Coaching isn’t just about strategy and skills—it’s about relationships, resilience, and creating a culture where athletes thrive. In this episode ofThe Cheer Athlete Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Susan Averna, a developmental psychologist, mental health consultant, and head cheerleading coach at Trinity College, to discuss her new bookFabric: Be the Coach Every Athlete Needs.

We dive into the six key elements of coaching—Focus, Awareness, Belonging, Repair, Intentionality, and Curiosity & Compassion—that form the foundation of great coaching. Dr. Averna shares insights on how to build a positive team culture, support athlete mental well-being, and navigate the evolving challenges of coaching in today’s digital world.

Tune in to learn how to create an environment where athletes don’t just perform better—they grow into more confident, coachable, and resilient individuals.

If you want to check out Susan and my first conversation, it is episode 40.

Connect with Susan by email at[email protected]

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📖Grab Dr. Averna’s book:HERE
💬Join the conversation on Instagram:@thecheerpt

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If you want to learn more about how you can work with Laura goHERE and we will schedule a strategy call