The Sports Mom Playbook

The Sports Mom Playbook

byRachel Heller

KidsFamilyParentingSocietyCulturePersonalSports

Welcome to The Sports Mom Playbook, the podcast for moms navigating the beautiful chaos of youth sports and motherhood. Hosted by Rachel Heller — a Jersey girl, baseball mom, soccer mom, and coach’s wife — this show is for the moms running on cold coffee, packed schedules, camp chairs, and unconditional love for their kids. Each week, Rachel dives into the real side of youth sports with honest conversations, relatable stories, practical advice, and the moments people don’t talk about enough. From sideline struggles and mom guilt to big wins, tough losses, and everything in between, no topic is off limits.But...

Episodes(40 episodes)

19. We Listen and We Don’t Judge: Real Sports Mom Confessions
Welcome back to The Sports Moms Playbook Podcast where the sunflower seeds are crunchy, the sideline stories are spicy, and the laughs are always real.In this highly requested episode, we're doing something a little different… and a little nerve-wracking. Grab your favorite snack and settle in for the “We Listen and We Don’t Judge” edition. Three amazing sports moms—Audrey, Katie, and Carrie Lynn—join us for a candid, hilarious, and at times jaw-dropping panel where anonymous mom confessions take center stage.From climbing fences and missing games in the wrong city, to shady snack hacks...
Published: May 23, 2025Duration: 46m 8s
18. Game Over, Emotions On: Parenting Through the Ride Home
Ever wonder what really happens in the car after a tough game or tournament? In this episode of The Sports Moms Playbook Podcast, hosts Yaritza and Rachel get real about one of the most emotionally charged parts of sports parenting: the car ride home. From frustrated tears to teachable moments, they share personal stories, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tips on how to support your athlete without crushing their spirit.Whether your kiddo wants to vent, cry, celebrate—or just blast music and move on—this conversation will help you create a safe, encouraging space on the ride home.<br...
Published: May 9, 2025Duration: 23m 59s
17. From Reps to Resilience: Helping Your Athlete Thrive Off the Field
In this episode of The Official SportsMoms Playbook Podcast, hosts Rachel and Yaritza dive into a topic every sports parent asks about: How to develop your young athlete beyond regular practices and games. They share personal stories, practical tips, and real-life strategies for building a well-rounded player—on the field, in the classroom, and at home.  From pitching lessons and skill development to the importance of social time and mental resilience, Rachel and Yaritza open up about what’s working for their own kids and what’s not.They also introduce an exciting new tool they're working...
Published: Apr 25, 2025Duration: 40m 4s
16. Why Your Kid Might Quit Sports — And What Morgan Stuart Says Could Save Them
Morgan, an author, coach, and mentor, shares her journey and the motivation behind her must-read book for both young athletes and their parents. Dive into the insightful conversation as Morgan discusses the importance of embracing failure, maintaining balance in sports, and the significance of open dialogue between athletes and their mentors. From her personal experiences in competitive softball to her current role in shaping young talents, Morgan offers invaluable advice and practical tips for thriving in sports and beyond. Tune in as they explore Morgan's unique approach to coaching and uncover the secrets to developing a resilient mindset. Whether you're...
Published: Apr 11, 2025Duration: 40m 45s
15. Rec Ball to Real Talk: Coaching, Parenting & the Travel Ball Truth
Welcome back to The Sports Moms Playbook Podcast, brought to you by Official Sports Moms MVP!This week, we’re diving deep with special guest Katie Bertotti—mom of three, co-founder of the Central Florida Flamingos, and longtime coach with a serious love for the game. In this candid, unfiltered conversation, we unpack what it really means to transition from rec ball to travel ball, the challenges of coaching your own kids, and how gentle parenting fits into competitive team dynamics (hint: it’s not always gentle).Katie shares her powerful perspective as a mom, coach, and fo...
Published: Mar 28, 2025Duration: 46m 59s
14. The Do’s and Don’ts of Sideline Behavior
What happens when a parent’s sideline antics overshadow a young athlete’s potential? Picture this: a mom so caught up in the game that she hilariously suggests an umpire might need glasses, not realizing scouts are observing more than just the players. Join us as we explore the delicate balance of being a supportive sports parent and the surprising ripple effects it can have on a child's future. We'll share tales from both coaches and parents about the often-overlooked impact of parental conduct on college recruitment, providing both laugh-out-loud moments and serious food for thought. Ever wondered how a bag...
Published: Mar 14, 2025Duration: 27m 31s
13. Parent Drama & Team Dynamics: How to Keep the Peace
Every sports mom knows—team culture can make or break a season! This week on The Sports Mom Playbook Podcast, hosts Rachel and special guests dive into a real and unfiltered conversation about managing team dynamics, protecting your culture, and dealing with those “bad apples” before they spoil the whole bunch.  From handling sideline drama to navigating difficult parent and player relationships, we’re getting into the tough conversations that every sports mom (and dad) has had to face. We also share personal stories of betrayal, leadership, and the power of grace, boundaries, and clear communication when running a...
Published: Feb 28, 2025Duration: 40m 10s
12. The Joy of Play: Building Community and Mentorship in Youth Sports with Special Guest Mark Paul
Mark Paul, is a trailblazer in the sports industry who has seamlessly transitioned from viral video stardom to entrepreneurship. Mark shares his incredible journey of creating high-quality, affordable sports products, nut his true passion lies in mentoring the next generation of athletes through youth coaching.In this episode, we dive deep into the world of youth baseball through the eyes of a dedicated coach who has mastered the art of building strong networks and communities. From scouting talent at national tournaments to forming strategic partnerships with organizations like Grand Slam and 2D Sports, our guest reveals the secrets...
Published: Feb 14, 2025Duration: 42m 36s
11. Quirky Sports Parents: Tryouts, Drama, and Hilarious Moments
Join us for a delightful episode where we dive into the humorous quirks of sports parents, like a coach with the unforgettable habit of licking his hands and rubbing them on baseballs, and share the excitement of new sports adventures for kids like Grayson and Callie. We also navigate the emotional whirlwind of youth sports tryouts, offering personal stories and advice on managing the challenges of team dynamics and the drama of making the cut. Discover the importance of transparency with coaches and avoiding the rumor mill as we provide insights into supporting your child's sporting dreams with g...
Published: Jan 31, 2025Duration: 28m 23s
10. Mental Fitness for Sports Moms and Young Athletes with Ellin Gurvitch
In this heartfelt and insightful episode of The Sports Moms Playbook Podcast, Rachel and Yuritza sit down with Ellin Gurvitch, a licensed mental health counselor and certified nutrition and performance coach. Ellen shares invaluable strategies for fostering mental fitness in young athletes, supporting parents in their journey, and navigating the pressures of youth sports.From addressing performance anxiety and body image struggles to teaching parents how to model resilience and self-care, Ellen delivers actionable advice for creating a healthier mindset both on and off the field. Learn about the power of mantras, visualization techniques, and building a strong...
Published: Jan 17, 2025Duration: 43m 58s
9. Body Image, Eating Disorders, and Youth Sports with Barbara Reese
In this impactful episode of The Sports Mom Playbook, hosts Rachel and Yaritza explore the crucial topic of body image and body positivity for young athletes. Joined by Barbara Reese, a leading expert in eating disorders and mental health, the conversation offers valuable insights for parents, coaches, and anyone invested in the well-being of children in sports. Barbara shares her wealth of experience, including over 25 years in practice and her journey from the competitive world of ballet to founding Resilience Therapy. Together, they explore:The cultural and social pressures shaping body image in today’s youth.Warning signs of unhealthy ea...
Published: Jan 3, 2025Duration: 36m 41s
8. Tackling Travel Ball Expenses: Fundraising Tips for Sports Moms
In this episode of SportsMoms Playbook Podcast, hosts Rachel and Seth dive into the realities of travel ball expenses and share creative fundraising ideas to help lighten the financial load. From discussing the costs of registration fees, equipment, and tournament travel to sharing practical tips like in-person sponsorship outreach, raffles, and community give-back nights, this episode is packed with actionable advice for sports moms.You'll also hear about some must-have sports mom gear, hilarious on-field stories, and innovative fundraising successes that build team spirit and community connections. Whether you're juggling multiple athletes or looking for ways to make...
Published: Dec 20, 2024Duration: 36m 11s
7. Embracing the Chaos: Finding the Balance in Motherhood
Dive into the exhilarating yet challenging world of being a sports mom and entrepreneur. In this episode, we explore the art of juggling family commitments, sports schedules, and the ever-present chaos of daily life, especially during the bustling holiday season. Hear firsthand experiences and creative strategies that help create special moments, ensuring your children feel celebrated amidst packed schedules.Discover the joys and challenges of involving kids in meal preparation, fostering independence, and the value of unstructured play. We also touch on the modern approach to homework, advocating for real-world learning experiences outside traditional schoolwork.This...
Published: Dec 6, 2024Duration: 33m 59s
6. Debunking the Myths of Athletic Scholarships with Coach Margo
Join us as Coach Margo, with 15+ years in high school and travel ball coaching, explores college sports recruitment. Gain insights into leveraging technology, understanding NCAA rules, and the impact of NIL deals. Learn to craft a personalized recruitment path, considering geography and family proximity.Coach Margo highlights balancing athletic skills with academics, debunks scholarship myths, and clarifies recruitment timelines. She emphasizes mental health support and the supportive role of parents. Discover how to maintain a positive digital footprint to attract college scouts.This episode is essential for aspiring athletes and families, covering family dynamics and common...
Published: Nov 22, 2024Duration: 47m 50s
Bonus Episode: The Tea on Petty Betty vs Cocky Coach
In this exclusive members-only episode, co-hosts Rachel Heller and Yaritza Srichaiyan serve up a piping-hot edition of The Bleacher Tea Report. Rachel opens up about a deeply personal and candid experience involving her son, Grayson, and a run-in with an "elite"—and, say, egotistical—baseball trainer. Things get real as Rachel reveals the highs and lows of navigating the situation, the tough calls she had to make as a mom, and the lessons she learned about trusting her gut regarding her child’s well-being.Expect raw emotions, empowering insights, and just the right amount of sass—because a few “Pet...
Published: Nov 15, 2024Duration: 13m 57s
4. The Do's and Don'ts of Field Etiquette
Imagine this: you're at your child's sports game, the air buzzing with excitement, when suddenly a parent from the opposing team criticizes your kid. How do you handle it? In this episode of the Sports Mom Playbook, titled "Sideline Stories: Navigating Sportsmanship and Fan Etiquette in Youth Sports," we dive into the emotional highs and lows of parenting from the bleachers. Join us as we explore the often chaotic dynamics of youth sports, where parents can become overzealous fans or unintentional coaches, and kids face immense pressure from all sides.Through a series of humorous and insightful anecdotes...
Published: Nov 8, 2024Duration: 25m 41s
3. Life as a Coach's Wife
Welcome to another episode of "The Sports Mom Playbook," where we dive into the unique, fascinating, and sometimes challenging world of being a coach's wife! Hosts share their deeply personal experiences of balancing family life with the demanding roles of their husbands, who are volunteer coaches. Rachel opens up about losing friendships and the struggles of maintaining privacy, while Yaritza discusses the scrutiny and judgment their families often face.In this episode, we tackle:The emotional highs and lows of signing day surprises and team initiation parties. 🎉Conflict and laughter, including a memorable moment of d...
Published: Oct 25, 2024Duration: 35m 54s
2. What's in Your Kid's Snack Bag
In this episode, we’ll dive into the world of sports snacks, discussing everything from nostalgic orange slices to today’s elaborate goodie bags. You'll hear hilarious anecdotes, tips on healthy snack alternatives, and why some parents believe snacks are simply "out of control." By the end of this episode, you'll gain practical advice and fresh ideas for keeping your young athletes nourished without breaking the bank—or your sanity. 🍏⚽️🍉Subscribe to The Tea Report: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/supportConnect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsportsmommvpShop The Merch: https://o...
Published: Oct 11, 2024Duration: 18m 38s
1. Rachel's Sports Mom Story: More Than Just A Game
In today's heartfelt episode, co-hosts Rachel Heller and Yaritza Srichaiyan explore the powerful impact of youth sports on child development. Rachel opens up about her son Grayson’s journey, sharing their experiences with speech delays, bullying, and a late diagnosis of dyslexia. Discover how baseball became more than just a game for Grayson, transforming into a vital space for building confidence and resilience. Yaritza also delves into the broader benefits of youth sports, from teaching time management and personal responsibility to nurturing essential life skills.This emotional and inspiring episode celebrates the perseverance of young athletes and...
Published: Sep 27, 2024Duration: 17m 52s
Welcome to The Sports Mom Playbook
Welcome to The Sports Mom Playbook. Get ready to dive into the world of youth sports with your hosts, Rachel Heller and Yaritza Srichaiyan.We’re taking you behind the scenes with real sports moms and industry experts, sharing tips, tricks, and relatable stories that will make your life on and off the field a little easier. From navigating schedules and team snacks to celebrating wins and overcoming losses, this podcast is your go-to resource for all things youth sports.Join us as we laugh, learn, and celebrate the true MVPs of the game—moms! ...
Published: Sep 27, 2024Duration: 2m 13s