Coaching the Athletic Mind Podcast Episode 13 - Interview with Student Athletes Part 2

In this episode of "Coaching The Athletic Mind," host Megan Weaver interviews three former student-athletes—Anna, Makayla, and Mackenzie—who successfully completed her program. These young women, all high school athletes (Anna, Makayla and Mackenzie, seniors), discuss the mental challenges they faced in sports, such as self-doubt, fear of failure, and losing their love for the game. Makayla felt playing became a chore due to self-doubt, Mackenzie struggled with constant self-criticism after an error, and Anna experienced significant frustration after games. They all highlight how the program helped them overcome these hurdles and regain confidence and enjoyment. Furthermore, they emphasize the lasting impact of the coaching, noting that the skills learned, such as positive self-talk, self-trust, and processing emotions, are applicable not only in sports but also in navigating academic and social pressures in college and adulthood. They advise younger athletes to embrace errors, avoid dwelling on mistakes, focus on the joy and teammate aspects of the sport, and understand that individual errors are rarely remembered by others.