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Embracing Positive Stress: A Guide to Building Resilience and High-Performance Mindsets in High School Athletes

Resilience is one of the most critical life skills that coaches can help athletes develop through supportive sports experiences. It is crucial for anyone facing high-stakes performance on the field and for overcoming challenges off it. Resilience is the psychological “muscle” that enables us to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to stress, and continuously move forward despite adversity.
Sports present a unique opportunity to build resilience because they inherently involve challenges, from the disappointment of a loss to the relentless demands of training. Resilience is developed within safe, supportive environments through repeated exposure to stressors that push mental and physical boundaries. Over time, resilience becomes a competitive advantage, helping athletes sustain performance through the highs and lows of their careers.