"Every youth sports coach should be judged by 1 thing; How many kids sign up the next season." - Kristen Jones

Episode #39: Kristen Jones - Welcome back to a new season of "For The Love of Sport!" Hosts Simon and Marie are joined by a former Division I volleyball player, Nike executive turned motivational speaker, and Peak Performance Coach, for a crazy season three debut episode. Kirsten shares insights on parenting for the "long game," emphasizing the importance of supporting your athlete and nurturing their love for the game from an early age.

The conversation delves into navigating the challenges of youth sports, the impact of coaching on a child's passion, and maintaining a growth mindset. Kirsten also discusses her journey, from her volleyball days to working at Nike and her current podcast host and author role.

For the Love of Sport covers and celebrates the entire world of youth sports. From coaches and pro athletes sharing their experiences to the admins and volunteers who keep leagues running. Each episode is a celebration of talents, experiences, and of course, youth athletes. Expect to laugh as much as you’ll learn along with our hosts, Marie and Simon.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Focus on the Three F’s: Friends, Fun, and Fundamentals

Kristen prioritizes friendships, enjoyment, and skill development over early specialization and competition. She believes that athletes under 13 should focus on having fun, building friendships, and learning the fundamental skills of various sports. This approach not only fosters a love for sports but also helps in developing well-rounded athletes.

2. Encouraging a Growth Mindset

A recurring theme in Kristen's discussion was the importance of instilling a growth mindset in young athletes. Parents and coaches should model continuous learning and improvement. Children can develop resilience and a positive attitude towards challenges by showing that failure is a part of the learning process. Kristen's advice: "Parents, those of you who are perfect, get off on the wrong exit every once in a while."

3. Navigating High School Sports and College Recruitment

For parents of high school athletes aiming for college sports, Kristen provides practical advice. She suggests seeking a mentor or coach to help guide the process, ensuring that the focus remains on the athlete's dreams and not the parent's aspirations. She also highlights the importance of realistic goal-setting and being open to various opportunities, whether in Division I, II, or III.

Want to hear more?

Tune in each month for new episodes as the dynamic duo Simon and Marie cover all things youth sports. From funny stories, to how to run your team, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. 

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