Being a parent is already a second job. Being a sports parent adds shifts nobody warned you about. Hours of shuttling, planning, sideline time, and a budget that somehow keeps growing. Parents pour themselves into doing what they believe is best for their child. But in all that doing, they stop modeling the very things…
Category: Blog
Fuel Performance: Choose Better Drinks
There’s one thing quietly working against your young athlete that most people aren’t paying nearly enough attention to: what they are drinking. Sugary drinks are one of the most overlooked threats to youth health today. And it’s not just soda; the problem goes deeper. Yes, sodas are an obvious culprit, loaded with sugar and offering…
Health Stats and How This Impacts Your Athletes Performance
There are many alarming statistics regarding the health of today’s youth. The stats are grim and tough to digest. But instead of dwelling on how bad things are, let’s look at the flip side, because the flip side of every stat shared below is within reach. It starts with awareness and understanding how our daily…
The Mental Side of Injury: How to Support Young Athletes
Injuries are a natural part of sports. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, a pulled muscle, or something more serious, being sidelined can be incredibly tough-not just physically, but emotionally. For young athletes, the most challenging part often isn’t the rehab itself, but the feeling of being separated from their team. 🧠 The Psychological Challenge When a young…
Why Sugary Coffee Drinks Can Hold Young Athletes Back
If you walk by a high school or middle school campus in the morning, you’ll notice a common sight: students carrying Starbucks cups or sipping on specialty coffee drinks. Pumpkin Spice Lattes, caramel frappuccinos, refreshers, and other seasonal or “fun” drinks have become part of the daily routine for many teens. But here’s the problem—these drinks simply don’t serve…
How My Health Views Have Changed—Lessons for Young Athletes and Their Parents
Over the past couple of years, some of my views on health have evolved. I’ve learned it’s important to stay open-minded—especially in a world full of fads, promises, gear, gimmicks, and conflicting advice. If you Google almost any health topic, you’ll find completely opposite views, often with data supporting both sides. That’s why I’ve come…
Let Them Struggle: The Hidden Value of Doing Hard Things
One of the most effective ways to help kids and teens grow into resilient, capable athletes and therefore humans is by incorporating more planned discomfort into their lives. That doesn’t mean dropping them in the middle of the wilderness and saying “figure it out.” It means intentionally introducing physical, mental, and emotional challenges into their weekly…
It’s Not Just What You Eat—It’s When
I spend a lot of time talking about what to eat, but something that often gets overlooked is when to eat. And for youth athletes trying to train hard, grow, and recover well, food timing can make a significant difference in energy, performance, and sleep. Here are a few important guidelines to consider: Do your best to eat within a 12-hour…
Stop Undereating for Game Day Success
Stop Undereating for Game Day SuccessWhy fueling matters more than you think As a middle school basketball coach and someone who grew up living off Purple Skittles before practice, I’ve seen firsthand how youth athletes often eat and drink like they’re trying to make game-day performance harder. Mouthfuls of chips and candy, chased down with…
Focus is a Superpower
Focus is a superpower, especially today, for young athletes growing up in the age of distraction. In a world full of notifications, short videos, and nonstop stimulation, focus is a game-changer that can separate the average from the elite. Focus isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for youth athletes. And like strength, speed, or coordination, it’s a skill you…