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In our society, there's an ingrained belief that university education is the only path to success. But what if your child's passion lies in becoming a professional rock climber or excelling in a particular sport? So today, we're diving into a critical topic that demands our attention: how to properly educate our athletes to help them reach their highest potential.
As a parent, we must challenge the prevailing paradigm of non-traditional education invalidity and recognize that the prime years for nurturing an athlete's potential are during their teens and early 20s. Investing in their athletic training and development can offer a wealth of invaluable life lessons, discipline, and teamwork skills that extend far beyond traditional education.
Instead of mindlessly following the societal pressure to enroll our children in universities, let's reevaluate our priorities. Why should we pour exorbitant sums into an education that lacks direction or purpose when we could invest in their athletic pursuits? It's time to break free from the student loan cycle and consider the remarkable opportunities our current era presents. Today, we have the flexibility to pursue multiple careers and acquire knowledge at any stage of life. Let's empower our children to embrace their true passions and chart their own paths to success. Let's challenge societal norms, make informed choices, and unlock the incredible potential within our young athletes.
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About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road and talks to the people that normally get very little mention, but are the ones who are responsible for the underlying success of an athlete.
Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.
This is YOUR village.
A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/join-us-raising-pro-athletes/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marina.kuperman.villatoro/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@marinakupermanvillatoro
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
Learning about rock formation. Apparently, this is quite crucial for all climbers.
This is what is called a conglomerate. Basically, what it is, it's rocks within rocks, right?
Millions and millions and millions of years old with these pockets. Right? So the pockets are great for fingers, but there's no place to put your feet. So that's what makes it a little bit harder and more challenging.
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About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road and talks to the people that normally get very little mention, but are the ones who are responsible for the underlying success of an athlete.
Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.
This is YOUR village.
A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/join-us-raising-pro-athletes/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marina.kuperman.villatoro/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@marinakupermanvillatoro
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
As a rock climber, understanding the lingo is crucial. One term that often comes up is FA or First Ascent. It refers to the first person to successfully climb and send a route. On the other hand, FFA stands for First Female Ascent, which recognizes the first female to send a particular route. These terms highlight the importance of achievement and progress in the rock climbing community, and as a climber, it's essential to know and respect the significance of these milestones.
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About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road and talks to the people that normally get very little mention, but are the ones who are responsible for the underlying success of an athlete.
Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.
This is YOUR village.
A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/join-us-raising-pro-athletes/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marina.kuperman.villatoro/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@marinakupermanvillatoro
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
Warming up is crucial when you start to climb. Hang boarding is one way to warm up. Usually, everybody brings a hang board to warm up before also using bands. This is a really big help and truly worth it. This is a much lower grade, and it's warming up. So it's always really important to warm up in a much lower grade than what you're planning on training at so that your muscles are ready to go.
I want to talk to you about the importance of warming up before climbing. Hang boarding is a great way to get those muscles firing and ready for the climb ahead. But don't forget to start with a lower grade climb to properly warm up your body. Trust me, it's worth taking the time to get your muscles ready for the challenge ahead. So grab your hang board and let's get warmed up for a great climb!
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About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road and talks to the people that normally get very little mention, but are the ones who are responsible for the underlying success of an athlete.
Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.
This is YOUR village.
A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/join-us-raising-pro-athletes/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marina.kuperman.villatoro/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@marinakupermanvillatoro
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
I'm going to give you the inside scoop on what an approach really means in rock climbing. The approach is the journey from the trailhead to the actual rock face, and it can be a real adventure in itself. From steep terrain to dense forests, the approach can be a daunting task that requires endurance, patience, and a willingness to take risks. But trust me, the reward of reaching the top of that rock is worth every step of the approach. So let's lace up our boots and get ready to explore the world of rock climbing approaches in this episode!
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About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road and talks to the people that normally get very little mention, but are the ones who are responsible for the underlying success of an athlete.
Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.
This is YOUR village.
A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/join-us-raising-pro-athletes/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marina.kuperman.villatoro/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@marinakupermanvillatoro
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
We're going to explore the exciting world of rock climbing and talk about one of the most important things climbers need to know: Pockets.
These are small holes or spaces in the rock that you can use to grip onto, whether it's a one-finger pocket or a four-finger pocket. We'll learn about the different types of pockets, how to use them, and the challenges they present. Get ready for an adventure-packed episode that will leave you wanting to hit the rocks and start climbing!
________________________________________________
About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road and talks to the people that normally get very little mention, but are the ones who are responsible for the underlying success of an athlete.
Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.
This is YOUR village.
A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/join-us-raising-pro-athletes/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marina.kuperman.villatoro/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@marinakupermanvillatoro
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is a federation? Well, think of it as the governing body for climbers in your country, like the USA Climbing Team or the Spain Federation. These federations play a crucial role when it comes to representing your country on the global stage, such as the Olympics. But let's talk about the nitty-gritty—fees and costs, they vary from country to country.
Having experienced three different federations—Guatemala, the US, and now Spain—I can tell you firsthand that each system is unique. Guatemala, for instance, operates under a socialized system with no fees, but trust me, you get what you pay for, which is essentially nothing. Now, the US and Spain, although different in their systems, surprisingly share some similarities. In both countries, becoming a part of the federation is a must if your child wants to compete at a professional level. In the US, we joined the USA Climbing Federation, while in Spain, it's the Spain Federation for Climbing and Mountaineering. And let me tell you, these memberships come with a price tag. But hey, it's all worth it if your child is passionate about climbing, right?
Topics discussed in this episode:
________________________________________________
About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes.
Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.
This is YOUR village.
A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes.
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
Let’s unravel the hidden costs and uncharted territories of joining a competitive rock climbing team. We start by exploring the different types of teams available, focusing on the advanced and competitive ones that propel young climbers to the next level. I recount my personal journey of finding the perfect team for my kids, emphasizing the importance of finding a group that challenges them and provides top-notch coaching.
But what about the financial aspects? I discuss the varying costs across different countries, drawing from our experiences in the United States and Spain. From monthly team fees to additional expenses like gym visits and transportation, it all adds up. Federation licenses and insurance coverage also come into play, ensuring your child's safety and eligibility for competitions.
Uniforms are another essential component of being part of a team. I shed light on the investment required for full uniforms, including shirts, pants, jackets, and more. These details are crucial for budgeting and planning your child's rock climbing journey.
Topics discussed in this episode:
________________________________________________
About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes.
Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.
This is YOUR village.
A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes.
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
In this episode, join me as we tackle a crucial topic: not letting your child's success go to their head. Living in Guatemala, my kids trained extensively, mostly self-taught, until we hired a coach from Chile. As we ventured to Spain, a hub of world-class climbers, we sought a team to elevate our children's skills. However, I realized the danger of excessive praise and the impact it can have on a young athlete's mindset. Inspired by the renowned entrepreneur Jeff Bezos, I delve into the importance of humility and the drawbacks of labeling children as "talented."
Through candid conversations with our coach, I discovered the power of constructive criticism and the value of focusing on continuous improvement. By emphasizing the hard work and training efforts - instead of their “talents”, we aim to cultivate a mindset that transcends complacency and prepares our children for the challenges ahead.
Join the conversation as we discuss the delicate balance of acknowledging achievements without fostering arrogance, and share your experiences of instilling humility in your young athletes. Together, let's raise rock climbers who remain grounded and driven on their journey to success.
Topics discussed in this episode:
________________________________________________
About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes.
Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.
This is YOUR village.
A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes.
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
Today, let’s delve deep into the heart of finding the perfect coaches and team for both of my sons, who are now at the next level of rock climbing. With me, Marina, we will unravel the complexities of both competition climbing and rock climbing, highlighting the distinct differences, and the need for tailored training plans. Discover the unique challenges we face as we navigate the exciting world of parenting, and how we've adapted our approach to accommodate these diverse aspirations.
We will also discuss deeply into the financial aspects that accompany this endeavor. From coaching fees, gym memberships, and even venturing outdoors, we explore the costs associated with taking climbing to new heights. Join me as I break down the expenditure and share valuable insights on budgeting and making strategic decisions based on open communication within the family, and ensuring commitment required from both the child and the parent. All of that, to support our children's dreams.
Remember, raising rock climbers requires dedication, strategic decision-making, and unwavering support. Let's explore the possibilities together and unleash the potential of our young athletes. Remember, their success in the climbing - either competition or outdoor rock climbing - relies not only on their physical prowess, but the dedication, commitment, and of course your unwavering support as their parents and family.
________________________________________________
About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes.
Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the sponsors, the nutritionists and the mindset specialist – revealing the realities of what it takes to support a child in reaching their ultimate potential in becoming a pro athlete.
This is YOUR village.
A home for Uncensored Advice for you– the Unsung Heroes of part of the ‘unspoken’ journey behind the athletes!
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
About This Podcast
It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.
For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes.
What to expect when you listen:
Real, Raw Truth
Laughter
The Struggles & Successes
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Marina Kuperman Villatoro, a mama who is on a mission to help her sons reach their athletic (rock climbing) goals and dreams.
Connect and be Part of the Strategic Village
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UNCENSORED HACKS and TIPS
https://raisingproathletes.com/sign-up/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisingproathletes/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingproathletes
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@raisingproathletes
Website - https://raisingproathletes.com/
From the publisher's feed
Your kid wants to be a pro athlete. Now what?
Behind every pro athlete is a parent who believed first, who showed up, adapted, and refused to quit. Nobody talks about them. Until…
Host Marina Kuperman Villatoro moved her family across the world for her son's rock climbing career and learned the hard truth: the parent is the hidden variable.
Richard Williams drove Serena and Venus to cracked Compton courts at 5 AM, filmed training videos, and mailed them to coaches who laughed. Everyone called him crazy.
We know how that story ended.
Real talk. No playbook. Just parents figuring it out, one episode at a time.
It takes a Strategic Village to Raise an Athlete. This is your village.