Surviving Youth Sports

Michael Saunders: The Pressure to Make It Is Changing How Kids Play

Former MLB All-Star Michael Saunders knows what it’s like to chase the dream. From representing Canada in the Little League World Series to spending nearly a decade in the Major Leagues, baseball has been a huge part of his life. But today, he’s navigating youth sports from a different perspective: as a dad. In this episode of Surviving Youth Sports, Michael shares why none of his kids play baseball, why he’s a strong believer in multi-sport athletes, and how the fear of falling behind is influencing the decisions many families make. He and Rhett discuss identity, specialization, pressure, and what youth sports can teach kids beyond wins, losses, and statistics. Michael also shares the philosophy behind Saundo Athletics, a new venture focused on helping young athletes grow as people first and players second. If you’ve ever wondered whether youth sports are becoming too focused on performance and not focused enough on development, this conversation is worth a listen.

Deven Morgan: The Problem Youth Baseball Has to Solve

What if the biggest threat to youth baseball isn't a lack of talent, but the system surrounding the game? This week, Rhett sits down with Deven Morgan, Director of Youth Baseball at Driveline Baseball, for a conversation about athlete development, pitch counts, multi-sport participation, overuse injuries, and the growing pressure families face in modern youth sports. Deven shares why "kids are not small adults," why the best young players are often the ones most at risk of being overused, and how a lack of communication between leagues, tournaments, and organizations may be creating unnecessary risk for athletes. The conversation also explores a proposed solution: universal pitch counts and reporting across youth baseball. Not to limit opportunities, but to better protect the kids everyone depends on. This isn't just a baseball conversation. It's a conversation about development, process, parenting, and whether the systems we've built are serving the kids they're meant to support. Topics include: • Multi-sport athletes and early specialization • Driveline's approach to player development • Why athletic development matters more than most parents realize • The difference between development and validation • Pitch counts, overuse, and injury prevention • Universal pitch count reporting • Raising athletes who love the process, not just the results If you're a parent, coach, or athlete trying to navigate the realities of youth sports, this episode is for you.

Jason D’Rocha: Are We Rushing Kids Into Sports They Never Chose?

What if the biggest youth sports decision isn't which team your child joins, but whether they ever had the chance to choose for themselves? This week, Rhett Parker sits down with Jason D'Rocha, Vice President of Sportball, to discuss early specialization, parent expectations, and why exposing kids to multiple sports may be one of the most important investments families can make. The conversation explores physical literacy, social development, competitiveness, and the pressure many families feel to pick a lane earlier than ever before. Jason shares why he believes specialization should come after confidence and competence, not before, and why giving kids a voice in their own journey matters. Along the way, Rhett and Jason dive into the realities of modern youth sports, including rising costs, fear of missing out, and the challenge of balancing development, enjoyment, and long-term success. Whether you're raising a highly competitive athlete, coaching young players, or simply trying to navigate youth sports without losing perspective, this episode offers an honest conversation about helping kids discover what they love before the pressure takes over.

Making It Okay to Talk About Suicide in Youth Sports

This episode is one of the most important conversations we’ve had on Surviving Youth Sports. Rhett sits down with Carson Leiden from A World Free of Suicide, Corey and Kelly Widman from Widdy’s Work, and Carlos Ramirez from JR98 Inc. to talk about mental health, suicide prevention, pressure, identity, grief, and the realities many athletes and families quietly carry. The conversation explores how social media, comparison culture, performance expectations, and the pressure to “make it” can impact young athletes mentally and emotionally. More importantly, it highlights why creating safe, honest conversations around mental health matters so much for kids, parents, coaches, and communities. This is not an easy conversation. But it’s an important one. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988.

Devon Brown on Burnout, Rankings, and Letting Kids Own Their Journey

This week on Surviving Youth Sports, Rhett sits down with coach, parent, endurance athlete, and fitness business owner Devon Brown for an honest conversation about burnout, pressure, rankings, recruiting, and what happens when youth sports starts taking over family life. Devon shares what it’s like raising three boys on completely different athletic journeys, including one son currently ranked #1 nationally in swimming for his age group. But instead of focusing on accolades, this episode digs into the emotional tension many sports families quietly carry: How much is too much? When does support become pressure? And are parents chasing things their kids never actually asked for? Rhett and Devon talk about the obsession with “elite” labels, travel sports culture, injuries, burnout, and why matching your child’s intensity matters more than trying to create it for them. This episode is for parents trying to support their kids without losing themselves in the process. Topics include: • There is no such thing as an “elite 10-year-old” • Why parents cannot buy or travel their way into making athletes great • The emotional cost of chasing Division I dreams • Burnout, pressure, and overtraining in youth sports • Letting kids own their journey • Why joy still matters Subscribe and follow Surviving Youth Sports on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.