Athlete Minded: Stories

Today, hockey coach and University of Minnesota adjunct professor Sarah Westall joins us to discuss bullying in athletics. Sarah has seen athletics from both sides, as a parent and as a coach.  The most powerful statement during this episode was when she said, "Parents will put up with almost anything if they think their kids have a shot."  This is so true, yet unfortunate for the athlete.  Sports has become so serious for young athletes that the pressure they feel is unbelievable.  And when coaches bully their young athletes, some parents will brush it under the rug because they don't want to upset the chances the young athlete may have to play at the next level. Overall, this episode was interesting because Sarah but a lot of the responsibility on the parents here.  She mentioned they should stop complaining about every little thing, so that when real, important things happen, the coaches and administrators will listen. Sarah also runs a radio show entitled "Business Game Changers" and you can find it, and