#26 - Holding the Line from the Sidelines: A Volleyball Mom on Parenting Through College Volleyball Challenges

#26 - Holding the Line from the Sidelines: A Volleyball Mom on Parenting Through College Volleyball Challenges

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

February 16, 2026 · 22 min · Season 2 · Episode 8

About this episode

Kim shares her experiences as a volleyball mom navigating the challenges of parenting a college athlete.

Sara’s long time friend, and former teammate, Kim is the mom of Sadie and shares about the experience of allowing her daughter to figure it out through her challenges. Key learnings of doing your due diligence, but also to allow them to figure it out while continuing an ongoing conversation of what is in your childs control. The family moto of maintaining - PMA -positive mental attitude was essential. As a former college volleyball player herself, Kim also reminded Sadie she could control her attitude and her serve. Mom’s pride was evident as Kim shared that Sadies work ethic was the key for creating the opportunity to play beyond high school and that she was a “Swiss Army Knife”, able to fill any role the team needed. Finally, parents can support their athletes by creating ongoing conversation and safety at home when athletes need to fall apart a little in order to put themselves back together and show up for their team as a leader.

People in this episode

Host: Sara

Guest: Kim

Topics covered

  • parenting
  • college volleyball
  • mental resilience
  • athlete support
  • work ethic

Keywords

  • volleyball
  • parenting
  • mental attitude
  • athlete challenges
  • support

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Soul Sister Leadership

Books & works: PMA - positive mental attitude

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