When Tryouts End, the Real Work Begins—For Athletes and Parents Alike

Tryouts are over. The rosters are posted. The decisions have been made.

And now? The emotional fallout begins.

For some athletes, it’s a high. For others, it’s heartbreak. And for many parents, it’s a complicated mix of pride, concern, and uncertainty.

No matter which side of the list your athlete landed on—this is a pivotal moment. Because what happens next will shape their season, their confidence, and their long-term relationship with their sport.

That’s why I created Plan & Pivot: Post-Tryout Edition—a one-time, high-impact strategy session to help athletes (and their parents) navigate this mental turning point with clarity, confidence, and calm.

For athletes who made the team:

This should be the celebration. The victory. The payoff for all their hard work.

And yet?
Here’s what I often see instead:

• “Now I have to prove I belong here.”
  
  

• “What if I’m the last one picked for everything?”
  
  

• “Everyone’s watching—I can’t mess up.”
  
  

• “I’m not good enough to play at this level.”
  
  

• “What if they made a mistake choosing me?”
  
  

The truth is, making the team doesn’t eliminate pressure—it often increases it.

And for parents? You may notice your athlete is more anxious than before. You may feel unsure how to support them—especially when they pull away, get snappy, or start second-guessing themselves.

For athletes who didn’t make the team:

This moment can feel devastating.

• Friends made the cut—they didn’t.
  
  

• Motivation plummets.
  
  

• Comparison creeps in.
  
  

• They begin to wonder if they’re even meant to keep playing.
  
  

And parents? You’re left wondering:
“Should I push them to try again? Or let them take a break?”
“What do I say that doesn’t feel like false hope or empty praise?”
“How do I help without making it worse?”

Here’s the thing:

Whether they made the team or didn’t, your athlete is at a mental crossroads.
One that—if ignored—can lead to spiraling confidence, disengagement, or burnout.
But if supported? Can lead to their next level of growth.

That’s what this session is built for.

In just one call, we’ll:

• Process what just happened—safely and honestly
  
• Reframe the narrative so they don’t internalize fear or shame
  
• Reset their mindset and rebuild confidence
  
• Create a personalized game plan for what’s next
  
  

Parents are welcome to join or attend the session solo to gain tools and language for navigating this transition at home.

Ready to help your athlete pivot with clarity and strength?

There are a few Plan & Pivot spots left—but once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Let’s turn this emotional turning point into a launchpad for growth.
Because what happens next? That’s what matters most.