Navigating Adversity in Sports: Building Resilience When Times Get Tough


In our latest podcast episode of "Confident Calm and Clutch Car Ride Conversations," we delve into one of the most challenging yet pivotal chapters of my softball journey. Joined by my dad and former coach, we reflect on an intense junior year that put my confidence and love for the game to the ultimate test. This episode is perfect for parents and athletes facing a tough season and offers insights on how to navigate adversity together as a family.

Reflecting on Junior Year Challenges

A significant theme of today's discussion revolves around resilience. During my junior year, I faced several hurdles, from striking out in a crucial game to dealing with a coach who didn't prioritize the right values. My dad and I share what it meant to navigate these difficulties as both an athlete and a parent. For those of you supporting a young athlete during a rough patch, this episode offers some meaningful guidance.

Learning from Setbacks

Every athlete experiences moments of self-doubt and loss of confidence. For me, it was during a tournament where I went through a particularly rough patch, striking out multiple times. My dad noticed the change in my behavior—something he hadn't seen before. We decided to seek help from a sports psychologist, which became a turning point for my mental toughness and resilience.

Emphasizing What You Can Control

Throughout our dialogue, a key message emerged: focus on what you can control. Whether it's your effort, your preparation, or your attitude, these are the elements within your control. We decided together that if you can't contribute on the field, show the best sportsmanship outside of it. Be the loudest cheerleader, the best teammate, and maintain your integrity, regardless of the circumstance.

Parental Support and Open Communication

Our conversation highlighted the importance of communication between parents and children. Parents often feel helpless when they see their child struggling but don't know how to act. We encourage openness and honesty, discussing what support might look like from both perspectives. This can help ensure that during tough times, relationships are strengthened rather than strained.


Concluding our episode, we explored how these lessons from sports are invaluable in life. Resilience, determination, and maintaining a positive attitude under pressure are skills that will serve well beyond the playing field. We hope this episode offers you insights and inspires honest conversations about mental toughness and resilience.

For those interested in more advice and insights, consider joining my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter. And always feel free to reach out with ideas or questions about resilience and mental toughness on social media at @valstoncoaching.

Thank you for joining us on this enriching journey of building stronger relationships and lifelong skills—one car ride at a time. Please share this episode with someone who might benefit from it, and let's continue to foster a healthy dialogue about youth sports and resilience.

​