Leah’s Learnings: Moments That Remind Me Why This Work Matters

Every week, I get little reminders of why I do what I do. Here are a few standout moments from this week that I hope encourage you, as parents, to recognize the impact you have on your own athletes.

1. Reflection Creates Awareness

The captain of the girls’ basketball team stopped by my office just to give me an update; they’re on a winning streak! Instead of just celebrating, I asked her, “What’s working?”She took a moment to reflect and pinpoint the things her team is doing well. That awareness is powerful. When athletes can recognize why they’re succeeding, they’re more likely to repeat those behaviors.

2. Visualization Works!

I got a text from a cheerleader who was absolutely thrilled; she told me the visualization exercise we did actually worked! She was so happy because she felt the difference. This is why mental training matters. Teaching athletes how to use their mind as a tool for performance isn’t just theory, it translates into real results.

3. They’re Listening More Than We Think

The swim coach emailed me after overhearing the boys warming up on the pool deck, talking about how much they enjoyed my team session with them.. Sometimes, as adults, we wonder if our words are sinking in. This was proof—they hear us. They absorb the lessons. We do have an impact.

4. Influence is a Gift

These moments are reminders that the words we say, the lessons we teach, and the way we show up for young athletes matter. They might not always respond in the moment, but they are taking it in. 

Parents, never underestimate the power of your words and actions. Your influence is shaping them more than you know!