Valiant Learning Search

Anxiety & Stress

Recognizing and managing performance pressure.

Burnout

Spotting the signs before the flame goes out.

Confidence

Building a healthy sense of self-worth through sport.

Fear of Failure

Reframing mistakes as the engine of growth.

Identity Loss

Who is your athlete beyond the sport they play?

After the Final Whistle: Identity Loss, Anxiety & Finding Yourself Again

This is the episode Todd Merkow says is the reason he started Valiant Sports Society. In Episode 31, he sits back down with his youngest daughter Sydney — not to revisit the playing days, but to go somewhere far more difficult: what happened after the game ended for good. Sydney came back for a second conversation because the first one, Episode 3, only told part of the story. This time, she tells

Be Smart. Don't Be Scared.

Todd Merkow sits down with Jonathan Carone — founder and host of Healthy Sports Parents, former youth and competitive athlete, youth sports coach, and sports parent. Jonathan describes himself as the epitome of a marginal athlete: good enough to make all-stars in rec league, never quite good enough to stick on a school team, and completely fine with that. He played rec basketball through eighth gr

Be There for the Journey

Todd Merkow sits down with Jeff Proctor — longtime friend, Valiant Sports Society board member, director, producer, game show creator, and now documentary filmmaker — for a wide-ranging conversation about what it means to be a sports parent when you've lived the athlete's life yourself. Jeff grew up in Carmel, Indiana, the child of divorced parents, playing everything — church baseball, hockey, t

Build a League Worth Believing In

Todd Merkow sits down with Christian Lavers — founder and president of the ECNL (Elite Clubs National League), former Director of Coaching and Methodology at FC Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin finance and soccer alumnus, holder of both an MBA and a law degree, and father of four young children ages four through eight. The ECNL has grown from 40 clubs and roughly 2,000 players at its founding in

Compassionate and Competitive

Todd Merkow sits down with Crystalrae States — founder and owner of Boilermaker Softball Club in Pennsylvania, former Division II catcher and head coach, master's-level exercise and sport science professional, and mother of three young kids — for a wide-ranging conversation about what it actually looks like to build a female-first youth sports organization from scratch, why development and winning

Why do athletes struggle after sports?

A sports chapter can change because of graduation, injury, a team decision, or a child’s own choice. Even a positive transition can bring a real sense of loss. Parents can help by recognizing that sport may have provided structure, community, and identity—not simply a schedule. Supporting the person beyond the athlete creates room for what comes next.

'Don't Be a Helicopter Parent': Annika Sorenstam's Tips for Your Kid's Sports Experience

Golf legend and 10-time major champion Annika Sorenstam was once so shy she would intentionally lose junior tournaments to avoid speaking in public. Now a sports mom herself, she shares what she's learned about fostering independence, going with the flow, and letting kids lead their own journey.

June 3, 2025

10 Misconceptions About Kids Sports — and How Parents Can Push Against Them

From 'winning leads to advancement' to 'you need to specialize early,' Steve Borelli breaks down the 10 most common delusions sports parents hold — and what the research actually says about each one.

April 26, 2026

A Must Watch for Every Sports Parent Regarding Mental Health

The Kansas City Royals, in collaboration with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, have produced a compelling documentary that every youth sports parent, coach, and club organization needs to see.

July 2024

Don't Forget to Call Mom: MLB Catcher Gets Candid About Sports Struggles

Baltimore Orioles catcher Maverick Handley — Stanford graduate, seven-year minor leaguer — gets refreshingly honest about burnout, self-doubt, identity, and what young athletes and their parents really need to hear.

February 14, 2026

Five Burning Questions to Help You and Your Kid 'Survive' Youth Sports

How much pressure is OK? What if your kid only wants to play one position? What if they love sports but hate teams? Steve Borelli answers five of the most common — and most important — questions sports parents ask.

May 2, 2026

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential support for people in distress. Call or text 988 anytime.

Aspen Institute Project Play

Data-driven research on youth sports participation, health, and well-being — the most comprehensive resource in the field.

Mental Health America

Tools, screenings, and resources to support mental health for young athletes and their families.

National Alliance for Youth Sports

Programs and resources to make youth sports safe, fun, and positive for every child.

National Eating Disorders Association

Support, resources, and community for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.