Courtside Forever Episode 1 | Youth Sports in America - Are we pushing our kids too hard?

In this debut episode of Courtside Forever, I dive into a question that’s been on my mind for a while: Are youth sports still about fun, or have they turned into a grind fueled by adult expectations?

Growing up, sports were about the love of the game, but things have changed. Now, kids feel like they’re in high-stakes competition rather than just playing for fun. I’ve seen it firsthand on the sidelines—where the pressure from parents and coaches can either make or break a child’s experience. And the stats don’t lie: 70% of kids quit sports by age 13 because of excessive pressure.

In this episode, I unpack how high expectations and comparisons to pro athletes are sucking the joy out of sports for kids. I also explore the role parents play—sometimes without realizing it. From sideline outbursts to tense car rides home, 36% of young athletes say their parents are their biggest source of stress in sports.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. I share practical ways to bring back the fun—focusing on effort over results, encouraging balance, and making sure kids actually enjoy the game. Because at the end of the day, youth sports should be about building confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the game—not burnout.

Thanks for tuning in to Courtside Forever! Let’s rethink how we show up for our young athletes.