Raising Pro Athletes

What happens when your child’s sport becomes your identity? We open a frank, compassionate conversation about the moment a supportive role quietly turns into a label—soccer mom, tennis dad, climbing parent—and why that shift can derail a young athlete’s joy, growth, and mental health. Using a revealing tennis family case, we explore the hidden costs of endless travel, constant training blocks, and...

We wrestle with the hardest call in youth sports: knowing when to quit the pro chase without losing love for the game. Real stories from climbing and tennis reveal the pull of sunk costs, identity, and hope. • defining a fair line between grit and stop • what close calls actually signal in results • survivorship bias in elite sports stories • the cost of parent identity tied to sport • benchmarks...

 We're getting real about sports injuries and how to handle them when your child has to walk away from the sport they love.  It's a big deal, and as someone who's been through it all—from my husband's insane injuries to my own kids' scrapes and bruises—I've got some insights and questions for you. Let’s work together through this tough situation! We face the hardest t...

What if the same energy we pour into college tuition went into a child’s proven passion? That question pushed us to make a bold move: relocate to Spain so our two young climbers could train where the facilities, coaching, and community would stretch them. Along the way, we ran straight into a cultural double standard—applauding academic uncertainty while labeling youth sports “just a hobby”—and we...

In our society, there's an ingrained belief that university education is the only path to success. But what if your child's passion lies in becoming a professional rock climber or excelling in a particular sport? So today, we're diving into a critical topic that demands our attention: how to properly educate our athletes to help them reach their highest potential. As a parent, we mu...

Ever feel like you've become a human ATM for your little rock stars?  Yeah, me too!  This episode is all about the guilt trip we all take – neglecting ourselves for the sake of our kids' athletic dreams. Forget the trophy case – the real reward is a happy, healthy YOU! Taking care of yourself actually makes you a BETTER parent for your kids. I will be talking about the importance of find...

Ever watched your kids crumble under pressure at a competition? Yeah, been there. This episode is all about the ultimate game-changer: mental toughness training! It's not about being born tough, it's about building mental strength! I'll share a personal story of my son's competition flop, to show you how important mental preparation is. I'll also share some awesome tips on...

Today, I'm going to really open up about a topic that's close to home for many of us: the invisible battles that many extreme athletes face, the trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Find out how PTSD can sneak up on even the toughest athletes, and why it might not show up right away. Learn the red flags to watch out for so you can catch it before it takes hold. • the high ra...

Let's talk about the elephant in the room (or maybe the belay station) – your relationship with your partner! This episode is all about keeping the spark alive when your life revolves around raising champion athletes. Do you remember why you fell in love with your partner in the first place? Juggling kids, competitions, and early morning belay duty – who has time for romance? Well, I’d love t...

With a crew of eight to ten cameras capturing their every move, the climbers' true characters emerged. Some blossomed, energized by the attention and excitement - it was evident that being in front of the camera fueled their performance. On the other hand, a few talented athletes struggled to handle the pressure. Their innate abilities momentarily faded as they faced the overwhelming presence...

Today, let's dive into the often debated topic of homeschooling versus traditional schooling for young athletes. We'll explore the reality, challenges, and alternative education options that can support their athletic journey. As we discovered firsthand, many successful pro athletes are homeschooled or engage in flexible remote learning due to the demanding travel and training commitment...

As parents, we invest in memberships, coaching, federation, and equipment, but often overlook the significance of a uniform. It's not just about appearance; it symbolizes commitment and belonging. When your child is the only one without a uniform in the team, it creates a sense of detachment and sends the wrong message. By embracing the uniform, your child becomes an integral part of a unit,...

Let’s explore the captivating journey of parenting professional athletes. In this episode, we delve into the crucial roles parents play in nurturing their aspiring rock climbers. Living in Spain, we've encountered families from around the world, all sharing the same determination to see their children reach new heights in the climbing world. One parent takes on the primary role, fully dedicat...

Today, let’s delve deep into the heart of finding the perfect coaches and team for both of my sons, who are now at the next level of rock climbing. With me, Marina, we will unravel the complexities of both competition climbing and rock climbing, highlighting the distinct differences, and the need for tailored training plans. Discover the unique challenges we face as we navigate the exciting world...

In this episode, join me as we tackle a crucial topic: not letting your child's success go to their head. Living in Guatemala, my kids trained extensively, mostly self-taught, until we hired a coach from Chile. As we ventured to Spain, a hub of world-class climbers, we sought a team to elevate our children's skills. However, I realized the danger of excessive praise and the impact it can...

Let’s unravel the hidden costs and uncharted territories of joining a competitive rock climbing team. We start by exploring the different types of teams available, focusing on the advanced and competitive ones that propel young climbers to the next level. I recount my personal journey of finding the perfect team for my kids, emphasizing the importance of finding a group that challenges them and pr...

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is a federation? Well, think of it as the governing body for climbers in your country, like the USA Climbing Team or the Spain Federation. These federations play a crucial role when it comes to representing your country on the global stage, such as the Olympics. But let's talk about the nitty-gritty—fees and costs, they vary from country to country. H...

Who knew that one of the ethics of rock climbing is being quiet when someone else is tackling a challenging route? It may seem like a small detail, but it's actually a sign of respect and courtesy towards fellow climbers.  It turns out that being quiet when someone is attempting a hard route is an ethical requirement! Yes, you read that right. Even if you don't know the climber or are a...

Get ready to climb into the world of rock climbing ethics with me in this episode! As someone who's never climbed before, I was fascinated to learn about the unwritten rules of the climbing community. Did you know there are certain areas where climbers are allowed to go and others where it's strictly off-limits? It's all about respecting the natural environment and other climbers. B...

Let's talk about the one-of-a-kind bond between parents and their children that can be found in the thrilling sport of rock climbing. As a parent who doesn't climb myself, I'm always on the lookout for ways to connect with my kids. And let me tell you, rock climbing has been a game-changer! The best part? You don't have to climb to join in on the fun. The magic happens when you...

"Protecting our kids is our number one responsibility", Connie told me when we first connected. And she took this role incredibly seriously, in the non-conventional ways. Because protecting our kids in sports is rarely talked about and definitely not considered to be a priority. Because it usually is easily missed or we aren't alert to the signs. Connie and I talk about her role as...

"I’m not the usual kind of ‘athlete’s mom’ that you’re accustomed to interviewing," Dierdre warned me when we first connected about being on the podcast. And that's why I knew I had to speak to the mother of Alex Honnold, who is considered today's most accomplished rock climber and the real life star of Free Solo, Oscar winning documentary. Raising a child like Alex Honnold tak...

You don't want the coaches to be in awe of your kids because that doesn't really work. Why is it essential to choose the right climbing team for your child? Selecting the perfect climbing team for your child is crucial if you want to see them soar to new heights. As a parent, it's natural to want the best for your child and to provide them with opportunities to thrive. However, when...

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT and the REAL reasons we moved to Spain  ________________________________________________ About This Podcast It takes a village to raise a pro athlete. For the first time ever this channel takes you behind the athlete’s ‘unspoken’ road what it really takes to raise athletes.  Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats with the UNSUNG Heroes – parents, the coaches, the...

As a parent of not one but two sons with ambitions to “go pro” as Rock Climbers, your host Marina Kuperman Villatoro began navigating the often rocky terrain of raising athletes over a decade ago.  She learned quickly that while climbers compete as individuals, raising an athlete is most definitely a team sport. In this one-of-a-kind podcast Marina pulls back the curtain and dives deep into chats...