Every Olympian Started Somewhere
Feb 23, 2026For the past two weeks, the Olympics have been on in our house all day, every day.
The big moments.
The pressure.
The celebrations.
The stories.
It’s such a special time. But watching with my kids reminded me of something simple and easy to forget:
Every Olympian started somewhere small.
A first practice.
A borrowed pair of skates.
A nervous car ride.
Parents trying to figure out what they were doing.
We often focus on the performance at the highest level, but the beginning of the journey shapes so much of what follows. And in youth hockey especially, that beginning can feel overwhelming.
What gear do you actually need?
How competitive is this supposed to be?
When does it get serious?
What matters and what doesn’t?
Most families step into youth sports without a roadmap.
Meanwhile, culture is already forming.
Expectations are already forming.
Identity is already forming.
And when that happens without guidance, pressure can quietly take root long before families see it coming. If we want athletes to love the game long term, handle pressure well, and grow in healthy ways, the foundation matters.
That’s exactly why my husband Mike and I created our new podcast.
It’s not about elite performance. It’s about navigating youth hockey from the very beginning. Because how the journey starts shapes everything that follows.
The teaser episode is already live, and full episodes launch this week.
We’re excited to share it with you!
