More Than Skill

In this episode, we break down the difference between  teaching mindset concepts and actually  training  them—something most coaches overlook. Many youth coaches define ideas like confidence, focus, resilience, and growth mindset…but stop short of showing athletes how to build these skills through real, repeatable practice. You’ll learn practical strategies for helping young athletes develop menta...

How do you build the mental toughness to lead—and to help athletes thrive—when the stakes are high? Toni Will, General Manager of a men’s professional hockey team and the first woman in her league to hold that role, joins Kara to share the mindset principles that determine success on and off the ice. In this conversation, Toni talks about: Breaking barriers as a woman in pro sports (12:24) Her Six...

Parents, what you say  after practice or a game  can shape your young athlete’s mindset more than you think. In this short episode, Kara shares  science-backed tips for parents of youth athletes  on how to handle the car ride home and those crucial moments after practice. Whether your child is a competitive cheerleader, plays soccer, basketball, footballl, or any youth sport , this episode shows y...

When you have athletes that seem overly emotional, angry or they just shut down, they're probably dysregulated. In this episode, Kara talks about how the nervous system can perceive a negative situation as a threat- causing athletes to become combative or upset- and tools we can use to help our athletes settle back in to a balanced and steady state. 10 questions to ask your athlete after pract...

What the heck is a mental block? Why does it happen? And what can we do to help- all questions answered in this week's episode. Kara talks about why she doesn't call it a mental block anymore and reasons why your cheerleader or gymnast is dealing with it in the first place. MST of the day: Challenge yourself like you challenge your athletes. Hold yourself to the same standards you expect f...

In a coaches mind, inconsistency looks like lack of effort- no drive, no focus .But what if the issue goes deeper than that? In this episode, Kara discusses how mindset is the root cause of inconsistency and gives you 3 tools to help combat it and build up mindset in young athletes. MST of the day: Is your athlete burned out or just micro-burned? 10 questions to ask your athlete after practice Sel...

We all love working with the talented athletes. But if you're in it for the glory, you're in it for the wrong reasons. In this episode Kara talks about why talent doesn't matter unless mindset training is a part of development. She gives 3 ways to start implementing this training today. MST: Walking Meditation with Dr. Joe Dispenza : FREE Resource: Self-Talk Quiz

Ever wish you could  shake  an athlete by the shoulders and yell, “YOU HAVE THE SKILLS—JUST BE CONFIDENT!”? (Same.) But confidence isn’t something you can hand over in a box with a bow...it’s something that’s built. Layer by layer. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the  real  formula for confidence, beyond the usual “just do more reps” or “say nice things to yourself in the mirror.” Those he...

Use these simplified mental strategy tools at your next practice or class! Hands-on activities catering to 1st graders that show the power of mindset. Green vs. Red words Flamingo Game Neuroplasticity exercise Mental Strategy Tidbit: Go Outside!

This week, Kara discusses how parents play the biggest role in coaching their young athletes. Your words matter. Your body language matters. Your actions matter. Take away 3 mindset tools that you can implement with your athlete TODAY- AND grab this FREE self-talk assessment quiz Want more? For our cheerleaders and gymnasts, be sure to check out the Talk Like a Champion Workbook to progress faster...

In this episode, Kara welcomes 14-year-old Milly-Clare from Alabama and her mom, Holly. Born with a limb difference, Milly-Clare has amazed everyone with her elite-level cheer skills, confidence, and mental toughness. We couldn’t wait to hear her story! She shares how she got started in cheer and the ways she has adapted to master the same skills as her peers. Holly reflects on a powerful moment w...

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about learning, adapting, and growing stronger through challenges. In this episode, Kara takes you inside a mental strategy session where athletes defined resilience and explored the impact of rumination on performance. We break down how true resilience is built through  reps of adversity , self-awareness, and the support of coaches, parents, and ment...

Confidence is more than just telling athletes to "believe in themselves." In this episode, we explore what confidence really means, how it develops, and actionable ways to help young athletes build it. Learn about the power of repetition, the importance of positive self-talk, and a hands-on activity you can use to demonstrate how confidence grows. This episode is packed with tips for coaches and p...

Ever wish you could turn the clock back on your season? Maybe you should've implemented some things differently or set better standards? In this episode, Kara delivers 4 tips for leaving no doubt that your season will start off on the right foot. Start strong, finish strong!

In this episode of More Than Skill , we dive into the essential role of the coach in youth sports and how a balanced approach can make or break an athlete's experience. Using my personal coaching triad— Safety, Progress, and Fun —I’ll share strategies for creating a positive and effective environment for young athletes. We’ll discuss why safety must come first, how to foster consistent progress, a...

In this episode, Kara talks about the thing all moms deal with: Mom guilt. Where does it come from, and what the heck do we do about it? Kara reflects on her past and offers a challenge to moms everywhere- will you accept?

Is your body language silently sabotaging your team’s performance? In this episode, Kara explores the powerful impact of non-verbal cues in youth sports, how coaches set the tone for practice, and why athletes tend to mirror their leader’s energy. Learn practical tips for coaches and parents to harness positive body language, improve team dynamics, and create a winning atmosphere. Perfect for coac...

Balancing schoolwork and sports can feel like a full-time job for young athletes. In this episode, Kara dives into smart, research-backed time management tips to help athletes stay on top of their academic game without sacrificing performance on the field. From reverse scheduling to using downtime effectively, we cover strategies you won’t hear every day. Plus, we explore why finding balance is cr...

In this episode, we dive into the concept of mental toughness —what it really means and how we can actively develop it as a skill. Join Kara as she shares insights from athletes on how they define mental toughness, along with her personal take on why it’s more than just pushing through discomfort. We’ll explore how mental toughness falls on a spectrum, why practicing it regularly is essential for...

In this episode, Kara delves into the world of limiting beliefs and their impact on youth athletes. Discover how deeply ingrained thoughts and beliefs can hold athletes back from reaching their full potential, and learn practical methods for coaches and parents to identify and overcome limiting beliefs in young athletes.

This week is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week! In Today's episode Kara delivers tips on how to create a supportive culture in your program. She also discusses the importance of giving our young athletes the tools they need to improve their mental health.

As your season comes to an end and you're facing the championship event, how are you mentally preparing your youth athletes? The pressure is high, it's a new environment, and you want to make sure your athletes are ready for the moment- listen in for all the tips!

Law of Attraction is a tricky concept to teach to children. In this episode, Kara breaks down 2 techniques that will help your athletes bring about their desires. Both concepts are easy to understand and implement for kids. Mental Strategy Tidbit: If you seek out evidence of your failures, you WILL find it.

This is the Big Kahuna of Mental Strategies. Don't walk- RUN to do this powerful visualization with your athletes at your next practice. It's not only a blast, but is the best strategy yet for FEELING success. Mental Strategy Tidbit: You are worthy!

In this episode, Kara will take you through the different schools of thought surrounding willpower. She'll discuss ways to make the concept of willpower accessible and engaging for youth athletes. Take away 4 actionable steps for increasing willpower in your athletes and children.