🌱 Help Them Own It: A Parent’s Role in Long-Term Growth

📰 COLLEGIATE ELITES WEEKLY

Issue 008 — August 3, 2025

Raising an athlete isn’t just about the games or the scoreboard — it’s about helping your child grow into a confident, independent, and resilient person both on and off the field. This week, we’re diving into how parents can empower growth, inspire ownership, and build smart habits that last.

🏠 PARENTS: THE POWER BEHIND ATHLETES

Your support today shapes their success tomorrow.

When it comes to raising a high-performing athlete, the most impactful role a parent plays doesn’t show up on the stat sheet. It’s not about pushing harder, cheering louder, or over-directing every move—it’s about building a foundation that helps young athletes grow with purpose, resilience, and passion.

Instead of focusing only on what’s happening now, ask:

“Are we focused on short-term wins or long-term development?”

That’s the difference between peaking early and continuing to grow through high school, college, and in life after sports..

⏳ THINK BEYOND THE SEASON

It's easy to get caught up in what’s happening now—tryouts, stats, schedules, playing time. But real growth as an athlete happens over years, not just one season. The parents who make the biggest difference are the ones who ask:

“Am I helping my athlete build habits today that lead to lasting growth on and off the field?”

This long-view approach helps guide decisions about rest, routines, and training. Remember: the goal isn’t just to play — it’s to grow into a healthy, confident, and skilled athlete who’s still thriving years from now.

⭐ ENCOURAGE OWNERSHIP, NOT PERFECTION

One of the most impactful things a parent can do is help their athlete take ownership of their journey—gradually building confidence, accountability, and independence. That can look like:

• Asking open-ended questions after practices or games, like: “What did you feel good about today?” or “What’s something you want to work on next time?”
  

• Letting them take the lead on setting short-term goals or tracking their own progress (with your support in the background)
  

• Supporting effort and consistency more than outcome

Ownership doesn’t mean handling everything alone—it means learning to be invested in the process. When parents help kids build this mindset early, it lays the groundwork for long-term motivation and growth.

🛠️ SUPPORT SMART TRAINING HABITS

The best athletes don’t just train hard—they train smart. That includes:

• Show up with focus and intent 🧠
  Quality beats quantity when it comes to training. Teach your athlete that how they train matters just as much as how often. Be intentional.
  

• Fuel like an athlete 🍎

  Help your athlete see food as fuel—something that powers energy, focus, and performance.
  

• Recover with purpose 🧘‍♂️

  Whether it’s rest days, stretching, or taking care of sore muscles, recovery is the reset that makes tomorrow’s work possible.

Parents can support by creating space for rest, encouraging consistent habits, and choosing programs that build tough, well-rounded athletes—not just tired ones.

🎯 FINAL THOUGHT

There’s no “perfect” sports parent—but showing up with patience, perspective, and a long-term mindset can be a game-changer for your athlete.

Let’s raise the next generation of athletes—stronger, smarter, and ready for whatever comes next. 💪🏽🏃🏽‍♀️💥

✅ TAKE ACTION

📍 In Seattle?

Come train with us in person at the Collegiate Elites weight room.
Get hands-on coaching, structured training, and the same environment our college athletes trust to stay sharp. 👉

🌐 Not local?
Train with a former college athlete — online or in your area. 👉