S4 Ep423: Mental Resilience & Performance Anxiety: Helping Young Athletes Thrive

Episode Summary:
What’s the difference between pre-game jitters and full-blown performance anxiety? How can parents, coaches, and schools better support young athletes in high-pressure environments? In this must-listen episode, Dr. Virginia Jones and Dr. Brenna Chirby, two top clinical psychologists specializing in sports psychology, break down mental resilience strategies that help student-athletes perform at their best—on and off the field.

Key Takeaways:

• The fine line between healthy nerves and performance anxiety
• Mental skills that top athletes use to manage pressure (and how your child can too!)
• The parent’s role in reducing stress and preventing burnout
• Why social media fuels performance pressure—and how to keep it in check
• Growth mindset hacks that turn setbacks into comebacks

This episode is for you if…
You’re a parent, coach, or educator supporting student-athletes

• Your child struggles with anxiety before competitions or performances
• You believe mental resilience is just as important as physical training

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
The Art of Screen Time – A recommended book for parents on managing social media use

• Dr. Becky’s Social Media Insights – Follow Dr. Becky for parenting strategies
• Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) – A mental training approach used by both guests
• Visualization Exercises from Michael Phelps and Simone Biles – Learn about their techniques
• Research on Performance Anxiety in Athletes – Nationwide Children's Guide
• Win Some, Lose Most – A recommended mindset for young athletes

Connect with Our Guests:

Dr. Virginia Jones & Dr. Brenna Chirby

• Website: Mind Balance Sport

Stay Connected with Host Wendy Taylor:

• Instagram: @learningessentials
• LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
• Facebook: Learning Essentials
• Website: Learning Essentials

Level Up Your Advocacy:

• Cracking the Code Course – Your guide to navigating special education like a pro!
  
  

Listen now: The Special Ed Strategist Podcast