Youth Sports Balance with Coach and Mentor Sara Slattery

This week , we're talking about youth sports, parenting, and how to support young athletes without burning them out. From elite competition to healthy balance, Sara Slattery shares expert insight on raising confident, resilient athletes in today's high-pressure sports world. Today's episode is one so many parents in our community can relate to. Youth sports have become more competitive than ever, and navigating that world — from training schedules and burnout to college recruiting and NIL opportunities — can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. Joining me today is Sara Slattery, an incredibly accomplished athlete and coach with a wealth of experience on every side of the sport.  Sara is a 10-time Arizona State Champion, 2-time NCAA Champion, and former professional distance runner, and she's also one of the few women to have led both men's and women's Division I cross country and track programs as a head coach at Grand Canyon University. She's also a published author, co-writing How She Did It with Olympian Molly Huddle — a powerful collection of stories and advice from elite female runners — and is currently working on her next book focused on pregnancy and running.  Today, she continues to mentor young athletes as a middle school coach and through her Nike Camp Elevate in Prescott, helping runners from across Arizona and beyond develop not just performance, but confidence, balance, and a lifelong love of the sport. Not to mention she's the parent of two children who are very active in athletics. Today, we're diving into what it really means to support young athletes — and how to create a positive, healthy experience for both kids and parents along the way. Bunnanza April 4th 9am -noon Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza   This free event features egg hunts, food trucks, vendors, hands-on activities, crafts, and live music. The city's largest egg hunt kicks off promptly at 9 a.m., with over 10,000 eggs for kids to collect. New this year help celebrate the 75th anniversary of Scottsdale with a special hunt for 75 golden eggs, each filled with prizes hidden throughout the event.   https://calendar.oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/scottsdaleaz_oldtown/212162?utm_source=bewith&utm_medium=calendar   Arizona Bike Week April 8th - 12  Westworld of Scottsdale   One of the largest motorcycle rallies in the Phoenix area, and the 2026 event is expected to be even bigger and better than previous years. The rally will feature a variety of activities, including motorcycle shows, charity rides, and live music performances, making it a must-attend for motorcycle enthusiasts. More info at https://azbikeweek.com/   Junk In The Trunk Vintage Market April 24th - 26th  at Westworld of Scottsdale   with more than 160 curated vendors from across the country. The three-day event features vintage home décor, antique furniture, handmade goods, fashion, architectural salvage, live music, and local food trucks—all under one roof. https://junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com/