Hi Reader,
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Let’s be real—coaching high school athletes is about so much more than training plans and race-day strategies.
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It’s about those moments that keep you up at night. Like when your top athlete pulls out of a race with a “stomachache” that’s really about anxiety. Or when you overhear a joke and wonder if your team culture is unintentionally pushing athletes away.
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Sound familiar?

Your role as a coach goes far beyond teaching technical skills or improving race times. You’re shaping the environment where young athletes grow, not just as competitors, but as people.
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And that’s a big job (that many coaches aren't actually trained for!).
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The culture you create can either empower your athletes to thrive or leave them feeling unsupported and overwhelmed.
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So, how do you build a team culture that prioritizes both mental health and high performance? Let’s start with the three core psychological needs of adolescent athletes:

1️⃣ Autonomy: Belonging to Themselves

Teens are figuring out who they are, separate from parents, peers, and yes, even coaches. When they question your training plan or want more control over their schedule, it’s a reflection of their growth.
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How to support autonomy:
Instead of shutting them down, invite their input. Try saying, “I want to hear your perspective. What feels right to you?” This simple shift validates their independence and gives them ownership of their progress.

2️⃣Emotional Regulation: Managing Big Feelings

From race-day nerves to post-practice frustration, your athletes are still learning how to handle intense emotions (fun fact: emotionality tends to peak at age 13--it can be helpful to reassure them it's not always going to be like this!).​
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How to help:
When they’re upset, start by validating their feelings. Say, “That frustration makes sense. I hate it when that happens to me! Let’s figure out what you need right now.”This helps them feel seen and understood, which is the first step toward calming down and problem-solving.

3️⃣Relatedness: Forming Close Connections

For teenagers, team dynamics and peer approval often matter more than anything you say as a coach.
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How to foster connection:
Ask your team, “How can we make this a place where everyone feels supported?” By prioritizing inclusivity and connection, you’ll build a stronger, more cohesive team.

When these needs, autonomy, emotional regulation, and connection, are met, your athletes are more likely to stay engaged, enjoy the sport, and maintain good mental health. And that’s the kind of team culture that changes lives.
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Want to dive deeper into creating a mastery-oriented team culture? I’ve got you covered. Read the full blog post here for actionable strategies to build a team where athletes feel safe, supported, and motivated to perform at their best.

In other news, Skadi team member Hannah Silva-Breen was recently on the weightless podcast with Michelle Carroll, where she unpacks body image and weight stigma in sport. Listen below!

38. Body image & weight stig... Mar 3 · Weightless with Michelle... 39:58   ​

🎙️This week on the Feisty Women's Performance Podcast, we sit down with Dimity McDowell, author of The 27th Mile, to explore one of the most challenging transitions athletes face: stepping away from the sport that defines you. Dimity shares her three-year journey from being told she shouldn't run anymore to her final run in 2020, revealing the messy, non-linear process of grieving your athletic identity while navigating friendships, social media, and the question everyone asks: "How's your running going?" If you've ever struggled with injury, chronic pain, or the idea of life beyond your sport, this conversation offers the validation and practical wisdom you need to move forward with grace.

Til next time,
Dr. A

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