Episode 19: Empowering Young People to Thrive in All Areas of Life with Kirsten Jones

By loading this video, you agree to the privacy policy of Youtube.

Episode Summary:

Did you know that over 70% of athletes drop out of sports altogether by age 13? That’s just one fact we learned from Kirsten Jones, author of Raising Empowered Athletes, during this enlightening episode.

Youth sports have always acted as a great space for kids to get their energy out while learning how to collaborate, lead, and work through adversity. But, what is the experience young people are having that make them give up on something that at its core should be fun and engaging?

That’s one of many questions that’ll spark your curiosity as you tune-in and learn more from Kirsten. During our time together, she shares:

  • 🚜 Insights from her childhood and how growing up on a farm in Montana shaped her understanding of grit and resilience.
  • 🏐 Her experience as a college athlete playing volleyball for the College of William and Mary.
  • 🏆 How the professionalization of youth sports has led to increased pressure on children and parents.
  • 📚 The inspiration behind her book, Raising Empowered Athletes, and how it provides a guide for parents to raise happy, brave, and resilient kids.
  • 🏅 Where parents should focus their attention when it comes to youth sports—developing skills, mindsets, and behaviors that matter beyond just winning trophies.
  • 🧠 The importance of giving children the space to discover their own passions and dreams.

Related Resources:

  • Raising Empowered Athletes (Amazon).
    Order Kirsten’s book from Amazon or request it from your favorite independent book store.
  • #RaisingAthletes Podcast (Apple Podcasts).
    Learn more from Kirsten and her co-host, Susie Walton as they interview coaches, parents, athletes, and trainers about everything youth sports.
  • Amplify Learner Voice (LCC Online Course).
    Dive into different ways to deeply listen to learners by asking them to engage in classroom and school decisions, solicit their feedback about their learning experience, and promote equity of voice.

How About Another?

It’s Your Journey

Explore More Topics

PodcastsWebinars & Podcasts
Episode 45: Leading Together—Co-Leadership, Trust, and Redesign (with Devin Vodicka)
By loading this video, you agree to the privacy policy of Youtube.Always load Youtube videos on this site.Load VideoListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsWatch on YouTube Episode Summary: In this episode of the Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast, host Dr. Katie Martin is joined by her Co-CEO at Learner-Centered Collaborative, Dr. Devin Vodicka, for a wide-ranging conversation…
Tools
Pathways to Possibility: Reimagining CTE in California’s Continuation High Schools
Across California, continuation high schools are creating more personalized, purposeful learning experiences for students who have often been underserved by traditional systems. These schools support young people navigating poverty, housing instability, and other complex life challenges, yet too often these students are left out of education redesign efforts. Career Technical Education (CTE) is a…
Blog
Embracing Possibility at the Start of a New School Year
This year, my daughter begins her journey as a fourth-grade teacher. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of helping her set up her classroom and hear about her experiences during new teacher orientation. During one of our conversations, she asked me, “If you were still a superintendent, what would you be…