December is a special month for me — it marks three years since I published The Empowered Athlete.
And as I reflect on the hundreds of athletes and families I’ve worked with since then, one truth becomes clearer every year:

The earlier athletes learn mindset skills, the stronger—and more consistent—...

Every year, I work with athletes who step into college as the best of the best — only to find themselves facing something they’ve never experienced before:

Not dressing.
Not playing.
Not knowing where they fit.
Not knowing who they are without being “the star.”

And this year, I’m seeing this pattern ...

When an athlete struggles—misses a shot, gets benched, or loses a big game—the instinct for many parents and coaches is to jump in with feedback. Correction. Motivation. A silver lining.

But often, that’s not what young athletes need in those moments.

It’s Not Always About “Trying Harder”

Athlete...

In the thick of the season, it’s easy to focus on your team’s energy—how they’re showing up on the ice, how they’re communicating, how they’re performing under pressure.

But here’s something we don’t talk about enough:
Your team’s mental energy mirrors yours.

The Mirror Effect

If you’re stressed, ...

In sports—and in life—things don’t always go according to plan.

Maybe it’s a missed shot.
Maybe your athlete is benched for longer than expected.
Maybe the team just couldn’t pull it together, and the loss hits hard.

Whether you're the one competing or watching from the stands, emotions can run high...

As parents and coaches, we often look for ways to give our athletes an edge—more reps, better drills, sharper strategies. And while all of that matters, there’s one powerful performance tool that’s often overlooked:

Gratitude.

Not just the polite kind we encourage at the dinner table, but a focuse...

During my time in hockey—as a player, coach, and mindset coach—I’ve seen hundreds of new families step into the rink for the first time.

It’s a familiar scene: a parent juggling bags, a kid nervously tugging at new equipment, both unsure where to go or what to do next. There’s excitement in the air...

Recently, my husband and I found ourselves in a new and unfamiliar role—standing on the sidelines of a recreational soccer game, watching our kids play, while wrestling shin guards and Googling 4v4 rules between sips of coffee.

As lifelong athletes ourselves, we’re no strangers to youth sports. But...

If you’ve ever watched your athlete light up with confidence after a win—and then crumble with self-doubt after a tough game—you’re not alone.

Confidence can seem like a mystery. Some days it’s there. Other days, it’s nowhere to be found.

But here’s something I want every parent and athlete to und...

It’s one of the most confusing parts of parenting an athlete:

They used to love it.

The early mornings. The grind. The game days. The locker room energy. Even school was something they embraced, because it brought structure, friends, and a rhythm to their week.

But now?

They dread it.

They drag...

The days leading up to a big test or tournament can be a rollercoaster—for both athletes and parents.

You’ve probably already made sure they’ve practiced the skills. You’ve helped them eat well, sleep enough, and stay organized.

But what about the part that actually determines how they show up whe...

You used to see it in their eyes—excitement before practice, joy on the field or court, and energy after a hard workout.

But now?

It’s like flipping a switch.

They drag their feet getting ready.
They come home silent or frustrated.
They say things like, “I don’t want to go,” or “It’s just hard righ...