How Young Athletes Can Prepare for College Sports

Earlier this week, I had Stephanie Mock Grubbs join me for my latest podcast episode,

And if you haven’t heard of her, she’s the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance at the Univerisity of Pittsburgh.

In this episode, we shared a lot of valuable insights for young athletes about the transition to collegiate sports, and I wanted to pass along the key takeaways from Stephanie’s experience and knowledge.

Embrace and Enjoy the Learning Progress

The shift to collegiate sports is highly competitive, and patience combined with a willingness to learn and adapt is essential.

Encourage your athlete to approach their training with curiosity - ask questions and seek to understand the “why” behind their regimen. (even if the questions may seem obvious)

Consistent effort, a strong work ethic, and controlling what they can (attitude and preparation) will set them apart from their teammates.

Prioritize Recovery

Recovery often gets overlooked but it is crucial for athletic performance.

Stephanie discussed the 4 quadrants of recovery that every athlete should do or at least consider:

1. Sleep and Nutrition

Prioritize quality deep sleep and consider using meditation or sleep-tracking apps to enhance rest. 

2. Heat & Cold Therapy

Ice baths, heat therapy, and other methods help reduce soreness and aid recovery.

3. Massage Therapy

Incorporate self-massage or professional therapy to relieve muscle tension.

4. Red Light Therapy

Newer recovery methods like red light therapy can reduce inflammation and support faster tissue recovery.

Ask the Right Questions

When athletes get to the recruiting process, they must stay active. When I say active, I mean asking questions during campus visits such as:

- What resources are available for athletes (nutrition, training, academics)?

- How does the coaching staff approach athlete development?

- What’s the culture like within the team and athletic department?

Taking charge of these conversations ensures athletes have the right information to make informed decisions

By focusing on learning, recovery, and self-advocacy, your athlete will be prepared for their collegiate journey.

If you want to learn more about these insights and strategies,

Click here to watch the full episode with Steph Mock Grubbs

Have a great day,

Liam.

P.S. I also offer 1-1 online coaching here

If you’re interested in learning more about youth athletic development you can check out my podcast below!