listen now
Do you ever find yourself standing on the sidelines before a game, wondering, “Am I even ready for this?”
If that’s you, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Almost every athlete has felt that wave of uncertainty before competing. But here’s the thing – not feeling ready doesn’t mean you can’t rise to the occasion. Today, let’s challenge that head-on. I’ll walk you through practical tips to help you shake off the doubt and step into competition with confidence and focus.
listen now
Picture this: your team is in the middle of a high-stakes game, and instead of falling apart when things get tough, they stay calm, focused, and ready to win. Sounds almost too good to be true, right? But it’s possible – and it’s not just about physical skills. The key to thriving under pressure lies in their mental game. And the best part? You don’t need hours of extra practice to make this happen! In just 30 minutes a week, you can train your athletes to be mentally sharp and ready for anything. I’ve used this approach with my volleyball team, and it’s helped us win three state championships in a row.
listen now
You know those days when you just don’t want to go to practice? I get it, everyone feels that way sometimes. But the best athletes don’t let a lack of motivation stop them.
listen now
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.
Listen to Recent Episodes
GIVE IT A LISTEN
Why the elite competitor's
Program works & revealing The magic no one else is doing
EPISODE 113 | MAY 27 2022
listen now
It’s one of the hardest moments a sports parent can face: watching your child get cut from a team. The sting of rejection, the tears, the frustration… It’s heartbreaking. You want to fix it, to make it better, to shield them from the pain. But deep down, you know you can’t. And that’s the hardest part.
listen now
Does this sound like your daughter? She’s just getting back on her feet after an injury, but something’s holding her back. Her body is ready, but her mind is playing tricks – nervousness, hesitation, and fear of reinjury. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Injuries are tough, but they’re not just a physical battle; they’re a mental and emotional one too.
listen now
They’re fiery, fiercely independent, and sometimes downright defiant. But here’s the secret: your strong-willed athlete might just be a future world-changer. The question is, how do you survive the journey?
#229: Parenting the Spicy One™: Navigating Sports with Your Strong-Willed Athlete w/ Mary Van Geffen
New here? Listen to these episodes first to learn actionable tips you can implement today.
Raise a confident girl athlete
listen now
Hey there, athletes, competitors, and anyone looking to level up their game! Whether you’re on the field, the court, or just trying to crush it in life, I’ve got a game-changing tip for you. What if I told you there’s one thing you can do to maximize your performance, boost your confidence, and make every practice or game count? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not. And the best part? It’s simple, actionable, and something you can start doing today.
listen now
“I’m doing everything I can. I show up early, stay late, put in the extra reps. But, no matter how hard I work, it feels like I’m being overlooked. Maybe my coach favors other players. Maybe I just don’t fit into their game plan. Whatever the reason, it’s frustrating, and honestly, it’s starting to wear me down.”
listen now
Does this sound like you? You’re grinding at practice, showing up for every workout, and giving it your all. You’re serious about your sport, but now you’re starting to realize something: everyone else is, too. The higher you go, the more you see that every athlete is putting in the work. So, how do you stand out? How do you separate yourself from the pack when the competition is just as dedicated?
tips specifically for our athletes!
Her Varsity-level skill set
listen now
Hey there, athletes, competitors, and anyone looking to level up their game! Whether you’re on the field, the court, or just trying to crush it in life, I’ve got a game-changing tip for you. What if I told you there’s one thing you can do to maximize your performance, boost your confidence, and make every practice or game count? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not. And the best part? It’s simple, actionable, and something you can start doing today.
listen now
It’s one of the hardest moments a sports parent can face: watching your child get cut from a team. The sting of rejection, the tears, the frustration… It’s heartbreaking. You want to fix it, to make it better, to shield them from the pain. But deep down, you know you can’t. And that’s the hardest part.
listen now
“Ugh, I can’t do this!”
“I always mess up in big moments.”
“She’s so much better than me.”
If you’ve ever heard your daughter say something like this, you’re not alone. As a sports mom, you see her talent and potential, but you also know that the mental side of the game matters just as much as her skills. The challenge? Bringing up mindset training without her shutting down or feeling like you’re criticizing her.
listen now
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a mental performance coach? Maybe you’ve thought, “I love what Coach Bre is doing. How did she get started?” Or perhaps you’re a coach, a parent, or just someone who’s passionate about helping athletes build confidence and mental toughness. If any of that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
listen now
“I’m doing everything I can. I show up early, stay late, put in the extra reps. But, no matter how hard I work, it feels like I’m being overlooked. Maybe my coach favors other players. Maybe I just don’t fit into their game plan. Whatever the reason, it’s frustrating, and honestly, it’s starting to wear me down.”
listen now
Does this sound like your daughter? She’s just getting back on her feet after an injury, but something’s holding her back. Her body is ready, but her mind is playing tricks – nervousness, hesitation, and fear of reinjury. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Injuries are tough, but they’re not just a physical battle; they’re a mental and emotional one too.
listen now
They’re fiery, fiercely independent, and sometimes downright defiant. But here’s the secret: your strong-willed athlete might just be a future world-changer. The question is, how do you survive the journey?
#229: Parenting the Spicy One™: Navigating Sports with Your Strong-Willed Athlete w/ Mary Van Geffen
listen now
As a sports parent, you’ve probably wondered what you can do to keep your child motivated and engaged in sports without pushing too hard. The journey of raising an athlete is full of highs and lows, and finding that balance can feel like an Olympic feat. I had the chance to unpack this complex dynamic with Asia Mape, founder of I Love to Watch You Play, in a recent episode of the Raising Elite Competitors Podcast. Asia’s insights as a three-time Emmy-winning sports journalist, former Division I athlete, and mom of three daughters (two of whom are Division I athletes) bring a wealth of wisdom to the world of sports parenting.
