What really builds resilience in young athletes?
In this episode, host Trent sits down with Jaime Fernandez, Assistant Director and Performance Enhancement Coach at the University of Arizona, to explore what truly protects athletes over the long term — especially when injuries, pressure, and performance expectations collide.

Following up on our previous conversation about pathways and preparation, this episode dives into what happens after setbacks and how performance teams in US colleges approach return-to-play and mental performance. It’s designed for coaches, parents, and practitioners who want to better support youth athletes’ development.

Inside the conversation:
Return-to-Play Is a Process, Not a Date

• Why medical clearance doesn’t always mean performance readiness.
• The risks of rushing back for finals, selections, or scholarship opportunities.
• What strong RTP systems look like in high-performance environments, including objective markers like strength, speed, and controlled exposure to chaos.
• How performance staff act as a buffer to protect athletes.

Communication Between Medical, Performance & Coaches

• Who really has the final say?
• How information should be shared so head coaches trust the process.
• What young athletes need to understand about timelines and expectations.

Mental Performance & Removing the Stigma

• The difference between mental health support and mental performance coaching.
• Why more athletes are now engaging proactively, not just reactively.
• How confidence, composure, and performing under pressure are trainable skills — just like strength and speed.

This episode is essential listening for youth athletes chasing the next level, parents navigating the pressure, and coaches responsible for long-term development.
Because resilience isn’t just about toughness — it’s about systems, communication, and protecting the athlete for the long game.

Discover more about the Inner Athlete Youth Athlete Development Course – Click here for full details: https://inner-athlete.com.au/courses

Boost your young athlete's performance – Schedule your FREE Discovery Call now: [email protected]

Instantly access "A Parent's Guide to Overcoming the Top 3 Challenges Facing Young Athletes Today!

In this episode, host Trent and coach Alex unpack one of the biggest hidden risks in modern youth sport: too much repetition and not enough variability.
As young athletes progress from club to representative levels, training volumes increase, competition intensifies, and the same movement patterns are repeated again and again. Over time, this leads to underdeveloped physical qualities, movement compensations, overload, and a rising rate of overuse and repetitive strain injuries.
We explore:

• Why early sport specialisation increases injury risk
• The long-term value of multi-sport and variable movement backgrounds
• What actually happens in the body during acute and chronic injuries
• How time away from training affects strength, coordination, confidence, and resilience

You’ll also learn why returning to the gym early (within safe limits) matters, how deconditioning really works, and how to rebuild training volume, intensity, and movement variability without rushing the process.
We finish with practical return-to-play strategies including cross-training, education during injury, and how visualisation can help maintain skills, rebuild confidence, and speed up the return to sport.
This episode is essential listening for parents, coaches, and youth athletes who want to reduce injury risk, support long-term development, and build resilient, adaptable performers — not just short-term results.

Discover more about the Inner Athlete Youth Athlete Development Course – Click here for full details: https://inner-athlete.com.au/courses

Boost your young athlete's performance – Schedule your FREE Discovery Call now: [email protected]

Instantly access "A Parent's Guide to Overcoming the Top 3 Challenges Facing Young Athletes Today!

In this follow up episode, host Trent invites coach Alex to tackle the hidden risks of early specialisation in youth sport. Kids are being pushed harder and earlier than ever, through year-round competitions, 1-on-1 coaching, and sport-specific programs. 

While early wins feel exciting, they can come at a cost: burnout, injury, and a narrow foundation of athleticism. 

We cover: Why kids’ limits are lower than teens or adults and why respecting those limits matters

How overemphasis on competition and sport-specific training can stunt long-term growth

The power of multi-sport play, general athletic development, and varied movement

Balancing passion vs. pressure and avoiding false security from early success

Discover why focusing on athleticism first—strength, speed, agility, coordination, endurance—rather than short-term results is the key to keeping kids in sport, reducing burnout, and building athletes for life.

Discover more about the Inner Athlete Youth Athlete Development Course – Click here for full details: https://inner-athlete.com.au/courses


Boost your young athlete's performance – Schedule your FREE Discovery Call now: [email protected]


Instantly access "A Parent's Guide to Overcoming the Top 3 Challenges Facing Young Athletes" today!

In this episode, host Trent invites coach Alex to tackle the hidden risks of early specialisation in youth sport. Kids are being pushed harder and earlier than ever, through year-round competitions, 1-on-1 coaching, and sport-specific programs. 

While early wins feel exciting, they can come at a cost: burnout, injury, and a narrow foundation of athleticism.We cover:Why kids’ limits are lower than teens or adults and why respecting those limits mattersHow overemphasis on competition and sport-specific training can stunt long-term growthThe power of multi-sport play, general athletic development, and varied movementBalancing passion vs. pressure and avoiding false security from early success

Discover why focusing on athleticism first—strength, speed, agility, coordination, endurance—rather than short-term results is the key to keeping kids in sport, reducing burnout, and building athletes for life.

Discover more about the Inner Athlete Youth Athlete Development Course – Click here for full details: https://inner-athlete.com.au/courses


Boost your young athlete's performance – Schedule your FREE Discovery Call now: [email protected]


Instantly access "A Parent's Guide to Overcoming the Top 3 Challenges Facing Young Athletes" today!

In the second half of the episode, Trent and Gracie unpack what it really takes to prepare for life as a U.S. college soccer athlete. Gracie reflects on what she thought mattered before leaving Australia versus what actually made the biggest difference — physically, mentally, and in her day-to-day training habits.

She shares an honest look at life at Rocky Mountain College, including her degree choice, weekly schedule, and how she balances classes, training, games, and recovery, as well as the challenges of training at altitude. Gracie also compares the NAIA standard to NPLW and explains why team culture, coaching style, and environment matter just as much as competition level.

The episode wraps up with Gracie’s goals for 2026 and practical advice for young female athletes and parents, offering clear, experience-based insights to help navigate the U.S. college soccer pathway with confidence.

Discover more about the Inner Athlete Youth Athlete Development Course – Click here for full details: https://inner-athlete.com.au/courses


Boost your young athlete's performance – Schedule your FREE Discovery Call now: [email protected]


Instantly access "A Parent's Guide to Overcoming the Top 3 Challenges Facing Young Athletes" today!

Host Trent sits down with Gracie to discuss her journey from NPLW football in Australia to beginning her first semester at Rocky Mountain College in the USA (NAIA). A former Football Victoria Emerging Matildas squad member, Gracie shares the key lessons that shaped her pathway and why her experience is relevant for young female athletes and parents considering US college soccer.

They cover early challenges, including injury setbacks and how improving preparation and activation routines played a major role in building confidence, availability, and performance. Gracie also reflects on the demands of NPLW and elite development environments, and the standards required to progress at higher levels.

The episode wraps up with a practical breakdown of the US college recruitment process through Green Room Futures — including timelines, expectations, and what recruiters are really looking for. A clear and honest conversation to help families start the new year informed, prepared, and confident in navigating the college soccer pathway.

Discover more about the Inner Athlete Youth Athlete Development Course – Click here for full details: https://inner-athlete.com.au/courses

Boost your young athlete's performance – Schedule your FREE Discovery Call now: [email protected]

Instantly access "A Parent's Guide to Overcoming the Top 3 Challenges Facing Young Athletes" today!

This week, host Trent sits down with Coach Jack to break down how youth athletes can make the most of their off-season — by training with purpose, not just doing more.

Together they unpack how to identify individual needs through proper assessment — because not every athlete needs the same focus. 

Whether it’s building strength for more speed, improving mobility for better movement, or addressing lingering niggles, they show you how to pinpoint what really matters for your sport.

You’ll also learn how to structure a balanced weekly routine around school, holidays, and recovery — with clear examples for younger and older athletes — plus how to transition safely back into pre-season without losing your gains.

If you’re a parent wanting to support your child’s development, or an athlete ready to take the next step, this episode gives you the blueprint for a smarter, stronger, and more successful off-season.

Discover more about the Inner Athlete Youth Athlete Development Course – Click here for full details: https://inner-athlete.com.au/courses

Boost your young athlete's performance – Schedule your FREE Discovery Call now: [email protected]

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Most young athletes think the off-season is for rest — or for grinding nonstop. The truth? 

The off-season is where real progress happens if you train smart.

In this episode, host Trent and coach Jack unpack how to use the off-season to recover, rebuild, and gain a real edge before pre-season kicks off. You’ll learn the difference between off-season and pre-season training, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to tailor training to what you actually need — not just what your mates are doing.

For parents and athletes who want to make the most of every season, this is your roadmap to smarter training, stronger performance, and long-term success.

Discover more about the Inner Athlete Youth Athlete Development Course – Click here for full details: https://inner-athlete.com.au/courses

Boost your young athlete's performance – Schedule your FREE Discovery Call now: [email protected]

Instantly access "A Parent's Guide to Overcoming the Top 3 Challenges Facing Young Athletes Today!'

In this episode, Trent and Colby Zaph of Melbourne Lacrosse Academy, dive into the Academy’s exciting expansion plans, from seasonal programs and skill-building camps to specialised clinics designed to support youth athletes and grow the game across Australia. 

They discuss how parents of lacrosse athletes can play a role in their child’s development, the importance of coaching development, talent pathways, and how players, coaches, and sponsors can get involved in shaping the future of lacrosse.

We also get personal with quick-fire questions: favourite lacrosse memories, the biggest challenges faced, and dreams for the sport’s future down under.

Discover more about the Inner Athlete Youth Athlete Development Course – Click here for full details: https://inner-athlete.com.au/courses

Boost your young athlete's performance – Schedule your FREE Discovery Call now: [email protected]

Instantly access "A Parent's Guide to Overcoming the Top 3 Challenges Facing Young Athletes Today!'

Trent sits down with Colby Zaph, co-founder of the Melbourne Lacrosse Academy, to share how the Academy helps young players develop their skills, confidence, and athleticism.

Colby explains why he started the Academy, what makes it different from regular clubs, and how he combines skill training, strength & conditioning, and player-focused coaching to give kids a clear path to improve. He reflects on the first yeart - the wins, challenges, and lessons - and shares feedback from both players and parents.

Plus, Colby talks about the future of lacrosse in Australia: more opportunities for juniors, girls’ programs, school involvement, and international exposure. This episode is full of insights for parents wanting the best for their young athletes and for players ready to take their game to the next level.

Discover more about the Inner Athlete Youth Athlete Development Course – Click here for full details: https://inner-athlete.com.au/courses

Boost your young athlete's performance – Schedule your FREE Discovery Call now: [email protected]

Instantly access "A Parent's Guide to Overcoming the Top 3 Challenges Facing Young Athletes Today!'