More Than Skill

In this episode, Kara welcomes 14-year-old Milly-Clare from Alabama and her mom, Holly. Born with a limb difference, Milly-Clare has amazed everyone with her elite-level cheer skills, confidence, and mental toughness. We couldn’t wait to hear her story! She shares how she got started in cheer and the ways she has adapted to master the same skills as her peers. Holly reflects on a powerful moment when she realized her daughter could overcome any challenge. Milly-Clare’s journey has inspired thousands, proving that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible.

Did you know that April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness month?

Visit here to learn more: https://40years.amputee-coalition.org/llldam/

Lucky Fin Project: https://luckyfinproject.org

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about learning, adapting, and growing stronger through challenges. In this episode, Kara takes you inside a mental strategy session where athletes defined resilience and explored the impact of rumination on performance. We break down how true resilience is built through reps of adversity, self-awareness, and the support of coaches, parents, and mentors.

Mental Strategy Tidbit:Get your Youth Athlete Resource Guide here!

Confidence is more than just telling athletes to "believe in themselves." In this episode, we explore what confidence really means, how it develops, and actionable ways to help young athletes build it. Learn about the power of repetition, the importance of positive self-talk, and a hands-on activity you can use to demonstrate how confidence grows. This episode is packed with tips for coaches and parents looking to empower their athletes to perform with self-assurance.

Ever wish you could turn the clock back on your season? Maybe you should've implemented some things differently or set better standards? In this episode, Kara delivers 4 tips for leaving no doubt that your season will start off on the right foot. Start strong, finish strong!

In this episode of More Than Skill, we dive into the essential role of the coach in youth sports and how a balanced approach can make or break an athlete's experience. Using my personal coaching triad—Safety, Progress, and Fun—I’ll share strategies for creating a positive and effective environment for young athletes. We’ll discuss why safety must come first, how to foster consistent progress, and why making practices fun is crucial to long-term success. Packed with actionable tips for coaches and parents, this episode will help you create a healthy, motivating atmosphere for your athletes

In this episode, Kara talks about the thing all moms deal with: Mom guilt. Where does it come from, and what the heck do we do about it? Kara reflects on her past and offers a challenge to moms everywhere- will you accept?

Is your body language silently sabotaging your team’s performance? In this episode, Kara explores the powerful impact of non-verbal cues in youth sports, how coaches set the tone for practice, and why athletes tend to mirror their leader’s energy. Learn practical tips for coaches and parents to harness positive body language, improve team dynamics, and create a winning atmosphere. Perfect for coaches, parents, and youth athletes looking to elevate their mental game!

Balancing schoolwork and sports can feel like a full-time job for young athletes. In this episode, Kara dives into smart, research-backed time management tips to help athletes stay on top of their academic game without sacrificing performance on the field. From reverse scheduling to using downtime effectively, we cover strategies you won’t hear every day. Plus, we explore why finding balance is crucial for long-term success—and how not getting it right can lead to burnout. Perfect for parents, coaches, and athletes looking for practical ways to excel in both areas!

In this episode, we dive into the concept of mental toughness—what it really means and how we can actively develop it as a skill. Join Kara as she shares insights from athletes on how they define mental toughness, along with her personal take on why it’s more than just pushing through discomfort. We’ll explore how mental toughness falls on a spectrum, why practicing it regularly is essential for improvement, and how a sense of calm can be the foundation of real resilience. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode will help you understand the mindset needed to face challenges head-on and make empowered choices. Tune in and discover how mental toughness is a decision we make, every day

In this episode, Kara delves into the world of limiting beliefs and their impact on youth athletes. Discover how deeply ingrained thoughts and beliefs can hold athletes back from reaching their full potential, and learn practical methods for coaches and parents to identify and overcome limiting beliefs in young athletes.