I wanted to bring awareness to those who have any association with youth sports about the harm that can occur by not being mindful about who we give the power to shape young minds. I can confidently say that sports have shaped who I am and how I see the world. Most of my experiences in this setting have been positive but the negative interactions/experiences I have been put in left me with deep-rooted trauma I had pushed to the darkest part of my mind.
Putting people who are not fit to be in these positions has the potential to have a large and frightening impact on developing minds. Coaches are supposed to support and uplift, be a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry on. Not a place for them to reflect the trauma they have not worked through onto new minds. Let’s be just a little bit more thoughtful about the people we give trust to. A little bit more careful when it comes to nurturing a growing mind.
