Summer Reads : Travis Rogers' “PARENTING ATHLETIC KIDS”
When riding the wave of a 20-year journey, numerous nuggets of information -- lessons, observations, ideas, and in my case, youth sport characteristics -- get lost along the way*. (*Reason number 1 to consider Journaling)
But similar to many aspects of life, including friendships!, it is crucial to remember that if those nuggets of information are genuinely significant, and strong enough to endure the test of time, they will ultimately resurface, and reveal themselves in a brighter, more prominent light.
My friend, personal trainer, and esteemed sports performance enhancement specialist, Travis Rogers, has not only helped influence my journey over the last 3 years, but he has also helped me rediscover a great number of those nuggets of information through our training sessions, conversations, and certainly now with his first book, "Parenting Athletic Kids".
In his inaugural book, *Parenting Athletic Kids*, Travis not only delves into the what he believe it takes for the Optimal Sports Experience, but also guides and rejuvenates awareness among parents and coaches about critical issues in the development of young athletes. The book is about 100 pages, so nothing too long or intense. Rather simple and straightforward, and within it, Travis clearly hits on what I agree to believe are some of the most important topics in youth sports and development. “Parenting Athletic Kids” is the perfect guide for us - parents, coaches, professional athletes and influencers - to focus better on creating the optimal sports environment for confidence, resilience, and work ethic (among many others) in kids and for one another.
My long time buddy, and world class single track cyclist, James Tainter, had mentioned Travis and his MindRite Training company and website for a few years, and after the pandemic we thought it would be good for us to finally get introduced. We initially talked baseball, and sports business, and setting goals for ourselves and our companies, and I had no doubt, I wanted to take “Big Time” on as my personal trainer to push me and to keep these discussions going.
As a former D1 baseball catcher, turned Coach, and tremendous father of 2, 5-star athletes, I got lucky in finding the right trainer willing to push me with the understanding of where I could go physically with lifting, but also mentally with coaching and growing the (AKA) vision. His sons Will, a pitcher/catcher at Michigan (2024 Big Ten Tournament MVP) and Drew, former MN State HS Player of the Year now heading to Georgia Tech to play catcher on a full ride scholarship, are quality characters and goal driven athletes. Travis humbly talks about his boys and other clients throughout the book with their young experiences through multi-sports and high level baseball.
But where Travis and I connect is not on the stories and accolades of his class-act, super-stud sons. Rather it’s our awareness of today’s everyday athlete, particularly within the highly competitive landscape of youth sports. When together, we discuss and explore ways to enhance mental awareness for aspiring athletes, young and old. I was pleasantly surprised when he revealed earlier this spring that he was releasing a book—a publication well-suited for readers interested in insightful concepts and compelling narratives throughout its pages.
Each Chapter is well placed in progressive order, and I believe organized to best guide parents, coaches, and kids. Besides Chapter 1’s - The 3 pillars Optimal Sports Experience - Enjoyment, Athletic Development, & Personal Development , my favorite Chapters, or one’s that stood out and/or are the most influential in this turbulent world of youth sports are:
Chapter 3 - Growth Mindset
Chapter 8: Age-Specific Considerations &
Chapter 10: Trophies for Everyone! (not really)
Remember that sports, however competitive or recreational you want to make them, are intended to last a lifetime. Embrace the process, maintain the “Growth Mindset”, and use sport as a tool to develop your body, brain, and spirit for a lifetime of play. I full-heartedly believe that this book, in all of its simplicity, is a perfect read for parents, kids, and all sport lovers as we navigate through this now complex world of sport.
And as much as I look forward to Travis’ next project/goal/book, I am going to take my time with this one, and embrace the vitality of these re-found ideas and motivators, these nuggets of information perfect for not only those involved with AKASPORT and Parents with Athletic Kids, but all of you who have a stake in youth sports development as a whole. Thanks “Big Time” TR, top notch buddy!
-CS
And if you are interested in having Travis work with your athlete - you, your son or daughter - on building self-esteem and confidence in sports performance, check out his website, mindritetraining.com, and feel free to reach out!