Way of Champions Podcast

#454 Dr. Sue Schimmel and Maureen Breeze, Authors of Playing the Long Game, on Tools for Parenting Elite and College Athletes

Nov 5, 2025
Dr. Sue Schimmel, a clinical psychologist with a rich background in sports psychology, and Maureen Breeze, a leadership development specialist, dive into the parenting of elite athletes. They discuss the importance of asking, 'How can I help?' and setting healthy boundaries. Research shows that positive involvement boosts athlete well-being, but over-reassurance can lead to anxiety. The duo emphasizes fostering long-term relationships and normalizing failure as crucial to building resilience in young athletes.
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ADVICE

Ask How You Can Help

  • Ask your athlete directly: "What can I do to be the best parent for you right now?".
  • Let them tell you the level and type of support they want and follow their lead.
INSIGHT

What 'Elite' Really Means

  • 'Elite' describes a shift to performance-focused environments with higher pressure and parental involvement.
  • Parents must intentionally shift ownership and autonomy to athletes as they age.
ADVICE

Set Parent Expectations Early

  • Programs should set clear expectations to parents about athlete development and values.
  • Share a recruitment letter outlining the program's focus on mental, emotional, and character growth.
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