05/06/2026
Well rounded, happy and healthy is our goal! We don't just encourage the importance of mental health and that aspect of the game - we are actively being more and more aware, as the girls enter into these middle school years it is even more important!
As we begin Mental Health Awareness Month: a message for anyone who has a direct impact on a young athlete's life:
▪ Developing technical skills without teaching mental well-being ones is like trying to play soccer without the ball.
▪ We can believe in teaching that there is winning and losing -- and NOT believe in participation trophies -- and STILL believe our kids' mental health matters.
▪ Toxic coaching can have longterm effects on an athlete's mental health, so can a coach who believes in them. Choose wisely.
▪ There are young athletes out there who love the game who are robbed of that joy by the way the adults in their lives make them feel when they don't perform well. Read that again.
▪We can spend time, money and energy putting young athletes in a position to grow their technical skills to be a high performer. But if we aren't investing the same amount in our athlete's well-being (and helping them develop the tools to invest in their own) -- we're doing them a disservice not only in their sport, but for the rest of their lives.
▪If we encourage adults who struggle with mental health to seek help, why aren’t we helping — instead of writing off — kids who are struggling to handle the stresses of the game?
▪ Your words as a coach matter.
▪ Your actions as a sports parent matter.
▪ Our kids and their well-being... MATTER.
Over any trophy.
Or MVP selection.
Or Roster spot.
Or D-1 recruitment.
Let's vow to do our part to move toward a youth sports culture that makes sure our athletes BELIEVE it
-
The Top Bleacher
