Dear Parents,
I know firsthand the roller coaster that is the journey to college athletics. Like many of you, I dedicated myself to every extra club activity, spent the money, I know training sessions (and then some), and recruiting/exposure events to help my girls "shine," and share their "stats." I believed that if I could build an impressive resume, that was enough. But over time, I learned something: my girls need to be so much more than just a "solid prospect," or a profile.
As a parent to two daughters - one a committed senior in high school and the other an 8th grader - I've experienced firsthand the unique challenges at every stage of their athletic journeys. I helped them navigate all those extra club events and trainings, yet I realized there was more at stake. I knew my girls needed to be prepared for the challenges that lie beyond recruitment. When my oldest, Lily, committed, my mind immediately went to, "Now what? How will she handle her first year away from home, in a new state, with a new coaching staff, a new system, a new team, and brand new independence that she's never been exposed to?" The pressure to excel and the mounting expectations can be overwhelming. I learned that our job isn't done when the recruiting process is over - what happens when they face the realities of college athletics? What if they feel isolated, overwhelmed, or want to quit? College sports is hard.
I spent years researching, interviewing players and coaches, speaking with mentors, parents, sports psychologists, pro-athletes, ex-athletes, all for the purpose of creating EmpowHER Athlete Collective. Inside this community, you'll find what I have learned to be some of the most important tools and resources we can put in front of our kids:
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The Right People - Influential voices from the world of college volleyball, ready to share their experiences.
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Real, Authentic Support - A network that goes beyond recruitment, offering guidance on nutrition, mental performance, and the real life challenges of transitioning to college athletics.
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Comprehensive Preparation - Strategies that ensure our daughters are not just recruited, but equipped to thrive in their first year and beyond.
Listen, your kid will play at the next level. If they really want it, they will. There are over 1,800 programs out there - someone will take them. The recruiting process itself can be daunting, but it's not difficult. You and I know they're good enough to play - are they ready enough to stay?
I invite you to join us in preparing our daughters for the realities of college athletics—not just to get there, but to stay, thrive, and become the resilient, confident athlete they have the potential to be.
- A dad.