Trying to make varsity next season? Want coaches to actually notice you this summer?

In this episode, I’m breaking down what high-performing athletes are really doing in the off-season to level up, based on what I’ve seen work as a 4x state championship coach. And no, it’s not just about showing up to practice. Hint: it’s more than just showing up to practice.

We’re breaking down 4 simple but powerful ways you can stand out this summer (without burning out).

Plus, a quick story about a softball player who gained confidence, leveled up her game, and got noticed, all from doing one thing differently.

Here’s what you’ll get:

💯 Why showing up consistently is more powerful than being the best
💬 What real leadership looks like (even if you’re quiet)
🧠 How to stop spiraling after a mistake and stay focused
🥗 Why eating and sleeping well is your responsibility—not your mom’s
📝 A fun bonus quiz to figure out your athlete style

This episode is your off-season game plan. Let’s get to work. 👊

Take the Competitor Quiz: elitecompetitor.com/athlete

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] A fresh start. Summer’s here, and if you’re hoping to make varsity or move up next season, this is your shot. These tips come from a high school volleyball coach who’s led her team to four state titles.

[00:01:27] Quick shoutout. Shoutout to Cindy, a softball player in our program who started mental training and quickly got noticed by coaches. Confidence really changes the game.

[00:02:39] Tip 1: Show up. If you want to stand out, start with consistency. Be at workouts, practices, and camps. Coaches notice who’s all in.

[00:03:38] Tip 2: Lead your way. Leadership isn’t about being loud. It’s about setting the tone—working hard, helping teammates, and showing up with good energy.

[00:05:39] Tip 3: Train your mind. Want to bounce back fast and handle pressure? That starts with mental training: routines, breathwork, and mindset work.

[00:07:41] Tip 4: Fuel like an athlete. Take care of your body with consistent meals, hydration, and good sleep. And if your parents are still waking you up or reminding you to eat… it’s time to step up.

[00:10:23] Quick recap. Be consistent. Lead by example. Train your mindset. Take care of your body.

[00:10:58] Want to go deeper? Take the competitor quiz at elitecompetitor.com/athlete to learn your style and how to train smarter.

[00:11:52] You got this. Use the summer to get better, stand out, and become the athlete you want to be.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

🚨 Think the hardest part of youth sports is the competition? Think again.

The real challenge? The sideline chatter. The eye rolls. The “why is my kid on the bench?” mutters. That toxic energy that makes you dread game days more than your athlete does.

If you’ve ever: felt your blood boil over sideline gossip, worried how negativity affects your young athlete, or wished you had the perfect comeback for critical parents, this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn:

🗣️ The 3 reasons parents turn into sideline critics (it’s not what you think)
😟 How just overhearing negativity can tank your athlete’s confidence
🎧 The “Headphone Hack”, a genius way to stay above the drama
🚫 The one phrase that accidentally fuels team tension (you’ve probably said it)
🌱 How to spot if you’re “watering weeds” in your sports community

💡 Why This Matters Now:

Sideline toxicity is driving good kids out of sports. But when you change how YOU show up, you protect your athlete’s joy and set an example other parents will follow.

🎧 Tap into the full episode to reclaim your peace (and your love of game days)

👉 Want to build your athlete’s mental game? Grab our free training: TrainHerGame.com.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] The Sideline Struggle. Why parent drama often becomes the hardest part of youth sports, and how negativity impacts both parents and athletes.

[00:01:31] Real Results from Mental Training. A success story from Jennifer, a mom in our Elite Mental Game program, whose daughter used mental skills to bounce back from a mistake and earn compliments from opposing coaches.

[00:04:05] Why Parents Turn Negative. The psychology behind sideline gossip, from competitive stress to social bonding, and why it spreads so quickly in youth sports.

[00:06:19] The “Watering Weeds” Metaphor. How focusing on negativity (like watering weeds) harms your athlete’s experience, and why we need to redirect our attention to what matters.

[00:09:47] Strategy #1: The Headphone Approach. Practical ways to block out sideline noise, literally or figuratively, to protect your peace and model resilience for your athlete.

[00:11:36] Strategy #2: Setting Boundaries. Scripts to politely shut down gossip without drama, from neutral redirects to firm responses when criticism crosses the line.

[00:14:52] The Coach-Complaint Trap. Why venting to your child about their coach backfires, and how it creates self-doubt and team division.

[00:18:00] Strategy #3: Control Your Focus. How to conserve your emotional energy by investing in positive connections and letting go of what you can’t change.

[00:19:42] Free Resource for Sports Parents. Where to access our training on building your athlete’s mental game (and a discount for the Elite Mental Game program).

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

“Why is my daughter starving an hour after practice?”
“How do I teach her to cook when we’re always rushing to games?”
“What should she actually be eating to perform her best?”

If these questions sound familiar, you’re in the right place. This episode is your game plan for turning food from an afterthought into your athlete’s secret weapon, while teaching her life skills that go way beyond the kitchen.

What You’ll Learn:

🍳 Why the kitchen is the BEST “practice field” for building confidence, resilience, and teamwork (yes, really!).
🥑 The 3 biggest fueling mistakes young athletes make (and how to fix them without stress).
💡 Simple ways to involve your athlete in meal prep, even on crazy busy nights (hint: start with ONE skill).
😅 How to talk about food without creating fear or guilt (especially for girls in sports like gymnastics or swimming).

Free Resource:

📲 Grab Katie’s “Life Skills Camp” videos to teach your athlete kitchen confidence:

https://kidscookrealfood.com/

https://kidscookrealfood.com/elitelifeskills

@katiekimballkidscook

Your Next Move:

✅ Try ONE thing from this episode (maybe hydration first thing in the morning?).
✅ Tag a sports parent who needs this, because every athlete deserves to feel strong and energized.
✅ Subscribe to Raising Elite Competitors for more mindset and performance tips.

P.S. If this episode helped you, leave a review and tell us what clicked! ⭐️ Your feedback helps other sports parents find the show.

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:12] Meet Katie Kimball. Katie’s background as a mom of four, former teacher, and founder of Kids Cook Real Food, which was named the best online cooking class for kids by the Wall Street Journal. Her mission: helping families connect through healthy food.

[00:12:44] Hydration Tips for Athletes. Why hydration starts from the moment they wake up and how to make “smart water” with electrolytes for better absorption.

[00:20:46] Age-Appropriate Kitchen Skills. Practical ways to involve athletes in meal prep, starting with simple tasks (like cracking eggs) and progressing to full meals. Katie’s tip: Teach skills, not just recipes.

[00:32:47] Modeling a Healthy Relationship with Food. How parents can demonstrate positive habits (like measuring protein for performance) without passing on food anxieties. Katie’s mantra: “Food is fuel, not fear.”

[00:38:12] Free Resource for Listeners. Katie’s Life Skills Camp videos available at https://kidscookrealfood.com/ and https://kidscookrealfood.com/elitelifeskills and her Instagram @katiekimballkidscook for real-life meal ideas.

[00:39:06] Closing Thoughts. Katie’s excitement about empowering female athletes, and Coach Bre’s gratitude for the conversation.

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.