Athlete Identity vs. Self-Worth: How to Build Mental Resilience in Youth Sports with Erica Fay

Athlete Identity vs. Self-Worth: How to Build Mental Resilience in Youth Sports with Erica Fay

We place an incredible amount of pressure on young athletes at an early age. When a child’s entire self-worth is tied directly to their stats, points, or playing time, their mental health inevitably tanks the moment the game gets tough. How do we help them build a stable, healthy identity that exists completely outside of sports? In this episode of Beyond the Scoreboard, we sit down with Erika Faye, LMFT, the founder of Maximum Achievement Coaching. As a licensed marriage and family therapist who works directly with high-performing athletes, Erika brings a raw, deeply grounded perspective to the shifting dynamics of youth sports. Together, we unpack the critical difference between who an athlete is as a human being and what they actually do on the court or field. IN THIS EPISODE: → Parental over-investment and the urge to "swoop in" shields kids from necessary athletic discomfort. → Arguing with a coach over playing time or over-analyzing a tough loss strips young athletes of their independence. → Forcing kids to sit with uncomfortable emotions builds the real-world psychological armor and coping skills they need. → Forcing a single sports lane before high school backfires; athletic diversification builds well-rounded individuals. → True character development happens when young athletes navigate game-like chaos and learn to advocate for themselves. → Youth sports must track long-term human growth and resilience, not just accumulate trophies. Tune in to learn how to transition your conversations from outcome-oriented critique to process-oriented curiosity, and discover the exact questions you should be asking your child to guide them toward long-term resilience. ========================================== CONNECT WITH US! Coach Furtado IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachfurtadoo/?hl=en Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/thebeyondthescoreboard/ BTG Basketball IG: https://www.instagram.com/btg_basketball/ Newsletter: https://btgbasketball.org/bts-newsletter-subscribe Website: https://btgbasketball.org/ Erica's IG: https://www.instagram.com/erikafay/ Website: www.maximumachievementcoaching.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxachievecoacherikafay/ ========================================== CONNECT WITH BTG BASKETBALL! If you are a parent on the West Side of Los Angeles looking for a basketball academy that develops athletes on and off the court, visit us at https://btgbasketball.org/ SUPPORT OUR MISSION! Join us at the Beyond the Game Athletics Foundation and help keep elite coaching sustainable and accessible for the next generation. Support athlete scholars: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/spring-summer-scholarship-fund ======================================== Beyond the Scoreboard is hosted by Coach Justin Furtado of BTG Basketball, each episode digs into the leadership, mindset, and culture that shape young athletes into people, not just players. Because the most important things happening in youth sports never show up on the scoreboard. #youthsports #basketball #sports #sportspodcast #aau

Turning Sponsorship Strategies into Youth Sports Funding with Mandy Holmes

Most parents don’t realize that covering youth sports costs doesn't mean draining savings or taking out loans, there’s a smarter way. In this episode of Beyond the Scoreboard, Coach Justin Furtado sits down with Mandy Holmes, a dedicated sports mom turned sponsorship expert, reveals how she turned her son’s athletic journey into a profitable partnership machine, earning thousands monthly without luxury brands like Nike or Gatorade. Instead, she’s harnessed local businesses and community connections to fund everything from pickleball to flag football, demonstrating that sponsorships are accessible, even for families with small social followings or no online presence. Mandy Holmes is a marketing strategist and founder of Sponsor My Athlete, known for transforming grassroots fundraising into professional sponsorship efforts that work for any sport or age. Her insights have helped families nationwide unlock new income streams by tapping into local networks and authentic partnerships. In this episode, you'll discover: * The step-by-step process to identify the right local sponsors, starting from familiar businesses you already support. * How to craft compelling outreach emails, follow-up strategies, and in-person pitches that win partnerships. * Tips on pricing tiers, creating sponsorship packages, and leveraging grassroots efforts for maximum impact. * Real success stories where families earned sponsorships in just 30 days, no social media fame required. * Creative ways to promote sponsors, from T-shirts to community events, amplifying their brand exposure organically. This episode is perfect for busy parents, youth coaches, and community organizers eager to keep sports affordable and accessible. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by costs or unsure where to start, Mandy’s approach offers a clear, actionable blueprint to turn community goodwill into consistent funding, empowering you to keep your athlete in the game without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or organization leader, this episode will inspire you to think creatively about funding and show you how to turn everyday support into real sponsorship deals. Get ready to change the game. ========================================== CONNECT WITH US! Coach Furtado IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachfurtadoo/?hl=en Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_scoreboard_pod/ BTG Basketball IG: https://www.instagram.com/btg_basketball/ Newsletter: https://btgbasketball.org/bts-newsletter-subscribe Website: https://btgbasketball.org/ Mandy's IG: https://www.instagram.com/carpooltocontracts Sponsor My Athlete Website: https://sponsormyathlete.com/courseGet the 60-Minute Masterclass & Templates Here: https://sponsormyathlete.com/home-133906 am_id=justin5924 Features a complete actionable masterclass, outreach templates, phone scripts, and plug-and-play media kits. ========================================== CONNECT WITH BTG BASKETBALL! If you are a parent on the West Side of Los Angeles looking for a basketball academy that develops athletes on and off the court, visit us at https://btgbasketball.org/ SUPPORT OUR MISSION! Join us at the Beyond the Game Athletics Foundation and help keep elite coaching sustainable and accessible for the next generation. Support athlete scholars: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/spring-summer-scholarship-fund ========================================== Beyond the Scoreboard is hosted by Coach Justin Furtado of BTG Basketball, each episode digs into the leadership, mindset, and culture that shape young athletes into people, not just players. Because the most important things happening in youth sports never show up on the scoreboard. #youthsports #basketball #sports #sportspodcast #aau

Is Your Kid's Basketball Program Actually Helping? Why 90% of Players Are Being Left Behind

Is your club basketball actually built for your child? Learn why youth sports development models often fail the 90% of athletes. In this episode, Coach Justin Furtado, a youth basketball coach and player development advocate pulls back the curtain on the multi-million dollar club sports industry. We expose why the modern youth basketball model prioritizes early exposure over true skill development, forcing young players into mismatched tournament blowouts that ultimately kill their athletic confidence and passion for the game. Many families invest time and money into club basketball under the assumption that these programs are designed for every player. In this episode, we break down the reality of the current system, explaining how elite youth sports structures prioritize the top 10% of athletes while leaving the majority behind. By understanding the disconnect between youth basketball recruitment strategies and actual development needs, you can make better decisions for your athlete. If you are questioning whether your current basketball training path is worth the investment, this analysis provides the context you need to reevaluate your strategy. IN THIS EPISODE: - Why modern club sports prioritize showcasing the top 10% instead of developing the other 90%. - How mismatched, lopsided tournament games crush a young athlete's confidence. - A simple strategy to master current competition before moving up to harder leagues. - Why community-based programs offer a much healthier environment for middle-tier players to grow. - How to realistically balance a child's natural genetics and age with their high school varsity goals. - Practical ways to trade the "win at all costs" hype for character, skill, and fun. Stop chasing the toxic tournament hype. Hit play to transform your approach and craft a meaningful basketball experience that prioritizes true growth and confidence for your child! ========================================== CONNECT WITH US! Coach Furtado IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachfurtadoo/?hl=en Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_scoreboard_pod/ BTG Basketball IG: https://www.instagram.com/btg_basketball/ Newsletter: https://btgbasketball.org/bts-newsletter-subscribe Website: https://btgbasketball.org/ ========================================== CONNECT WITH BTG BASKETBALL! If you are a parent on the West Side of Los Angeles looking for a basketball academy that develops athletes on and off the court, visit us at btgbasketball.org SUPPORT OUR MISSION! Join us at the Beyond the Game Athletics Foundation and help keep elite coaching sustainable and accessible for the next generation. Support athlete scholars: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/spring-summer-scholarship-fund ========================================== Beyond the Scoreboard is the podcast for coaches and parents who know winning isn't the whole point. Hosted by Coach Justin Furtado of BTG Basketball, each episode digs into the leadership, mindset, and culture that shape young athletes into people, not just players. Because the most important things happening in youth sports never show up on the scoreboard. #youthsports #basketball #sports #sportspodcast #aau

Protecting Athletes From Identity Collapse After Their Sports Career Ends with Athletes' Soul

What happens to a young person’s mental health when their sport ceases to be a game and starts feeling like a job? In this episode of Beyond the Scoreboard Podcast, Coach Justin Furtado connects with Tanya Nolan and Katie Hawkins from Athletes' Soul to dismantle the systemic identity crisis embedded in modern youth and collegiate sports. Founded by former elite competitors to address a critical gap in player support, Athletes' Soul is a dedicated non-profit organization on a mission to coach, educate, and empower the whole athlete through every stage of their athletic journey and subsequent retirement. Sharing their raw personal experiences navigating life after collegiate swimming and basketball, Tanya and Katie address the deep-seated mental health, body image, and behavioral challenges that occur when a person's identity is entirely wrapped up in an athletic persona. They provide concrete strategies for coaches and families to pivot away from hyper-critical, transactional coaching and move toward a model of self-discovery and player autonomy. What You'll Learn In This Episode: * The Blueprint of Athlete Soul: How the organization uses specialized platforms and educational calls to help athletes smoothly transition out of sports and into the professional workplace. * The Failure of Hyper-Criticism: Why sideline screaming and perfectionistic coaching styles backfire, destroying long-term intrinsic motivation and athlete retention. * Breaking the Transactional Loop: The long-term psychological danger of tying financial or emotional rewards to stats, points, and scoreboards at a young age. * Intent Alignment in Coaching: How to use curiosity-driven questions ("What did you learn today?" or "How were you a good teammate?") to protect player joy and foster absolute accountability. CONNECT WITH US! Coach Furtado IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachfurtadoo/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/coachfurtadoo/?hl=en] Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_scoreboard_pod/ [https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_scoreboard_pod/] BTG Basketball IG: https://www.instagram.com/btg_basketball/ [https://www.instagram.com/btg_basketball/] Newsletter: https://btgbasketball.org/bts-newsletter-subscribe [https://btgbasketball.org/bts-newsletter-subscribe] Website: https://btgbasketball.org/ [https://www.athletessoul.org/] Athletes' Soul Website: https://www.athletessoul.org/ [https://www.athletessoul.org/] Athletes Soul Membership: https://www.athletessoul.org/signup [https://www.athletessoul.org/signup] IG: https://www.instagram.com/athletessoul/ [https://www.instagram.com/athletessoul/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletessoul/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletessoul/] Katie Hawkins: https://www.instagram.com/healthcoachk8e/ [https://www.instagram.com/healthcoachk8e/ ] https://www.linkedin.com/in/hawkinskatie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hawkinskatie/] Tanya Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyanolan/ [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/spring-summer-scholarship-fund] ========================================== CONNECT WITH BTG BASKETBALL! If you are a parent on the West Side of Los Angeles looking for a basketball academy that develops athletes on and off the court, visit us at btgbasketball.org [btgbasketball.org] SUPPORT OUR MISSION! Join us at the Beyond the Game Athletics Foundation and help keep elite coaching sustainable and accessible for the next generation. Support athlete scholars through the Spring–Summer Scholarship Fund: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/spring-summer-scholarship-fund [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/spring-summer-scholarship-fund] Beyond the Scoreboard is the podcast for coaches and parents who know winning isn't the whole point. Hosted by Coach Justin Furtado of BTG Basketball, each episode digs into the leadership, mindset, and culture that shape young athletes into people, not just players. Because the most important things happening in youth sports never show up on the scoreboard. #youthsports #basketball #sports #sportspodcast #aau

How Coaches Can Prevent Burnout Without Losing Their Passion for the Game with Coach Justin Furtado

Are you a coach who feels drained after every practice? Do you find yourself obsessing over the scoreboard while your own mental health takes a backseat? In this episode of the Beyond the Scoreboard podcast, Coach Justin Furtado gets real about the lumps of burnout and the pivotal shift he made in his seventh year of coaching to find more joy in the game than ever before. Whether you’re a volunteer parent, a club director, or a high school coach, the demands on your energy are constant. If you aren't investing in yourself, you aren't giving your athletes the best version of you. IN THIS EPISODE: * Energy Management vs. Time Management: Why the 24-hour clock isn't your enemy, your energy output is. Learn how to identify what fuels you and what drains you. * The Power of Letting Go: Why "joystick coaching" kills player development and how embracing the process (not just the wins) leads to better team camaraderie. * Investing in the Person, Not Just the Coach: Coach Furtado shares his personal journey with therapy, physical fitness (running his first half marathon), and the importance of having a life outside the gym. Coaching is a giving job. But you cannot pour from an empty cup. Coach Furtado explains why saying "no" more often might be the best thing you can do for your team, your family, and your career. ========================================= CONNECT WITH US: Coach Furtado IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachfurtadoo/?hl=en Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_scoreboard_pod/ BTG Basketball IG: https://www.instagram.com/btg_basketball/ Newsletter: https://btgbasketball.org/bts-newsletter-subscribe Website: https://btgbasketball.org/ ========================================== CONNECT WITH BTG BASKETBALL! If you are a parent on the West Side of Los Angeles looking for a basketball academy that develops athletes on and off the court, visit us at btgbasketball.org. SUPPORT OUR MISSION! Join us at the Beyond the Game Athletics Foundation and help keep elite coaching sustainable and accessible for the next generation. Support athlete scholars through the Spring–Summer Scholarship Fund: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/spring-summer-scholarship-fundBeyond the Scoreboard is the podcast for coaches and parents who know winning isn't the whole point. Hosted by Coach Justin Furtado of BTG Basketball, each episode digs into the leadership, mindset, and culture that shape young athletes into people, not just players. Because the most important things happening in youth sports never show up on the scoreboard. #youthsports #basketball #sports #sportspodcast #aau