Raising Pro Athletes

Today, let's dive into the often debated topic of homeschooling versus traditional schooling for young athletes. We'll explore the reality, challenges, and alternative education options that can support their athletic journey.

As we discovered firsthand, many successful pro athletes are homeschooled or engage in flexible remote learning due to the demanding travel and training commitments. However, homeschooling didn'...

In our society, there's an ingrained belief that university education is the only path to success. But what if your child's passion lies in becoming a professional rock climber or excelling in a particular sport? So today, we're diving into a critical topic that demands our attention: how to properly educate our athletes to help them reach their highest potential.

As a parent, we must challenge the prevailing paradigm...

As parents, we invest in memberships, coaching, federation, and equipment, but often overlook the significance of a uniform. It's not just about appearance; it symbolizes commitment and belonging. When your child is the only one without a uniform in the team, it creates a sense of detachment and sends the wrong message. By embracing the uniform, your child becomes an integral part of a unit, fostering a sense of camaraderie an...

Today, let’s delve deep into the heart of finding the perfect coaches and team for both of my sons, who are now at the next level of rock climbing. With me, Marina, we will unravel the complexities of both competition climbing and rock climbing, highlighting the distinct differences, and the need for tailored training plans. Discover the unique challenges we face as we navigate the exciting world of parenting, and how we've ad...

Let’s explore the captivating journey of parenting professional athletes. In this episode, we delve into the crucial roles parents play in nurturing their aspiring rock climbers. Living in Spain, we've encountered families from around the world, all sharing the same determination to see their children reach new heights in the climbing world.

One parent takes on the primary role, fully dedicated to their child's training, p...

In this episode, join me as we tackle a crucial topic: not letting your child's success go to their head. Living in Guatemala, my kids trained extensively, mostly self-taught, until we hired a coach from Chile. As we ventured to Spain, a hub of world-class climbers, we sought a team to elevate our children's skills. However, I realized the danger of excessive praise and the impact it can have on a young athlete's min...

Let’s unravel the hidden costs and uncharted territories of joining a competitive rock climbing team. We start by exploring the different types of teams available, focusing on the advanced and competitive ones that propel young climbers to the next level. I recount my personal journey of finding the perfect team for my kids, emphasizing the importance of finding a group that challenges them and provides top-notch coaching.

But what ...

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is a federation? Well, think of it as the governing body for climbers in your country, like the USA Climbing Team or the Spain Federation. These federations play a crucial role when it comes to representing your country on the global stage, such as the Olympics. But let's talk about the nitty-gritty—fees and costs, they vary from country to country.

Having experienced three different fe...

Get ready to climb into the world of rock climbing ethics with me in this episode! As someone who's never climbed before, I was fascinated to learn about the unwritten rules of the climbing community. Did you know there are certain areas where climbers are allowed to go and others where it's strictly off-limits? It's all about respecting the natural environment and other climbers.

But let's get down to the nitty-...

Let's talk about the one-of-a-kind bond between parents and their children that can be found in the thrilling sport of rock climbing. As a parent who doesn't climb myself, I'm always on the lookout for ways to connect with my kids. And let me tell you, rock climbing has been a game-changer! The best part? You don't have to climb to join in on the fun.

The magic happens when you're watching your kids scale up...

Who knew that one of the ethics of rock climbing is being quiet when someone else is tackling a challenging route? It may seem like a small detail, but it's actually a sign of respect and courtesy towards fellow climbers. 

It turns out that being quiet when someone is attempting a hard route is an ethical requirement! Yes, you read that right. Even if you don't know the climber or are a hundred meters away from them, you a...

"Protecting our kids is our number one responsibility", Connie told me when we first connected.

And she took this role incredibly seriously, in the non-conventional ways. Because protecting our kids in sports is rarely talked about and definitely not considered to be a priority. Because it usually is easily missed or we aren't alert to the signs.

Connie and I talk about her role as Kai's coach ...

"I’m not the usual kind of ‘athlete’s mom’ that you’re accustomed to interviewing," Dierdre warned me when we first connected about being on the podcast.

And that's why I knew I had to speak to the mother of Alex Honnold, who is considered today's most accomplished rock climber and the real life star of Free Solo, Oscar winning documentary.

Raising a child like Alex Honnold takes courage and tr...

You don't want the coaches to be in awe of your kids because that doesn't really work.

Why is it essential to choose the right climbing team for your child? Selecting the perfect climbing team for your child is crucial if you want to see them soar to new heights. As a parent, it's natural to want the best for your child and to provide them with opportunities to thrive. However, when it comes to climbing, fi...

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT and the REAL reasons we moved to Spain 

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About This Podcast

It takes a village to raise a pro athlete.

For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road and talks to the people that normally get very little mention, but are the ones who are responsible for the underlying success of an athlete.

Marina pulls back the...

As a parent of not one but two sons with ambitions to “go pro” as Rock Climbers, your host Marina Kuperman Villatoro began navigating the often rocky terrain of extreme sports a decade ago.  She learned quickly that while climbers compete as individuals, raising an athlete is most definitely a team sport.

In this one-of-a-kind podcast Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the (mostly) unsung heroes of extreme ...

You are fully on board to support your kid especially because they want to go pro in their chosen sport, ie: surfing, mountain biking, rock climbing, motocross, snowboarding, etc…

That’s great, so are you ready to make the investment it takes for them to get to that next level for them to have the opportunity of going pro.

It’s one thing to say you support them, but it’s a whole other thing to commit and invest.

I’m NOT talking about ...

Protecting your child - this will be repeated over and over again because it is THAT IMPORTANT

However, in this episode we’re going to be talking about protecting your kids from YOU

Yeah, you read that right.

What am I talking about? 

Listen to the episode to understand how we can go down wrong rabbit holes start pushing our own agendas on our kids and before we know it, things get out of control

THIS CAN ALL BE AVOIDED ...

Is this going to be all glitz and glamor? 

Is this going to be champagne popping podiums and huge screams of elation when winning?

ABSOLUTELY NOT

Is it going to be fun? 

Is it going to be worth it? 

More than anything you could ever, ever imagine. 

The journey. What you all learn along the way. What you and your kid(s) will go through as far as the changes, even if your child never become the elite superstar, will be all that and so much...