Youth sports can feel like they're all about the next game, the next season, or the next opportunity.

But what if we zoomed out?

"Don't just think about your kid today. Think about, in twenty years, is my kid still going to be healthy and able to do the things he enjoys and loves?"

This week, Dr. Branden Cohen joins the podcast to discuss injury prevention, overuse, recovery, nutrition, and long-term athlete development.

A conversation every sports parent should hear.

 Listen now.

Coaching the Person, Not Just the Player

What if the goal of youth sports isn't creating more Division I athletes?

In this episode, I sit down with Danny Locklear, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at D1 Training – Crofton, to discuss coaching, athlete development, and the impact adults have on young athletes.

We talk about:
 Why coaching delivery matters more than the workout itself
 Helping kids build confidence, resilience, and a love for movement
 The growing youth sports performance industry and what parents should know
 Creating environments where athletes feel seen, valued, and supported

One quote from Danny that stuck with me:

"The world doesn't need more Division I athletes. The world needs more kind, patient, strong people who might happen to be really good at sports."

This conversation is about much more than sports.

 Episode 17 live, links in bio.

#SportsOnTheBay #YouthSports #CoachingMatters #SportsParenting #AthleteDevelopment #D1Training #AnneArundelCounty #YouthAthletes #SportsPodcast #DannyLocklear

This week, I sit down with Geaton Caltabiano from Pipeline South to talk about developing players, creating a strong club culture, and why the badge should always represent something bigger than wins and losses.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, there's a lot to take away from this conversation.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Link in bio.

NEW EPISODE: Growing the Game in Anne Arundel County with Zach Arden

Whether your child plays hockey or you've never considered the sport before, this conversation offers valuable insight into what youth sports can look like when development, relationships, and community come first.

Zach Arden, President of Navy Youth Hockey and Head Coach at South River High School, shares how the program has grown, why he believes multi-sport athletes are good for the game, and how Navy Youth Hockey is creating opportunities for families new to hockey.

One quote from our conversation that really stuck with me:

"I don't remember the wins. I remember my coaches and my teammates."

We discuss:
 Getting started in hockey
 The Learn to Play pathway
 Girls hockey growth
 Early specialization in youth sports
 What kids actually remember years later

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#SportsOnTheBay #YouthSports #NavyYouthHockey #AnneArundelCounty #YouthHockey 

This week on the Sports on the Bay Podcast, we're joined by Mike Mollot, Director of Team 91 Annapolis, for an inside look at one of the area's newest club lacrosse programs.

We discuss:
• Player development and coaching philosophy
• Why fundamentals still matter
• The importance of multi-sport athletes
• Club lacrosse pathways and recruiting
• What families should look for when choosing a program
• Creating a culture that develops both athletes and teammates

🏆 Team 91 Annapolis Tryouts
📅 July 6 & 7
📍 Liberty Sports Park
👦 Rising 2nd Grade (2037) through Rising Juniors (2028)

If you're a lacrosse family—or considering the sport for the first time—this episode offers great insight into the club landscape and what matters most in long-term player development.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

#SportsOnTheBay #Team91Annapolis #YouthLacrosse #AnnapolisLacrosse #AnneArundelCounty #ClubLacrosse

This conversation with Tyler & Talia Gabarra was about so much more than soccer.

We talked about growing up in a family deeply rooted in the game… the pressure that can come with youth sports… and why their parents still encouraged them to play multiple sports, explore different interests, and simply enjoy being kids.

One message from this episode that really stood out:

Your child’s development matters more than the logo on their jersey.

Not every season will go perfectly.
Not every team placement will feel fair.
Not every setback is bad.

Sometimes growth happens in the moments that don’t look glamorous from the outside.

This episode is a reminder that youth sports should still leave room for joy, perspective, resilience, and fun — because those are often the things kids carry with them the longest.

A really thoughtful conversation for parents, coaches, and athletes.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

#SportsOnTheBay #YouthSports #SoccerDevelopment #ParentingInSports

What truly shapes young athletes? It’s not just talent - it’s the lessons learned on and off the field.

Tag someone who needs to hear this! 🙌

In today’s episode, we dive into how coaches like Michael Glaspy of Severn School build not just players, but resilient individuals through core values like attitude, toughness, and teamwork.

Michael shares his journey from a young athlete to a successful coach, emphasizing the importance of culture in sports and how it translates to life skills.

Curious about the real qualities coaches value in players? It goes beyond just skill.

Join us as we uncover how to create environments that foster growth and long-term success for youth athletes.

Listen to the full episode - link in bio!

#YouthSports #Coaching #AthleteDevelopment #SportsCommunity #SevernSchool

New episode of the Sports on the Bay Podcast is live 🎙️

This week, we sat down with Kristen Creger — performance physical therapist, strength coach, girls JV soccer coach at Crofton High School, and founder of Integrated Fitness & Rehab.

We talked about:
• The rise in youth sports injuries (especially ACL injuries)
• Why strength training matters earlier than many parents think
• The difference between skill development vs. physical development
• Early sports specialization + burnout
• What parents should actually look for before an injury happens
• Building stronger, more resilient athletes for the long term

One of the biggest takeaways:
“Kids don’t always need more running… sometimes they just aren’t strong enough yet for the demands of their sport.”

A really important conversation for parents navigating today’s youth sports culture — especially in Anne Arundel County.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube.

@sportsonthebay

Episode 10 of the Sports on the Bay Podcast

This week, we’re joined by Rachel Killeen Varn, founder of PedalPower Kids, for a conversation about kids, confidence, movement, independence — and why learning to ride a bike is about so much more than just riding a bike.

We talk about:
🚲 Building confidence through biking
🚲 Why movement matters for kids
🚲 Screen time, independence, and outdoor play
🚲 What families are craving right now
🚲 The role biking can play in childhood development

A really fun and important conversation for parents of young kids and active families in our community.

Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

@sportsonthebay

#BikeMonth #YouthSports #Annapolis #AnneArundelCounty #PedalPowerKids #SportsOnTheBay #ActiveKids #ChildhoodUnplugged

We sat down with Alex Cabrera, Technical Director of Annapolis Elite Soccer Club, for a thoughtful conversation on what really matters in youth soccer right now — from coaching quality and team environment to development pathways, club culture, and finding the right fit for your child.

If you’re navigating tryouts or evaluating club options, this is one to listen to.

Because the right decision isn’t always the loudest one — it’s the best fit.