THE MENTAL GAME Sports Podcast

During this episode of The Mental Game Sports Podcast we had on Jenny Perez to discuss how we plan to change the norm together.  Unplugged Canada’s mission is to change the current societal norm where kids and teens depend on smartphones and social media. We discuss how we can help lead the way in educating athletes and sports organizations to play a leadership role in this norm-shifting initiative!Jenny Perez is an economist, MBA, entrepreneur, children’s mental health activist, and the founder of Unplugged Canada.Unplugged Canada is a grassroots, volunteer-parent-led movement working across the country to raise awareness of the effects of online technologies on children’s minds.As a parent of a 11-year-old daughter, Jenny brings both personal insight and a growing national platform to the conversation around child development, digital environments, and age-appropriate safeguards.Through Unplugged Canada, Jenny has helped mobilize thousands of families nationwide to delay smartphones until age 14 and social media until age 16, working to shift societal norms.

On this exciting episode of The Mental Game Sports Podcast we have Jessica Frame discussing various topics regarding recovery, performance and her journey on impacting athletes lives! We had the opportunity to chat about creating synergies between her areas of expertise to develop a more holistic approach to athletic development, and addition of Cognitive Performance Coaching to her approach. Tune in and up your mental game! Jessica Frame grew up in the South (Virginia and Georgia) training horses and showing Holsteins. She earned a Bachelor’s in Special Education; Master's in Health and Human Performance; 16 years of Athletic Training/ Sports Medicine; over a decade of experience in hockey and developed a passion and specialty in recovery; loves gardening, hiking, and spending time at the lake!

On this episode of The Mental Game Sports Podcast we have 10 year NHL veteran and current Brampton Canadettes u22AA head coach Jason Ward. Jason was born in Chapleau Ontario and grew up in the Oshawa. Jason played his minor hockey in Oshawa and was drafted by the Niagara Falls Thunder in the OHL 6th Overall. Jason Proudly represented Team Ontario in 1996, Team Canada U18 in 1997 winning gold, 2 World Juniors Championships in 1998, and 1999 winning Silver. Jason was drafted 11th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1997 and went on to play over 700 professional games playing for the Canadiens, New York Rangers, LA Kings, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Jason started his coaching career in the OHL with the Brampton Battalion from 2011-2013. After taking time away from the game and moving back to North Bay Jason returned to coaching in 2020 joining the Georgetown Raiders in the OJHL as an assistant coach in 2021-22 season and spending the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons with the Oakville Blades as an Associate Head Coach. In 2024-25 he begun his tenure as the Head Coach and GM of the Brampton Canadettes Junior team U22AA and is currently going into his 3rd season.

Dr. Kevin Willis (DrDub) joins NHL Radio on SiriusXM to discuss the mental side of hockey performance. Topics draw from his 20+ years working with athletes across all levels, including his work on player psychology, decision-making under pressure, and what it actually takes to compete at your best when it matters most.

Dr. Kevin Willis (DrDub) joins NHL Radio on SiriusXM to discuss the mental side of hockey performance. In this episode, learn how athletes can perform at their best by simply learning how they are wired and what they think.  Have the best combine with the best mental and cognitive performance tools out there. https://mentalgameacademy.com/athletes-page-8945Topics draw from his 20+ years working with athletes across all levels, including his work on player psychology, decision-making under pressure, and what it actually takes to compete at your best when it matters most.

Dr. Kevin Willis (DrDub) joins NHL Radio on SiriusXM to discuss the mental side of hockey performance. Topics draw from his 20+ years working with athletes across all levels, including his work on player psychology, decision-making under pressure, and what it actually takes to compete at your best when it matters most

On this episode of The Mental Game Sports Podcast, host Larissa Mills has her first-ever conversation with a skating coach as she sits down with Travis Sherman from Perfect Skating. Travis brings a deep understanding of how skating development connects to confidence, mindset, and overall growth in young athletes.Together, they explore what truly helps athletes improve, from building proper mechanics to developing behaviours like focus, consistency, resilience, and accountability. Travis explains how effective coaching goes beyond teaching skills and becomes a process of shaping habits that support long-term success. They also discuss what parents can do to better support their children’s development on and off the ice.You can reach Travis at (519) 694-7504, on social media @perfectskatinglondon, or online at london.perfectskating.ca.

On this episode of The Mental Game Sports Podcast, host Larissa Mills talks with Bryan Gent, a former pro hockey player who is now a nutrition coach and firefighter. Bryan runs Hockey Nutrition, where he helps young athletes build healthy routines, understand their energy needs, and fuel for stronger performance. He can be reached at [email protected] shares insights from his time in Junior A, NCAA, SPHL and UHL hockey, and explains how proper nutrition supports focus, recovery, confidence, and long-term development. He also offers practical tips for parents and coaches to make healthy eating realistic at home.This conversation gives families clear tools to help young athletes grow stronger both physically and mentally.

https://getsuccessfaster.com/On this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, we welcome Matt Young, founder of FSQ Sport and a global leader in Long Term Athlete Development. With over 20 years of experience transforming sport systems, Matt shares how to move from theory to action—helping organizations, coaches, and athletes build sustainable, people-centered programs. He dives into why outcome-obsessed cultures fail, how to “give sport back to the kids,” and what true leadership in sport really looks like from the top down.📱Connect with Matt: [email protected] | LinkedIn | fsqsport.com

Warren Nye has become a MGA Certified Cognitive Performance Coach. He has played, he as coached he has been an advisor and agent, now teaming up with MGA to make more impact. We discuss what is happening to development in Canada and what is happening under that helmet. Behaviour has changed in the passed 20 years but hockey is still the same game.

On this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, we welcome Linda Massie, founder of Mental Strides and high-performance hockey coach. Linda dives into the growing challenges athletes face with phones, focus, and pressure, especially in women’s sports. From helping athletes set healthy tech habits to empowering young women to play with confidence and composure, she shares powerful strategies to protect mental energy and unlock peak performance. If you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation sheds light on the real needs behind the jersey.Connect with Linda: Instagram @mental_strides or email [email protected]. 

On this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, we welcome Warren Nye, founder of Mind Over Sport and a seasoned mental performance coach with over 30 years of experience in youth sports, including coaching national championship-winning hockey teams. Warren delves into the critical role of mental fitness in athletic success, emphasizing strategies like visualization, pregame preparation, and overcoming perfectionism. He shares insights on building confidence, managing pressure, and developing a resilient mindset both on and off the field. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this conversation offers valuable tools to enhance performance and well-being.Connect with Warren: Instagram @coachnye33 or email [email protected].

In this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, we chat with Satoshi Takano from ReactForge about what athletes truly need to stay ahead—sharper decision-making, faster reactions, and a mindset built for pressure. We dive into the cognitive skills that separate good players from great ones and how mental performance training is changing the game.Athletes need to recognize patterns faster, react faster and phones aren't helping their cognitive processing. Hockey IQ can go up but only if athletes work on it. We are excited to announce a partnership between REACT FORGE and MGA. Thank you Benny and Satoshi for this honour. We are to up their mental game.https://reactforge.com

https://www.nelliganbooks.com/https://www.nelliganbooks.comThe Mental Game Academy Podcast: Featuring Jeff NelliganHosted by Larissa Mills, this episode welcomes Jeff Nelligan, author of Four Lessons from My Three Sons – How You Can Raise Resilient Kids. A well-known voice in American parenting, Jeff shares his no-nonsense approach to building resilience, confidence, and character in young athletes.With a background in public affairs, military service, and raising three sons who attended the U.S. Naval Academy, Williams College, and West Point, Jeff brings a unique perspective on mental toughness, discipline, and overcoming challenges. Tune in for insightful strategies on developing grit in today's athletes and how modern distractions, like phone use, impact performance and resilience.

In this episode of TEG Talks, hosts Teg Cosgriff and Larissa Mills dive into the controversial topic of team taunting—where’s the line between competitive spirit and unsportsmanlike behaviour? They break down the psychological impact of taunting on athletes, how it affects team dynamics, and why coaches and parents play a crucial role in shaping a respectful sports culture. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on fostering mental toughness without crossing the line.

In this episode of,  "The Mental Game Academy" Podcast, host Larissa Mills sits down with Matt Dumouchelle, author of The Hockey Factories series on TheCoachesSite.com. Matt has spent years researching the world’s top hockey development programs, uncovering the tools and strategies that any youth organization can use to create a better experience for their players and families. Now, in his fifth year as Assistant General Manager of the Leamington Flyers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge on player development, team culture, and what it takes to build a winning program. Tune in as he shares his insights on the mental side of the game and how young athletes can reach their full potential.If you listen to the end, we discuss what will happen with open borders and how your hockey associations can prepare. But one thing is for sure, it will need to change in coaching education, parent support, and athlete development to succeed in this model. 

The Mental Game Academy Podcast: Featuring Mike McGinnisHosted by Larissa Mills, this episode welcomes Mike McGinnis, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Player Development, a Hockey Canada Certified Skill Coach, and the founder of Norcan Hockey. With over a decade of experience developing players and training coaches, Mike shares his insights on skill development, the mental side of the game, and how phone use is impacting young athletes ability to scan.Scanning is hockey skill and it can be developed in practice. The younger the athlete the weaker this ability for many reasons, too much scrolling, too much sitting around and less multi-sport training. From mindset training to the evolving challenges in hockey, this episode dives into the tools and strategies needed to help players reach their full potential. Tune in for expert advice and actionable takeaways!For more tools and drills to improve this skill check out, Norcan Hockey, Thanks Mike!

The Mental Game Academy Podcast – Featuring Coach Rory and Stephane VlachosHosted by Larissa MillsIn this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, Larissa Mills is joined by two experts dedicated to shaping the next generation of athletes: Coach Rory, owner of RPG Training Systems with over 20 years of coaching experience, and Stephane Vlachos, a Cognitive Performance Coach for MGA and Women’s Volleyball Coach at UWO. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge in mental performance, athletic development, and the challenges facing young athletes today.The discussion dives into pressing issues, including:The impact of social media on disconnection and attention spans.How phones are affecting athletic performance both on and off the field.Concerns about resiliency, emotional processing, and parenting styles that unintentionally block growth.The rise of athletic burnout and underdevelopment in today’s youth.Why underqualified physical education teachers and "junk food" information harm athletic progress.Rory and Stephane also preview the upcoming RPG x MGA events designed to support coaches, parents, and athletes. Coaches can attend the January 9th session at 7 PM, while parents and athletes are invited on January 16th.Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers invaluable insights into how we can address these challenges and empower the next generation to thrive both mentally and physically.Connect with the guests:Rory: [email protected] | Instagram: @rpgtrainingsystemsStephane: [email protected] | Instagram: @mentalcoachsteph

The Mental Game Academy Podcast – Featuring Ryan QuinnHosted by Larissa MillsIn this episode, Larissa Mills welcomes Ryan Quinn, an accomplished soccer coach and mental performance specialist, to discuss his impressive coaching journey and his approach to developing athletes on and off the field. With three youth state titles under his belt—U14 Girls PC Royals, OSA U16 Girls PWSI Courage, and U14 Girls VA Valor VYSA—Ryan brings a wealth of experience in leading teams to success.Ryan shares how he integrates his USSF B License training with mental performance strategies to help athletes unlock their full potential. From individual and small-group training sessions to fostering resilience and focus, Ryan’s holistic approach equips athletes with the tools they need to excel both mentally and physically.Tune in to hear Ryan’s perspectives on building team cohesion, enhancing mental toughness, and the critical role of mindset in achieving success at any level of competition. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and anyone passionate about performance and growth.

The Mental Game Academy Podcast – Featuring Bob HumphreysHosted by Larissa MillsIn this episode, Larissa Mills sits down with Bob Humphreys, a Mindset Consultant and Body Language Instructor with a remarkable journey spanning finance, sports coaching, and performance consulting. Bob shares his insights on fostering mental resilience, improving communication through body language, and supporting athletes and coaches in achieving their goals.We examine the Prevalent FEAR OF FAILURE in athletes today?With a passion for inclusivity and accessibility in sports, Bob discusses the importance of mental well-being for young athletes and his mission to positively impact the sports and coaching industry. Tune in to hear about his innovative approaches to leadership, his commitment to helping others thrive, and how he integrates lessons from diverse fields to empower individuals both on and off the field.This is an inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about personal growth, sports, and mental performance!

Teg Talks powered by The Mental Game Academy with hosts Teg Cosgriff and Larissa Mills features Amani Kimball-McKavish, a midfielder for the Ohio State Univerisity Women’s Lacrosse team. In this episode, Amani shares her journey growing up playing multiple sports and the moment she fell in love with lacrosse. She dives into her decision to attend Ohio State, highlighting the benefits of being at a larger school, including the resources and opportunities available.Amani also discusses her experience with the "Sharpen Your Pro Athlete" course by the Mental Game Academy and emphasizes the importance of being comfortable seeking help. She explores the power of team goals over individual ambitions, strategies for managing negative self-talk, and the balance she maintains between her athletic and academic commitments.Tune in to hear Amani's insights on building a successful academic and athletic career while navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with being a student-athlete.

In this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, hosted by Larissa Mills, we welcome Rob Taylor, founder of Titan Performance, to explore the mental skills that enhance athlete performance. Rob discusses cognitive abilities, leadership in sports, and the importance of fostering a "fountain vs. drain" mindset. He also shares insights on building confidence in athletes and offers advice for parents on raising resilient, confident kids. Together, Larissa and Rob tackle the impact of phone usage on focus and performance, offering practical strategies for athletes, coaches, and parents alike. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on mental toughness and athlete development.Guest: Rob Taylor, Titan PerformanceContact: [email protected]: titanperformance.com

The Mental Game Academy Podcast with Host Larissa MillsFeaturing Guest Brian SnowIn this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, host Larissa Mills is joined by Brian Snow, a passionate play-by-play broadcaster and founder of Snow Man Multi-Media. They discuss Brian's journey, from his work with coaches and young athletes to his perspectives on phone habits, kids growing up, and his personal battle with cancer. Brian also shares insights from his YouTube audio diary, Diary of a Mad Snowman.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about life, sports, and overcoming challenges, both on and off the field.For more information about Brian Snow, visit snowmanmultimediasports.com or contact him at [email protected].

Meet Brandon Wong, Owner of Brandon Wong Hockey.At age 5, Brandon’s passion for hockey was ignited as he enjoyed skating and playing road hockey with his family. His enthusiasm only intensified over time, eventually leading him to an impressive career that included Juniors, College NCAA competition and 9 years of professional play in the NHL Training Camps , AHL ECHL AND KHL/VHL leaguesHere is why Brandon wants younger kids to focus on their mental game and that means being on phones less to perform. https://bwhockey.com/about/

As we discuss the challenges of coaching elite athletes today she shares her tricks of the trade. Janet Dickey is entering her 35th season as Head Coach of the Westbrook (CT) High School Field Hockey team. She was inducted into the Connecticut Field Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame in September 2023.While she still has a passion for coaching, she has also pursued another career and became a Certified Mindset Coach. With this certification, she opened her own business-Victory Mindsets! She is excited for the potential to share mindset techniques and training with you and your team. These simple but efficient tools have helped Westbrook, one of the smallest teams in Connecticut, to be known as a perennial contender!Feel free to contact Coach Dickey at [email protected]

Kim Brady loves soccer she has played and she has coached at high levels. She is s Business coach and wears many hats. We discuss how the soccer model for development should change and how we can make it better. There are many broken pieces but it takes leadership and values to do what is right by these athletes. Have a listen to Kim's stories and how we can all make soccer better globally.https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimbrady/

As we discuss the role or parents with Mental Performance Consultant, Rob Pallante we learn parents have the most important role of a ll. https://www.mindsetbodybank.comNo only in life but in sports do parents guide, shape and teach our children how to behave, how to be coached, how to be resilient, how to set phone habits, how to be driven. One third of an athletes skills is physical, the other 1/3 consists with mental skills, communication leadership, while the last 1/3 is their habits, routines and discipline. Parents who have this knowledge have to pass it down to their children to help them develop in to productive adults and athletes.

Javelin is the founder of WP3 Sports, which empowers athletes to live in Greatness on and off the field, through holistic character, confidence and leadership development.  He serves teens, parents and schools through coaching and programs designed to enable them to reach their highest potential in sports and life. His passion for faith, family, coaching, and athletics are showcased in his Amazon #1 best-selling book Warrior Parent Playbook, various motivational speaking engagements, and through his five years serving as team Chaplain for the LA Avengers professional arena football team. https://javelin-guidry.mykajabi.com/high-school_crafting-arrowsOver the course of his twenty-year career in the Information Technology industry, he has won numerous sales achievement awards and held many leadership roles.  In addition, Javelin, a former UCLA Football standout has been coaching Varsity Football at Vista Murrieta High School since 2018. Javelin is married to his college sweetheart Kaishauna Guidry, MD  of twenty-six years and has three adult children(Javelin K, Elisha, and Kailah), two of which play football at SJSU and NY Jets.

We have a new season for 2024. Teg Talk , joins the Mental Game Sports Podcast.There is so much to change in sports and we need all of us to do it. Do a deep dive and learn about how phones are derailing our student-athletes habits, dropping their self esteem and their performance.  Education is collapsing and phones are one of the main reasons cycling the addiction from home to school. Kids aren't learning and aren't developing as they did 25 years ago.Simply by banning phones in schools and setting phone routines we are hearing schools with the refreshing sound of laughter and talking once again. Academics are soaring again with curious learners engaged. All the sports and clubs have eager participants and the phone zombies have been eliminated. https://thementalgameacademy.ca/

What is happening to our kids, they are obsessed with social media and can't get off it? They come home, eat and start scrolling, they don't even talk to their parents, siblings or pet their dogs... Even our pets are happy to see us and people are too addicted  with their head in their own phones as parents to notice. Kate Duffy is the founder of Don't Press Send. By the way, You school can have her in to do presentations and workshops.  We need to educate kids and parents about how tech is changing behaviour and academic performance. Education is collapsing for many reasons for phones is the most detrimental factor in how are children are learning and developing their psychological processing. Neurodiverse children are at most risk for social media addiction online.https://dontpresssend.comSupport the showWe must equip children with mental skills and good habits to prevent mental health issues and phone addiction. Kids need to Play. https://dontpresssend.com

Soccer athletes cannot make it up the ranks without solid routines, healthy phone habits, routines, discipline, period. Learn how Jenn Ireland is turning female soccer players into top athletes. The trick as you may have guessed is all mental discipline and practice. More athletes drop out by 16 now that is diminishing the number of athletes going up to the olympic and professional levels. Jenn Ireland is pretty amazing and we are so stoked to have her in the MGA village. USSF C Licensed soccer coachMinnesota Aurora FC Mental Skills Coach (USL W League)Berkshire Soccer Academy Mental Skills CoordinatorNorthern Arizona University graduatePresenting at United Soccer Coaches Convention 2024

Mark Hetherman speaks from his 40 plus years of experience. Athletes that go the educational route have more advantages. Learn why Nasha Sports partnered with MGA to equip athletes with their mental game and reduce their phone time to reach their next level, you can't do it on phones.Find out the why this prep school and NCAA routes provide more realistic opportunities while providing your athlete with an education. https://www.esgsportsgroup.comFormer owner Kenesky Goalie School - Coast to Coast Shooting - Two Junior A Hockey Teams - General Manager OJHL Junior Burlington Cougars and Junior Cougars Spring Hockey Type Two Diabetic - Ran two Half Marathons raising over $20,000 for Diabetes

We open the conversation up with VP of Athletics, Education, & Leadership, Teg Cosgriff from Connecticut. We get to the bottom of what Athletic Directors need help with right now.Learn what the pain points are  for AD's and how we can help you solve most of your behavioural issues with Mental Game Academy's Solutions so Coaches, parents and athletes can thrive. Learn how Teg's extensive experience is paying off fixing schools and sports organizations with simple solutions for AD's.Email TEG: [email protected] us and find out how we change the unwanted behaviour today. https://thementalgameacademy.ca/

Pete worked with Manchester City Football Club for thirteen years, during which time he helped put in place a training program that cultivated strong teams as well as strong players. In his role as a coach and the Head of Education and Performance Management, Pete learned how to navigate a high-pressure environment that demanded sustained success. Pete knows how to make the ‘glue’ that helps teams stick and work together and he applies that knowledge now to businesses.Kids all have potential, but their MentalGame is what helps them become a legend. Pete recognized early on that competitive sports had many lessons to teach the business world. The skills cultivated by a football coach over the course of his career can be invaluable to an entrepreneur or a business owner. This includes the ability to recognize the right talent for a given position, the ability to adapt to ever-evolving market conditions and seize new opportunities, as well as the creation of a culture based around strategy – having a plan to win and being able to execute it.Currently, he is a professional speaker and leadership consultant at First Team Ltd. and a Director at PlayersNet, an organization which aims to help athletes and their families make the right personal and professional decisions, with the advice of a network of highly experienced mentors. Pete’s passion has always been mentorship, and he articulates his philosophy in this way:“My philosophy comes from real life stories and a career built on authenticity, integrity and passion for what I do. There are no shortcuts to sustained success and you can achieve so much more when your whole team works together and everyone gets the credit. Excellence is not a destination. Instead we must focus on continuous improvement to maintain high performance.”Pete and Larissa have teamed up to Mentally prepare athletes at high levels for their life and their sport. It has to be both. Larissa equips them with the foundational mental skills, resilience, healthy phone habits, how to Master a NIL REPUTATION f and learn how to Mitigate Social Media. Once this part of the course is completed Coach Pete takes over and prepares athletes for their development, choices and leadership. It is the best mindset training out there for football players. http://www.first-team.net/Contact Pete.

Dr. Stacy Feiner has joined "The Mental Game Academy" Sports Company. We are more than thrilled and honoured she has joined our space to equip athletes, coaches and executives with mental skills and pathways to have mental health in a balanced Eco-System.Dr. Stacy Feiner is a high-performance expert and psychologist coaching leaders to solve their toughest challenges and grow without interruption. Having listened to hundreds of elite performers share their deeply private experiences of performance and perseverance, I coach where emotions impact performance and the stakes are high.Dr. Feiner joined our podcast to share how she works with clients. Athletes can take her Accelerator Program who want to work to find their power to reach their top gear. Eat this podcast up and sign your athletes and coaches up for her programs...... https://www.stacyfeiner.com

Meeting with Hall of Fame Olympian,  Roy Allan Burch  what he wants all swimmers aiming high to know. Learn from his experience and thousands of hours in training.  Roy shares what he wished was in place for him while he was training for the Olympics and what he had to overcome to finally make the podium. Find out how we can help swimmers reaching for GOLD or a scholarship  how to get it faster and smarter.. Yes, it means you have to be on land a bit more bit it is worth it. LOL. I know most swimmers don't like land  but this is a different kind of training called, MENTAL PRACTICE.  Swimming is an individual sport with a team vibe, the vibe is insane and Roy shares how he thinks phones and social media are affecting performance. Swimmers who take our Mental Skills courses are performing better and they are thriving in the pool and in life. If you wish Roy to be your Advisor or Mentor just reach out to [email protected]://thementalgameacademy.ca/

Scott Fox is CEO of Champion Play Book. He is a former NCAA Baseball Player who could have gone further if he had access to other resources.  He is on a mission to bring these tools to athletes, parents, coaches, and universities. Universities are struggling to help their athletes, the volumes are too high. We can help prevent Mental Health issues and reduce this volume with our courses and programs like Scott's.Scott is a coach with, "The Mental Game Academy" and we are lucky to have him. He is equipping athletes with tools and coping skills to reduce their stress and learn how to control their emotions. Check it out:   https://thechampionplaybook.comCertifications:Emotional Freedom Techniques (“EFT”)Energy PsychologyProcess Healing Method Youth league coach in baseball, football and soccer for over 30 years.Graduate of Brown University and captain of the baseball team for two seasons.Married father of high school and college athletes.Check out: https://thementalgameacademy.ca/

Taylor Cook has had a strong career as a professional goalie and now she is cooking up a new journey.Still behind the Mask but n a a different vein of teaching other athletes their mental skills Learn how she managed such an incredible career and one thing she has in common with many other successful athletes.... She had a strong, supportive relationship with her mom. Parents are the #1 determining factor in a child's life athlete or not. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/397397/taylor-cook