Tryouts don’t have to be overwhelming or nerve-wracking. Whether you're months out or walking in tomorrow, having a plan makes all the difference. In this episode, we break down exactly how to get ready, both physically and mentally, so you can show up confident, calm, and ready to shine.

Here’s what we cover:

✅ The real purpose of tryouts (and why that should ease the pressure).
✅ How to lay the groundwork weeks, or months, in advance.
✅ Why visualization actually works (and how to do it right).
✅ What to prep the night before and morning of tryouts.
✅ Simple ways to stand out without needing to be “the best”.
✅ What to do after tryouts so you don’t spiral.
✅ How to handle disappointment with confidence and clarity.

🎧 Press play and get your step-by-step plan to show up strong. You’ve got this!

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00:00] Tryouts Are Just Another Chance to Play. We kick off with a mindset reset: tryouts aren’t about becoming someone else; they’re about showing what you already know how to do.

[00:01:34] Control the Controllables. Shoutout to Ava shows how effort and mindset matter more than results. You're in charge of your attitude, body language, and how you respond.

[00:02:37] Lay the Foundation Early. If you’ve got weeks or months to prepare, focus on skill work and daily progress. Build confidence through small, steady steps.

[00:03:55] Let Go of the Pressure. Tryouts don’t need to feel heavy. They’re simply another opportunity to play the sport you love.

[00:05:01] Create a Game Plan (Months Before). Now’s the time to get serious about training. Work on your weaknesses, but know and strengthen your top skills so you can showcase them later.

[00:05:45] Start Training Your Mind (Weeks Before). In the weeks leading up to tryouts, lean into visualization and choose a mantra. Practicing mental reps is just as important as physical ones.

[00:07:10] Prep the Night Before. From gear to meals to choosing a standout shirt, set yourself up to feel steady and ready in the morning.

[00:07:54] Own the Morning. Use music, breathwork, and your mantra to walk in calm and confident. Arrive early, introduce yourself, and make a strong first impression.

[00:11:22] During Tryouts: Lean Into Strengths. This isn’t the time to fix weaknesses; it's time to showcase what you're great at. Go big, take risks, and bounce back fast.

[00:13:13] Be the Athlete Coaches Remember. Coaches notice effort, leadership, coachability, and energy. You don’t have to be the best, just someone they can trust on their team.

[00:14:06] Reflect, Don’t Ruminate. After tryouts, thank the coaches. Do a quick check-in with yourself: 3 things that went well, 1 or 2 to work on and then let it go.

[00:15:00] Your Team Doesn’t Define You. Whether you made the team or didn’t, it doesn’t say anything about your worth. There’s always opportunity in the outcome, so make sure to look for it.

[00:16:08] Your Final Step: Stick to the Plan. Create your plan, visualize your success, and go play your game. No matter what happens, you’ve already won by showing up prepared.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

If you’ve ever told your athlete to “suck it up”… this one’s for you.

In this final episode of the Summer Confidence Series, we’re calling out one of the most popular pieces of advice in sports culture and why it’s not working. Mental toughness sounds good on the surface, but it often teaches athletes to shove emotions down and disconnect from what they actually need.

Here’s the truth: ignoring emotions doesn’t build resilience, it builds pressure.

This episode breaks down a better way to build confidence and mental strength in your athlete, all while building your relationship at the same time.

What’s inside: 

• Why telling her to be “mentally tough” is doing more harm than good.
• Real examples of how pressure shows up in athletes (panic, burnout, perfectionism).
• The 4-part “What To Say” method that actually builds her confidence.
• How to support her before, during, and after games, without coaching from the sidelines.
• What it means to be her safe space (and why that’s not “making her soft”).
• How this approach prepares her for life way beyond sports.

Want to help your athlete grow real confidence? Listen in and let’s wrap up this Summer Confidence Series strong!

Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!

Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00:00] Part 4 Begins. The final part of the Summer Confidence Series kicks off with a bold topic that challenges traditional advice around mental toughness.

[00:01:03] A Real-Life Win. A mom shares how her daughter is handling mistakes with more focus and confidence thanks to a new approach; not “toughening up,” but learning to reset.

[00:05:10] When Mental Toughness Becomes Harmful. The old mindset of grinding through emotions damages confidence and the parent-athlete relationship. A new path is needed.

[00:06:03] Understanding the Parent Role. Parents have a powerful role: shaping the environment and offering opportunities. Knowing the difference between coach, ref, and parent is key.

[00:08:33] Pep Talks That Actually Help. Simple strategies like “name it to tame it” help athletes manage nerves and channel energy before games without toxic pressure.

[00:12:46] Post-Game Conversations That Build Trust. After a game is a key moment. Creating space, validating emotions, and asking open-ended questions help strengthen connection and confidence.

[00:15:34] Preparing for More Than Sports. The goal isn’t just better performance, it’s preparing athletes for real-life setbacks with tools they’ll use far beyond the field.

[00:16:14] Next Steps + Resources. Discover our free training and explore a self-paced program designed to help both parents and athletes grow stronger together.

Next Steps:

• Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!
• Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!
• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a ratin

Join the Elite Competitor Athlete Challenge Aug 18-20th!
join.elitecompetitor.com/challenge

Does your daughter spiral into negative self-talk and no amount of encouragement seems to help?

You’re not alone. And more importantly, it’s not your fault. If you’ve ever watched your daughter beat herself up after a mistake, compare herself to teammates, or shut down when you try to help… this episode is for you.

There’s a better way to support her and it starts with this simple mental tool that’s helped hundreds of girl athletes shift their mindset and perform with more confidence.

Here’s what we cover: 

• Why your daughter pushes back on your advice (even when it’s good).
• The #1 mindset skill most girls aren’t taught, but desperately need.
• Real stories from athletes who used this tool mid-game.
• How the “thought wheel” works and how it helps stop negative spirals before they turn into beliefs.
• Why your own self-talk plays a bigger role than you think.
• What to start saying (and stop saying) about yourself in front of your daughter.
• How moms and daughters can grow stronger together.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now to learn how to flip her mindset and help her build real confidence that lasts.

Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!

Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00:00] What This Series Is Really About. This episode is part of the Summer Confidence Series, created to give moms real tools to help their daughters build unshakable confidence and mental strength.

[00:03:05] Why Advice Doesn’t Always Land. Even if your advice is good, it often gets brushed off. Here’s why she might not be ready to hear it and what to do instead.

[00:04:55] Step 1: Notice and Shift Her Thoughts. The first step of the Confidence Self-Talk Process. Your daughter can’t control every thought, but she can choose which ones to believe.

[00:06:49] Teaching the Thought Wheel. A simple, five-part mental tool that helps girls understand how thoughts lead to feelings, actions, and results—and how to break the cycle.

[00:14:16] Step 2: Her Confidence Is Tied to Yours. What you say about yourself matters. Your daughter builds her inner voice based on what she hears you say out loud.

[00:18:38] Breaking Cycles Together. How small shifts in your own self-talk can create powerful changes in her mindset and how moms and daughters are growing together inside the program.

[00:21:44] Want to Go Deeper? Details on the free sports mom training at trainhergame.com, plus how to get the summer-only discount for The Elite Mental Game program.

Next Steps:

• Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!
• Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!
• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Join the Elite Competitor Athlete Challenge Aug 18-20th!
join.elitecompetitor.com/challenge

Watching your daughter beat herself up after a mistake is heartbreaking. You know she’s capable of more, but that one play…that one error…sends her into a spiral.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact skill your daughter needs so she can bounce back faster; not just for her confidence, but for her performance. This is one of the first tools we teach inside The Elite Mental Game for a reason. It’s a game-changer.

If your daughter tends to get stuck in her head after mistakes, this one’s for you.

What we cover:

✔ Why your daughter struggles to “just shake it off” (and what’s really happening in her brain).
✔ The 3-part SNAP method that helps her move through mistakes in seconds.
✔ The real reason she freezes or shuts down and how to help.
✔ What competitive athletes know about mistakes that most don’t.

Listen to the full episode to hear how you can help your daughter stop spiraling after mistakes and start showing up with calm, steady confidence, no matter what the game throws at her.

Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!

Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00:00] Setting the Stage for Summer Confidence. Part two kicks off with the one skill your daughter needs to recover quickly after mistakes so she can stay confident and keep competing.

[00:01:24] Why This Matters: Mistakes Aren’t Going Anywhere. Mistakes are part of the game, and life. We’re talking about how your daughter can learn to handle them without getting stuck.

[00:03:44] The First Skill We Teach Inside EMG. Athletes inside our program learn this recovery skill first, because it lays the foundation for everything else they’ll build..

[00:05:44] Why the “Just Shake It Off” Advice Doesn’t Work. When her nervous system is in fight-or-flight, your daughter can’t just let it go. Here’s what’s really going on.

[00:08:00] The SNAP Framework: Mindset + Triggers + Routine. The SNAP process gives athletes a simple system to reset. First, they shift their mindset; confident athletes know mistakes are part of growth. Next, they get clear on what usually triggers them and prepare for it ahead of time. And finally, they build a snapback routine that includes a calming breath, a reset word, and a grounding movement. It’s short, specific, and helps them return to flow, fast.

[00:10:11] What the Snapback Routine Looks Like. From breathwork to sock pulls to custom reset words, this routine is personal and practiced—so they can use it when it counts.

[00:12:42] From the Court to the Classroom. This skill isn’t just for sports; athletes are using it to handle tests, nerves, and social situations, too.

[00:13:47] What’s Coming Next in the Series. Next episode: how to help your daughter flip her negative thoughts and stop tearing herself down after games.

[00:14:41] Want to Go Deeper? Here’s How Grab the free training at trainhergame.com, or check out The Elite Mental Game with a special Summer Confidence Series discount.

Next Steps:

• Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!
• Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through

Register here for the Summer Confidence Series to grab the free PDF with scripts, s

Join the Elite Competitor Athlete Challenge Aug 18-20th!
join.elitecompetitor.com/challenge

Think you’re doing all the right things to build your daughter’s confidence… but something still feels off?

In this first episode of our 4-part Summer Confidence Series, I’m pulling back the curtain on the unintentional things we as parents say or do that can quietly chip away at our athlete’s confidence. No judgment; just real talk and simple shifts that make a big difference.

If you’ve ever said “She just needs to believe in herself,” or hoped confidence would come with more practice… this one’s for you.

In this episode, we’ll cover: 

• The three common myths that lower confidence (and what to believe instead).
• Why relying on the coach for mental training might be holding her back.
• What’s actually happening in her brain when she makes a mistake.
• Why “more experience” doesn’t always mean “more confidence”.
• How to know if this is a phase or something deeper.
• The exact formula your athlete needs to thrive in her sport (and her life).
• My personal story of walking away from the sport I loved and what I wish I knew earlier.

Tune in to the full episode for practical shifts, real encouragement, and your first step toward building lasting confidence in your athlete, all summer long.

Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!

Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!

Episode Highlights: 

[00:02:00] A win from one of our moms. Before we get into today’s topic, I had to share a proud moment from one of our moms in the program; proof that mental training really works when it matters most.

[00:04:15] Confidence myth #1: “That’s the coach’s job.” Many parents believe the coach should handle mental training, but the reality is most coaches just aren’t equipped or trained to support that part of your athlete’s game.

[00:07:09] Confidence myth #2: “She’ll grow out of it.” It’s easy to think confidence will come with time or experience, but as the competition gets tougher, the pressure grows too.

[00:08:55] Confidence myth #3: “It’s just a phase.” When your daughter struggles with nerves or negativity, it’s not something she’ll magically grow out of. These are signs that she needs help building key mental skills.

Next Steps:

• Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!
• Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!
• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Join the Elite Competitor Athlete Challenge Aug 18-20th!
join.elitecompetitor.com/challenge

What happens when the sport you love starts to hurt you?

For many athletes, quitting isn’t just about giving up; it’s about choosing your wellbeing over the game. In this episode, Greer, a former Purdue University collegiate cheerleader, shares her raw and honest journey from excitement and confidence to frustration and tough decisions. What happens when coaching changes turn a dream team into a toxic environment? When does pushing through become too much? Greer’s story will challenge everything you think you know about quitting in sports.

In this episode, you’ll hear about: 

• Growing up with anxiety and finding confidence through cheerleading
• The realities of college cheer recruiting and earning your spot
• How sudden coaching changes can shake a team to its core
• The difference between being an amazing athlete and an amazing coach
• Navigating toxic team dynamics and power struggles
• Taking a stand with Title IX and prioritizing mental health
• Why sometimes quitting is the bravest and healthiest choice

Ready to hear the full story and gain insights that every athlete and parent needs? Listen to the full episode now.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00] Standing at the Crossroads: To Quit or Not? Greer opens up about the difficult decision many athletes face: whether to keep going or walk away from a sport they love but that’s become challenging.

[04:15] Growing Up in Sports: Finding Confidence in Cheer. Greer shares how she balanced multiple sports growing up, ultimately finding her confidence and joy in cheerleading despite struggles with anxiety and perfectionism.

[09:30] Navigating College Cheer Recruiting. An inside look at how collegiate cheer recruiting works, including camps, tryouts, and how Purdue’s coaches saw potential in Greer even though she was still learning key skills.

[14:50] Freshman Year Highs: Support and Belonging. Greer describes the excitement of making the Purdue cheer team and feeling supported by coaches who believed in her potential.

[19:20] Freshman Year Lows: Coaching Changes and Team Turmoil. Just before tryouts, the original coaches left, and the new coaching staff struggled to lead, creating a toxic environment that fractured team dynamics.

[25:10] When Great Athletes Aren’t Great Coaches. Greer reflects on how the new coaches’ lack of experience and leadership skills negatively impacted the team culture and athlete wellbeing.

[30:45] Toxic Team Culture and Power Dynamics. Examples of how the new coaches pitted teammates against each other, dismissed academic priorities, and treated athletes disrespectfully.

[36:00] Taking a Stand: Speaking Up and Seeking Help. Greer recounts filing a Title IX complaint, seeking counseling, and advocating for herself despite the fear and uncertainty.

[41:30] Aftermath and Moving On. The problematic coaches were fired, but with ongoing instability, Greer made the difficult decision to quit cheer and focus on her mental health and academics.

[46:00] Lessons Learned: Prioritizing Wellbeing Over Sport. Greer’s final thoughts on the importance of respect, support, and knowing when walking away is the healthiest choice for an athlete’s future.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Join the Elite Competitor Athlete Challenge Aug 18-20th!
join.elitecompetitor.com/challenge

You’re standing on the sidelines, watching your daughter trudge off the field after a tough loss or a rough game. Her body language screams frustration, and your stomach knots up. Here comes that awful car ride home. You want to help, but every attempt seems to make things worse.

Sound familiar?

In this episode, I’m sharing my LOVE Framework: the exact system I teach parents in our Elite Mental Game program. These four simple steps will transform those tense post-game moments from stressful to supportive.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

🔥 Why your usual pep talks might be backfiring (and what to do instead).
🍦 The unexpected power of post-game rituals (hint: it’s not about the ice cream...but that helps).
💬 My go-to scripts: Exactly what to say when she’s angry, disappointed, or beating herself up.
🚫 The 3 phrases I tell parents to avoid at all costs (you’re probably using at least one).
🔄 How I help athletes turn “I suck” into “I’ll improve” (without fake positivity).

Free Resource: Grab my 25 Confidence-Building Phrases cheat sheet at trainhergame.com so you’ll never be stuck searching for words again.

Press play now! Your daughter (and your future car rides) will thank you.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00:00] The Tough Post-Game Dilemma. Introduction to the common struggle parents face when their daughter has a difficult game - the tension between saying nothing (risking seeming uncaring) and saying the wrong thing (causing shutdowns).

[00:00:31] Introducing the LOVE Framework. The 4-step LOVE Framework used in the Elite Mental Game program to handle post-game conversations effectively.

[00:01:24] Real Mom Success Stories. Three moms (Nicole, Shelly, and Andrea) share how using the LOVE Framework transformed their post-game car rides from tense to productive.

[00:02:41] The Two-Piece Confidence Puzzle. Explanation of how confidence stems from both: 1) Parental interactions, and 2) The athlete’s own mental processing skills.

[00:04:46] L - Let Her Lead. Why giving space post-game matters more than immediate feedback, with Dr. Becky Kennedy’s “emotional bench” analogy about sitting with discomfort.

[00:08:51] O - Open the Space. How creating predictable rituals (like post-game snacks) builds psychological safety for natural conversation.

[00:10:27] V - Validate the Emotion. The mirror technique: Reflecting emotions without agreeing with harsh self-criticism (“I believe you feel that way” vs. “You’re right, you played terribly”).

[00:13:58] E - Encourage Inward Reflection. Powerful questions to ask later (“What’s one thing you’re proud of?” “What would you tell a teammate feeling this way?”) that strengthen self-assessment skills.

[00:15:32] Special Case: Coach-Parents. The scrunchie method: Letting athletes physically signal whether they want “coach” or “mom” feedback in post-game conversations.

[00:16:25] Free Resource Alert. 25 Key Phrases PDF available at trainhergame.com to help parents navigate pre- and post-game conversations.

[00:16:56] Framework Recap. Quick review of LOVE: Let Her Lead, Open the Space, Validate Emotion, Encourage Inward reflection.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Trying to make varsity next season? Want coaches to actually notice you this summer?

In this episode, I’m breaking down what high-performing athletes are really doing in the off-season to level up, based on what I’ve seen work as a 4x state championship coach. And no, it’s not just about showing up to practice. Hint: it’s more than just showing up to practice.

We’re breaking down 4 simple but powerful ways you can stand out this summer (without burning out).

Plus, a quick story about a softball player who gained confidence, leveled up her game, and got noticed, all from doing one thing differently.

Here’s what you’ll get:

💯 Why showing up consistently is more powerful than being the best
💬 What real leadership looks like (even if you’re quiet)
🧠 How to stop spiraling after a mistake and stay focused
🥗 Why eating and sleeping well is your responsibility—not your mom’s
📝 A fun bonus quiz to figure out your athlete style

This episode is your off-season game plan. Let’s get to work. 👊

Take the Competitor Quiz: elitecompetitor.com/athlete

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00:00] A fresh start. Summer’s here, and if you’re hoping to make varsity or move up next season, this is your shot. These tips come from a high school volleyball coach who’s led her team to four state titles.

[00:01:27] Quick shoutout. Shoutout to Cindy, a softball player in our program who started mental training and quickly got noticed by coaches. Confidence really changes the game.

[00:02:39] Tip 1: Show up. If you want to stand out, start with consistency. Be at workouts, practices, and camps. Coaches notice who’s all in.

[00:03:38] Tip 2: Lead your way. Leadership isn’t about being loud. It’s about setting the tone—working hard, helping teammates, and showing up with good energy.

[00:05:39] Tip 3: Train your mind. Want to bounce back fast and handle pressure? That starts with mental training: routines, breathwork, and mindset work.

[00:07:41] Tip 4: Fuel like an athlete. Take care of your body with consistent meals, hydration, and good sleep. And if your parents are still waking you up or reminding you to eat… it’s time to step up.

[00:10:23] Quick recap. Be consistent. Lead by example. Train your mindset. Take care of your body.

[00:10:58] Want to go deeper? Take the competitor quiz at elitecompetitor.com/athlete to learn your style and how to train smarter.

[00:11:52] You got this. Use the summer to get better, stand out, and become the athlete you want to be.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Struggling to help your athletes eat better without crossing boundaries? Here's a simple way to support their nutrition and boost performance! Grab more coaching tips → https://coachfreetraining.com

Coaches, you don’t need to be a nutrition expert to make a huge difference in your athletes' performance. In this video, I’m joined by sports nutritionist Amy Dirks, who’s breaking down how to help your athletes fuel their bodies for better energy, recovery, and focus—without micromanaging every bite. Whether it’s post-practice snacks or educating parents on healthier options, we’ve got you covered.

In this session, you’ll learn:

 ✔️ How to guide athletes in making better food choices

 ✔️ Simple snack ideas that work for busy athletes

 ✔️ How to incorporate healthy habits into your coaching without overstepping

 ✔️ How fueling impacts both physical AND mental performance

👋 I’m Coach Bre — a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a longtime head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.

Joining us is Amy Dirks, a veteran sports nutritionist with 20 years of experience and a background as a former athlete herself. She’s worked with top-tier programs—including serving as the official sports nutritionist for the MLS team Sporting Kansas City—and brings a coach-friendly, real-world approach to fueling young athletes.

🕓 Key Moments

00:00 Introduction: Recognizing the Coach's Role in Nutrition

03:07 Motivation: Why Fueling and Nutrition Matters

07:53 Coach Tools: Simple, Tangible Actions That Work

14:59 The Red Bull Dilemma: How to Handle Athlete Habits

20:28 Nutrient Timing: What to Eat and When

26:39 Hormones and Female Athletes: Red Flags and Awareness

32:25 Conclusion: Coaches as Lifelong Educators

🎯 This isn’t just about what your athletes eat—it’s about building a team that understands how to fuel for focus, confidence, and resilience. Because no amount of hustle can fix poor recovery, low energy, or skipped meals. 💥

💬 Coaches – comment below: What’s one moment that made you realize your team needed better fueling habits—and how did you respond?

📌 Want to learn more coaching tips before, during, and even after the game?

🔹 Grab our FREE training for coaches → https://coachfreetraining.com

🔹 Follow us on IG → @elitecompetitorcoach

🔹 Check out our plug & play elite mental game info → https://elitecompetitor.com/plugplayemg

🔹Watch how I’m navigating both motherhood and leadership → https://youtu.be/DOgpA_Y_pnw?si=uJV7wpPVgxDwS4AK

🎥 More videos here → https://www.youtube.com/@CoachHerGame

🚨 Think the hardest part of youth sports is the competition? Think again.

The real challenge? The sideline chatter. The eye rolls. The “why is my kid on the bench?” mutters. That toxic energy that makes you dread game days more than your athlete does.

If you’ve ever: felt your blood boil over sideline gossip, worried how negativity affects your young athlete, or wished you had the perfect comeback for critical parents, this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn:

🗣️ The 3 reasons parents turn into sideline critics (it’s not what you think)
😟 How just overhearing negativity can tank your athlete’s confidence
🎧 The “Headphone Hack”, a genius way to stay above the drama
🚫 The one phrase that accidentally fuels team tension (you’ve probably said it)
🌱 How to spot if you’re “watering weeds” in your sports community

💡 Why This Matters Now: 

Sideline toxicity is driving good kids out of sports. But when you change how YOU show up, you protect your athlete’s joy and set an example other parents will follow.

🎧 Tap into the full episode to reclaim your peace (and your love of game days)

👉 Want to build your athlete’s mental game? Grab our free training: TrainHerGame.com.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00:00] The Sideline Struggle. Why parent drama often becomes the hardest part of youth sports, and how negativity impacts both parents and athletes.

[00:01:31] Real Results from Mental Training. A success story from Jennifer, a mom in our Elite Mental Game program, whose daughter used mental skills to bounce back from a mistake and earn compliments from opposing coaches.

[00:04:05] Why Parents Turn Negative. The psychology behind sideline gossip, from competitive stress to social bonding, and why it spreads so quickly in youth sports.

[00:06:19] The “Watering Weeds” Metaphor. How focusing on negativity (like watering weeds) harms your athlete’s experience, and why we need to redirect our attention to what matters.

[00:09:47] Strategy #1: The Headphone Approach. Practical ways to block out sideline noise, literally or figuratively, to protect your peace and model resilience for your athlete.

[00:11:36] Strategy #2: Setting Boundaries. Scripts to politely shut down gossip without drama, from neutral redirects to firm responses when criticism crosses the line.

[00:14:52] The Coach-Complaint Trap. Why venting to your child about their coach backfires, and how it creates self-doubt and team division.

[00:18:00] Strategy #3: Control Your Focus. How to conserve your emotional energy by investing in positive connections and letting go of what you can’t change.

[00:19:42] Free Resource for Sports Parents. Where to access our training on building your athlete’s mental game (and a discount for the Elite Mental Game program).

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Join the Elite Competitor Athlete Challenge Aug 18-20th!
join.elitecompetitor.com/challenge