Do you remember how tough it was to be 13?

Your body is changing….your voice is changing….you’re trying to figure out what it means to be cool (or if you even care).  You’re experiencing your first tastes of independence, and learning different roles, and different ways to communicate…

Pile on top of that the additional challenges of trying to develop as an athlete.  Sports has such a visible role in our culture, and youth sports participation is at al all time high.

Being 13 is tough enough.  Being a 13 year old athlete is even tougher.

There are differences in the expectations of your coaches (and perhaps) parents, the additional pressure of trying to keep it all straight, and develop confidence.

Sports Psychology Consultant Erika Carlson, of Excellence in Sport Performance in the SF bay area works specifically with young athletes 12-14 and up, and she has a unique approach, focusing on development, instead of achievement.

Erika works with youth athletes in soccer, golf, tennis, and many other sports to help them develop as people, not just achieve success on the field.  In this Athletes Audio Academy interview, Erika discusses key mental skills that relate specifically to the younger athlete, and has some advice for parents and coaches, too.

Erika designs and implements comprehensive mental training programs for clubs, teams and individuals.

Erika also has the privilege of working as a Leadership Coach for the Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy, and is a Certified Consultant by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.

You can contact Erika Carlson, M.A., Certified Consultant-AASP here.