• Q&A: Signs Your Athlete Is Ready for Mental Training, Best Age to Start, & Getting Her 'Bought In'
    Jan 14 2025

    What if your daughter’s biggest breakthrough isn’t about more practice or better coaching – but mastering her mindset?

    In this episode, I’m answering the questions I get all the time from sports moms just like you: How do I know if my daughter is ready for mental training? What’s the right age to start? And how do I get her to buy in? If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to help your athlete grow her confidence and mental toughness, this episode is for you.

    Here’s What We’ll Cover:

    • The surprising signs your daughter might need mental training (and it’s not just for athletes who are struggling).
    • Why 11-12 is the sweet spot to start mental training and what to do if your athlete is older (or younger).
    • How to get your daughter excited about mental training without making her feel like something’s “wrong.”
    • The power of quick wins like the Snapback Routine to build confidence fast.
    • Real stories from athletes and moms who’ve seen life-changing results.
    • Why mental training goes far beyond sports – it’s a lifelong skill every girl needs.

    This episode is packed with stories, tips, and strategies to help your daughter build unshakable confidence and tackle challenges on and off the field.

    🎧 Click play now to hear it all. Let’s raise athletes who are confident, resilient, and ready to take on anything life throws their way!

    Episode Highlights:

    [00:16] Listener Q&A begins with a breakdown of the most frequently asked questions about mental training and actionable advice for parents.

    [00:35] An invitation to join free live trainings for sports moms at trainhergame.com. Learn how to support your athlete’s mental game with these exclusive sessions.

    [02:28] Addressing the common concern: “Will my daughter actually engage with mental training?” and sharing examples of how athletes respond to the program.

    [04:00] Question 1: “What is the best age to start mental training?” An exploration of why ages 11-12 are ideal, and how younger or older athletes can also benefit.

    [06:00] Why mental training becomes critical for older athletes (16+), helping them handle the increasing pressure of competitive sports.

    [09:00] The broader impact of mental training: how it helps athletes develop confidence and resilience that extends beyond sports.

    [12:28] Question 3: “How quickly can results be seen?” The Snapback Routine in Phase 1 of the program provides immediate wins and boosts athlete engagement.

    [17:53] The importance of small changes in parenting approaches and how they can positively impact an athlete’s confidence and mindset.

    [18:53] Recap of the key questions addressed: when to start mental training, how to recognize readiness, and strategies for gaining athlete buy-in.

    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
    • Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

    Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

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    22 mins
  • Simple Go-To Phrases to Use to Boost Your Athlete's Confidence Today
    Jan 7 2025

    Have you ever wondered if the words you say to your daughter could help boost her confidence as an athlete? In this episode, I share practical, go-to phrases you can use to support your daughter in her sport and life. Whether she’s preparing for a big game, processing a tough loss, or just navigating day-to-day challenges, these tips will help you build her confidence and strengthen her mental game.

    What’s Covered in This Episode:

    • How your words can shape your daughter’s confidence on and off the field.
    • Simple phrases to boost confidence during:
      • Day-to-Day: Highlighting her positive qualities beyond her sport.
      • Pre-Game: Encouraging focus with short, impactful phrases.
      • Post-Game: Supporting her through wins and losses with the LOVE framework.
    • How to validate your daughter’s feelings without reinforcing negativity.
    • The importance of combining parental support with your athlete’s mental skills training.
    • Practical examples like the “snapback routine” to help her bounce back from mistakes.

    Ready to Learn More? Listen to this episode for actionable strategies that will make a real difference in your athlete’s confidence and resilience. Plus, find out how you can get access to a free training and a cheat sheet with 25 confidence-boosting phrases!

    Episode Highlights:

    [0:00] Introduction to boosting athletes' confidence through simple phrases

    [01:00] Shoutout to Renata and her success using mental training tools.

    [02:00] Importance of combining verbal communication with athlete mental skills.

    [03:00] Overview of the key focus: day-to-day, pre-game, and post-game confidence strategies.

    [04:00] Encouraging athletes to develop self-trust and skills for overcoming setbacks.

    [05:00] Highlighting positive qualities outside of sports to build confidence.

    [06:00] Simple strategies like sticky notes and verbal affirmations for day-to-day encouragement.

    [07:00] Using the phrase "I believe you" to validate athletes’ feelings.

    [08:00] Adjusting responses to support athletes without reinforcing negative self-talk.

    [09:00] Playful ways to engage teens and tweens in positive conversations.

    [10:00] Pre-game strategies: keeping phrases short and focused on what's in their control.

    [11:00] Examples of pre-game taglines and humor to ease nerves.

    [12:00] Post-game reflections: emphasizing effort and controllable factors over outcomes.

    [13:00] Supporting athletes' emotional processing after wins or losses.

    [14:00] LOVE framework for post-game confidence building: Let her lead, Open the space, Validate feelings, Encourage inward.

    [15:00] Examples of post-game questions to foster self-reflection and learning.

    [16:00] Athletes' post-competition routines to build confidence objectively.

    [17:00] Recap of day-to-day, pre-game, and post-game strategies with key takeaways.

    [18:00] Reminder to download the free PDF with 25 key phrases at trainhergame.com.

    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
    • Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

    Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

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    20 mins
  • Athlete Tip: When You Don't Feel "Ready" to Compete
    Dec 31 2024

    Did you know it’s completely normal to not feel ready before a big competition? But what do you do when those feelings creep in? In this episode, “When You Don’t Feel ‘Ready’ to Compete,” we’ll get into how to overcome doubt and perform your best no matter what.

    Here’s what we cover:

    • Why “feeling ready” doesn’t determine your success.
    • A mindset trick to move from self-doubt to confidence.
    • How to focus on what you can control before game day.
    • Practical tips to compete like a pro, even on tough days.
    • Key strategies from the Elite Mental Game program to sharpen your routine.

    Tune in now to learn how to step up, stay focused, and thrive – even when readiness feels out of reach! 🎧

    Episode Highlights:

    [00:00] Introduction to the episode: Addressing the common feeling of not being ready to compete and shares strategies to overcome it.

    [01:00] Shoutout to Ava, a hockey player from Arlington, MA, who’s thriving on her new team, showing leadership, confidence, and effort on and off the ice!

    [02:00] Exploring reasons athletes feel unready, such as nerves before big competitions, expectations, or just feeling off.

    [03:00] The difference between feeling ready and being ready, and why readiness is a choice, not a feeling.

    [04:00] Mindset shift. How champions think differently by choosing readiness instead of waiting for the right feelings.

    [05:00] Practical steps to choose readiness. working hard, focusing on what you can control, being a good teammate, and taking coaching.

    [06:00] Emphasis on consistency. Showing up every day in practice prepares you to choose readiness in competition.

    [07:00] Benefits of feeling ready. Aligning a feeling of readiness with intentional choices for peak performance.

    [08:00] Strategies from the Elite Mental Game program. Using personalized pre-game routines and finding your ideal "hype number" for optimal competition performance.

    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
    • Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

    Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

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    9 mins
  • Breaking Barriers: How Sports Set Women Up For Success w/ Stef & Amy of Section Z
    Dec 23 2024

    Too many girls never get the chance to experience the life-changing benefits of sports because of barriers like cost, lack of access, and representation. What if there was a way to break those barriers and set them up for lifelong success? In this episode, Steph and Amy of Section Z share how they’re using sports to empower young women, build confidence, and open doors to opportunities they never imagined.

    This is the conversation you need to hear to see how a simple game can break barriers, build confidence, and change girls’ lives.

    In this episode:

    • Steph’s personal story and the accident that inspired her to create Section Z.
    • The biggest barriers holding girls back and how Section Z is addressing them.
    • Eye-opening research on the connection between sports, mental health, and leadership.
    • How attending live sports events can inspire confidence and a sense of belonging.
    • Powerful success stories from girls who found their spark through Section Z.
    • Why brands are investing in women’s sports and the measurable ROI they’re seeing.
    • Ways you can support Section Z and make a difference for young girls.

    Don’t miss this episode! This isn’t just a conversation about sports – it’s about changing lives. Tune in to hear how Steph and Amy are redefining opportunities for girls everywhere.

    Come hang out with Stef on social @‌thesectionZ and learn more about Section Z!

    Episode Highlights:

    [04:19] What is Section Z? Steph explains Section Z’s mission: leveraging live sports to empower girls with exposure, workshops, and representation.

    [08:00] Steph’s Personal Story. Steph shares how a life-changing accident inspired her to create something meaningful and impactful for young girls.

    [11:30] Why Sports Matter. Amy highlights the benefits of sports participation, including improved mental health, confidence, and sense of belonging.

    [17:00] Addressing Barriers. Amy and Steph discuss socioeconomic challenges that prevent many girls from accessing sports opportunities.

    [19:00] The ROI of Women’s Sports. Steph outlines how investing in women’s sports provides long-term benefits for brands and communities.

    [28:00] Success Stories. Steph shares impactful moments, including a girl taping a Section Z poster above her bed and another inspired by diverse athletes on the field.

    [34:00] Sports as a Unifier. Steph discusses how sports foster community and build connections, transcending differences like race or socioeconomic status.

    [38:00] How to Get Involved. Steph and Amy share how listeners can support Section Z through donations, partnerships, or sharing their mission.

    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
    • Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

    Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

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    38 mins
  • Encouraging Self-Love Through Puberty w/ Kimberly Grustas, Founder of Good For You Girls
    Dec 17 2024

    Is your daughter’s skincare routine harming her more than helping? We all know puberty is tough. But what if some of the products marketed to our daughters are actually making it even harder for them? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Kimberly Grustas, founder of Good For You Girls, to talk about the hidden dangers lurking in everyday skincare products and how they can affect your daughter’s health – especially during the crucial years of puberty.

    “Puberty is a superpower.” Kimberly reminds us that our daughters’ bodies are amazing and deserve care that empowers them, not tears them down. But how can we ensure that the products they’re using support their growth without introducing harmful chemicals? Get the lowdown on what to avoid and how to help your daughter embrace self-love from the inside out.

    Here’s what we talk about:

    • The shocking truth about estrogenic chemicals in products marketed to girls.
    • Why the average age of puberty is dropping – and what you can do about it.
    • How to guide your daughter through puberty with empathy, confidence, and non-toxic products.
    • Practical tips on creating a simple, effective skincare routine for your tween.

    Whether you’ve got a daughter just starting to navigate puberty or you’re in the thick of it, this episode is packed with tips to help you guide her through with love, care, and confidence.

    Love this episode? Don’t forget to share it with other moms who need to hear this! And if you’re feeling the love, take a moment to rate and review the show. Your support helps more parents find this valuable content.

    Also, make sure you don’t miss out on Kimberly’s amazing offer! She’s giving our listeners a special discount on her clean skincare line. Grab a 20% discount on any Good For You Girls products by using the code: ELITE20 at checkout!

    Come hang out with Kimberly on social: @‌goodforyougirls

    Guest Interview Email: Kim@goodforyougirls.com

    Episode Highlights:

    [00:00] Introduction to the Podcast and Guest. A discussion on encouraging self-love during puberty and introduces Kimberly Grustas, founder of Good For You Girls, highlighting the significance of non-toxic skincare for young girls.

    [06:39] The Turning Point: A Shocking Discovery, Kimberly recounts a pivotal moment when her daughter asked for a Hannah Montana bath set, and she realized the harmful ingredients inside – sparking her commitment to creating non-toxic skincare for tweens.

    [11:00] Puberty’s Shifting Timeline.
    Kimberly discusses the significant drop in the average age of puberty – from 14 to 11 – and the importance of recognizing these shifts while protecting girls from harmful chemicals.

    [15:02] How Hormones Affect the Body During Puberty. Kimberly delves into how puberty hormones help growth, and how harmful chemicals mimic estrogen, affecting development in both boys and girls.

    [36:55] A Call to Moms: Reclaiming Self-Care. Kimberly encourages moms to prioritize their own self-care, setting an example for their daughters and creating bonding opportunities around health and wellness.

    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
    • Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

    Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

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    41 mins
  • Four-Peat: The Story Behind the Championship Season w/ Coach Bre
    Nov 26 2024

    Parents -> Check out The Elite Mental Game, our self-paced mental training system for girl athletes.

    Coaches -> Check out Plug & Play Elite Mental Game for Teams. Designed to simply implement mental training in your program in as little as 30 mins a week!
    ===

    What does it take to win four consecutive state championships? In this episode, I share the story behind an unforgettable season, from overcoming challenges with a new team lineup to the mental strategies that made all the difference. Perfect for parents, coaches, and athletes looking to elevate their game.

    What’s covered in this episode:

    • Building a Championship Mindset. How a young, inexperienced team thrived under the pressure of defending a title.
    • Mental Training Essentials. Visualization, reset routines, and other strategies that helped athletes perform in the most critical moments.
    • Practice Like a Champion. The importance of game-like scenarios, competitive drills, and structured planning in daily practice.
    • Thriving Under Pressure. Stories from the state championship match where mental tools turned nerves into confidence.
    • Lessons in Leadership and Teamwork. The role of culture, support, and communication in overcoming adversity.

    This episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring stories, and actionable insights for anyone who wants to learn what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Whether you’re a parent supporting your athlete, a coach shaping a team, or an athlete aiming for greatness, this episode will leave you inspired and prepared.

    🎧 Tune in now to discover the strategies behind a championship-winning program!

    Episode Highlights:

    [00:00] Introduction. A reflection on achieving a historic fourth consecutive state championship, setting the stage for a behind-the-scenes look at the season.

    [01:02] Answering Listener Questions. The episode focuses on mental training, practice strategies, and building a cohesive and successful team culture.

    [01:52] Player of the Week: Brindley. A standout athlete credited highlight reel visualization as a key tool in helping her team remain undefeated and win their conference championship. championship title with a mostly new lineup and only one returning starter.

    [05:36] Mental Training as a Foundation. Mental training has been a consistent part of the program for six years, becoming an ingrained habit for athletes.


    [09:33] Snapback Routine. A practical mental reset routine, combining breathwork, a reset word, and a physical signal, helped athletes recover quickly from mistakes and stay in the moment.

    [13:17] Turning the Season Around. Despite early-season challenges and inconsistencies, the team improved steadily, peaking at just the right time for postseason success.

    [18:15] Locker Room Preparation for the Championship. The pre-championship routine emphasized gratitude, visualization, and the grounding "Turkey Dinner" analogy to reduce nerves and enhance focus.

    [21:00] Championship Match Highlights. The team displayed resilience, battling through a fourth-set deficit to force a decisive fifth set, ultimately securing the championship.


    [28:03] Practice Planning Strategies. Practice sessions emphasized game-like scenarios, competitiveness, and intentional skill development, creating a foundation for postseason success.

    [36:18] Balancing Big Goals with Control. The team stayed focused on controllable elements like mindset, effort, and preparation, balancing ambition with actionable strategies.

    [44:19] Final Reflections. The season is remembered as one of resilience, teamwork, and the power of mental training, highlighting the lasting impact on players and the program.

    Next Steps:

    • Join our
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    47 mins
  • Athlete Tip: Playing to Win vs Playing Not to Lose
    Nov 19 2024

    Are you holding back without even realizing it? Whether you’re playing from fear or stepping onto the field with confidence could be the difference between a game-changing performance and playing it safe. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to shift your mindset from just trying not to lose to playing full out – and why it matters!

    Here’s what we cover:

    • The hidden dangers of “playing it safe” and why it actually leads to more mistakes
    • How playing not to lose holds back your potential (and even your team!)
    • Why taking calculated risks will make you a stronger, more confident athlete
    • Practical tips to bounce back from mistakes so they don’t mess with your head
    • Permission to stop hesitating and start showing up as your best self!

    Athletes, don’t miss this! This mindset shift could change how you approach your next game. Ready to unlock your full potential? Listen to the full episode now!

    Episode Highlights:

    [00:00] Playing to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose: Introduction and Shoutout to Madison

    [02:13] Understanding the Mindset of Playing Not to Lose

    [04:43] The Impact of Playing Not to Lose on Performance

    [05:22] The Benefits of Playing to Win

    [08:17] Embracing the Mindset of Playing to Win

    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
    • Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

    Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

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    12 mins
  • Making Kindness a Contact Sport w/ Rob Thorsen, Founder of #HT40 & The Shoulder Check Initiative
    Nov 12 2024

    In this episode, we welcome Rob, the driving force behind the Shoulder Check initiative, which aims to foster mental wellness in youth sports. Rob shares insights on the importance of creating safe spaces for athletes to express their feelings and how parents can effectively support their children in managing the pressures of competition.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Creating Safe Spaces: Learn how parents can establish an environment where young athletes feel comfortable sharing their emotions.
    • Identifying Distress: Rob discusses the signs parents should look for to identify when their child may be struggling emotionally, even if they don't outwardly express it.
    • Encouraging Open Conversations: Discover practical tips for initiating conversations about feelings during everyday moments, such as car rides or family dinners.
    • Essential Resources: Rob outlines crucial resources available for parents in times of crisis, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to seek professional help.
    • Building Resilience: Understand how to foster emotional resilience in young athletes by allowing them to express disappointment and frustrations in a healthy way.
    • Future of Shoulder Check: Rob shares exciting developments and goals for the Shoulder Check initiative, aiming to integrate its message into sports culture.

    Episode Highlights:

    [00:01:10] Rob joins the podcast to share his passion for fostering mental wellness in youth sports through his initiative, Shoulder Check.

    [00:02:30] He discusses the importance of creating safe spaces for athletes to express their feelings and the role parents play in this process.

    [00:04:50] Recognising the signs of distress: Rob emphasizes how parents can better identify when their children may be struggling emotionally.

    [00:07:00] Practical strategies for encouraging open conversations during everyday moments, like car rides or casual chats.

    [00:10:05] Rob highlights essential resources for parents to access in times of crisis, ensuring they know when to seek professional help.

    [00:12:20] The significance of building resilience in young athletes through emotional expression and coping strategies.

    [00:15:35] Rob shares exciting developments for the Shoulder Check initiative, including plans to promote its visibility in sports culture

    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
    • Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

    Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

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    28 mins