Tryouts are Over… Now What?

Tryouts can be a nerve-wracking experience for both athletes and parents. Last week, I released an episode in our private parent podcast discussing how parents can support their athletes before, during, and after tryouts. Here, I want to share some key takeaways and tips to help navigate the post-tryout period, whether your athlete made the team or not.

Supporting Your Athlete Through Tryouts

Before diving into what comes next, let’s quickly revisit how to support your athlete during tryouts:

Before Tryouts: 

"I just want to say, I’ve seen you put in the work these last few weeks leading up to this, and it has been so inspiring! No matter what happens this weekend, I am so proud of you, and I hope you are proud of yourself."

During Tryouts:  

Keep expressions and body language neutral. A simple smile with a thumbs up can be very reassuring.

After Tryouts:  

"I loved watching you out there! What was something you felt really good about?"

Now that tryouts are over, you might be wondering… what’s next?

Made the Team? Congratulations!

This is an exciting achievement, but it can also bring new challenges. Sometimes making the team can add an extra layer of pressure on the athlete, which naturally affects parents too. After the build-up to tryouts, you might feel a sense of emptiness once it’s all over.

You might be thinking, “We’ve made the team. Now the work begins… but I’m not sure how to help them get started.” This can be overwhelming, and tension can build up at home. Remember, it’s summer! Let’s ensure we’re not walking on eggshells around each other.

Didn’t Make the Team? Ouch.

I remember one year I wanted to make a team so badly and got cut. I cried in my room for an entire week. Now, I can’t even remember which team it was—funny how perspective changes over time.

In the moment, it’s tough for athletes to cope, and it can be just as hard for parents. How do you help them through this? Whether they’re silent, insisting they’re fine, acting out, or saying they don’t want to play anymore, every child reacts differently.

Suggestions for Supporting Your Athlete

Here are a few quick tips to help support your athlete through this time:

• Acknowledge their feelings: "I can see you’re really disappointed, and that’s okay. Would you like to talk about it?"
• Encourage reflection: Encourage them to think about what they learned from the experience. Tread lightly with this one if they seem really upset. Bring it up only when they seemed to have worked through the hardest part.
• Offer perspective: Share personal stories of overcoming disappointments when you were a kid (or of an athlete they admire).
• Stay positive: Remind them this is one small step in their journey.
• Plan next steps together: Offer to help come up with a plan together for next steps. 

Looking for More Support?

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Our family membership is designed to provide ongoing support, resources, and community for both you and your athlete. If you haven’t already, consider joining us for more in-depth strategies and a supportive community of like-minded parents.

[Join our Family Membership today!]

Thank you for being an incredible support system for your athlete. Your role is crucial, and together, we can navigate these ups and downs with confidence and grace.

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P.S. Feel free to reach out if you have any specific concerns or need more personalized advice. I’m here to help! [email protected]