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Raising Elite Competitors

Raising Elite Competitors

By: Coach Bre
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About this listen

The GO TO PODCAST for Sports Moms raising confident girl athletes! Elite Competitor Co-Founder Coach Breanne Smedley (AKA Coach Bre) is all about empowering moms with the tools they need to strengthen their athlete daughter's mental game so she believes in herself as much as you do (and plays like it!). Whether you're a sports mom with lots of seasons under your belt, just getting started on this sports journey, or somewhere in between... think of this podcast as your go-to guide to helping your daughter navigate the ups and downs of her sports journey. If you feel like you've tried everything to build your daughter's confidence and often don't know what to say to support her (especially when she's being super hard on herself), then you're in the right place. Coach Bre and her guests break it down into actionable strategies that WORK so that you never have to feel stuck not knowing what to say or how to help your athlete daughter again. Through what you learn on the Raising Elite Competitors Podcast, you can ensure that your daughter's mental game and confidence is her biggest strength... in sports AND life!

🚀 FREE Training for sports moms: trainhergame.com
💙 Thanks for being a valued podcast listener! Save $400 on our #1 Mental Training Program for Girl Athletes - The Elite Mental Game: https://elitecompetitor.com/emg

© 2025 Kristina + Breanne, Co
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Episodes
  • Athlete Q&A: Negative Teammates, Pressure, Toxic Coaches & Bouncing Back
    Sep 2 2025

    Have you ever felt like you’re lagging behind, struggling to keep up with your teammates, or crushed by negative vibes from others? Or maybe you’re coming back from an injury and wondering if you’ll ever be your old self again. This episode is for all of you who need some no-fluff, real advice to boost your confidence, handle pressure, and keep your head in the game.

    In this episode, we discuss the real questions athletes face every day and sharing simple, practical tips that actually work, from stopping comparison and staying calm under pressure, to dealing with negative teammates and much more.

    Here’s what we cover:

    • Why looking over your shoulder in a race can make you fall, literally and mentally.
    • How to flip “Why am I not like her?” into “What can I learn from her?”.
    • The power of celebrating tiny daily wins instead of chasing perfection.
    • Staying grounded in the present moment so your confidence stays solid.
    • Real tips for coming back from injury without beating yourself up.
    • What to do if your coach says you look scared and why bravery isn’t about never feeling fear.
    • How to protect your energy when teammates are negative and even turn it around with kindness.
    • Simple ways to stay calm and have fun when the pressure’s on.
    • Why what others think shouldn’t stop you from playing your best.
    • Handling tough feedback from parents without losing your confidence.
    • Taking risks without being paralyzed by fear of mistakes.
    • Getting ready for tryouts with the right mindset.
    • Setting boundaries when team drama tries to drag you down.

    Ready to run your own race with your head held high? Listen to the full episode now and let’s do this together!

    Episode Highlights:

    [00:08:20] Find Your Micro Wins. The second tip: combat comparison by focusing on how you were better than yesterday and finding one small win from today, no matter how practice went.

    [00:12:25] Coming Back from Injury. Coach Saylor advises an athlete feeling behind after an injury to trust the process, focus on micro wins, and even suggests writing a "breakup letter" to your past self to embrace who you're becoming.

    [00:19:26] Dealing with Negative Teammates. I share a story about a disengaged player to illustrate a key point: you can't change negative people, so stop focusing on them and instead pour your energy into the teammates who are locked in.

    [00:29:00] When Teammates Hate on Your Wins. Coach Saylor advises creating a "bubble" to let negative comments bounce off and to surround yourself with positive teammates. Coach Rachel adds that giving a genuine compliment can sometimes change the dynamic entirely.

    [00:37:23] Navigating Team Drama. Advice on dealing with a specific negative teammate: protect your energy, align with positive players, and remember it's not your job to fix them. Only involve a coach if there's bullying or abusive behavior.

    Next Steps:

    • Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
    • Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

    Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on

    Register here for the Summer Confidence Series to grab the free PDF with scripts, strategies, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!

    Join the Waitlist for Dream Team - our high level 6 month coaching program for competitive girl athletes!

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Back to School Special: How to Start the Next Sports Season Strong (Tips From Sports Moms)
    Aug 26 2025

    Does your daughter ever come home from a game second-guessing herself… or even in tears after a tough play? Wish you had a game plan for helping her bounce back stronger and actually love the sport again—even when things don’t go perfectly? This episode is the boost every sports parent needs, packed with honest stories, hands-on tips, and the real talk that rarely makes it onto the sidelines.

    In this episode, you’ll discover:

    • How real moms are helping their girls conquer nerves, shake off mistakes, and find their confidence, even after rough games or tough coaching feedback.
    • The simple yet powerful strategies that actually work: from pre-game breathing routines and visualization to “snapback” rituals for mistake recovery.
    • What to do when “work on your attitude” just isn’t enough and how parents are filling the gaps coaches can’t always reach.
    • How making mental skills part of everyday family life transforms not just one athlete, but siblings (and sometimes parents!) too.
    • Inspiring and relatable stories, messy moments, honest emotions, and small family wins matter most on the journey to resilience.
    • Tips for celebrating progress, talking about tough games, and connecting with a supportive community of parents walking the same path.

    Don’t miss out! If you’re ready for real-life advice and a few “that’s so us!” moments, plus new tools you can try this week, hit play on the full episode. Join the conversation and discover how to help your athlete build confidence that lasts all season long.

    Episode Highlights:

    [06:45] Mental Challenges Young Athletes Face. Discussion about nerves, pressure from coaches, and difficulty bouncing back after mistakes. Highlights the gap in mental skills training in many youth sports programs.

    [11:00] What Sparked Moms to Join the Program. Moms describe spotting struggles like anxiety, self-doubt, and harsh coaching feedback. They explain how generic advice wasn’t enough, leading them to seek mental training tools tailored for their daughters.

    [22:30] Integrating Mental Skills into Family Life. Panel discusses how mental tools influence siblings and parents too, creating a supportive environment where resilience and positive mindset become family habits.

    [34:00] Invitation to The Elite Mental Game Program. Encouragement to incorporate mental training this season and details about current program offerings and discounts for families interested in deeper support.

    [58:40] Q&A: Parents Ask About Habit-Building. Discussion about how to encourage consistent mental skill practice without making it feel like a chore, emphasizing small daily habits and family involvement.

    Next Steps:

    • Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
    • Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

    Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

    Register here for the Summer Confidence Series to grab the free PDF with scripts, strategies, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!

    Join the Waitlist for Dream Team - our high level 6 month coaching program for competitive girl athletes!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • A Mom’s Guide to Tryouts: How to Help (Without Hovering)
    Aug 19 2025

    Is your athlete gearing up for tryouts… and you’re secretly more stressed than she is?

    You’re not alone. Tryout week can bring all the nerves, for athletes and their moms. But how do you actually support her without adding pressure, overstepping, or spiraling right alongside her?

    In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to prepare your athlete (and yourself) for tryouts – mentally, emotionally, and practically.

    Here’s what this episode covers:

    • What parents need to check in on before tryouts even start.
    • How to shift the focus from “making the team” to “showing up strong”.
    • A coach’s honest perspective on what actually stands out at tryouts.
    • Simple ways to help your athlete prep without hovering.
    • What to say (and what not to say) during the tryout season.
    • How to boost her confidence outside of her sport.
    • Key mental skills athletes need to handle nerves, bounce back from mistakes, and perform under pressure.
    • What to do if she doesn’t make the team and how to turn disappointment into growth.

    Tryouts don’t have to break her or you. Listen in and get the tools to show up steady, supportive, and strong... no matter the outcome.

    Episode Highlights:

    [00:00:00] Tryout Season = High Stress. Tryouts bring a wave of stress for athletes, coaches, and especially parents. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, but there are ways to handle it well.

    [00:01:47] Start with the Parent. Before helping an athlete, parents should check in with themselves. Acknowledging personal stress and avoiding projection helps create a calmer environment.

    [00:03:00] Focus on Her Goals. Instead of assuming what she wants, ask the athlete what her goals are for tryouts. Shifting the focus to effort and pride helps relieve outcome pressure.

    [00:05:03] When the Goal Feels Out of Reach. If the athlete sets a big goal, parents can gently steer the conversation toward effort and backup plans, without crushing her confidence.

    [00:06:49] Watch the Words. Phrases like “You better make the team” only add pressure. Encouragement should stay focused on effort, attitude, and what’s in her control.

    [00:07:41] Mental Game is the Real Game. Tryouts are mentally demanding. Without tools to manage nerves and recover from mistakes, even skilled athletes can struggle.

    [00:08:43] Visualize the Outcome. Positive visualization, seeing success before it happens, helps athletes shift from anxious anticipation to confident execution.

    [00:09:00] Anchor in Affirmations. Simple self-talk like “I’m ready” or “I belong here” gives athletes something to lean on in high-pressure moments.

    [00:10:23] Reset Fast With a Snapback Routine. A go-to reset routine helps athletes move on from mistakes quickly, one of the most valuable tools in competitive sports.

    [00:12:28] Real Success is in Adaptability. The biggest win from tryouts? Learning to adapt, stay grounded, and keep going no matter what the outcome says.

    Next Steps:

    • Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
    • Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

    Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

    Register here for the Summer Confidence Series to grab the free PDF with scripts, strategies, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
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