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.

Private school athletics can feel confusing from the outside.

Recruiting. Scholarships. Admissions. Playing time. Expectations. What actually matters—and what’s just noise?

On this episode of the Sports on the Bay Podcast, we sit down with Erin De Falco, Associate Athletic Director at The Gunston School, for an honest conversation every sports parent should hear.

We discuss:

• How private school athletics really operate
• Recruiting myths vs reality
• Scholarships and financial aid truths
• College sports expectations
• What parents should stop doing
• How to best support your athlete

If you’re navigating youth sports now—or thinking ahead to high school—this episode brings real perspective.

🎙️ Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Follow @sportsonthebay for more conversations that matter.

In this episode of Sports on the Bay, we sit down with Michael Thomas, PGA Professional and Director of Instruction, to talk about what youth sports can learn from the game of golf.

With the Masters fresh on everyone’s mind, golf is having a moment—but for families navigating youth sports, the bigger question is what the sport teaches beyond the course.

We dive into:

• Why golf is one of the ultimate lifetime sports
• The role of patience, discipline, and mental strength in development
• How early specialization compares to multi-sport athletes
• What parents should actually be looking for in instruction
• And how to keep kids enjoying the process, not just chasing results

At Sports on the Bay, we’re focused on building visibility, supporting families, and strengthening the youth sports community right here in Anne Arundel County—and this conversation is a perfect example of how different sports can shape better athletes and people.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube
🔗 Follow @sportsonthebay for more local youth sports conversations

In our first program spotlight, we sit down with Colin Meerholz, owner of BCA Elite, to talk through how the program started and what they’re building for athletes in our area.

BCA Elite is designed to complement — not replace — team play, with a focus on individual skill development, high-rep training, and creating an environment where athletes can grow with confidence.

We also discuss how their approach differs from traditional models, the importance of small group training, and what parents should consider when thinking about supplemental training.

A valuable conversation for any family navigating youth sports.

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.

What if youth sports were about more than just performance?

In this episode of the Sports on the Bay Podcast, we sit down with Arena Leadership to talk about what it really means to develop leaders—not just athletes.

Arena Leadership is known locally for creating intentional environments where kids can grow in confidence, communication, and resilience—and their summer camps are a big part of that mission.

These camps go beyond drills and reps. They’re designed to help athletes:

• Build leadership skills in real-time
• Learn how to communicate and work within a team
• Handle adversity and pressure in a healthy way
• Develop confidence that carries into school, sports, and everyday life

We also talk about:

• Why leadership development matters in youth sports
• How coaches and parents can better support athlete growth
• The balance between competition and character
• Creating environments where kids feel seen, heard, and empowered

At Sports on the Bay, we’re not here to rank teams—we’re here to build visibility and stronger communities around youth sports.

🎙️ If you’re a parent, coach, or athlete trying to navigate today’s sports landscape—and looking for meaningful summer opportunities—this is a conversation worth hearing.

Listen & follow:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow us:
@SportsOnTheBay

In this episode of Sports on the Bay, we highlight Fit 2 B Kids and the growing impact of multisport training in youth athletics.

We sit down with Coach Dorrer—founder of Fit 2 B Kids and one of the highest-certified coaches through USA Triathlon—to talk about how swim, bike, and run can build more than just athletes.

We dive into:
• Why multisport participation matters for long-term development
• How to create a positive, inclusive environment for kids
• The balance between competition and fun
• Building confidence through movement and race experiences
• Removing barriers and making youth sports more accessible

This conversation is a reminder that youth sports aren’t just about performance—they’re about helping kids build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of movement.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lucas Chang to break down what parents need to know when their child gets hurt. From overuse injuries to return-to-play decisions, we talk rest, rehab, and how to keep young athletes healthy for the long run.

The training most young athletes skip…
is the one that might matter the most.

This week on the Sports on the Bay Podcast, I sit down with Morgan Dwyer, mental performance coach and founder of Dwyer Performance Coaching.

We talk about the invisible training — the mental skills that help athletes handle pressure, mistakes, confidence, and competition.

Because developing athletes isn’t just about reps and practice time.

It’s about teaching them how to think, reset, and believe in themselves.

We're kicking things off with John Orsen, Associate Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator at United States Naval Academy, former Division 1 athlete and former professional lacrosse player. Sharing lessons from the highest levels of the game - and how they apply to youth sports today.