Ep. 22 - How Hard is Too Hard? Q&A with Mariel Anderson and Jordan Owens

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In this week's Q&A, Mariel and Jordan dig into one of the most confusing issues facing youth sports today: the blurry line between a firm, well-intentioned coach… and one who crosses into harmful territory.

Throughout the episode, they dive into the pressures today’s coaches face, the rise of “old school” intensity, and the ways young athletes (especially girls) respond differently to certain coaching styles. Mariel reflects on growing up under a brutally demanding coach and how those high-pressure environments both shaped her resilience and revealed where the line gets crossed. Together, they talk through when discomfort becomes growth, when it becomes damage, and how parents can support their athletes without becoming over-involved.

This episode is full of hard truths and practical guidance for anyone trying to navigate the realities of modern sport. Whether you’re a parent who’s unsure how to interpret a coach’s intensity, an athlete learning to advocate for yourself, or a coach striving to get it right, this conversation offers the perspective and nuance that’s been missing from the sidelines

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