Sammy Ryann – proud hockey mom, lifelong athlete, and youth sports advocate – joins Untapped Stories to share her journey of raising athletes and navigating the ups and downs of youth sports.

If you’re a parent raising kids in sports, you’ll relate to Sammy’s perspective. From early morning hockey practices to balancing school, training, and family time, she has seen it all. In this episode, Sammy talks about what it really means to support young athletes, how to create a positive sports environment, and the lessons parents can take away from the hockey world to apply to all sports.

Youth sports today are more competitive and demanding than ever. Parents are juggling busy schedules, kids are feeling pressure from school and sports, and coaches are trying to balance winning with development. Sammy Ryann breaks down what families can do to make sure sports remain fun, supportive, and growth-oriented. Whether you’re raising a hockey player, soccer player, basketball player, swimmer, or multi-sport athlete, the themes in this conversation apply across the board.

Sammy shares real stories about:

• Life as a hockey mom and the sacrifices parents make to give their kids opportunities.

• The importance of balance: making sure sports don’t take over family life.

• How to help kids deal with pressure, competition, and setbacks.

• Building strong relationships with coaches and teammates.

• Why sports should be about character, resilience, and confidence – not just wins and losses.

• Sports Parenting Tips: How to encourage your child without pushing too hard.

• Youth Athlete Development: Why multi-sport participation can be more valuable than early specialization.

• Mental Health in Youth Sports: Helping kids manage stress and avoid burnout.

• The Role of Parents: How to be supportive on the sidelines and at home.

• Life Lessons from Hockey: Discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership.

• Support first, coach second: Let coaches handle the training, and be your child’s biggest cheerleader.

• Focus on effort, not outcome: Praise your child for hard work, discipline, and growth rather than just wins.

• Encourage balance: School, friendships, and free time are just as important as sports success.

• Teach resilience: Help kids bounce back from losses, injuries, and tough seasons.

• Keep it fun: Kids who enjoy sports are the ones who stick with it and thrive long-term.

  
  

If you’ve ever asked yourself:

• “Am I supporting my athlete the right way?”

• “Should I let my kid specialize in one sport or play multiple?”

• “How do I handle the pressure of elite youth sports?”
  …then this episode is for you.

  
  

Sammy’s honest insights as a hockey mom will leave you inspired, reassured, and better equipped to guide your child through their sports journey.

Untapped Stories, presented by Athletes Untapped is a podcast and video series featuring athletes, parents, and coaches who are shaping the future of youth sports. From Olympians and pro athletes to everyday parents and youth coaches, our goal is to share lessons, experiences, and real conversations that help young athletes become their best selves — on and off the field.

We believe youth sports are about more than just competition. They’re about building confidence, friendships, discipline, and lifelong skills. That’s why we highlight voices like Sammy Ryann’s, giving parents and athletes the tools and perspective they need to thrive.