Sports on the Bay

NEW EPISODE: Growing the Game in Anne Arundel County with Zach ArdenWhether your child plays hockey or you've never considered the sport before, this conversation offers valuable insight into what youth sports can look like when development, relationships, and community come first.Zach Arden, President of Navy Youth Hockey and Head Coach at South River High School, shares how the program has grown, why he believes multi-sport athletes are good for the game, and how Navy Youth Hockey is creating opportunities for families new to hockey.One quote from our conversation that really stuck with me:"I don't remember the wins. I remember my coaches and my teammates."We discuss: Getting started in hockey The Learn to Play pathway Girls hockey growth Early specialization in youth sports What kids actually remember years laterListen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.#SportsOnTheBay #YouthSports #NavyYouthHockey #AnneArundelCounty #YouthHockey 

This week on the Sports on the Bay Podcast, we're joined by Mike Mollot, Director of Team 91 Annapolis, for an inside look at one of the area's newest club lacrosse programs.We discuss:• Player development and coaching philosophy• Why fundamentals still matter• The importance of multi-sport athletes• Club lacrosse pathways and recruiting• What families should look for when choosing a program• Creating a culture that develops both athletes and teammates🏆 Team 91 Annapolis Tryouts📅 July 6 & 7📍 Liberty Sports Park👦 Rising 2nd Grade (2037) through Rising Juniors (2028)If you're a lacrosse family—or considering the sport for the first time—this episode offers great insight into the club landscape and what matters most in long-term player development.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.#SportsOnTheBay #Team91Annapolis #YouthLacrosse #AnnapolisLacrosse #AnneArundelCounty #ClubLacrosse

This conversation with Tyler & Talia Gabarra was about so much more than soccer.We talked about growing up in a family deeply rooted in the game… the pressure that can come with youth sports… and why their parents still encouraged them to play multiple sports, explore different interests, and simply enjoy being kids.One message from this episode that really stood out:Your child’s development matters more than the logo on their jersey.Not every season will go perfectly.Not every team placement will feel fair.Not every setback is bad.Sometimes growth happens in the moments that don’t look glamorous from the outside.This episode is a reminder that youth sports should still leave room for joy, perspective, resilience, and fun — because those are often the things kids carry with them the longest.A really thoughtful conversation for parents, coaches, and athletes.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.#SportsOnTheBay #YouthSports #SoccerDevelopment #ParentingInSports

What truly shapes young athletes? It’s not just talent - it’s the lessons learned on and off the field. Tag someone who needs to hear this! 🙌 In today’s episode, we dive into how coaches like Michael Glaspy of Severn School build not just players, but resilient individuals through core values like attitude, toughness, and teamwork. Michael shares his journey from a young athlete to a successful coach, emphasizing the importance of culture in sports and how it translates to life skills. Curious about the real qualities coaches value in players? It goes beyond just skill. Join us as we uncover how to create environments that foster growth and long-term success for youth athletes. Listen to the full episode - link in bio! #YouthSports #Coaching #AthleteDevelopment #SportsCommunity #SevernSchool

New episode of the Sports on the Bay Podcast is live 🎙️This week, we sat down with Kristen Creger — performance physical therapist, strength coach, girls JV soccer coach at Crofton High School, and founder of Integrated Fitness & Rehab.We talked about:• The rise in youth sports injuries (especially ACL injuries)• Why strength training matters earlier than many parents think• The difference between skill development vs. physical development• Early sports specialization + burnout• What parents should actually look for before an injury happens• Building stronger, more resilient athletes for the long termOne of the biggest takeaways:“Kids don’t always need more running… sometimes they just aren’t strong enough yet for the demands of their sport.”A really important conversation for parents navigating today’s youth sports culture — especially in Anne Arundel County.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube.@sportsonthebay

Episode 10 of the Sports on the Bay PodcastThis week, we’re joined by Rachel Killeen Varn, founder of PedalPower Kids, for a conversation about kids, confidence, movement, independence — and why learning to ride a bike is about so much more than just riding a bike.We talk about:🚲 Building confidence through biking🚲 Why movement matters for kids🚲 Screen time, independence, and outdoor play🚲 What families are craving right now🚲 The role biking can play in childhood developmentA really fun and important conversation for parents of young kids and active families in our community.Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.@sportsonthebay#BikeMonth #YouthSports #Annapolis #AnneArundelCounty #PedalPowerKids #SportsOnTheBay #ActiveKids #ChildhoodUnplugged

We sat down with Alex Cabrera, Technical Director of Annapolis Elite Soccer Club, for a thoughtful conversation on what really matters in youth soccer right now — from coaching quality and team environment to development pathways, club culture, and finding the right fit for your child.If you’re navigating tryouts or evaluating club options, this is one to listen to.Because the right decision isn’t always the loudest one — it’s the best fit.

Private school athletics can feel confusing from the outside.Recruiting. Scholarships. Admissions. Playing time. Expectations. What actually matters—and what’s just noise?On this episode of the Sports on the Bay Podcast, we sit down with Erin De Falco, Associate Athletic Director at The Gunston School, for an honest conversation every sports parent should hear.We discuss:• How private school athletics really operate• Recruiting myths vs reality• Scholarships and financial aid truths• College sports expectations• What parents should stop doing• How to best support your athleteIf you’re navigating youth sports now—or thinking ahead to high school—this episode brings real perspective.🎙️ Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Follow @sportsonthebay for more conversations that matter.

In this episode of Sports on the Bay, we sit down with Michael Thomas, PGA Professional and Director of Instruction, to talk about what youth sports can learn from the game of golf.With the Masters fresh on everyone’s mind, golf is having a moment—but for families navigating youth sports, the bigger question is what the sport teaches beyond the course.We dive into:Why golf is one of the ultimate lifetime sportsThe role of patience, discipline, and mental strength in developmentHow early specialization compares to multi-sport athletesWhat parents should actually be looking for in instructionAnd how to keep kids enjoying the process, not just chasing resultsAt Sports on the Bay, we’re focused on building visibility, supporting families, and strengthening the youth sports community right here in Anne Arundel County—and this conversation is a perfect example of how different sports can shape better athletes and people.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube🔗 Follow @sportsonthebay for more local youth sports conversations

In our first program spotlight, we sit down with Colin Meerholz, owner of BCA Elite, to talk through how the program started and what they’re building for athletes in our area.BCA Elite is designed to complement — not replace — team play, with a focus on individual skill development, high-rep training, and creating an environment where athletes can grow with confidence.We also discuss how their approach differs from traditional models, the importance of small group training, and what parents should consider when thinking about supplemental training.A valuable conversation for any family navigating youth sports.Listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.

What if youth sports were about more than just performance?In this episode of the Sports on the Bay Podcast, we sit down with Arena Leadership to talk about what it really means to develop leaders—not just athletes.Arena Leadership is known locally for creating intentional environments where kids can grow in confidence, communication, and resilience—and their summer camps are a big part of that mission.These camps go beyond drills and reps. They’re designed to help athletes:Build leadership skills in real-timeLearn how to communicate and work within a teamHandle adversity and pressure in a healthy wayDevelop confidence that carries into school, sports, and everyday lifeWe also talk about:Why leadership development matters in youth sportsHow coaches and parents can better support athlete growthThe balance between competition and characterCreating environments where kids feel seen, heard, and empoweredAt Sports on the Bay, we’re not here to rank teams—we’re here to build visibility and stronger communities around youth sports.🎙️ If you’re a parent, coach, or athlete trying to navigate today’s sports landscape—and looking for meaningful summer opportunities—this is a conversation worth hearing.Listen & follow:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeFollow us:@SportsOnTheBay

In this episode of Sports on the Bay, we highlight Fit 2 B Kids and the growing impact of multisport training in youth athletics.We sit down with Coach Dorrer—founder of Fit 2 B Kids and one of the highest-certified coaches through USA Triathlon—to talk about how swim, bike, and run can build more than just athletes.We dive into:• Why multisport participation matters for long-term development• How to create a positive, inclusive environment for kids• The balance between competition and fun• Building confidence through movement and race experiences• Removing barriers and making youth sports more accessibleThis conversation is a reminder that youth sports aren’t just about performance—they’re about helping kids build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of movement.

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

The training most young athletes skip…is the one that might matter the most.This week on the Sports on the Bay Podcast, I sit down with Morgan Dwyer, mental performance coach and founder of Dwyer Performance Coaching.We talk about the invisible training — the mental skills that help athletes handle pressure, mistakes, confidence, and competition.Because developing athletes isn’t just about reps and practice time.It’s about teaching them how to think, reset, and believe in themselves.

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

Podcast conversations coming soon. Built by community, for the community.