Originally aired in March 2023.
In this episode, Jake Thompson welcomes Amanda Schaefer, founder of Fearless Fast Pitch, to discuss the crucial topics of athlete identity, self-talk, and actionable strategies for parents to help their young athletes develop strong mental skills. Amanda brings her unique perspective as a former athlete, coach, and parent of three young kids. The episode is packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and practical tools for both parents and athletes.
Connect with Amanda on Instagram or on her Fearless Fast Pitch website FearlessFastPitch.com.
To listen to the Compete Every Day podcast episode on SaraBlakely and "Where did you fail today?" click here.
Actionable Takeaways for Parents
Do a time/identity inventory with your child: Examine how much time is spent on sports and discuss whether your child feels their life is balanced or if they want to make changes.
Practice curiosity on the car ride home: Rather than critiquing or fixing, ask open-ended questions (“What were you thinking at that moment?” “How did you feel out there?”) and offer support—“I’m proud of you” goes further than you think.
Use bedtime as a space for connection: Sit at the edge of your child’s bed and engage in low-pressure chats about their day—ask about what was good, what was hard, and their hopes for tomorrow.