The Price WE Pay

Episode 18: Kobe Johnson (Soccer parent/Former soccer player)

- A story of sacrifice and love in the world of youth sports. 

- The 5-6 day weekly grind of being a high school athlete

- Sports can teach kids life lessons: Managing time, prioritizing, working with others, etc. 

- When you sit down and actually add up all of the expenses (10K, 20K... etc...), is it really worth it? Would it have been better to just put that $ into a college fund?

- Some advice on the ID camps. You can't do them all. Pick wisely. Ask questions. Do your research. 

- Coaches need to be honest with kids and parents, but kids and parents also have to want to hear it. Delusion is a powerful drug. 

- Doesn't have to be a "D1 or bust" mentality. It's all about finding the right fit for YOU as a player. Don't worry about the clout of D-1. 

- The sacrifices parents make in order to help their children reach their dreams...

- Kobe has no regrets. She takes the "we will make it work" mentality and believes this is what she signed up for in being a parent. It's worth it to her to be there for her daughter. 

- What happens if after 10+ years of putting time, energy, money, travel, etc. into a sport... your kid decides they are finished. They don't want to play anymore. Then what?

- Sports can be a way for a parent to bond with their child. It can be a lifelong connection. 

- Advice: Be REALISTIC with your child. Not everyone's child is Kobe Bryant or Sophia Smith. A little honesty won't kill them. 

- Uh oh... We forgot the HOT TAKES.