Raising Competitors: Equipping Parents to Build Grit, Character and Leaders in Youth Sports and Life

Jake Thompson, Compete Every Day
  • 0.0 (0)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Raising Competitors™ gives sports parents practical tools to build grit, resilience, and leadership in youth athletes. Hosted by Compete Every Day founder and leadership performance coach Jake Thompson, each episode helps you raise strong, confident kids who thrive in sports, school, and life. Learn how to develop your athlete’s mindset, avoid burnout, and instill habits that go beyond the scoreboard. Because you’re not just raising players - you’re raising Competitors.

  1. 09/27/2025

    Encouraging Our Athletes to Be Leaders with Randi Corbin

    Originally aired in April 2023. In this episode, host Jake Thompson sits down with Randi Corbin, a sports performance and strength & conditioning coach at Hamilton High School. Randi also coaches freshman softball and brings a wealth of experience in developing young athletes both physically and mentally. This conversation dives deep into: How parents can support their young athletes to be strong leaders and positive teammates. The dangers of the “D1 or Bust” mentality and its impact on both athletes and their families. Strategies for avoiding early burnout, including the value of multi-sport participation. Encouraging a healthy relationship with training - seeing hard work as an opportunity, not a punishment. The role of body language in sports and how athletes can support each other through tough moments. Effective ways for parents to communicate positively, especially during the all-important car ride home.

    23 min

  2. 09/27/2025

    Transitioning Your Athlete to College with Brett Ashley Davis

    Originally aired in April 2023 Mental performance coach Brett Ashley Davis discusses how parents can help their high school athletes make a successful transition to the collegiate level without burning out or quitting. Connect with Brett on Instagram and her website BrettAshleyDavis.com.

    21 min

  3. 09/27/2025

    Keys to Being a Resilient Athlete with Elle' Nelson

    Originally aired in March 2023. Mental performance coach & IMG+ consultant Elle' Nelsonjoins the show to discuss resilience, the importance of finding & aligning our values, & how we can create space as parents to help our young athletes grow. Connect with Elle' on social media: on Instagram & LinkedIn.

    27 min

  4. 09/27/2025

    We Are More Than What We Play with Fearless Fast Pitch's Amanda Schaefer

    Originally aired in March 2023. In this episode, Jake Thompson welcomes Amanda Schaefer, founder of Fearless Fast Pitch, to discuss the crucial topics of athlete identity, self-talk, and actionable strategies for parents to help their young athletes develop strong mental skills. Amanda brings her unique perspective as a former athlete, coach, and parent of three young kids. The episode is packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and practical tools for both parents and athletes. Connect with Amanda on ⁠Instagram⁠ or on her Fearless Fast Pitch website ⁠FearlessFastPitch.com⁠. To listen to the Compete Every Day podcast episode on SaraBlakely and "Where did you fail today?" click here. Actionable Takeaways for Parents Do a time/identity inventory with your child: Examine how much time is spent on sports and discuss whether your child feels their life is balanced or if they want to make changes. Practice curiosity on the car ride home: Rather than critiquing or fixing, ask open-ended questions (“What were you thinking at that moment?” “How did you feel out there?”) and offer support—“I’m proud of you” goes further than you think. Use bedtime as a space for connection: Sit at the edge of your child’s bed and engage in low-pressure chats about their day—ask about what was good, what was hard, and their hopes for tomorrow.

    26 min

  5. 09/27/2025

    High Performance on the Diamond & in Life with former Arizona State Softball Player Bella Loomis

    Originally aired in February 2023. In this insightful episode, Jake Thompson welcomes Bella Loomis , a standout former Arizona State University softball player turned coach and sports psychology advocate. Bella shares her journey from elite athlete to mentor, highlighting the mental challenges young competitors face today and offering actionable strategies for parents and coaches to nurture resilient, confident, and purpose-driven athletes. Connect with Bella on Instagram or on her coaching website BellaLoomis.com.

    20 min

  6. 09/27/2025

    Do's & Don'ts of Helping Your Athlete Build Mental Toughness with Justine Jones

    Originally aired in February 2023. Jake Thompson sits down with Justine Jones, a mental performance coach who works with athletes ranging from middle schoolers to professionals. In this episode, they dive deep into the do’s and don’ts for parents when it comes to building mental toughness in young athletes. Justine shares actionable advice for parents on how to support their kids’ mental growth in sports and life, emphasizing the role of process, courage, and positive car ride conversations. Connect with Justine on Instagram or on her team's website RJPG.net. Do’s & Don’ts for Parents: Do: Let your child initiate post-game conversations – don’t turn the car ride home into a “coffin” by forcing debriefs or feedback.Do: Highlight courage and bravery, not just outcomes. Give attention to their effort, resilience, and sportsmanship, not just whether they won or lost.Don’t: Belittle the coach in front of your child. This puts them in a tough spot and shifts their focus away from improvement and fun.Do: Encourage a “power of yet” mindset (“I can’t do this…yet”), fostering resilience and growth.

    32 min

  7. 09/27/2025

    Ready Player Win with Klayton Carroll

    Originally aired in February 2023. This week’s episode with Klayton Carroll (author of Ready Player Win) drops a sledgehammer on weak mindsets. Klayton never played hockey growing up, but when the team needed a coach, he laced up and learned to skate. He showed up, sucked, and kept working. Because results don’t care about your background. The only thing that matters? Are you grinding to get better, or are you sitting on your hands and waiting for someone else to pave the way? Here’s the Klayton mentality: “Just because you're in small town Sidney, Montana doesn't mean you're locked into this place...Put in the work, put in the effort, you can do it.” Connect with Klayton on Instagram, LinkedIn, or order his book Ready Player Win here.

    24 min

  8. 09/27/2025

    Choosing Gratitude Instead of Obstacles with Danielle Orvella

    Originally aired in January 2023. Host Jake Thompson sits down with Danielle Orvilla, former college softball athlete, coach, and creator of The DO Method, to explore actionable ways parents and athletes can build resilience, develop a competitive mindset, and handle the pressure that comes with sports and life. Top Actionable Takeaways Let Time Diffuse Emotions: After a game, give your child space to reflect before discussing performance, especially if emotions are high. Practice Daily Gratitude: Use the “GROW” method: start each day by stating what you're grateful for, outlining your routine, finding an opportunity in adversity, and affirming your self-worth. Respect Coach-Athlete Dynamics: Parents should remember that the coach’s voice is key during the game. Support your child’s learning from others and communicate openly at home. Reframe Mindset at Home: Help your athlete see setbacks as learning moments rather than failures, focusing on lessons and growth.

    26 min
See All (34)

Trailer

About

Raising Competitors™ gives sports parents practical tools to build grit, resilience, and leadership in youth athletes. Hosted by Compete Every Day founder and leadership performance coach Jake Thompson, each episode helps you raise strong, confident kids who thrive in sports, school, and life. Learn how to develop your athlete’s mindset, avoid burnout, and instill habits that go beyond the scoreboard. Because you’re not just raising players - you’re raising Competitors.

Information