Positive Coaching Alliance

10/29/2026

“To me, it was their vulnerability and me listening to them rather than demanding something that was hazy.”

When the game plan isn’t translating to wins, the easiest instinct as a coach is to assume it’s a commitment issue.

After back-to-back losses, Coach Natalie Nakase sat down with her team and realized the heart, effort, and commitment were never in question. The players weren't resisting, they were simply confused by a hazy directive.

Instead of doubling down on demands or forcing rigid instructions, she listened to what they actually needed: direct, honest clarity. Real adjustments happen when you build an environment where your team feels safe enough to be vulnerable, speak up, and tell you how to help them succeed.

Golden State Valkyries

10/28/2026

“The decline in Black youth sports participation is not a failure of interest or ambition. It is a failure of access and investment.”

In the latest youth sports participation report from the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, Positive Coaching Alliance Chief Strategy and Impact Officer Robert Marcus addresses the systemic challenges facing youth sports today. While sports like tennis and golf are seeing historic gains, rising costs and a lack of resources continue to leave too many children behind.

Read the full article:

New data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) shows strong growth across youth sports since the COVID-19 pandemic, with explosive growth in golf and tennis. SFIA data is one measure the Aspen Institute uses to analyze the sports ecosystem as part of its Project Play initiative f

10/28/2026

The high school sports years go by in a flash. Before you know it, early morning practices, car rides, games, and seasons are over. As parents and caregivers, we have a unique opportunity to shape how our athletes remember this time.

That’s why we created the Before It's Over Checklist, a practical guide designed to help parents and caregivers protect their athlete’s experience, keep post-game conversations positive, and keep the focus on personal growth rather than just the scoreboard.

Download the FREE Before It’s Over Toolkit: https://hubs.ly/Q04CGLQZ0

10/27/2026

When an athlete stands out in their age group, it is natural to wonder if they should play up.

Deciding whether to move an athlete to an older team involves far more than physical talent. The athlete's emotional readiness, social connection with peers, and personal desire for a new challenge all shape whether the move helps or hurts their long-term development.

In this Ask PCA post, we share key considerations to help sports organizations and the adults supporting young athletes make thoughtful, athlete-centered decisions about playing up.
Have a youth sports question you would like us to answer?

Submit it here: https://hubs.ly/Q04CwFsj0

For more youth sports resources, visit: https://hubs.ly/Q04CwFPj0

10/27/2026

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash shares a defining lesson on rejection: In high school, all his friends made the baseball team while he was left off the roster. It was a hard moment, but instead of walking away, he took that disappointment straight into the off season. That setback taught him what real work actually requires, and by spring, he earned his spot back. Rejection is rarely the end of the story. It is the moment you decide whether you are willing to regroup and continue working towards your goals.

10/26/2026

From playing with girls twice her age at just 8 years old to becoming a world champion, Diana Flores has never let barriers define her. As the only girl in an all-boys league at 14, she showed the world what determination, courage, and resilience look like. Today, she's not just making history on the field, she's creating opportunities for the next generation of girls to dream bigger and play fearlessly.

10/26/2026

No matter how high the stakes get, even on the biggest stage in professional sports, the core of the game never changes: sports are meant to be fun.

When athletes play with pure joy and genuinely enjoy sharing the court with one another, it creates a energy that no game plan can match. Win or lose, preserving that sense of joy and connection is what turns a team into something truly special.

10/24/2026

What would youth sports look like if we focused less on wins and losses, and more on personal growth?

Sportscaster and former football coach Nick Saban shares why sports should be a training ground for life. When young athletes learn to focus on effort, discipline, and overcoming adversity, they build qualities that serve them far beyond the game.
We're proud to partner with ESPN to help redefine what youth sports are all about.

Join the movement and learn more here: https://hubs.ly/Q04CcpK_0

10/23/2026

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash says it well: Leadership is talked about a lot, but the most effective leaders simply lead by example. When you consistently show up, do your work the right way, and treat people with respect, you plant seeds for long term success. That mindset quickly spreads throughout an entire team or organization. Focus on the everyday actions, and let your standard set the tone.

10/23/2026

Juggling early morning practices, late game nights, homework, and a social life is a lot for any student-athlete. Learning to manage your time isn’t just about getting everything done, it’s about reducing daily stress and making sure you still have energy for the things you love.

Time management is one of the ultimate life skills you can build through sports.

Explore our full student-athlete time management guide to help you master your schedule this season: https://hubs.ly/Q04Cb_Gy0