Turning Losses Into Wins
We’ve all been there. The team you’re cheering for seems to be stuck in a never-ending losing streak, and your athlete is feeling it. It’s tough when you see your …
From Nod to Action: Strategies for ADHD Athletes
If you have a daughter who loves volleyball but struggles to follow instructions, you’re not alone. Many parents of ADHD athletes understand this challenge. Your child may look at you …
Navigating Tough Conversations: A Guide for Neurodivergent Athletes
When you’re a young athlete, navigating your way through tough conversations with your coach can feel like you’re entering a battlefield, armed with only your words. The pressure to perform, …
The Road Back…To Me.
I don’t usually post much of my doctoral work. Most of it stays tucked away in papers, discussion threads, or quiet reflections between deadlines. But now and then, something comes …
We Have Lost Our Damn Minds (S6:E05)
In this episode, Dan shares an unscripted rant focusing on the chaotic reality of youth sports. He discusses the financial burdens placed on families, the overwhelming expectations on young athletes, …
Small Steps, Big Moves
Change is inevitable. It’s a given. Whether it’s a sudden shift in your team dynamic, an unexpected challenge, or a transition in life that throws you off balance, change tends …
Psychological Safety for Neurodivergent Athletes
Psychological safety gets tossed around a lot in coaching circles these days, but let’s be honest—most of the time, it’s treated like an afterthought. Sure, every coach wants their athletes …
Walking A Mile In Their Cleats
I once had a coach who thought motivation meant yelling at us until we “wanted it more.” Spoiler alert: it did not work. What did work? The coach who took …
The Secret Sauce of Motivation
Motivation is a funny thing. Some athletes seem to have an endless supply of it, showing up early, staying late, and grinding even when no one’s watching. Others? Well, let’s …
More Than Words
Coaching is communication. But what happens when words aren’t enough? For many neurodivergent athletes—whether they’re autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, or other cognitive processing differences—traditional verbal instruction can feel like a …