“Because she was so capable physically, you thought she was capable emotionally and mentally…”
—Linsey Dicks, Physical Therapist, Hahnacity: The Podcast
That quote comes from my now brother-in-law, who was my physical therapist back in 1990. At the time, I was a 12-year-old elite gymnast training in hopes of making the 1992 Olympic team.
The quote says it all.
There’s a widespread misunderstanding in youth sports culture: when a child appears physically gifted, we often assume they’re emotionally and mentally mature too. But in reality, many young athletes are still learning how to process pressure, identity, and injury…just like any other child.
When Talent and Size Mislead Adults
There are two common scenarios where adults misjudge children’s developmental needs:
- Exceptional Talent – When a child displays elite skill in sports, music, academics, or art, we may treat them as if they’re developmentally advanced in all areas.
- Early Physical Maturity – A child who looks older (e.g., taller or stronger than peers) often gets mistaken for being more emotionally or cognitively mature. But appearance doesn’t change developmental stage.
I was #1.
In 1990, my teammates and I weren’t treated as kids—we were treated as adult athletes in small bodies. We trained six days a week, around 46 hours in the gym. Physical therapy? Three to five times a week. Minor injuries were considered “normal maintenance,” and most of us could tape up an ankle or wrist better than a NBA trainer. Major injuries were often brushed off as temporary setbacks; returning to practice was expected, whether or not we’d fully healed.
In the 1990s gymnastics world, giggling or daydreaming was punished. Being a child acting like a child was seen as a weakness, not a normal part of growing up.
We are all grown up now. Many of us are raising the next generation of athletes. And I know that we want a better world for our young people today.
What Youth Sports Coaches and Parents Must Understand
Whether you’re a coach, sports program director, educator, or parent, your role is crucial in safeguarding young athletes’ physical, emotional, and psychological development.
Here are 3 essential facts every youth sports program should consider:
1. Pediatric Bones Are Still Developing
Kids’ bones are more flexible and can heal faster than adult bones, but that doesn’t mean high training volume is safe. To date, there are still NO child laws that cap the number of hours a young athlete can spend in training per week (there IS a cap for college-level athletes, but NOT for youth athletes). Overuse injuries, growth plate trauma, and long-term musculoskeletal issues can result when injury prevention in youth sports is overlooked.*
2. Child Development Happens in Phases
From age 9 to 17, a child’s brain, hormones, body, and emotional regulation go through massive changes. A coaching approach that works with a 17-year-old may be ineffective—or even harmful—with a 9-year-old. Coaching young athletes requires knowledge, awareness, and consideration of youth development, adapting training, goals, and expectations appropriate for their developmental stages.
3. Kids Are Not Mentally or Emotionally Adults
Coaches aren’t therapists, but they are responsible for creating environments where young athletes feel safe, seen, and supported. This includes:
- Recognizing when an athlete needs mental rest or emotional support
- Referring to appropriate care when needed
- Encouraging full healing after injury
- Viewing each athlete as a whole person, not just a performer
Let’s Shift to Whole-Person Athlete Development
Youth athletes are not machines. They’re not “small adults.” They’re growing humans, shaped by the adults and systems around them.
Let’s center human development in athlete development, accounting for physical growth, emotional needs, mental health, and long-term wellbeing.
One of my favorite coaches, Joanne Bockian, said it best:
“In order to be a good gymnast, first you have to be a good person, then you have to be a good athlete, and then you can be a good gymnast.”
That mindset creates safer, healthier, and more sustainable athletic journeys…for everyone.
💬 Want to Bring Whole-Person Coaching to Your Program?
If you’re part of a youth sports organization, school, or athletic club and want to integrate whole-person development into your coaching, I’d love to connect.
📩 Email me at lcollins.lcsw@gmail.com
🌐 Learn more at www.lcollinslcsw.com
Together, we can build a more supportive, research-informed sports culture for young athletes.
In solidarity,
Laura
*Ratan, R. “How Are Children’s Bones Different from Adults’ Bones?” Young Bones Clinic, October 31, 2020.
Note: This and every Athlete Illuminated post is for educational purposes only and not a replacement for mental health treatment. If you are in urgent need of mental health support, please call 9-8-8. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. For ongoing mental health concerns, consider seeking professional support or therapy.
The Athlete Psychotherapist 
Leave a comment