Burnout is a silent threat lurking behind the scenes of youth sports.

It creeps in when the joy of playing fades, replaced by exhaustion, frustration, and sometimes even resentment. For parents of young athletes, the stakes feel high: How do you support your child’s dreams without pushing them to the breaking point? How do you keep the flame of passion alive while managing the pressures of competition, school, and life?

Rachel Olsen, a seasoned sports mom with two Division 1 athletes, offers a wealth of wisdom drawn from her family’s journey through the highs and lows of competitive sports. Her son plays Division 1 soccer at the University of Portland, and her daughter is a Division 1 basketball player at the University of Michigan. Rachel’s experience navigating the complex world of youth athletics, combined with her own background as a multi-sport athlete, gives her a unique perspective on preventing burnout and fostering resilience.

In this blog, we’ll look into Rachel’s story and her practical advice for parents who want to raise mentally strong, passionate athletes without sacrificing their well-being.

Rachel Olsen: A Sports Mom Who’s Walked the Path

Rachel’s story begins with a simple truth: she’s a sports mom just like many of us. She’s celebrated victories, weathered setbacks, and learned valuable lessons along the way. Her own athletic background – three sports in high school and college – helps her empathize with the mental and physical challenges her children face.

She and her husband, a former collegiate track and cross-country runner, have three children who are all athletes. While their oldest chose not to pursue sports in college, their younger two have reached elite levels, competing on Division 1 teams and earning national recognition.

Rachel’s journey is a testament to the power of parental support balanced with respect for the athlete’s autonomy.

The Foundation: Open Communication About Goals

One of Rachel’s first and most important tips is to have honest, ongoing conversations with your child about their goals. This is crucial because burnout often stems from a mismatch between a child’s true desires and the expectations placed on them.

Rachel emphasizes that goals evolve. A 12-year-old’s dream might shift dramatically by the time they’re 16 or 18. Parents should check in regularly, asking questions like:

• What do you want to get out of sports right now?
• How do you feel about your current schedule and commitments?
• Are you still enjoying the process, or is it starting to feel like a chore?

These conversations help ensure that the path you’re supporting aligns with your child’s heart, not just your hopes.

The Journey of Rachel’s Son: Navigating High-Level Soccer

Rachel’s son’s soccer journey offers valuable lessons in balancing opportunity with well-being. From age 14, he was part of Minnesota United’s professional development academy, traveling nationally and playing at an elite level.

Rachel trusted him to travel independently to many games, a decision that fostered responsibility and maturity. This independence is often overlooked but is a key factor in helping young athletes develop confidence off the field.

When the COVID pandemic disrupted the academy, her son stepped down to a slightly lower level ECNL team. While this might have seemed like a setback, it turned into a blessing. He thrived as a team captain, earned all-state honors, and ultimately secured a Division 1 scholarship.

Rachel’s experience shows that detours or changes in competitive level don’t have to derail an athlete’s progress. Sometimes, they provide space to grow in new ways.

Rachel’s Daughter: Excelling in Multiple Sports Without Burnout

Rachel’s daughter is a remarkable example of balancing multiple sports and high achievement. Tall and athletically gifted, she excelled in basketball and soccer, winning state championships and earning national recognition.

Rachel was mindful of how she talked about her daughter’s size and abilities, focusing on building confidence rather than pressure. This positive reinforcement helped her daughter embrace her talents without feeling overwhelmed.

Importantly, Rachel allowed her daughter to play multiple sports through middle school and early high school. This approach:

• Reduced the risk of overuse injuries common in single-sport specialization.
• Kept her daughter mentally fresh and engaged.
• Provided a broader athletic foundation that enhanced overall skills.

Eventually, her daughter chose to focus on basketball in high school while still playing soccer at a less intense level. This natural transition helped prevent burnout by giving her control over her sports journey.

Practical Strategies to Prevent Burnout

Rachel shares several actionable strategies that parents can implement to help their athletes avoid burnout:

1. Give Yourself Grace as a Parent. Parenting an athlete is a learning process. Rachel reminds parents to be kind to themselves and recognize that mistakes happen. The key is to keep showing up, learning, and adjusting.

2. Use Available Resources Wisely. If your child shows passion and potential, use the resources you have – whether that’s access to quality coaching, camps, or competitive teams – to support their growth. But always keep your child’s enthusiasm and goals at the forefront.

3. Allow Time Off from Sports. Scheduled breaks are essential. Rest periods help athletes recharge physically and mentally. Rachel stresses that time away from sports doesn’t mean losing progress; it means preserving long-term health and passion.

4. Encourage Multi-Sport Participation. Playing multiple sports can reduce burnout and overuse injuries. It also helps kids develop diverse skills and keeps their athletic experience enjoyable.

5. Teach Stress Management Skills. Athletes face pressures from school, competition, and social life. Teaching them how to manage stress – through mindfulness, breathing exercises, or simply talking about their feelings – builds resilience.

6. Monitor External Pressures. Parents should be aware of how their own expectations and behaviors impact their child. Sometimes, unintentional pressure from parents or coaches can increase stress and burnout risk.

7. Prioritize Relationship Over Results. Above all, Rachel emphasizes the importance of the parent-child relationship. Being a safe, supportive presence, regardless of wins or losses, creates a foundation for mental strength.

Managing Schedules and Mental Load

Rachel understands that modern family life is complex. With multiple kids, work, and other commitments, schedules can become overwhelming.

She encourages parents to help their kids develop time management skills early on. This not only helps athletes balance school and sports but also reduces anxiety about deadlines and commitments.

Equally important is parents managing their own stress. When parents are calm and present, they can better support their children emotionally.

The Power of Trust and Independence

One of Rachel’s standout parenting choices was trusting her son to travel independently to games and tournaments. This early independence:

• Built his confidence.
• Taught responsibility.
• Prepared him for the autonomy required at the college level.

Rachel’s approach highlights that parental support doesn’t mean micromanaging. Giving athletes space to own their journey can prevent burnout and foster personal growth.

Final Thoughts: Parenting Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Rachel’s journey teaches us that raising elite athletes is a long-term commitment filled with learning and adaptation. It’s not about perfection but about presence, communication, and love.

Her biggest takeaway? Keep showing up for your kids; not just as coaches or managers, but as loving parents who prioritize their child’s well-being above all else.

If you’re navigating the world of youth sports, Rachel’s insights offer a roadmap to help your athlete stay passionate, healthy, and mentally strong.

Episode Highlights: 

[02:15] Rachel Olsen discusses the concept of burnout in young athletes, explaining how it manifests and why parents often miss the signs.

[05:30] Rachel shares the common triggers of burnout—pressure to perform, fear of failure, and a lack of balance between sports and life.

[10:45]Rachel highlights the importance of open, supportive communication between parents and athletes

[15:20] Rachel gives actionable advice for parents on how to set boundaries, manage expectations, and help foster a healthy sports-life balance.

[20:00] Rachel wraps up by talking about the importance of shifting the parental mindset 

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms – How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter’s Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
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