Dr. Ed Uszynski Bio:

Dr. Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades’ experience discipling college and professional athletes. He’s written articles, essays, and training manuals on the intersection of faith and sport, and recently co-wrote Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports (David C. Cook, July 2025). He specializes in facilitating conversations around both biblical and culturally significant content for organizations pursuing a Christian vision of life, and the author of Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters (IVP). He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies. He and his wife Amy have four children and live in Xenia, OH.

Dr. Ed Uszynski Contact:

• Email - eddieu032@gmail.com
• Website - thechristianathlete.com

Brian Smith Bio:

Brian Smith is the author of several books, including The Christian Athlete, and has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies through Baylor University. Brian lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three kids and writes regularly at thechristianathlete.com.

Brian Smith Contact:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-smith-5bb319a6/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/brian.smith.193215
• Instagram - brianlinsey
• X - briansmithaia
• Email - brian@thechristianathlete.com
• Website - https://www.thechristianathlete.com

Summary:

In this episode of the Achieving Peak Performance podcast, Dr. Keith and Rob Stein engage with Ed Yuzinski and Brian Smith, authors of a book aimed at helping Christian parents navigate the complexities of youth sports. The conversation explores the intersection of faith and sports, the pressures faced by young athletes, and the importance of keeping sports fun and meaningful. The authors share insights from their experiences in sports ministry and coaching, emphasizing the need for parents to focus on character development and the spiritual growth of their children rather than solely on athletic performance. They discuss the realities of youth sports participation, the impact of parental expectations, and the significance of fostering a love for play in children.

Takeaways:

• The youth sports industry is a $40 billion industry.
• Most kids just want to play and have fun.
• Keeping sports fun is crucial for long-term participation.
• Parents should focus on being their child's main discipler.
• Character development is more important than performance.
• Children have an innate desire to please their parents.
• Parental pressure can lead to burnout in young athletes.
• Celebrating character over performance fosters a healthy mindset.
• The importance of understanding our own motivations as parents.
• Play could exist in heaven, so we should embrace it now.

Host Contact Info:

• Dr. Keith Brennan
• Rob Stein