Episode 66: Vincent Minjares (Aspen Institute- ACL Pledge)
🎙 In this episode: I sit down with Vincent Minjares of the Aspen Institute to dig into a topic that’s personal for me: ACL injuries. I’ve lived through one myself, and I’ve coached far too many athletes—especially female soccer players—through this brutal setback. The phrase “It’s not if, but when” has become way too common. But after this conversation, I’m more convinced than ever that we don’t have to accept that reality.
🔹 Why This Hits Home
My own ACL journey and the players I’ve coached who’ve gone through it.
🔹 The Fear Factor
Why athletes (and parents) feel ACL injuries are inevitable, especially in girls’ sports.
🔹 The Game-Changer
How 15–20 minutes of neuromuscular training, a few times a week, makes a measurable difference.
🔹 The Price Tag: $0
These prevention strategies are free. Literally. There’s no excuse not to use them.
🔹 A Coach’s Regret
Why I wish I had made ACL prevention a priority earlier in my career.
🔹 Parents’ Big Questions
Is it the turf? The menstrual cycle? Genetics? Sleep? Where the science actually points.
🔹 Culture Check
Why youth sports spends endlessly on gear and travel but skips basic prevention.
🔹 Hope > Helplessness
We’ll never erase the risk entirely, but we are not powerless.
🔹 A Call to Action
Coaches, parents, athletes—no more excuses. We must do better.
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