The drive home after a game is one of the most powerful moments in your athlete’s week. Emotions are high. Identity feels fragile. And what you say — even casually — can either build resilience or quietly chip away at confidence. When parents criticize coaches, compare teammates, or overanalyze performance, girls often internalize it as pressure or inadequacy. But when we shift the conversation toward ownership, team celebration, and personal growth, the car ride becomes a confidence-building ritual. The goal isn’t to ignore mistakes. It’s to create a culture where athletes can celebrate others without feeling diminished, acknowledge their own strengths without shame, and take responsibility without spiraling.
Top 3 Takeaways
1. Focus on the good in others - service mindset
Build a mindset where someone else’s success expands the team and let them know!
2. Be a great role model
Learn to accept compliments.
3. Work with what we’ve got - own your role and excel
Appreciate the skills you have.
What is Unstoppable Athlete - Mental Resilience for Teen Athletes?
Sara and Michelle are experienced volleyball coaches who's mission is to empower teen athletes to unlock their full potential - on and off the court - by cultivating growth mindset, building resilience, mastering sports psychology, regulating their nervous systems and setting meaningful, actionable goals.
We want to share experience and stories from young athletes and ex-pros to help young athletes be UNSTOPPABLE in competition and in life.