Raising Elite Competitors

The science behind why you freeze under pressure. Athletes: take this quiz to find out your competitor style → https://elitecompetitor.com/athlete📌 Resources & Tools:FREE for sports parents:🎓 Strengthen Your Athlete's Mental Game - Training for Parents → https://trainhergame.com/mom📬 Join our weekly TIPS newsletter → https://sportsmom.fyi/yt-tips💬 Use this Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to talk to your athlete about mental training → https://sportsmom.fyi/convo-guide🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Raising Elite CompetitorsFREE for Athletes:🔹 Share with your athlete: What's Your Competitor Style Quiz → https://athlete.fyi/yt-quiz🎥 YouTube Playlist for Athletes → https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdgeOUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:👉 Join The Elite Mental Game for girl athletes → https://trainhergame.com/yt-emgConnect with us!IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/elitecompetitorcoachTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingelitecompetitorsYouTube: ➡︎ SUBSCRIBE 🙌🏼 and hang out in our community here with us!⏰ Key Timestamps:00:00 Intro: Freezing Under Pressure00:55 Mackenzie's Story02:35 What Happens in Your Brain04:10 Tip 1: Name It to Tame It05:11 Tip 2: Anchor and Go06:29 Tip 3: Bridge Practice and Games08:41 Recap and Outro👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre — a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.🎙 This episode is hosted by Coach Saylor, our mental performance coach for competitive girl athletes inside the Elite Competitor Academy.In this episode, Coach Saylor breaks down why athletes who look sharp in practice can suddenly freeze the moment a real competition is on the line. She shares the science behind it, plus three tools you can start using with your daughter today.Coach Saylor also shares a real message from one of our Elite Competitor Academy athletes who used these exact tools to compete like she practices and post some of her best results yet.What You'll Learn:Why skills that feel automatic in practice can break down the moment pressure shows upThe "name it to tame it" step that takes the power out of a pressure spiralA simple pre-play anchor routine (breath, cue word, physical signal) to reset instantlyHow to build practice on purpose so game pressure stops feeling foreignWhy her past training is the strongest fuel for her present confidence💬 Moms — comment below: When does your daughter's practice-brilliance disappear the most? Big tournaments, playoffs, or when a college coach is watching?P.S. A few stats worth knowing:-77% of athletes experience choking under pressure at least once a year, averaging 18.25 times (Mesagno, Hammond & Goodyear, 2024)A meta-analysis of 800 athletes across 15 sports found pre-performance routines produce moderate-to-large performance gains specifically under pressure (Rupprecht, Tran & Gröpel, 2021)Competitive performance anxiety in young athletes is rising due to early specialization and year-round training, and it directly interferes with executing trained skills (McDuff, Garvin & Marsalis, 2025)The Raising Elite Competitors podcast and YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.#sportsmom #mentalperformance #girlathletes #confidencecoach #athletemindset

Two moms share what helped their daughters bounce back after a mistake. 🧠 Learn more here, mom → https://trainhergame.com/mom📌 Resources & Tools:FREE for YOU:🎓 Strengthen Your Athlete's Mental Game - Training for Parents → https://trainhergame.com/mom📬 Join our weekly TIPS newsletter → https://sportsmom.fyi/yt-tips💬 Use this Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to talk to your athlete about mental training → https://sportsmom.fyi/convo-guide🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Raising Elite CompetitorsFREE for Athletes:🔹 Share with your athlete: What's Your Competitor Style Quiz → https://athlete.fyi/yt-quiz🎥 YouTube Playlist for Athletes → https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdgeOUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:👉 Join The Elite Mental Game for girl athletes → https://trainhergame.com/yt-emgConnect with us!IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/elitecompetitorcoachTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingelitecompetitorsYouTube: ➡︎ SUBSCRIBE 🙌🏼 and hang out in our community here with us!⏰ Key Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:39 Meet the Moms and Daughters02:59 Why They Joined the Academy03:18 Elyse's Struggle on the Field04:19 Ella's Individual vs. Team Pressure04:58 Danielle's Perspective on Building a Foundation06:21 Overcoming Early Skepticism09:14 Program Overview and How to Join👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre — a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.🎤 Joined by two Elite Competitor Academy families, Michelle and her daughter Elise, and Danyell and her daughter Ella, sharing what changed for them inside the program.Michelle describes exactly what she saw from the sideline when Elise made a mistake, and the moment that changed how her daughter handled it. Danyell shares why she wanted her daughter to hear these same tools from someone other than her, before the pressure of competitive swimming caught up to them.What You'll Learn:✅ What Michelle saw from the sideline when Elise made a mistake, and what changed once she got support✅ The specific moment Elise decided to trust her skills again mid-game✅ Why Danyell wanted the message to come from someone other than her, even with a psychology background of her own✅ The exact question Michelle asked Elise that opened the door to try mental training✅ Why doubting this will work at first is a normal reaction, not a red flag💬 Moms, comment below: What's the exact moment you realized your daughter's mental game needed more support than her physical training?P.S. A few stats worth knowing:👉Parents' influence on youth athlete motivation has been found to surpass coaches' in some respects (Frontiers in Psychology, 2023)👉A qualitative study of coaches, parents, and athletes found a consistent gap in know-how around mental skill development, meaning families are often the ones initiating outside resources (Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2025)👉A network meta-analysis of 46 randomized controlled trials found psychological interventions meaningfully reduced competitive anxiety in athletes (Sports Medicine – Open, 2026)The Raising Elite Competitors podcast and YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.#sportsmom #mentalgame #girlathletes #sportsparenting #confidentathletes

14-year-old, Maeryn, a nationally ranked tennis athlete, shares her advice for showing up on bad days. 🎾 Learn more about the Elite Competitor Academy program she uses to keep centered → https://trainhergame.com/mom📌 Resources & Tools:FREE for YOU:🎓 Strengthen Your Athlete's Mental Game - Training for Parents → https://trainhergame.com/mom📬 Join our weekly TIPS newsletter → https://sportsmom.fyi/yt-tips💬 Use this Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to talk to your athlete about mental training → https://sportsmom.fyi/convo-guide🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Raising Elite CompetitorsFREE for Athletes:🔹 Share with your athlete: What's Your Competitor Style Quiz → https://athlete.fyi/yt-quiz🎥 YouTube Playlist for Athletes → https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdgeOUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:👉 Join The Elite Mental Game for girl athletes → https://trainhergame.com/yt-emgConnect with us!IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/elitecompetitorcoachTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingelitecompetitorsYouTube: ➡︎ SUBSCRIBE 🙌🏼 and hang out in our community here with us!⏰ Key Timestamps:00:28 Intro01:11 Meet Maeryn02:41 Recent Tournament Wins & Mental Prep05:09 Snapback Routine & Breathing Techniques06:35 The Brain Dump Strategy08:48 Positive Affirmations10:25 Overcoming Past Struggles12:00 Advice & Closing Thoughts👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre — a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.🎾 This week's guest is Maeryn, a 14-year-old nationally ranked tennis player and our July Athlete of the Month. She joins Coach Saylor to share her advice for athletes and parents on showing up and competing even on the hard days.Maeryn walks through her Snapback Routine, box breathing, and the pre-match worry list she hands straight to her parents so she can't carry it onto the court. She also shares the four-line affirmation script she reads during changeovers.This episode is for the athlete who's had a bad week and the parent trying to figure out what to say to her. Share it with your daughter, then come back and comment below.What You'll Learn:✅ How Maeryn shows up and competes even during a rough stretch✅ The exact Snap Back Routine she uses to reset mid-match in under 20 seconds✅ Why she writes down every worry before a tournament and hands it to her parents✅ The four-line third-person affirmation script she reads during changeovers✅ How she reframes a loss so it doesn't turn into a weeklong spiral💬 Moms — comment below: What's the first thing you say to your daughter in the car after a tough loss?P.S. A few stats worth knowing:👉Third-person self-talk improves emotion regulation and self-control under pressure by creating psychological distance from the stressor. (Moser et al., Scientific Reports, 2017)👉A meta-analysis found pre-performance routines meaningfully improve concentration and lower pre-competition anxiety. (Gröpel & Mesagno, International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2021)👉A brief writing exercise immediately before a high-stakes moment significantly boosted performance, especially for those who are habitually anxious. (Ramirez & Beilock, Science, 2011)|The Raising Elite Competitors podcast and YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.#sportsmom #mentaltraining #girlsintennis #confidencebuilding #athletemindset

She wants to quit and it's probably not burnout. Check our free training for sports parents to help her stay in the game → https://trainhergame.com/mom📌 Resources & Tools:FREE for YOU:🎓 Strengthen Your Athlete's Mental Game - Training for Parents → https://trainhergame.com/mom📬 Join our weekly TIPS newsletter → https://sportsmom.fyi/yt-tips💬 Use this Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to talk to your athlete about mental training → https://sportsmom.fyi/convo-guide🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Raising Elite CompetitorsFREE for Athletes:🔹 Share with your athlete: What's Your Competitor Style Quiz → https://athlete.fyi/yt-quiz🎥 YouTube Playlist for Athletes → https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdgeOUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:👉 Join The Elite Mental Game for girl athletes → https://trainhergame.com/yt-emgConnect with us!IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/elitecompetitorcoachTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingelitecompetitorsYouTube: ➡︎ SUBSCRIBE 🙌🏼 and hang out in our community here with us!⏰ Key Timestamps:00:00 The Hook: Is It Burnout?00:16 The Competitive Dancer's Story01:26 The Gap Between Success and Feeling03:57 Burnout vs. Mental Game Problem06:26 Three Questions to Tell the Difference07:39 My Own Experience With This08:44 How to Build the Mental Game Toolkit👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre — a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.Your athlete says she wants to quit, and your first instinct might be to call it burnout. In this episode, I walk through a true story about a 15 year old competitive dancer who placed top 10 at nationals and still wanted to quit two weeks later, and why that gap between outside success and inside confidence is almost never burnout.I also share about my own story of walking away from volleyball my senior year and calling it burnout, when it was really unmanaged perfectionism no one taught me how to handle.🧐 What You'll Learn:The one gap that separates real burnout from a mental game problem hiding as burnout- Why "get out of your own head" doesn't work, even when it's trueThe 3 questions to ask before deciding it's time for a break- What it means when she can't feel her own winsHow comparing herself to teammates, not outcomes, fuels the spiral💬 Moms — comment below: Has your athlete ever said she wants to quit right after a strong season?P.S. A few stats worth knowing:- About 10% of adolescent athletes ages 13-15 report sport burnout, with slightly higher rates among girls (Saarinen et al., 2024, cited in Journal of Adolescence, 2025)- Estimates of youth athlete burnout prevalence range from just 1% to 12% depending on the study (Systematic review, 2025)- Higher perfectionism in athletes is linked to increased burnout, anxiety, and lower self-esteem (Frontiers in Psychology, 2024)The Raising Elite Competitors podcast and YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.#sportsmom #mentaltraining #youthsports #sportsparenting #confidentathlete

 Think your coach hates you? Watch this before you believe it. Athletes: take this quiz to find out your competitor style → https://elitecompetitor.com/athlete📌 Resources & Tools:FREE for YOU:🎓 Strengthen Your Athlete's Mental Game - Training for Parents → https://trainhergame.com/mom|📬 Join our weekly TIPS newsletter → https://sportsmom.fyi/yt-tips💬 Use this Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to talk to your athlete about mental training → https://sportsmom.fyi/convo-guide🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Raising Elite CompetitorsFREE for Athletes:🔹 Take this quiz to find out your competitor style → https://elitecompetitor.com/athlete🎥 YouTube Playlist for Athletes → https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdgeOUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:👉 Join The Elite Mental Game for girl athletes → https://trainhergame.com/yt-emgConnect with us!IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/elitecompetitorcoachTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingelitecompetitorsYouTube: ➡︎ SUBSCRIBE 🙌🏼 and hang out in our community here with us!⏰ Key Timestamps:👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre, a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.If you've ever thought your coach was picking on you or didn't like you, this one's for you. I'm breaking down what's actually happening when a coach keeps correcting you versus when a coach goes quiet.I'm also giving you the exact script to use when you need your coach to give you more feedback or clarity on your role.What You'll Learn:✅ How to tell the difference between a coach who's investing in you and a coach who's checked out✅ Why the thought "my coach doesn't like me" makes practice and games harder than they need to be✅ The Thought Wheel, how one thought shapes your feelings, actions, and results without you noticing✅ A real story about a player who thought she was being picked on and was actually being coached✅ Exact words to use when you need to ask your coach for more feedback or clarityAthletes — take this quiz to find out your competitor style → https://elitecompetitor.com/athleteP.S. A few stats worth knowing:⚡️A poor coach relationship was a significant driver of youth athletes leaving their sport, per a 2024 qualitative study of 20 youth athletes (Cogent Social Sciences, 2024)⚡️Roughly 35% of youth sport participants leave their programs annually, and by age 13, an estimated 70% have left sport altogether (Kinesiology Review, 2024)⚡️A study of 258 competitive gymnasts found negative self-talk predicted higher competition anxiety and lower performance, while positive self-talk predicted better results (PLOS ONE, 2022)The Raising Elite Competitors podcast and YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.#raisingelitecompetitors #sportsmom #mentaltraining #girlathletes #confidence

How one teen turns comparison into fuel instead of letting it crush her confidence. Learn more about EMG here, mom → https://trainhergame.com/mom📌 Resources & Tools:FREE for YOU:🎓 Strengthen Your Athlete's Mental Game - Training for Parents → https://trainhergame.com/mom📬 Join our weekly TIPS newsletter → https://sportsmom.fyi/yt-tips💬 Use this Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to talk to your athlete about mental training → https://sportsmom.fyi/convo-guide🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Raising Elite Competitors FREE for Athletes:🔹 Share with your athlete: What's Your Competitor Style Quiz → https://athlete.fyi/yt-quiz🎥 YouTube Playlist for Athletes → https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS 👉 Join The Elite Mental Game for girl athletes → https://trainhergame.com/yt-emg===========================Connect with us!=========================== IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/elitecompetitorcoachTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingelitecompetitorsYouTube: ➡︎ SUBSCRIBE 🙌🏼 and hang out in our community here with us!⏰ Key Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 00:45 Meet Zoe Roberts 02:07 Learning to Manage Emotions 04:40 The Snapback Routine 06:34 Pre-Game Routine and Support System 07:14 Turning Comparison into Inspiration 08:32 Zoe's Win and Becoming a Role Model 09:42 Final Tips and Wrap-Up 🎤 This week Coach Saylor sits down with Zoey Roberts, our EMG June Athlete of the Month, a rising high school freshman who plays basketball, volleyball, and track.Zoey used to cry after almost every mistake in a game. Now she resets in seconds and cheers louder for her teammates than she ever argued with a ref.She walks us through the reframe that turned watching stronger athletes from intimidating into motivating, and the habit that changed her game.What You'll Learn:✅ Why comparing herself to a stronger athlete now fuels Zoey instead of scaring her✅ The 2-second signal Zoey uses to snap back after a mistake, and why it works better than "shake it off"✅ How the five-sense grounding countdown calms her down before a big moment✅ What she does on the bench when she gets subbed out, and why it matters for the whole team✅ Her honest advice for a mom whose daughter has no idea what mental training even is💬 Moms — comment below: What does your daughter's first 10 minutes after a mistake usually look like? P.S. A few stats worth knowing:👉Psychological skills training produced a notably larger reduction in anxiety for adolescent athletes than for the broader athlete population studied (Frontiers in Psychology, 2025)👉Self-compassion predicted a stronger performance rebound the day after a rough outing, in a study of college athletes (Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 2022)👉Peer support from teammates directly reduces mental fatigue and increases engagement in adolescent athletes (Scientific Reports, 2025) The Raising Elite Competitors podcast and YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most. #sportsmom #mentaltraining #girlathletes #elitementalgame #confidencecoaching

Your daughter's recruiting profile makes her more searchable than she realizes. ===========================📌 Resources & Tools:===========================FREE for YOU:🎓 Strengthen Your Athlete's Mental Game - Training for Parents → https://trainhergame.com/mom📬 Join our weekly TIPS newsletter → https://sportsmom.fyi/yt-tips💬 Use this Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to talk to your athlete about mental training → https://sportsmom.fyi/convo-guide🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Raising Elite CompetitorsFREE for Athletes:🔹 Share with your athlete: What's Your Competitor Style Quiz → https://athlete.fyi/yt-quiz🎥 YouTube Playlist for Athletes → https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdgeOUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:👉 Join The Elite Mental Game for girl athletes → https://trainhergame.com/yt-emg===========================Connect with us!===========================IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/elitecompetitorcoachTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingelitecompetitorsYouTube: ➡︎ SUBSCRIBE 🙌🏼 and hang out in our community here with us!Guest Resources:Name: Fareedah ShaheedTitle: Internet Safety ExpertEmail: [email protected]@social handle: @CyberFareedahFree Protect Kids Online Resource Library: https://sekuva.mykajabi.com/get-your-internet-safety-resource-library===========================⏰ Key Timestamps:===========================00:00 Introduction: Why Digital Safety Matters01:35 Meet Farida Shaheed02:41 Farida's Childhood and Online Grooming Story05:13 The Turning Point With Her Mom08:34 What Grooming Really Looks Like10:58 Guidelines for Young Athletes Online13:33 Doom Scrolling vs. Dream Scrolling17:13 The SAFE Method21:01 New AI-Powered Threats21:57 Where to Find Farida👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre — a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.🎙 Today's guest is Fareedah Shaheed, aka CyberFareedah, a Forbes 30 Under 30 internet safety expert who was groomed online as a teenager and built the SAFE Method to help other families avoid what she went through.Fareedah walks through exactly what a stranger can find when they search your athlete's name, and why recruiting makes her more visible online than most kids her age. She also shares the exact conversation her mom had with her that changed everything, and why reacting with fear almost always backfires.She breaks down her SAFE Method (Safe spaces, Accountability, Fun, Empathy) and gives three specific moves you can make tonight to protect what's public without hiding her talent or pulling her offline.What You'll Learn:✅ What actually shows up when someone searches your athlete's name✅ Three specific ways to protect her online without going private or pulling her offline✅ Why a fearful reaction pushes your daughter to hide more, not less✅ The SAFE Method: Safe spaces, Accountability, Fun, Empathy✅ The exact script for introducing phone check-ins without triggering secrecy💬 Moms — comment below: Have you ever searched your own daughter's name to see what actually shows up?P.S. A few stats worth knowing:More than 300 million children a year are victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse worldwide. (Childlight Global Child Safety Institute, University of Edinburgh, 2024)Online enticement reports to NCMEC's CyberTipline rose to more than 546,000 in 2024, a 192% increase over 2023. (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 2025)1 in 17 minors report having personally experienced sextortion. (Thorn & NCMEC, 2024)The Raising Elite Competitors podcast and YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.#sportsmom #onlinesafety #digitalparenting #raisingelitecompetitors #parentingteens

Preparing her for tryouts is more about your calm than her skill. Learn more about how we help you help her → https://trainhergame.com/mom***Resources & Tools***FREE for YOU:🎓 Strengthen Your Athlete's Mental Game - Training for Parents → https://trainhergame.com/mom📬 Join our weekly TIPS newsletter → https://sportsmom.fyi/yt-tips💬 Use this Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to talk to your athlete about mental training → https://sportsmom.fyi/convo-guide🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Raising Elite CompetitorsFREE for Athletes:🔹 Share with your athlete: What's Your Competitor Style Quiz → https://athlete.fyi/yt-quiz🎥 YouTube Playlist for Athletes → https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdgeOUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:👉 Join The Elite Mental Game for girl athletes → https://trainhergame.com/yt-emg***Connect with us***IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/elitecompetitorcoachTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingelitecompetitorsYouTube: ➡︎ SUBSCRIBE 🙌🏼 and hang out in our community here with us!***⏰ Key Timestamps***00:00 Intro & Community Shoutout01:44 Check Your Own Nerves First02:46 Defining Her Goals for Tryouts05:14 Practical Prep for Tryout Day06:53 Mental Training Tools09:52 Handling Disappointment & Resilience11:06 Wrap-Up & Final Encouragement👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre — a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.  Tryout season brings out nerves in both of you, and most of what actually helps happens before tryout day even arrives. This episode walks through how to prepare her without adding pressure, what coaches are really watching for, and how to handle it if the outcome isn't what she hoped.  What You'll Learn:  ✅ How to check your own tryout stress before it becomes hers - What to do in the weeks (not just the day) before tryouts ✅ The intangibles coaches are really scoring, beyond skill (hustle, resilience, teammate energy) ✅ Simple mental tools for the lead-up: breathwork, visualization, and the Snapback Routine ✅ How to handle disappointment after tryouts without raising a victim mindset  💬 Moms — comment below: What's your go-to thing to say to her in the days before tryouts?  P.S. A few stats worth knowing:  ⚡️ Girls who quit sports are far more likely to have had parents who pressured them to play or compared them to other players (Aspen Institute / Project Play National Youth Athlete Survey, 2026)  ⚡️ Self-talk interventions produce a measurable, moderate improvement in athletic performance, especially on newly-learned skills, exactly the conditions of a tryout (Hatzigeorgiadis et al., Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2011)  ⚡️ Diaphragmatic breathing measurably lowers cortisol, the body's stress hormone, in athletes under physical stress (Martarelli et al., Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011)  The Raising Elite Competitors podcast and YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.  #sportsmom #tryoutseason #mentalperformance #girlssports #sportsparenting

Your daughter's intensity might be her biggest advantage, not a problem to fix.  ***Resources & Tools***FREE for YOU:🎓 Strengthen Your Athlete's Mental Game - Training for Parents → https://trainhergame.com/mom📬 Join our weekly TIPS newsletter → https://sportsmom.fyi/yt-tips💬 Use this Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to talk to your athlete about mental training → https://sportsmom.fyi/convo-guide🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Raising Elite CompetitorsFREE for Athletes:🔹 Share with your athlete: What's Your Competitor Style Quiz → https://athlete.fyi/yt-quiz🎥 YouTube Playlist for Athletes → https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdgeOUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:👉 Join The Elite Mental Game for girl athletes → https://trainhergame.com/yt-emg***Connect with us***IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/elitecompetitorcoachTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingelitecompetitorsYouTube: ➡︎ SUBSCRIBE 🙌🏼 and hang out in our community here with us!Learn more about Wendy and Fresh Start Family!Wendy Snyder — certified positive parenting educator & family life coach, Founder of Fresh Start Family, host of The Fresh Start Family ShowBook: Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home (Wiley)Instagram: @freshstartwendy (not @frustratewendy)Website: https://freshstartfamilyonline.com  ***⏰ Key Timestamps***00:00 Introduction: The Gift of Strong-Willed Kids01:22 Meet Wendy Snyder & Fresh Start Family02:54 Wendy's Journey Raising a Strong-Willed Daughter03:59 From Autocratic to Firm-and-Kind Parenting09:07 What Is a Cactus Kid?10:57 Traits of Strong-Willed Kids & Future Leaders16:06 Coaching Cactus Kids: Earning Respect20:46 Compassionate Discipline vs. Punishment22:29 Handling Intensity Without Disrespect27:13 Teaching Peaceful Conflict Resolution & Win-Win33:30 Team Conversations & Detachment Skills38:23 Red Flags in Coaching & When to Step In43:21 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Wendy👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre — a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion. 🎙 Joining me this week is Wendy Snyder, certified positive parenting educator, family life coach, and founder of Fresh Start Family. Wendy raised her own strong-willed daughter into a Division I beach volleyball recruit, and now teaches thousands of families how to do the same.  Wendy talks about raising what she calls "cactus kids," beautiful, strong-willed kids who are a lot to handle if nobody's taught you how. If your daughter comes home intense after a bad game, argues with the ref in her head for days, or gets side-eyed for having "too much" personality, this one's for you.  What You'll Learn: ✅ Why "strong-willed" and "intense" aren't warning signs, they're leadership traits in disguise ✅ The real difference between an intense athlete and a disrespectful one ✅ A simple win-win script to help your daughter work through teammate conflict without shame ✅ What to actually say (and not say) when a coach flags her attitude ✅ How to know when to step in with a coach, and when to let her handle it herselfP.S. A few stats worth knowing:  ⚡️ Structured sports programs that intentionally built in social-emotional goals improved athletes' emotion regulation by standardized effect sizes up to 0.72 across 7 peer-reviewed studies (Kanaros & Bourdaniotis, Futurity Education, 2025)  ⚡️ A study of 295 Swiss elite teen athletes found coach-athlete relationship quality directly predicted burnout months later (Gerber et al., Sports Psychiatry, 2024)  ⚡️ Among youth athletes who quit, "I'm not good enough" and "bad coaching" were the top two reasons cited, with former players reporting far more parental pressure than current players (Aspen Institute Project Play, 2026)  The Raising Elite Competitors podcast and YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.  #mentalgame #sportsmom #strongwilledchild #coachbre #raisingathletes

Comparison at tryouts is costing her more than she realizes. What's Your Competitor Style Quiz → https://athlete.fyi/yt-quiz📌 Resources & Tools:🎓 Strengthen Your Athlete's Mental Game - Free Training for Parents → https://trainhergame.com/mom📬 Join our weekly TIPS newsletter → https://sportsmom.fyi/yt-tips💬 Use this Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to talk to your athlete about mental training → https://sportsmom.fyi/convo-guide🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Raising Elite CompetitorsFREE for Athletes:🔹 Share with your athlete: What's Your Competitor Style Quiz → https://athlete.fyi/yt-quiz🎥 YouTube Playlist for Athletes → https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdgeOUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:👉 Join The Elite Mental Game for girl athletes → https://trainhergame.com/yt-emgConnect with us!IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/elitecompetitorcoachTik Tok: ➡︎ https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingelitecompetitorsYouTube: ➡︎ SUBSCRIBE 🙌🏼 and hang out in our community here with us!⏰ Key Timestamps:00:00 Intro: My Best & Worst Tryouts00:49 Why Tryouts Are a Mental Game02:00 How Nerves Derail Your Performance03:24 Tip #1: Reframe What Tryouts Are05:49 Tip #2: Use Visualization08:44 Tip #3: Focus On Your Strengths11:11 Recap of the Three Tips11:53 Closing & Call to Action👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre — a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion. This episode features Coach Saylor, one of our mental performance coaches inside The Elite Mental Game, teaching athletes three mental training tips for tryouts. In this video, Coach Saylor breaks down why comparison is one of the biggest confidence killers at tryouts, and gives your athlete three specific mental training tips to walk in ready instead. This one's built to be shared directly with her. If tryouts are coming up for your daughter, this gives her something real to lean on beyond just physical prep.What You'll Learn:✅ Why tryouts should be reframed as a showcase, not a test✅ A visualization technique that uses a real past best moment, not an imagined perfect one✅ How to name three personal strengths as anchors against the comparison spiral✅ Why comparison rarely works in her favor, and what to focus on instead✅ Where to find her free Competitor Style Quiz for a mental edge going into tryouts💬 What's one strength you bring to your sport that you might not give yourself credit for?P.S. A few stats worth knowing:⚡️Reframing pre-performance anxiety as excitement improves confidence and performance (Brooks, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 2014)⚡️A 2025 study of 500 athletes found imagery ability is directly linked to athletic achievement level (Malinauskas et al., Frontiers in Psychology, 2025)⚡️A meta-analysis of 32 studies found self-talk interventions produce a real, measurable improvement in sport performance (Hatzigeorgiadis et al., Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2011)The Raising Elite Competitors podcast and YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.#tryoutprep #sportsmom #mentalperformance #girlssports #elitementalgame

"We're strong, and we're only delicate if you tell us that we're delicate." 🎯 → https://trainhergame.com/mom***Resources***🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg🔥 Grab our in-depth free training → https://trainhergame.com/mom***Connect with Me***📩 Want to connect? Email us at [email protected]🔹 Follow us on TikTok→ @raisingelitecompetitors📲 Instagram: @elitecompetitorcoach🔔 Subscribe for weekly mental training strategies built specifically for parents of girl athletes.In this episode, I sat down with Sumer Dandan, a competitive cheer gym owner and child development professional with almost 30 years of experience. She said something that's stuck with me since we recorded this. Girls in sports get treated like they're fragile, when the truth is the opposite. They're strong. They're determined. And most of them have never been given the tools to prove it to themselves. 👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre, a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.What You'll Learn:✅ Why the "delicate girl" narrative is holding athletes back ✅ The real difference between a fixed and growth mindset ✅ What actually helps her handle pressure instead of freezing under it ✅ Why some kids stay in sport for decades and become leaders, and others quit young🎙️ My guest, Sumer, owns a nationally recognized all-star cheerleading gym, Intensity Athletics. She's watched what happens when talented athletes get stuck, and what actually helps them move forward.🕓 Key Moments00:00 Meet Sumer00:51 Sumer's World Today01:37 Shifting Coaching Culture04:05 Sumer's Athletic Journey05:25 What Is All-Star Cheerleading?06:51 Growing Up Without Guidance08:24 The Mental Game and the Parent's Role13:35 Sumer's Own Mental Block Journey16:12 From Athlete to Entrepreneur21:51 Advice for Parents and Closing Thoughts💬 Moms — comment below: What's one thing you say after a tough practice that you secretly wonder if it's helping or hurting?P.S. A few stats worth knowing:⚡️ 45% of teenage girls drop out of sports over body confidence concerns, twice the rate of boys the same age (Nike/Dove research via Well+Good, 2023)⚡️ Girls have 1.3 million fewer opportunities to play high school sports than boys (Women's Sports Foundation)⚡️ Students with a growth mindset from the lowest income bracket performed academically as well as fixed mindset students from the 80th income percentile (Dweck research via TrainingPeaks, 2024)The Raising Elite Competitors YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.#mentalperformance #girlathlete #sportsparenting #growthmindset #cheerparent

Your daughter doesn't need more pep talks. She needs 60 seconds and a closed door. Here's what actually works. Grab more tools here → https://trainhergame.com/momIf you're a coach, head to https://coachfreetraining.com to learn more about Plug & Play Elite Mental Game for teams! Also checkout out the Coach Her Game Channel for more tips.There's a simple mental skill that takes less than a minute and actually changes how your daughter performs under pressure. It's backed by real science, not just good intentions.What You'll Learn:✅ Why mental rehearsal works (and the brain science behind it)✅ Three specific moments to use this tool with your daughter✅ A simple way to help her release pre-game anxiety👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre — a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.🕓 Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction00:59 Why Visualization Works (The Science)01:56 Way #1: Visualization Before Practice02:20 The 3-2-1 Brave Mindset Routine04:45 Way #2: Visualization Before Games05:42 Way #3: Situational Visualization07:37 Wrap-Up & Resources⬇️ New here? Start with the free training for sports moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom💛 Already inside The Elite Mental Game? Head to members.elitecompetitor.com for your next steps.📩 Want to connect? Email us at [email protected]📌 Resources & Tools🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg🔔Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes ⬇️  Raising Elite Competitors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingEliteCompetitors       P.S. A few things worth knowing:   ⚡️Mental rehearsal alone can increase muscle strength by up to 35% (Cleveland Clinic)⚡️ Motor imagery activates overlapping brain regions with actual physical movement (Neuropsychologia)⚡️Athletes who regularly use visualization report higher self-confidence and lower competition anxiety (Journal of Applied Sport Psychology) The Raising Elite Competitors channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.     #mentalperformance #girlathlete #sportsparenting #visualization #athleteconfidence

💛 One athlete. A new position. A mindset shift that led to 19 points and four threes. Get the free training for sports moms → https://trainhergame.com/momKinley started EMG convinced she couldn't afford to make a mistake. Every error felt like proof she wasn't good enough.Then something clicked.🎙️ In this episode, Coach Saylor sits down with Kinley Sander, our May Athlete of the Month and an incoming freshman basketball player, who shares how mental training helped her stop hesitating and start trusting herself in a brand new position.What You'll Learn:✅ Why "I can't mess up" is the mindset that's actually holding your daughter back✅ How the Snapback Routine works in real game moments (from an athlete who uses it)✅ The grounding strategy that pulls athletes back to the present when they're spiraling✅ What one mindset shift unlocked Kinley's best game ever✅ Why going back to "just have fun" is a performance strategy, not a cop-out🕓 Key Moments:00:00 Welcome & Introduction00:21 Kinley's Basketball Journey00:54 Recognizing Kinley's Work Ethic01:45 Champions Board Submission02:08 Mindset Before & After EMG03:03 Mental Tools & Strategies04:43 Breakthrough Game Story07:41 Goals & Advice for AthletesAthlete of the month episodes are hosted by REC Coach Saylor, a mental performance coach for girl athletes. I empower girl athletes with tools to build confidence and manage pressure so they can compete freely and passionately. New AOTM episodes every month!📌 Free Tools & Next Steps🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20🎯 FREE Training for Sports Moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg 🔔 Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes. Raising Elite Competitors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingEliteCompetitorsP.S. A few stats worth saving if you've ever wondered whether the mental game really matters that much:👉70% of youth athletes quit organized sports by age 13, with loss of enjoyment tied to pressure and confidence challenges (Aspen Institute, Project Play)👉Girls are significantly more likely than boys to internalize mistakes and experience decreased confidence after errors during competition (Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport, University of Minnesota)👉Athletes who use consistent pre-performance routines outperform those who don't in high-pressure situations (Journal of Applied Sport Psychology)The Raising Elite Competitors YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.  #mentalperformance #girlathlete #sportsparenting #athleteofthemonth

🏆 The 3 mental skills that separate good athletes from great ones - and how to help your daughter build them this summer. Free training for moms → https://trainhergame.com/momYour daughter has been putting in the physical work this summer. But there's one thing most athletes skip completely - and it's exactly what shows up (or doesn't) when tryouts get intense.👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre - a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.In this episode, I'm breaking down what the best girl athletes are doing differently right now, and what you can do as her mom to make sure she walks into her next season ready - not just physically, but mentally.✅ Why summer is the best time to train the mental game (before the pressure is real)✅ The Snapback Routine - a 2-second failure recovery system that changed everything for my state championship team✅ How to build a pre-performance routine that helps her stay consistent under pressure✅ Why her belief about herself sets the ceiling - and how to help her raise it✅ Three specific things YOU can do this summer that will change how she shows up in the fall🕓 Key Moments:00:00 The Problem: Mental Spiraling Before Tryouts04:05 Why Mental Training Is Missing from Summer Plans04:14 Skill #1: Training the Mental Game06:22 The Snapback Routine in Action: State Championship Story11:31 Skill #2: Building a Pre-Performance Routine13:19 Skill #3: Building Your Identity Before the Season16:12 What the Best Sports Parents Do This Summer20:10 Wrap-Up and Next Steps⬇️ New here? Start with the free training for sports moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom💛 Already inside The Elite Mental Game? Head to members.elitecompetitor.com for your next steps.📩 Want to connect? Email us at [email protected]📌 Resources & Tools🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg🔔Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes ⬇️  Raising Elite Competitors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingEliteCompetitors     P.S. A few things worth knowing:  ⚡️Athletes who use mental skills training show measurably better performance consistency under pressure, particularly in high-stakes competition moments. (Association for Applied Sport Psychology)⚡️ Visualization activates the same neural pathways as physical practice, giving athletes measurable performance gains without additional physical training load. (University of Chicago, Blaslotto research on visualization and performance)⚡️Only 9% of high school athletes go on to play college sports. The mental game is often what determines who breaks through. (NCAA Research)The Raising Elite Competitors channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.          #girlssports #mentalperformance #sportsparenting #girlathlete #youthsports

🎙️ I've been the one asking questions for years. This week, Emily took over the mic and flipped the script. Check out this interview where the athlete runs the show!I said yes to a 14-year-old lacrosse player who wanted to interview me for a school project about mental training. And honestly? She asked things I wasn't fully prepared for.👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre - a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a former head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.Emily is one of our Elite Mental Game athletes. She came in with real questions, real experiences, and zero filter. What came out of this conversation is one of the most genuine episodes I've ever recorded.❓She asked me why I started all of this (I told her the story I don't always tell) ❓ She shared what it actually felt like to use the Snapback Routine at her championships ❓ We talked about what parents do that quietly makes things harder ❓ She told me what makes a coach feel safe - straight from an athlete's mouth I asked her questions back, and her answers are worth every second💛 If you want to know what your daughter is actually thinking, this one is for you.Emily was one of the most prepared guests I've had on the podcast and delivered a fantastic episode! Great job, Emily!!What You'll Learn:✅ What an athlete genuinely wants from her parents on the sideline and after games✅ The real reason Coach Bre almost never played college volleyball (and why she's glad it happened)✅ What athletes think when they see a coach who only focuses on physical performance✅ How one 14-year-old describes using mental training tools in real competition✅ What creates safety for athletes to actually open up to coaches and parents🕓 Key Moments:00:00 Meet Emily: A 14-Year-Old Athlete Takes Over01:33 Bretagne's Athletic Journey & Struggles with Perfectionism03:23 The Walk-On Comeback & Discovering Mental Training05:10 Building The Elite Mental Game Program06:47 The Unique Pressures Girl Athletes Face10:12 Why Athletes Don't Ask for Help (And How to Change That)13:41 What Parents & Coaches Can Do Differently21:54 What Happens When Teams Don't Train Mentally31:54 Practical Tools: Joy, Process, and Resetting Your Mindset39:32 Emily's Experience in the Elite Mental Game⬇️ New here? Start with the free training for sports moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom💛 Already inside The Elite Mental Game? Head to members.elitecompetitor.com for your next steps.📩 Want to connect? Email us at [email protected]📌 Resources & Tools🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg🔔Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes ⬇️  Raising Elite Competitors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingEliteCompetitors     P.S. A few things worth knowing:  ⚡️Athletes who use mental skills training show measurably better performance consistency under pressure, particularly in high-stakes competition moments. (Association for Applied Sport Psychology)⚡️ Visualization activates the same neural pathways as physical practice, giving athletes measurable performance gains without additional physical training load. (University of Chicago, Blaslotto research on visualization and performance)⚡️Only 9% of high school athletes go on to play college sports. The mental game is often what determines who breaks through. (NCAA Research)The Raising Elite Competitors channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.          #girlssports #mentalperformance #sportsparenting #girlathlete #youthsports

Summer is when athletes either separate themselves or fall behind. Here's what the best ones do differently. Free training for sports moms → https://trainhergame.com/momMost athletes treat summer like an extended break and then walk into tryouts wondering why nothing changed.In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what separates average athletes from great ones this summer, and it's not just showing up to open gyms.👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre, a a Certified Mental Performance Coach, a 14-year head volleyball coach, and a 4x state championship winner. I'm also the founder of The Elite Competitor, a mental performance program built exclusively for girl athletes ages 11-18 and their moms. You'll learn:✅ Why motivation is the worst training partner you can have✅ How to build a real physical training plan that you'll actually stick to✅ What mental training is and why it matters more than most athletes realize✅ How visualization gives you mental reps without extra wear on your body✅ Why the athlete you were last season is what shows up under pressure - and how to change that⬇️ I've been a head volleyball coach for 14 years and we've won four consecutive state championships. The athletes who separate themselves every single summer do these things.If your daughter has goals to play at the next level or compete for a championship, this one is for her.Don't miss our SUMMER STRONG MENTAL GAME BOOTCAMPSix weeks of live mental training for athletes. Starts June 24th.Register here → elitecompetitor.com/summer-strong-bootcamp/🕓 Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction: Summer Separates Athletes00:58 Have a Plan01:51 Physical Training: Show Up & Work Hard02:50 Creating Your Own Training Schedule04:26 Why Mental Training Matters06:35 Mental Training Tools: Snapback & Visualization08:19 Summer Strong Mental Game Boot Camp09:30 Identity: Who You Are Under Pressure⬇️ New here? Start with the free training for sports moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom💛 Already inside The Elite Mental Game? Head to members.elitecompetitor.com for your next steps.📩 Want to connect? Email us at [email protected]📌 Resources & Tools🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg🔔Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes ⬇️  Raising Elite Competitors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingEliteCompetitors     P.S. A few things worth knowing:  ⚡️Athletes who use mental skills training show measurably better performance consistency under pressure, particularly in high-stakes competition moments. (Association for Applied Sport Psychology)⚡️ Visualization activates the same neural pathways as physical practice, giving athletes measurable performance gains without additional physical training load. (University of Chicago, Blaslotto research on visualization and performance)⚡️Only 9% of high school athletes go on to play college sports. The mental game is often what determines who breaks through. (NCAA Research)The Raising Elite Competitors channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.          #girlssports #mentalperformance #sportsparenting #girlathlete #youthsports

The hardest part of playing D1 volleyball wasn't the early workouts, the travel, or the competition. It was the mental side...and nobody warned her. Grab our free training for sports moms: https://trainhergame.com/momSydney Dreves went from four-time state champion in high school to a starting outside hitter at Boise State. She's sharing what actually separated athletes at the next level - and it wasn't physical skills.👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre, a a Certified Mental Performance Coach, a 14-year head volleyball coach, and a 4x state championship winner. I'm also the founder of The Elite Competitor, a mental performance program built exclusively for girl athletes ages 11-18 and their moms.You'll learn:✅ Why comparison is the fastest way to lose your edge at any level✅ What Sydney wishes she'd been taught before her freshman year✅ How "freely playing" disappeared the moment she hit college, and what brought it back✅ The mindset shift that helped her stop spiraling after bad practices✅ What college coaches actually notice when they're recruitingYour daughter doesn't have to figure this out alone. The mental skills Sydney used are inside our program - built specifically for girl athletes and their moms.🕓 Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction02:52 About the Host: Bre's Story07:10 The Mental Game: Why It Matters09:14 Meet Sydney Dreves10:40 Sydney's First Year at Boise State12:14 What Surprised Her Most About D113:59 Overcoming Mental Blocks & Self-Doubt17:16 Dealing with Teammates & Coaches20:12 Lessons & What She'd Do Differently24:10 Advice for Athletes & Wrap-Up💬 Parents - comment below: What's one thing you've tried to help your daughter that didn't land the way you hoped?⬇️ New here? Start with the free training for sports moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom💛 Already inside The Elite Mental Game? Head to members.elitecompetitor.com for your next steps.📩 Want to connect? Email us at [email protected]📌 Resources & Tools🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg🔔Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes ⬇️  Raising Elite Competitors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingEliteCompetitors   P.S. A few things worth knowing: ⚡️Nearly 1 in 4 college athletes (22.3%) are at risk for depression - and most are never taught mental skills to cope. (PMC / Peer-Reviewed Study, 2023)⚡️ Extreme upward social comparison in athletes is directly linked to drops in motivation and increased disengagement from their sport. (Diel et al., Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2021)⚡️A 2025 study found coaches universally agree mental skill development is essential - but most report they don't know how to teach it. The researchers called it: "Everybody wants to coach it, but fewer know how to do it." (Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2025)The Raising Elite Competitors channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.        #girlssports #mentalperformance #sportsparenting #girlathlete #youthsports

A teen setter used a mental reset tool at nationals and helped her team come back from 6 down to win. Grab the same system she used → https://trainhergame.com/mom💛 Olivia is our April athlete of the month, and her story is one every sports mom needs to hear. She started EMG after a tough high school season left her doubting herself. A few months later, she was on the biggest stage of her season using what she learned.In this episode, Coach Saylor sits down with Olivia to break down exactly what changed and how.🧐 What You'll Learn:✅ What the Snapback Routine looks like under real pressure (and why Olivia used it 4 times in a single set)✅ The one mindset her team committed to before every match at the national qualifier✅ How Olivia leads teammates through pressure moments without calling them out✅ What she'd tell any athlete who is hesitant about mental training✅ The moment she realized her mental game was directly affecting her performance👉 Olivia said it best: "Everybody talks about being mentally tough but they never tell you how to do it." That's exactly why we built this program.The full story is in this episode. Watch it.💬 Key Moments:00:00 Introduction01:08 Meet Olivia03:34 What Brought Olivia to Mental Training06:27 The Big South National Qualifier09:07 The Championship Match11:29 The Snapback Routine14:42 Team Leadership & Mindset16:38 Growth Since Starting EMG19:08 Advice & GoalsAthlete of the month episodes are hosted by REC Coach Saylor, a mental performance coach for girl athletes. I empower girl athletes with tools to build confidence and manage pressure so they can compete freely and passionately. New AOTM episodes every month!📌 Free Tools & Next Steps🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20🎯 FREE Training for Sports Moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg 🔔 Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes. Raising Elite Competitors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingEliteCompetitorsP.S. A few stats worth saving if you've ever wondered whether the mental game really matters that much:70% of youth athletes quit organized sports by age 13, with loss of enjoyment tied to pressure and confidence challenges (Aspen Institute, Project Play)Girls are significantly more likely than boys to internalize mistakes and experience decreased confidence after errors during competition (Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport, University of Minnesota)Athletes who use consistent pre-performance routines outperform those who don't in high-pressure situations (Journal of Applied Sport Psychology)The Raising Elite Competitors YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.  #mentalperformance #girlathlete #sportsparenting #athleteofthemonth

Your pep talks come from love. But two real sports parents found out they weren't enough. 👇 https://trainhergame.com/momChris has six kids and still felt like she was failing her youngest. Carlos's daughter looked at him and said, "Dad, please stop. What you're doing is not working." Both of them knew their daughters had the talent. They just couldn't figure out how to actually equip them.In this episode, you'll hear directly from both of them - unfiltered and real..✅ What they noticed in their daughters within the first 4 days✅ How they introduced mental tools to a resistant teen without it turning into a fight✅ The moment they realized their own behavior was part of the equation✅ What "no meltdowns all season" actually looks like in real life✅ Why the 14-day guarantee was the thing that got their athletes to say yes💛 If your daughter has the talent but something keeps blocking her from playing her best, this one's for you.👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre, a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.⏱️ Key Moments00:00 Introduction: When Joy Goes Missing01:40 Meet Chris & Carlos: Two Parents, One Problem01:59 Chris's Story: Being Proactive Before the Season04:27 Carlos's Story: When Your Daughter Says "Stop"11:12 How to Present the Program to a Resistant Teen19:28 Changes Parents Started to Notice23:02 From Quitting to "I Love My Sport Again"28:44 Logistics: Fitting Mental Training Into a Busy Schedule33:46 Live Calls, Texting Support & How It All Works41:03 Favorite Tools & What Sets This Program Apart45:48 Comparing to Other Options: Therapists, Psychologists & More49:02 Final Thoughts & Getting Started💬 Parents - comment below: What's one thing you've tried to help your daughter that didn't land the way you hoped?⬇️ New here? Start with the free training for sports moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom💛 Already inside The Elite Mental Game? Head to members.elitecompetitor.com for your next steps.📩 Want to connect? Email us at [email protected]📌 Resources & Tools🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg🔔Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes ⬇️  Raising Elite Competitors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingEliteCompetitors   P.S. A few things worth knowing as a sports mom: ⚡️ 70% of youth athletes quit organized sports by age 13, with "it's not fun anymore" as the top reason cited (National Alliance for Youth Sports)⚡️ Girls are 2x more likely than boys to drop out of sports by age 14, often due to confidence issues and loss of enjoyment (Women's Sports Foundation)⚡️Athletes who receive mental skills training show a 20-30% improvement in performance consistency compared to physical training alone (Association for Applied Sport Psychology)    The Raising Elite Competitors channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.        #girlssports #mentalperformance #sportsparenting #girlathlete #youthsports

Her daughter was doing everything right. But when the competition got harder, she started shrinking. 💛 Grab the system that helped her regain her confidence → https://trainhergame.com/momHeather watched her daughter Isla go from crumbling under pressure to winning finals matches against girls two years older than her - and she shares exactly how it happened.This is the conversation most sports moms need to hear.👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre, a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.In this episode you'll hear:✅ What "shrinking" actually looks like from the bleachers and why it breaks a mom's heart✅ How Isla introduced a simple pre-match routine that changed everything✅ What Isla told her mom she actually needed from the sideline (Heather had no idea)✅ How one conversation from the parent training opened a door that had been closed🎙️ Heather also shares how she introduced mental training to her 11-year-old without making her feel like something was wrong with her and how Isla ended up asking to do the program again.If you've ever watched your daughter play smaller than you know she can, this one is for you.⏱️ Key Moments00:00 Introduction: Meet Heather & Isla01:49 About Isla: Young Tennis Player02:52 What Was Happening on the Court03:33 Finding The Elite Mental Game04:27 How Heather Introduced the Program to Isla06:45 Early Wins: Changes Heather Noticed09:55 Isla's Champion Moment: Playing Free12:22 The Power of Effort Over Outcome12:27 Fitting Mental Training Into a Busy Schedule15:32 The Parent Side: What Heather Learned16:27 Open Dialogue: Isla's Feedback from the Sideline18:20 Going Forward & Final ThoughtsDrop a comment below with the moment from this conversation that hit closest to home for you 👇⬇️ New here? Start with the free training for sports moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom💛 Already inside The Elite Mental Game? Head to members.elitecompetitor.com for your next steps.📩 Want to connect? Email us at [email protected]📌 Resources & Tools🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg🔔Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes ⬇️  Raising Elite Competitors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingEliteCompetitors      P.S. A few things worth knowing as a sports mom:⚡️ 72% of girls drop out of sports by age 13, most citing lack of enjoyment and declining confidence (Women's Sports Foundation)⚡️ Athletes who use mental imagery and visualization perform measurably better under pressure, with research showing up to a 45% performance improvement in high-stakes situations (Journal of Applied Sport Psychology)⚡️ A Harvard study found that reappraising pre-performance anxiety as excitement, rather than trying to calm down, leads to significantly better performance outcomes (Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business School, 2014)  The Raising Elite Competitors YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.      #girlssports #mentalperformance #sportsparenting #girlathlete #youthsports

Your daughter is grinding. Practices, tournaments, extra reps. And college coaches are watching. But not for what you think. 🎯 trainhergame.com/momCollege coaches and recruiters aren't just watching her play. They're watching how she reacts when things go wrong.Does she slam her hand after a bad mistake? Does she pout when she gets pulled? Does she get flustered when a ref makes a bad call? Those are mental skills. And most athletes have never been taught them.In this episode, Coach Saylor breaks down the elite performance formula and why neglecting the mental game cancels out everything your daughter has already built.You'll learn:✅ Why physical training and film study aren't enough on their own✅ What the multiplication model means for your daughter's real potential✅ Exactly what college coaches look for beyond raw talent✅ How elite athletes like Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe trained their mindset✅ Why just 5 minutes a day is enough to give her a serious edgeThis one is for every college-bound girl athlete and every mom who wants to help her get there.🎙 Coach Saylor is a Mental Performance Coach inside The Elite Competitor community. She works alongside Coach Bre to help girl athletes build the confidence and mental tools they need to compete freely and thrive at the next level.🕓 Key Moments: Drop a comment below: What's one thing you wish your daughter's mental game could benefit from👇📩 Want to connect? Email us at [email protected]📌 Resources & Tools🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20🎯 FREE Training for Sports Moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg🔔 Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes Raising Elite Competitors youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgMBGRYc4tFmuJ3hKO4r4pQP.S. A few stats worth knowing:  ⚡️ 70% of youth athletes quit sports by age 13 - and poor mental experience is one of the leading drivers (Aspen Institute, Project Play, 2019)⚡️ College coaches rank coachability, composure, and attitude among their top 3 recruiting criteria, beyond raw athletic ability (NCSA College Recruiting, 2022)⚡️ Just 5-10 minutes of intentional daily mindset practice measurably improves performance outcomes in competitive athletes (American Psychological Association, Sport Psychology Division)The Raising Elite Competitors channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.    #girlssports #mentalperformance #sportsparenting #girlathlete #youthsports 

If your daughter wants to play at the next level, this is the video she needs to see. 🎯 Grab the tools she needs → trainhergame.com/momMost athletes spend years training their bodies for college scouts. But the coaches doing the recruiting are quietly screening for something else entirely.After 14 years as a head volleyball coach, I watched talented athletes get removed from recruiting lists - not because of skill gaps, but because of what happened between the plays.👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre, a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.In this episode, I'm breaking down 5 things college coaches look for beyond talent:✅ How she responds after mistakes (and what coaches are really watching)✅ What her body language says when things aren't going her way✅ How she treats her teammates under pressure✅ How she interacts with her parents and coaches at events✅ Whether she performs when the moment gets big - or plays it safeEvery single one of these is trainable. I'm also breaking down the Snapback Routine - the simple reset system athletes use to bounce back faster than their sport requires.If she has the talent, let's make sure the rest of her game matches it.⏱️ Key Moments:00:00 Introduction00:32 Why Mental Skills Matter in Recruiting02:12 #1: Response to Adversity03:15 The Snapback Routine04:35 Free Training Callout05:19 #2: Body Language06:40 #3: How You Treat Teammates08:28 #4: How You Treat Your Parents09:43 #5: Performing Under Pressure12:29 Recap & Final ThoughtsDrop a comment below and let me know which of the 5 hits home👇📩 Want to connect? Email us at [email protected]📌 Resources & Tools🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20🎯 FREE Training for Sports Moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg🔔Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes ⬇️  Raising Elite Competitors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingEliteCompetitors    P.S. A few stats worth knowing:  ⚡️ Mental skills are among the top factors coaches cite in recruiting decisions, alongside physical skills and coachability. (Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology)⚡️ 85% of college coaches say they would not recruit an athlete who displayed poor body language or sportsmanship, regardless of talent level. (NFHS)⚡️ Athletes who use mental skills training show a 43% improvement in competitive performance consistency under pressure. (Association for Applied Sport Psychology)The Raising Elite Competitors YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.    #girlssports #mentalperformance #sportsparenting #girlathlete #youthsports

Elise went from "stuck in a box" after every mistake to bouncing back in a championship game. Here's how she did it ➡️ https://trainhergame.com/momShe's 11. Competitive soccer player. And in her own words, she was "stuck in a box" - trapped in her mistakes mid-game, spiraling after every error, losing herself in the what-ifs.Then her whole family joined The Elite Mental Game together.💛 What changed? Everything.In this episode, Coach Saylor sits down with our March Athlete of the Month to talk about what the mental game actually looks like from the inside - as an athlete, and as a family. Here's what you'll hear:✅ How Elise used the Snapback Routine to turn around a championship game at halftime✅ The exact moment her parents went from "are you okay?" to knowing exactly what to say✅ What it means to go from spiraling after mistakes to trusting your skills under pressure✅ Why her family finally felt "on the same page", and what made that shift happenThe part that gets me every time? She's 11 years old and she already knows something most adults never learn: you're in control of the game, not your mistakes.💬 Key Moments:00:00 Introduction & Welcome01:43 Meet Elise – Background & Sport03:12 Why Elise Joined the Mental Game Program04:23 The Snapback Routine & Mental Tools05:24 Championship Game Comeback Story07:05 Family Support & The Mental Game11:24 Goals, Advice & Closing🎙️ This one is for every mom watching from the bleachers wondering what else she can do to help.Athlete of the month episodes are hosted by REC Coach Saylor, a mental performance coach for girl athletes. I empower girl athletes with tools to build confidence and manage pressure so they can compete freely and passionately. New AOTM episodes every month!📌 Free Tools & Next Steps🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20🎯 FREE Training for Sports Moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg 🔔 Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes ⬇️ Raising Elite Competitors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingEliteCompetitorsP.S. A few stats worth saving if you've ever wondered whether the mental game really matters that much:➡️ 75-90% of athletic performance at the competitive level is mental - not physical (Association for Applied Sport Psychology)➡️ Only 9% of youth athletes receive any formal mental skills training - despite the mental game being the biggest factor in performance (Mental Health America / Sport & Exercise Science research)➡️ Girls who feel supported by their parents in sport report higher confidence and stay in the game longer (Aspen Institute Project Play, 2022)The Raising Elite Competitors YouTube channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.#mentalperformance #girlathlete #sportsparenting #athleteofthemonth

70% of girls quit sports by age 13. This is the story of one who didn't and why it matters. Grab our free training for sports parents 👉 https://trainhergame.com/momCoach Saylor is our head athlete coach inside The Elite Mental Game. She played volleyball and track and field at the collegiate level. She's coached thousands of girl athletes.She's also someone who cried after games in middle school, faked her confidence for years, burned out during COVID, and quietly fought depression while being everyone else's rock on the team.In this episode, I sit down with Coach Saylor to hear the full story - the one behind the coach your daughter might already know and trust.💛 👋🏼 I'm Coach Bre, a mental performance coach for girl athletes, Co-Founder of The Elite Competitor, and a head volleyball coach and 4-time state champion.Here's what you'll hear in this episode:✅ Why the most reliable, levelheaded player on the team was falling apart inside✅ What burnout actually looks and feels like from the inside (not the coaching manual version)✅ The moment a coach said "How could you be struggling?" - and what that cost✅ The two words Saylor's dad said before every game that changed how she played✅ What she wishes someone had said to her when she was losing her love for the sport✅ What she'd say directly to the mom whose daughter is burning out right nowThis one is for the athletes who look fine but aren't. And for the moms watching from the bleachers, wondering what's really going on inside their daughter's head.⏱️ Key Moments00:01 Introducing Coach Saylor01:49 Saylor's Athletic Background02:35 Pressure, Perfectionism & Faking Confidence04:52 Burnout in College08:22 Getting Help & Being Heard10:58 Why Saylor Became a Mental Performance Coach15:10 Choosing to Stay & Lessons from Sport19:42 What Athletes Are Carrying22:24 Advice for Athletes & Sports MomsDrop a comment below with the moment from this conversation that hit closest to home for you 👇📩 Want to connect? Email us at [email protected]📌 Resources & Tools🙌 What's Your Competitor Style Quiz (to send your athlete!): https://www.videoask.com/fnbmhduxy💜 Conversation Guide w/ Scripts to Bring Up Mental Training: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/144031/downloads/66e16c-6886-4a62-b8db-c43a1ae18fbd_The_Elite_Mental_Game_Conversation_Starter.pdf%20🎯 FREE Training for Sports Moms: https://trainhergame.com/mom📺 YouTube Playlist for Athletes: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteMentalEdge🎓 The Elite Mental Game (our self-paced mental training program): https://elitecompetitor.com/emg🔔Subscribe for more mental training tips for girl athletes ⬇️P.S. A few stats worth knowing:  ⚡️ Nearly 35% of elite youth athletes experience burnout symptoms - with overtraining and no recovery time as the primary drivers (Goodger et al., Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology)  ⚡️ Girls drop out of sports at 6x the rate of boys by age 14, with lack of confidence and emotional burnout cited as leading causes (Women's Sports Foundation)⚡️ When girls over-identify with sport as their primary identity, they are significantly more likely to experience depression and anxiety when performance dips (Brewer et al., Journal of Applied Sport Psychology)The Raising Elite Competitors  channel is hosted by The Elite Competitor and is dedicated to helping sports moms strengthen their daughter's mental game and confidence in order to help her perform her best when it matters most.    #girlssports #mentalperformance #sportsparenting #girlathlete #youthsports

Your coach just said your athlete needs to "be more mentally tough." But what does that even MEAN, and how are you supposed to make it happen?If you're wondering if your athlete is ready for mental training or if you should wait until she's "struggling," this episode is for you. Here, I break down the three clear signs that your athlete is ready to build a powerful mental game and reveals the absolute best time to start (the answer might surprise you!).Tune in to stop guessing and start getting her the tools she needs to play with more confidence, bounce back from mistakes, and actually enjoy her sport again.Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:✅ The three signs your athlete is ready for mental training.✅ The real definition of "Elite". It’s not what you think, and it takes the pressure right off.✅ The #1 mistake parents make when trying to introduce mental training (and how to avoid it so she doesn't shut down).✅ The "prime age" for mental training. Is there a perfect window to start? (Spoiler: Yes, but it's wider than you think).✅ In-season vs. off-season. When is the actual best time to start? the answer isn't black and white.✅ How to get your athlete on board without her thinking you believe she "isn't confident."Don’t wait until the pressure hits. Listen now and help your athlete master the mental game!Episode Highlights: [00:01:31] A Mom’s Story of Change. Inside our program, a mom shared how her daughter started using her snapback routine on her own: pausing before reacting and bouncing back faster from mistakes. That’s a huge sign of growth.[00:07:07] Sign #1: She’s Entering the Prime Age. Ages 11–16 are the sweet spot for formal mental training. Younger athletes (5–10) can learn basics like breathing and visualization, while older athletes (16+) must train their mind to keep up with the demands.[00:10:56] Sign #2: She’s Facing Normal Athlete Struggles. Nerves, comparison, mistakes, and beating herself up are all normal, but athletes need tools to handle them. Don’t wait until she’s spiraling; front-load the skills now.[00:12:53] Sign #3: She Has Goals. If she wants to level up, whether that’s more playing time, varsity, or college, mental training is essential. The higher she goes, the more pressure she’ll face. The best time to start is while things are going well.[00:16:32] Your Next Step. If you’re wondering if your daughter is ready for The Elite Mental Game, reach out to us. Or join us inside now, the doors are open, and we’d love to support her (and you) as she builds her confidence and mental strength.Next Steps:Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You DoVisit our podcast website for more great episodesGrab the Conversation Guide for helping get your athlete on board with mental trainingThank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

If you’ve ever told your athlete to “suck it up”… this one’s for you.In this final episode of the Summer Confidence Series, we’re calling out one of the most popular pieces of advice in sports culture and why it’s not working. Mental toughness sounds good on the surface, but it often teaches athletes to shove emotions down and disconnect from what they actually need.Here’s the truth: ignoring emotions doesn’t build resilience, it builds pressure.This episode breaks down a better way to build confidence and mental strength in your athlete, all while building your relationship at the same time.What’s inside: Why telling her to be “mentally tough” is doing more harm than good.Real examples of how pressure shows up in athletes (panic, burnout, perfectionism).The 4-part “What To Say” method that actually builds her confidence.How to support her before, during, and after games, without coaching from the sidelines.What it means to be her safe space (and why that’s not “making her soft”).How this approach prepares her for life way beyond sports.Want to help your athlete grow real confidence? Listen in and let’s wrap up this Summer Confidence Series strong!Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Part 4 Begins. The final part of the Summer Confidence Series kicks off with a bold topic that challenges traditional advice around mental toughness.[00:01:03] A Real-Life Win. A mom shares how her daughter is handling mistakes with more focus and confidence thanks to a new approach; not “toughening up,” but learning to reset.[00:05:10] When Mental Toughness Becomes Harmful. The old mindset of grinding through emotions damages confidence and the parent-athlete relationship. A new path is needed.[00:06:03] Understanding the Parent Role. Parents have a powerful role: shaping the environment and offering opportunities. Knowing the difference between coach, ref, and parent is key.[00:08:33] Pep Talks That Actually Help. Simple strategies like “name it to tame it” help athletes manage nerves and channel energy before games without toxic pressure.[00:12:46] Post-Game Conversations That Build Trust. After a game is a key moment. Creating space, validating emotions, and asking open-ended questions help strengthen connection and confidence.[00:15:34] Preparing for More Than Sports. The goal isn’t just better performance, it’s preparing athletes for real-life setbacks with tools they’ll use far beyond the field.[00:16:14] Next Steps + Resources. Discover our free training and explore a self-paced program designed to help both parents and athletes grow stronger together.Next Steps:Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You DoVisit our podcast website for more great episodesThank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a ratin

Does your daughter spiral into negative self-talk and no amount of encouragement seems to help?You’re not alone. And more importantly, it’s not your fault. If you’ve ever watched your daughter beat herself up after a mistake, compare herself to teammates, or shut down when you try to help… this episode is for you.There’s a better way to support her and it starts with this simple mental tool that’s helped hundreds of girl athletes shift their mindset and perform with more confidence.Here’s what we cover: Why your daughter pushes back on your advice (even when it’s good).The #1 mindset skill most girls aren’t taught, but desperately need.Real stories from athletes who used this tool mid-game.How the “thought wheel” works and how it helps stop negative spirals before they turn into beliefs.Why your own self-talk plays a bigger role than you think.What to start saying (and stop saying) about yourself in front of your daughter.How moms and daughters can grow stronger together.🎧 Listen to the full episode now to learn how to flip her mindset and help her build real confidence that lasts.Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] What This Series Is Really About. This episode is part of the Summer Confidence Series, created to give moms real tools to help their daughters build unshakable confidence and mental strength.[00:03:05] Why Advice Doesn’t Always Land. Even if your advice is good, it often gets brushed off. Here’s why she might not be ready to hear it and what to do instead.[00:04:55] Step 1: Notice and Shift Her Thoughts. The first step of the Confidence Self-Talk Process. Your daughter can’t control every thought, but she can choose which ones to believe.[00:06:49] Teaching the Thought Wheel. A simple, five-part mental tool that helps girls understand how thoughts lead to feelings, actions, and results—and how to break the cycle.[00:14:16] Step 2: Her Confidence Is Tied to Yours. What you say about yourself matters. Your daughter builds her inner voice based on what she hears you say out loud.[00:18:38] Breaking Cycles Together. How small shifts in your own self-talk can create powerful changes in her mindset and how moms and daughters are growing together inside the program.[00:21:44] Want to Go Deeper? Details on the free sports mom training at trainhergame.com, plus how to get the summer-only discount for The Elite Mental Game program.Next Steps:Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You DoVisit our podcast website for more great episodesThank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Watching your daughter beat herself up after a mistake is heartbreaking. You know she’s capable of more, but that one play…that one error…sends her into a spiral.In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact skill your daughter needs so she can bounce back faster; not just for her confidence, but for her performance. This is one of the first tools we teach inside The Elite Mental Game for a reason. It’s a game-changer.If your daughter tends to get stuck in her head after mistakes, this one’s for you.What we cover:✔ Why your daughter struggles to “just shake it off” (and what’s really happening in her brain).✔ The 3-part SNAP method that helps her move through mistakes in seconds.✔ The real reason she freezes or shuts down and how to help.✔ What competitive athletes know about mistakes that most don’t.Listen to the full episode to hear how you can help your daughter stop spiraling after mistakes and start showing up with calm, steady confidence, no matter what the game throws at her.Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Setting the Stage for Summer Confidence. Part two kicks off with the one skill your daughter needs to recover quickly after mistakes so she can stay confident and keep competing.[00:01:24] Why This Matters: Mistakes Aren’t Going Anywhere. Mistakes are part of the game, and life. We’re talking about how your daughter can learn to handle them without getting stuck.[00:03:44] The First Skill We Teach Inside EMG. Athletes inside our program learn this recovery skill first, because it lays the foundation for everything else they’ll build..[00:05:44] Why the “Just Shake It Off” Advice Doesn’t Work. When her nervous system is in fight-or-flight, your daughter can’t just let it go. Here’s what’s really going on.[00:08:00] The SNAP Framework: Mindset + Triggers + Routine. The SNAP process gives athletes a simple system to reset. First, they shift their mindset; confident athletes know mistakes are part of growth. Next, they get clear on what usually triggers them and prepare for it ahead of time. And finally, they build a snapback routine that includes a calming breath, a reset word, and a grounding movement. It’s short, specific, and helps them return to flow, fast.[00:10:11] What the Snapback Routine Looks Like. From breathwork to sock pulls to custom reset words, this routine is personal and practiced—so they can use it when it counts.[00:12:42] From the Court to the Classroom. This skill isn’t just for sports; athletes are using it to handle tests, nerves, and social situations, too.[00:13:47] What’s Coming Next in the Series. Next episode: how to help your daughter flip her negative thoughts and stop tearing herself down after games.[00:14:41] Want to Go Deeper? Here’s How Grab the free training at trainhergame.com, or check out The Elite Mental Game with a special Summer Confidence Series discount.Next Steps:Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series throughRegister here for the Summer Confidence Series to grab the free PDF with scripts, s

Think you’re doing all the right things to build your daughter’s confidence… but something still feels off?In this first episode of our 4-part Summer Confidence Series, I’m pulling back the curtain on the unintentional things we as parents say or do that can quietly chip away at our athlete’s confidence. No judgment; just real talk and simple shifts that make a big difference.If you’ve ever said “She just needs to believe in herself,” or hoped confidence would come with more practice… this one’s for you.In this episode, we’ll cover: The three common myths that lower confidence (and what to believe instead).Why relying on the coach for mental training might be holding her back.What’s actually happening in her brain when she makes a mistake.Why “more experience” doesn’t always mean “more confidence”.How to know if this is a phase or something deeper.The exact formula your athlete needs to thrive in her sport (and her life).My personal story of walking away from the sport I loved and what I wish I knew earlier.Tune in to the full episode for practical shifts, real encouragement, and your first step toward building lasting confidence in your athlete, all summer long.Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] A win from one of our moms. Before we get into today’s topic, I had to share a proud moment from one of our moms in the program; proof that mental training really works when it matters most.[00:04:15] Confidence myth #1: “That’s the coach’s job.” Many parents believe the coach should handle mental training, but the reality is most coaches just aren’t equipped or trained to support that part of your athlete’s game.[00:07:09] Confidence myth #2: “She’ll grow out of it.” It’s easy to think confidence will come with time or experience, but as the competition gets tougher, the pressure grows too.[00:08:55] Confidence myth #3: “It’s just a phase.” When your daughter struggles with nerves or negativity, it’s not something she’ll magically grow out of. These are signs that she needs help building key mental skills.Next Steps:Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You DoVisit our podcast website for more great episodesThank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Did you know? Mental training can lead to immediate improvements for young athletes! It’s all about helping them harness their mindset for peak performance on and off the field. Discover how integrating mental skills into sports training can transform an athlete’s game, confidence, and overall mental toughness.What’s Covered:The Importance of Mental Strength. Learn how mental resilience plays a crucial role in an athlete’s success.Parental Influence on Mental Training. Insights into how parents can positively impact their child’s mental game.Effective Mental Training Techniques. Explore techniques like visualization, snapback routines, and the power of alter egos in sports.Rapid Impact of Mental Strategies. Understand how quickly athletes can start seeing changes from mental training.Building Confidence Through Support. The role of supportive parenting in nurturing an athlete’s mental growth.Personalizing the Mental Game. Tailoring mental training methods to fit the individual needs of young athletes.Want to hear more on how mental training can transform your athlete’s game? Hear first-hand insights from moms whose athletes have been through the program! Listen to the full podcast episode for inspiring stories about the transformative power of mental training, along with actionable strategies you can use to support your young athlete!Episode Highlights: [00:00] Mental strength and confidence in athletes with sports moms. Interviews with sports moms who have completed the program share their experiences and the positive changes they’ve seen in themselves and their daughters.[07:41] Rewiring minds for parenting athletes.[12:21] Parental support for children’s mental growth in sports.[14:35] Sports mental training and its impact on a high school athlete.[17:33] Mental toughness and self-awareness in sports.[19:39] Managing pressure and nerves in sports.[23:07] Using alter egos to improve mental toughness in sports.[27:11] Basketball player’s improvement with visualization and snapback routine.[29:33] Mental skills training for athletes with parents and coaches.[32:16] Parenting and personal growth with a teenage girl.[34:04] Parenting and mental strength for kids.[37:07] Mental preparation for sports performance.[38:44] Training length and speed of results in a program.[40:38] Using a basketball program for personal growth.[43:23] Parent’s experience with teaching mental toughness to their kids in sports.[45:18] Impact of coach’s behavior on athlete’s performance and relationship with mother.[46:16] Parenting and coaching a teenage athlete.[51:31] Parenting and mental training for a child’s sports success.[56:00] Parenting and letting kids lead their own journey.[58:08] Mental preparation for sports games.Next Steps:Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You DoVisit our podcast website for more great episodesThank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.