#23 - Mean Girls and Team Dynamics Episode S2.5

#23 - Mean Girls and Team Dynamics Episode S2.5

From Unstoppable Athlete - Mental Resilience for Teen Athletes by Soul Sister Leadership

January 27, 2026 · 24 min · Season 2 · Episode 5

About this episode

Sara and Michelle discuss team dynamics and mean girl behavior among teen athletes, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect.

Sara and Michelle turn their camera on while they debrief from the past weekend. A few themes came up around team dynamics and the potential appearance of mean girl behaviour. What can parents and coaches do about it and what can an athlete recognize as her own responsibility in team relationships? Attitude and Energy are what you are in control of. Connecting with teammates doesn’t mean you need to be besties with everyone but it does mean leading with kindness and respect. Team culture of playing for each other and making the people around you better, vs playing for yourself will payoff on and off the court. Giving shout outs! Parents - be aware if it might be your daughter engaging in mean girl behaviour. - Ask the coach how to help with bonding; mixing up who drives with who, team dinners, crafting clips or bag tags - ask questions and be curious if they are complaining about another Help them reflect and look deeper, how is it for the other person What part can they own? Top 3 Take Aways Team culture - a focus on kindness and respect on and OFF the court Parents - recognize your role and ask questions. Also create situations for all to mingle. Players - self reflection, how…

People in this episode

Hosts: Sara, Michelle

Topics covered

  • team dynamics
  • mean girl behavior
  • athlete responsibility
  • kindness
  • team culture

Keywords

  • team dynamics
  • mean girls
  • athlete responsibility
  • kindness
  • team culture
  • self reflection
  • parent involvement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Soul Sister Leadership

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