12/9/25: Building up Kids the Wambach and Foudy Way, What Parents Shouldn’t Say on the Car Ride Home, A New TikTok Trend

👏 USWNT Legends Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy Break Down How to Raise Resilient Kids 

Building Champions on the Off the Field

Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy, U.S. Women's National Team legends and two of the most influential voices in women’s sports, sat down with Greg Olsen for a candid, funny and deeply insightful conversation about youth sports. Their discussion ranged from how parents can support young athletes without projecting their own ego to the importance of independence and communication in youth sports today.

Wambach and Foudy openly called out a growing issue in youth sports: adults tying their identity to their child’s performance.

“So many parents get lost in their own ego around what it will look like upon them as a parent with how good or bad their child might be at sports,” Wambach said. “We have to separate the parent’s need to define themselves through their children’s experience.”

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel.

💡Notes from the Field: What Parents Shouldn’t Say on the Car Ride Home

CAR RIDE HOME 101

We’ve all been there as parents. Your kid had a tough game and maybe you’re frustrated. Or maybe you just want to make your child feel better. Whatever the scenario, the car ride home can be one of the most stressful times for both kids and parents.

Youth Inc. parenting ambassador Leah Jantzen, who is a mental health and performance coach at Ward Melville High School on Long Island, offers some important tips for parents in her new segment, “Notes from the Field.”

1.    Your child has already replayed every play and mistake in their heads. They don’t need you to do it for them.

2.    Your critique feels like pressure to them, not support.

3.    The best question you can ask is, “Do you want support or space?” More importantly, ask them what they want to eat.

To watch the full video, go here.

🤣 ‘Say I don’t miss it, but I hate a liar’

Exploring a New TikTok Trend 

In a recent TikTok trend, former athletes are creating heartfelt videos to the lyrics “Say I don’t miss it, but I hate a liar.” The videos show athletes playing their former sport. From fun practices to game-winning goals. Fans are loving the trend, which brings nostalgia and a glimpse of the passion that fueled their careers.

The videos are funny, entertaining and highlight all the reasons why we love sports. Check out our selection here.

Ask The Experts: Choosing Between Prep Schools or Basketball Academies

Know Before You Go

With high school basketball underway across the country, many parents are considering prep schools or basketball academies to give their child a chance to play against a higher level of competition and attract college coaches.

What’s the difference between a prep school and basketball academy? PrepAthletics founder and CEO Cory Heitz explores the differences and gives parents a few things to consider when deciding which route to take.

1.    Prep schools are essentially mini college campuses and operate like a university. They are fully accredited institutions.

2.    Basketball academies can be established quickly and often lack accreditation or a support staff. The barrier to entry is low, which creates opportunities but also comes with significant risks.

3.    Parents should ask pointed question like college placement rate, tuition breakdown and assistance and what resources a school has to help your child on and off the court. 

4.    Talk to current and former players and their families. 

Check out the full segment as well as many others from all corners of youth sports here.

WE'VE GOT YOUR NUMBER

Completion percentage of Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, who is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday. He has thrown for 2,980 yards and 33 TDs.

71.5%

"If you want to make everybody happy, don't coach and get involved in football. Go sell ice cream, because the ice cream man makes everybody happy.”

 - Miami head football coach Mario Cristobal after the Hurricanes made the College Football Playoff over Notre Dame