What happens when your child’s sport becomes your identity? We open a frank, compassionate conversation about the moment a supportive role quietly turns into a label—soccer mom, tennis dad, climbing parent—and why that shift can derail a young athlete’s joy, growth, and mental health. Using a revealing tennis family case, we explore the hidden costs of endless travel, constant training blocks, and the pressure to “make it,” even when results suggest a different future.

I share how families slide from healthy commitment into identity lock-in, where sunk costs and social expectations overpower honest evaluation. We break down three grounding questions every sport parent should ask: does my kid have the trajectory to reach the next tier, do they truly want the trade-offs, and who am I if they stop tomorrow? You’ll hear practical ways to reset expectations, get objective feedback, and move from outcome-chasing to values-led support that preserves your bond.

Whether your teen is chasing podiums or considering a pivot, this conversation offers language and tools to navigate tough talks with empathy. We discuss setting boundaries on time and spending, keeping school and health in view, and redefining success as mastery, character, and lifelong movement. If you’ve ever felt the parent label tightening around your life, this is your pause-and-recalibrate moment.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs the nudge, and leave a quick review—your feedback helps us bring more honest stories and useful guidance to sport families like yours.

• shift from casual play to serious commitment
• risks of living through a child’s sport
• the cultural stereotype of the overbearing sport parent
• a detailed tennis family case study
• sunk costs, finances, and objective performance reality
• three core questions to re-center decisions
• how to respond when a child wants out or wants more
• redefining success beyond rankings and scholarships
• protecting the parent–child bond and mental health

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/

We wrestle with the hardest call in youth sports: knowing when to quit the pro chase without losing love for the game. Real stories from climbing and tennis reveal the pull of sunk costs, identity, and hope.

• defining a fair line between grit and stop
• what close calls actually signal in results
• survivorship bias in elite sports stories
• the cost of parent identity tied to sport
• benchmarks to guide a pivot or exit
• options beyond competing that honor the work

Please let me know what you think

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/

 We're getting real about sports injuries and how to handle them when your child has to walk away from the sport they love. 

It's a big deal, and as someone who's been through it all—from my husband's insane injuries to my own kids' scrapes and bruises—I've got some insights and questions for you. Let’s work together through this tough situation!

We face the hardest truth in youth and lifestyle sports: injuries can end a dream and remake a life. We share our family’s injury history, why climbing shapes our days, and how parents can support kids if they have to walk away.

• naming the grief of losing a lifestyle sport
• honest talks with kids about medical realities
• separating identity from performance
• keeping community ties without pressure
• exploring adjacent roles like coaching or route-setting
• building new routines and mental health tools
• finding purpose beyond medals and grades
• inviting stories from other families to learn together

Please share this with your friends
Please subscribe
Please leave me a review and let's have this conversation out in the open

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/

What if the same energy we pour into college tuition went into a child’s proven passion? That question pushed us to make a bold move: relocate to Spain so our two young climbers could train where the facilities, coaching, and community would stretch them. Along the way, we ran straight into a cultural double standard—applauding academic uncertainty while labeling youth sports “just a hobby”—and we decided to challenge it.

We break down what genuine support looks like when a kid shows real drive: not just praise, but logistics, budget choices, and the humility to let growth take time. From coaching and structured training to sleep, nutrition, and smart recovery, we share the daily systems that matter more than shiny expenses. Climbing became our classroom for resilience, risk assessment, and disciplined practice. Gravity keeps you honest, and the wall teaches what a syllabus can’t: how to fail forward, manage fear, and build patience rep by rep.

This conversation isn’t about raising the next superstar. It’s about honoring a path that shapes character. Whether your kid codes, paints, or climbs, the principles hold: align resources with genuine effort, invest in learning over optics, and accept pivots without panic. By treating youth sport as serious education, we saw screens shrink, sleep stabilize, and family routine center on health and purpose. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too much” to back a young athlete, consider what’s at stake when you don’t: missed chances for identity, mastery, and joy. Hit play, reflect on your own family values, and if this resonates, subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review telling us what passion you’re ready to fund.

• redefining support for passionate kids
• comparing academic spend with sports investment
• moving to access better coaching and facilities
• making intentional budget choices that teach
• building discipline, focus and body literacy
• embracing pivots without regret
• shifting family routines toward health and rest
• treating effort and curiosity as worthy

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 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.

We challenge the default path that sends every teen to university, especially when a young climber’s prime performance window is now. We share why targeted training can deliver life skills, clarity, and future options without closing the door on education.

• peak athletic years and timing trade-offs
• funding training versus funding uncertain degrees
• life skills from sport including discipline and resilience
• navigating peer pressure and being an outlier
• setting goals, milestones and family guardrails
• flexible education paths and multiple careers
• building a support network and reviewing progress

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a review, share this with your friends, and let's talk about this

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/

Ever feel like you've become a human ATM for your little rock stars?  Yeah, me too!  This episode is all about the guilt trip we all take – neglecting ourselves for the sake of our kids' athletic dreams.

Forget the trophy case – the real reward is a happy, healthy YOU! Taking care of yourself actually makes you a BETTER parent for your kids. I will be talking about the importance of finding a balance between supporting your athlete's dreams and keeping yourself happy.

What do you do to recharge and fill your cup? Let's build a community of supportive parents who know it's okay to say "I deserve this!"

We dig into the quiet trap many athlete parents fall into: spending and planning for our kids while forgetting our own needs. By naming guilt, choosing a simple mantra, and embracing small, steady treats, we show how parent self-care strengthens athletic success.

• naming the pattern of losing ourselves in their sport
• the rising costs and hidden emotional toll
• spotting guilt and the self-care pause
• adopting the mantra I deserve this
• choosing small, regular treats without remorse
• how parent well-being boosts athlete performance
• long-term identity beyond kids’ sports
• building a balanced, abundance mindset

I would love to hear your side of this. Do you guys go through any of this like compromises in your head? What kind of self-care are you choosing for yourselves?

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/

Ever watched your kids crumble under pressure at a competition? Yeah, been there. This episode is all about the ultimate game-changer: mental toughness training!

It's not about being born tough, it's about building mental strength! I'll share a personal story of my son's competition flop, to show you how important mental preparation is. I'll also share some awesome tips on mental toughness that'll have your kid's mind feeling like their biggest cheerleader, not their worst critic. So, let's dive in!

We argue that 80–90% of performance comes from the mind and share a simple, daily routine parents can run at home to build mental toughness in young athletes. A tough result at the Spanish Cup becomes the trigger for a five-part training system that turns pressure into focus.

• debunking the myth of being “born” mentally tough
• parents’ responsibility when teams lack time for mindset
• a competition story where thoughts derailed performance
• awareness as the starting line for change
• daily visualization tied to clear, controllable goals
• meditation to notice and release unhelpful thoughts
• rewriting stories to focus on what can be controlled
• journaling wins, lessons, and if-then plans
• commitment to short, consistent practice across the family

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, please leave me a review, share it with your friends, and remember it's really important for us to all work together

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, I'm going to really open up about a topic that's close to home for many of us: the invisible battles that many extreme athletes face, the trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Find out how PTSD can sneak up on even the toughest athletes, and why it might not show up right away. Learn the red flags to watch out for so you can catch it before it takes hold.

• the high rate of PTSD among extreme athletes
• injuries in climbing and family impact
• delayed onset and subtle signs at home
• moving from defensiveness to curiosity
• research, therapy options, and medication choices
• practical language for support and de-escalation
• normalizing triggers in unexpected places
• inviting listener stories to build community

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, leave me a review, share it with your friends

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 talk about the elephant in the room (or maybe the belay station) – your relationship with your partner! This episode is all about keeping the spark alive when your life revolves around raising champion athletes.

Do you remember why you fell in love with your partner in the first place? Juggling kids, competitions, and early morning belay duty – who has time for romance? Well, I’d love to share some tips on how to keep your relationship strong, even when your kids are the ones conquering the walls.

• naming the unspoken strain on couples in youth sports
• why a strong partnership lowers family tension
• examples of role imbalance and how to reset it
• simple rituals to reconnect without kid talk
• using boundaries to protect time together
• how happier parents shape calmer, braver athletes
• building a village to share rides and duties
• inviting listener strategies and experiences

If you guys enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share, do the whole thing

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 dive into the often debated topic of homeschooling versus traditional schooling for young athletes. We'll explore the reality, challenges, and alternative education options that can support their athletic journey.

As we discovered firsthand, many successful pro athletes are homeschooled or engage in flexible remote learning due to the demanding travel and training commitments. However, homeschooling didn't align with our family dynamic. We sought alternative education paths that are offered by the progressive alternative schools. These schools provide flexibility, support, and a community that embraces the pursuit of athletic dreams. It's important to consider that alternative education comes with an extra cost, which can vary depending on the program and location.

I'm curious to hear how you navigate education in your household. Are you homeschooling, exploring online learning, or perhaps embracing unschooling or world schooling? Share your experiences and join the conversation. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, but together, we can empower and support our young athletes through their educational journey.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Exploring Alternative Education for Thriving Young Athletes  [00:00:00 - 00:02:03]
• Benefits of Progressive Alternative Schools  [00:02:04 - 00:04:18]

________________________________________________

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/