🚨Stop the Dreaded Car Ride Home.

That drive home after a tough game or practice? You know it well. The silence is heavy, or worse, your daughter is beating herself up, close to tears. You’re stuck: do you jump in as a Coach to fix the mistakes, or as Mom to offer a hug? The wrong choice can make you wonder: Is coaching her even worth it? Is this helping or hurting our relationship?

When Your Daughter Isn’t Getting Playing Time: How to Help Her Speak Up with Confidence

Let’s be real. Few things stir up emotions faster than playing time.

Deciding whether to quit a sport can feel like standing at a crossroads with no clear direction. You love the game, but the challenges keep piling up. You wonder if it’s worth the struggle or if walking away might be the best choice. Maybe you’re stuck in that indecisive place right now, unsure what to do next.

Let’s be honest: sometimes the hardest part of youth sports isn’t the games, the practices, or even the tough losses. It’s the sideline drama.

Negative coaching happens. It’s a reality many young athletes face at some point; whether it’s a coach who’s overly critical, a tough tone, or feedback that feels harsh or discouraging. And if your athlete isn’t prepared for it, those moments can shatter her confidence and make her question her love of the game.

Has your daughter ever come home from practice feeling frustrated or discouraged because of a negative teammate? Does she roll her eyes or sigh dramatically when a particular teammate’s name comes up in conversation? You’re not alone.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to win not just once, but three times in a row at the state level in high school volleyball? I’ve had the unique privilege of coaching the Columbia River High School volleyball team to three consecutive state championships. Today, let’s dive into the stories of Macy, Lauren, and Logan, our senior captains, and explore the significant role mental training played in our victories.

Unlock the potential of your athlete by tackling the complexities of a challenging coach-athlete relationship head-on. Our expert insights at Elite Competitor will empower both you and your athlete to navigate these hurdles, fostering growth, and success in the face of adversity.