Identity Crisis

Episode 42: Travis Snider (Former MLB 1st round draft pick, 3A Athletics Owner)

In this episode, I sit down with Travis Snider, former MLB first-round pick and owner of 3A Athletics, to discuss the challenges of identity in sports, the pressures young athletes face, and how parents can better support their kids on and off the field.

🔹 The Weight of Identity in Sports – Travis shares how his self-worth was too tied to his athletic success, a struggle many young athletes face.

🔹 The Pressure of Early Talent Labels – When kids are labeled as “naturals,” it shapes their identity, often creating unrealistic expectations.

🔹 Performance-Based Identity – How tying self-love and self-worth to success can be harmful for young athletes.

🔹 Parents & The Post-Game Car Ride – For many kids, the car ride home isn’t a safe space—it’s where they feel the most pressure and judgment.

🔹 When Parents' Identities Get Wrapped in Their Kids’ Success – The added stress young athletes feel when their parents’ egos and emotions ride on their performance.

🔹 Fighting the Instinct to “Fix” – Parents want to help when they see their kids struggling, but sometimes stepping back is the best way to teach resilience.

🔹 Triggering Moments in Youth Sports – The importance of staying neutral, recognizing emotional cues, and resisting the urge to intervene with coaches.

🔹 Burnout & The Cost of Youth Sports – Are we losing kids to burnout from the intensity and high financial stakes of youth athletics?

🔹 Rethinking Participation Trophies – Sometimes, they’re actually age-appropriate—let’s stop hating on them.

🔹 Finding Joy in Youth Sports – Are we playing the game, or working the game? Parents, don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

 

And of course... More HOT TAKES