Expert articles and trusted youth sports organizations • Curated YouTube playlists for sports parents • Guest information and additional educational resources designed to help families create healthier youth sports experiences

Because better-informed sports parents create healthier outcomes for young athletes.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society

Powered by Valiant Sports Society

Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.

© 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

Be Valiant Rewind | When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes (Part 2) – A Mother's Perspective with Lisa Proctor

In this special Be Valiant Rewind, we're revisiting Part 2 of our powerful three-part series with the Proctor family.

After hearing from sports dad Jeff Proctor, this conversation shifts to the perspective only a mother can provide.

Lisa Proctor shares the emotional journey of raising a son whose dream of playing Major League Baseball seemed within reach—until unexpected challenges, mounting pressure, and ultimately injury changed the course of his life. She reflects on the highs of watching Will become one of the nation's top baseball prospects, the heartbreak of seeing him struggle, and the unwavering role parents play when their child's identity becomes intertwined with their sport.

This is an honest conversation about resilience, unconditional support, and the importance of loving your child for who they are—not what they achieve.

If you haven't listened to the beginning of the story, start with Part 1: "Be There for the Journey" with Jeff Proctor, available here: https://playfearless.org/episodes/jeff-proctor-be-there-for-the-journey

Then continue with Part 3, where former Division I baseball player Will Proctor shares the athlete's perspective on performance anxiety, identity, injury, and finding purpose beyond the game.

This episode is just the beginning. Visit PlayFearless.org for free resources created specifically for sports parents, including:

• Full Be Valiant podcast episodes and video interviews
• Expert articles and trusted youth sports organizations
• Curated YouTube playlists for sports parents
• Guest information and additional educational resources to help families create healthier youth sports experiences

Because better-informed sports parents create healthier outcomes for young athletes.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society

Powered by Valiant Sports Society

Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.

© 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

Some conversations deserve a second listen.

In this Be Valiant Rewind, Todd Merkow revisits one of the most honest and relatable conversations about youth sports parenting with longtime sports broadcaster and father of three daughters, Barry Buetel.

Despite a career spent around professional sports, Barry admits he was completely unprepared for the emotional reality of becoming a youth sports parent. Together, Todd and Barry reflect on the pressure, the sidelines, the coaches, the recruiting process, and the mistakes they made along the way.

More importantly, they discuss what they wish they had understood from the very beginning.

Whether your child is just starting youth sports or your family is deep in the club sports journey, this episode is filled with practical perspective on what truly matters—and what simply doesn't.

In this episode you'll hear:

• Why even experienced sports professionals can be blindsided by youth sports parenting.
• How parents can unintentionally become part of the pressure.
• Why development and relationships matter more than wins and scholarships.
• The importance of choosing the right coach and the right environment.
• Why Barry believes the greatest gift youth sports gave his family wasn't trophies—it was time together.

If you've ever questioned your decisions as a sports parent, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone—and that it's never too late to refocus on what matters most.

Because years from now, your children won't remember every score. They'll remember how you made them feel.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society

Powered by Valiant Sports Society

www.PlayFearless.org

Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.

© 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

In this Be Valiant Rewind episode, Todd revisits his conversation with longtime friend and Arizona high school sports voice Kevin McCabe, known by many as the "Dean of Arizona High School Sports."

With more than 40 years covering athletes, coaches, schools, and communities across the state, Kevin brings a rare perspective as both a broadcaster and a sports dad. He and Todd discuss the changing landscape of youth and high school sports, the pressure created by club sports, recruiting expectations, parent behavior, specialization, coaching dynamics, and the emotional realities families face along the way.

Kevin also shares lessons from raising his own five children through sports, including the importance of communication, letting kids define their own journey, and remembering that the goal is not just scholarships or championships, but growth, joy, confidence, and life experience.

This conversation is a reminder for sports parents to stay positive, keep perspective, trust their gut, and help lift up the young athletes around them.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society

Powered by Valiant Sports Society

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

www.PlayFearless.org

Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.

© 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

Longtime Arizona sports broadcaster Jody Jackson has spent her career around elite athletes, but some of the most important lessons she's learned came as a sports parent.

In this Be Valiant Rewind episode, Jody shares the journey of raising two highly competitive athletes—Connor, a collegiate quarterback, and Caitlin, a standout softball pitcher—while navigating the realities of youth sports, club teams, coaching, recruiting, tryouts, and the emotional highs and lows that come with them.

Jody reflects on the intense world of club volleyball and softball, the pressure placed on young athletes, the challenges of balancing competition with enjoyment, and the importance of allowing children to develop at their own pace. She also shares powerful insights about resilience, character, and why a child's value should never be tied to athletic performance.

Whether discussing heartbreaking tryouts, difficult losses, recruiting decisions, or the lessons learned from adversity, Jody offers a thoughtful and refreshing perspective that every sports parent can benefit from.

Most importantly, she reminds us that while sports can be a powerful teacher, our children are so much more than athletes.

Key topics include:

• The realities of club sports and youth sports culture
• Raising a quarterback and a pitcher
• Mental health, confidence, and handling failure
• Multi-sport participation and specialization
• The role of coaches and parents in athlete development
• College recruiting, transfer portals, and finding the right fit
• Why character and work ethic matter more than talent

A conversation filled with honesty, perspective, and valuable lessons for every sports family.

Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society

Powered by Valiant Sports SocietyBe Valiant. Play Fearless.

www.PlayFearless.org

Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.

© 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

In this Be Valiant Rewind, Todd Merkow revisits a powerful conversation with Linda Santo, sports parent, longtime sports media executive, and daughter of Chicago Cubs legend and MLB Hall of Famer Ron Santo.

Growing up around one of baseball's most beloved figures gave Linda a unique perspective on sports, competition, and what truly matters. But even with a Hall of Famer as her father, she found herself facing the same challenges many parents encounter today: club sports, private coaching, roster cuts, scholarship dreams, performance pressure, and the emotional roller coaster that comes with raising young athletes.

Linda shares the very different journeys of her two sons through youth and high school baseball, including the heartbreak of being cut, the realities of the club sports system, and the lessons learned from watching talented kids navigate confidence, anxiety, and expectations. Along the way, she reflects on what her father would think about today's youth sports culture and why he believed kids should focus less on mechanics and more on simply enjoying the game.

This episode is a reminder that success in sports is rarely a straight line, that adversity can become a powerful teacher, and that the ultimate goal isn't raising great athletes—it's raising healthy, resilient young adults.

In this episode:

• Growing up as the daughter of MLB Hall of Famer Ron Santo
• What Ron Santo taught his grandchildren about sports and pressure
• The rise of club baseball and youth sports specialization
• How cuts, setbacks, and failure shaped Linda's sons
• Why multi-sport participation matters
• The mental health challenges young athletes face today
• What parents should do—and stop doing—after games
• Keeping perspective when scholarship and pro dreams take over

Whether you're raising a baseball player, a soccer player, or any young athlete, this conversation offers valuable lessons on helping kids compete, grow, and most importantly, keep their love of sports alive.

Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society

Powered by Valiant Sports SocietyBe Valiant. Play Fearless.

www.PlayFearless.org

Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.

© 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

As youth sports become increasingly focused on scholarships, recruiting, NIL, and the pursuit of Division I athletics, many families lose sight of what truly matters: finding the right fit for their child.

In this Be Valiant Rewind episode, Todd Merkow sits down with former East Coast Conference Commissioner Dr. Robert "Bob" Dranoff, a lifelong college athletics leader, professor, and sports parent, to discuss the realities of college sports and the lessons parents need to hear.

Bob shares insights from decades spent in collegiate athletics, including why Division II and Division III opportunities deserve far more attention, how the transfer portal is reshaping recruiting, the truth about athletic scholarships and NIL earnings, and why balance, academics, and personal growth should remain at the center of every athlete's journey.

The conversation also explores the growing mental health challenges facing young athletes and the role parents play in helping their children navigate pressure, expectations, and the pursuit of success.

Whether your child dreams of playing in college or simply loves competing, this episode offers practical perspective on how sports can serve young people—not the other way around.

Key Topics:

• The reality of Division I recruiting
• Why Division II may be the best-kept secret in college athletics
• NIL, scholarships, and the transfer portal
• Mental health and athlete well-being
• Finding the right college fit
• Keeping sports fun and meaningful
• What every sports parent should prioritize

About Bob Dranoff: Bob Dranoff is the former Commissioner of the East Coast Conference and a longtime college athletics administrator who has served at the Division I, II, III, and junior college levels. Today, he teaches at St. John's University and St. Joseph's University while continuing to advocate for student-athlete development and well-being.

Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society

Powered by Valiant Sports SocietyBe Valiant. Play Fearless.

www.PlayFearless.org

Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.

© 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.