Raising Competitors: Equipping Parents to Build Grit, Character and Leaders in Youth Sports and Life

Encouraging Our Athletes to Be Leaders with Randi Corbin

Originally aired in April 2023. In this episode, host Jake Thompson sits down with Randi Corbin, a sports performance and strength & conditioning coach at Hamilton High School. Randi also coaches freshman softball and brings a wealth of experience in developing young athletes both physically and mentally. This conversation dives deep into: * How parents can support their young athletes to be strong leaders and positive teammates. * The dangers of the “D1 or Bust” mentality and its impact on both athletes and their families. * Strategies for avoiding early burnout, including the value of multi-sport participation. * Encouraging a healthy relationship with training - seeing hard work as an opportunity, not a punishment. * The role of body language in sports and how athletes can support each other through tough moments. * Effective ways for parents to communicate positively, especially during the all-important car ride home.

Transitioning Your Athlete to College with Brett Ashley Davis

Originally aired in April 2023 Mental performance coach Brett Ashley Davis discusses how parents can help their high school athletes make a successful transition to the collegiate level without burning out or quitting. Connect with Brett on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brettashleydavis/] and her website BrettAshleyDavis.com [BrettAshleyDavis.com].

Keys to Being a Resilient Athlete with Elle' Nelson

Originally aired in March 2023. Mental performance coach & IMG+ consultant Elle' Nelsonjoins the show to discuss resilience, the importance of finding & aligning our values, & how we can create space as parents to help our young athletes grow. Connect with Elle' on social media: on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/riseover.run/] & LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elle-nelson/].

We Are More Than What We Play with Fearless Fast Pitch's Amanda Schaefer

Originally aired in March 2023. In this episode, Jake Thompson welcomes Amanda Schaefer, founder of Fearless Fast Pitch, to discuss the crucial topics of athlete identity, self-talk, and actionable strategies for parents to help their young athletes develop strong mental skills. Amanda brings her unique perspective as a former athlete, coach, and parent of three young kids. The episode is packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and practical tools for both parents and athletes. Connect with Amanda on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/fearlessfastpitch/] or on her Fearless Fast Pitch website ⁠FearlessFastPitch.com⁠ [https://fearlessfastpitch.com/]. To listen to the Compete Every Day podcast episode on SaraBlakely and "Where did you fail today?" click here [https://share.transistor.fm/s/73990a34]. Actionable Takeaways for Parents * Do a time/identity inventory with your child: Examine how much time is spent on sports and discuss whether your child feels their life is balanced or if they want to make changes. * Practice curiosity on the car ride home: Rather than critiquing or fixing, ask open-ended questions (“What were you thinking at that moment?” “How did you feel out there?”) and offer support—“I’m proud of you” goes further than you think. * Use bedtime as a space for connection: Sit at the edge of your child’s bed and engage in low-pressure chats about their day—ask about what was good, what was hard, and their hopes for tomorrow.

High Performance on the Diamond & in Life with former Arizona State Softball Player Bella Loomis

Originally aired in February 2023. In this insightful episode, Jake Thompson welcomes Bella Loomis , a standout former Arizona State University softball player turned coach and sports psychology advocate. Bella shares her journey from elite athlete to mentor, highlighting the mental challenges young competitors face today and offering actionable strategies for parents and coaches to nurture resilient, confident, and purpose-driven athletes. Connect with Bella on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bellaloomis_performance_/] or on her coaching website BellaLoomis.com [https://bellaloomis.com/].