Podcast Interview: What Busts Girls’ Confidence in Youth Sports?

What hurts girls’ confidence in youth sports?

I was surprised by my interview with Breanne Smedley, a certified female athlete Confidence Coach, former college volleyball player, youth sports coach and founder of The Elite Competitor. She identified three fears that hold young female athletes back.

In the past, I had talked to youth sports experts–as well as female athletes–about body image challenges. But talking to Smedley, I was surprised to learn about two other challenges girls face in youth sports: worrying about angering their friends for excelling in sports and for being chosen as leaders. In fact, excelling or being a leader puts a target on the girls’ backs, Smedley said.

Smedley also had some interesting things to say about the role of mothers in their daughters’ youth sports experience.

Listen to the podcast here:

What Hurts Girls’ Confidence in Sports? And Mom’s Role?