<p><span >Dan delves into the intertwining themes of soccer, mental health, and holistic athlete development with Dakota Carroll, Director of Teams at Steel Sports. Dakota shares her journey from youthful soccer dreams to impactful professional roles, advocating for a holistic approach to coaching that includes mental health, life skills, and yoga. The dialogue broadens to encompass the critical roles of mindfulness, community, and personal well-being, highlighted by experiences from prominent athletes like Simone Biles and personal anecdotes. The conversation underscores the importance of enjoying sports, reducing performance pressure, and fostering a supportive, community-driven environment for young athletes to thrive. Authentic stories of flow states, community bonds, and impactful coaching moments enrich this exploration of balancing sports, life, and personal growth.</span></p><p>More on Dakota: <a href="https://steelsports.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><span data-auto-link="true" data-href="https://steelsports.com/">https://steelsports.com/</span></a></p><p>Topics</p><p>00:49 Meet Dakota Carroll: Soccer Player and Yoga Enthusiast</p><p>02:04 Dakota's Role at Steel Sports</p><p>03:23 Holistic Approach to Athlete Development</p><p>05:21 Dakota's Yoga Journey and Mental Health</p><p>10:07 Incorporating Yoga into Coaching</p><p>13:20 Mindfulness and Mental Health in Sports</p><p>22:07 Personal Practice and Postpartum Journey</p><p>25:52 The Value of Staying Active in Adulthood</p><p>27:23 The Importance of Community in Sports</p><p>29:37 The Concept of Flow in Sports</p><p>30:48 Healthy Lifestyle and Longevity</p><p>34:33 Positive Coaching and Youth Sports</p><p>43:14 Cherishing Moments of Peak Performance</p><p>48:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p>