On this episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jenn and Marissa sit down with Bridget Quinn, LCSW, a therapist with a focus in sports psychology, to talk about the mental side of athletics and why young athletes need support beyond physical training.
Bridget shares how her own experience as a competitive swimmer led her into sports psychology, and explains how anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, injuries, burnout, and confidence can all affect an athlete’s performance. She talks about why resilience matters, how kids can learn to handle hard things, and why sports can be a powerful place to build coping skills that carry into life outside the game.
The conversation also dives into the pressure parents can unintentionally place on their kids, the importance of letting children choose what they enjoy, how injuries like concussions or ACL tears can impact a young athlete’s identity, and why mental health support is especially important for middle school and high school athletes.
Bridget also opens up the conversation beyond sports, touching on therapy in general, postpartum mental health, finding the right therapist, and why asking for help does not have to feel intimidating.
Whether you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or someone who has ever struggled with pressure, confidence, or starting therapy, this episode is an honest and helpful conversation about mental health, resilience, and learning how to do hard things.