In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Jackson Harris,a standout pitcher from Cy Woods High School, and his mother, Blake Harris, to explore the emotional and practical challenges of transitioning away from competitive sports as Jackson prepares for college. For Jackson—like so manyyoung athletes—baseball has been a central part of his identity, shaping friendships, routines, and family life. The decision to step away from the game wasn’t easy for him or his parents.

Jackson shares candidly about the bittersweet feelings ofleaving behind a sport he loves, the uncertainty of what comes next, and how he’s finding new passions and purpose beyond the pitcher’s mound. Blake offers a parent’s perspective, discussing the pride and grief that come with watching a child close a major chapter, and the importance of supporting—not pressuring—kids as they define success on their own terms.

Together, the Harrises offer key learnings and advice for other families facing similar transitions:

- Open Communication: Honest conversations about goals, fears, and feelings help everyone process the change.

- Redefining Identity: Encouraging young athletes to seethemselves as more than their sport fosters resilience and self-worth.

- Staying Involved: Exploring new activities, clubs, orintramural sports can ease the loss of team camaraderie.

- Parental Support: Parents should focus on being cheerleaders for their child’s growth, not just their athletic achievements.

Whether you’re a student-athlete, a parent, or simplysomeone navigating a big life change, this episode offers wisdom, empathy, and hope for embracing new beginnings.

For more information check out "The Winning Edge: An Athlete's Guide to Sports Nutrition & a Performance Mindset" Book and workbook. Chapter 10, pg. 201 TITLE: Preparing for the Future: Transitioning from Youth Sports

Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Edge-Athletes-Nutrition-Performance/dp/1998745023/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34BWMIHMJBD89&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rccD6A7jZBo-ft_AfSpfvqhkT9WXAeecLAoO8nWgt4vPVdwBvpXQzyxJsHyQqqTF8TQ0ka0r5d4b6Mb4SG9YnOcmSnB3tXRn5PJhS33muoincu4gIfc7tGJKZv2PRixpetn6rpaoqERXACxbtXmBkY1QWKeZmDeCim6f4cPAzGnurn_W0TLeCHGYii_sQW6RTFWnUncxKEfH0hzPLg6nkgPoRLfzE8zrwrhqqorvU.y9HnI8OZ-wEc_dB02DuZydo5W1MMNfdgjwc0KxCVj-g&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+winning+edge+book&qid=1749250424&sprefix=%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1

Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Edge-Athlete-Workbook/dp/1998745546/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ZEFX6CR8OKAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7tI0xArHwGNHEMMuHnN-eHKFSOOVN7nq2c1Rq_9bbhpIfbSEy-T2OzntSdptV1ydHo-acp7OunEr6HZfgShNEqZFvpIW1altF7ohq_91TvIJPIiFCKWVMIUPtYUaQcqvkfzubCq2pY1Gk9K2dm8mLkkl9jghviPglZovk46z-6Ih6U95XZ9IXOJ-lLbvaJKK8taaE7gnL5y2YfDcRut9Y-Im12fW1m1U7uaBqu55c.KfDPtrnNgCb7U9glDDB4sBjjBfa4X_1YslAfXM1CVUM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+winning+edge+workbook&qid=1749250464&sprefix=the+winning+edge+workbook%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1