Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast
Hosted by Samantha Livingstone
Ep. 8 - Peter Verhoef - Power of Honoring the Whole Athlete, Human First
Summary
In this conversation, Head Swim Coach and Aquatics Director of the Bolles School, Peter Verhoef, shares his journey from a young swimmer to a coach, reflecting on the profound impact of his upbringing, family values, and the importance of community in sports. He discusses the lessons learned from his parents, the significance of perseverance, and the role of coaches in shaping athletes. Peter emphasizes the need for intrinsic motivation in sports and offers valuable insights for parents navigating their children's athletic journeys, highlighting the balance between support and expectations. In this conversation, Peter Verhoef and Samantha Livingstone discuss the complexities of youth sports commitments, the balance between family values and sports, and the role of parents in supporting their children’s athletic journeys. They reflect on their own experiences in competitive swimming, particularly the pressures and expectations surrounding performance, and emphasize the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with sports for young athletes.
0:00 Introduction and Gratitude
02:02 Family Influence and Values
Quotes
“If you're not addressing the human element, the emotional experience of your athletes, you're missing the whole point.” [04:58]
“You can't just drive people and drive people and expect them to be okay.” [09:12]
“We can talk about mental performance, but if we’re not creating emotional safety first, it’s a lost cause.” [13:20]
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