Be Valiant - Powered by Valiant Sports Society

Be Valiant: The Podcast for Fearless Sports Parenting is a thoughtful, real-world guide for those navigating the complex and emotional world of youth sports. Hosted by Todd Merkow, the founder and CEO of Valiant Sports Society, the show brings together a wide range of voices — from parents who’ve been in the trenches, to former youth athletes now reflecting on their journeys as adults, to experts in mental performance, physical health, and orthopedic care. Coaches, trainers, and thought leaders join the conversation to share firsthand insights on what young athletes truly need to thrive — and why parent education is essential to that success. With a focus on honesty, growth, and fearless support, Be Valiant empowers parents to lead with purpose, patience, and perspective — increasing the likelihood that their kids not only develop in healthy, positive ways but also have the most fun possible along the way.

I Lost Myself After Youth Soccer: Sydney Merkow's Story of Identity Loss, Eating Disorder, Anxiety & Healing 05/13/2026

Linda Flanagan: What Youth Sports Can Be (Part 2) 04/29/2026

Linda Flanagan: What Youth Sports Can Be (Part 2) In this follow-up conversation, Linda Flanagan returns to Be Valiant to move beyond the problems in youth sports and focus on what parents can actually do to create a better experience for their kids. After unpacking what youth sports has become in Part 1, this episode shifts to a more empowering conversation—centered on perspective, priorities, and the choices families can make to take back control. Linda shares real-world insights from her experience as a parent, coach, and author of Take Back the Game, including how to navigate pressure from clubs, how to think about specialization, and why outcomes like college sports and elite competition are often misunderstood. We also explore what true “success” in youth sports really looks like—and why it has far more to do with long-term health, enjoyment, and identity than wins, rankings, or scholarships. This episode dives into: • Why stepping back can actually benefit your child’s development • How to evaluate team culture and coaching environments • The importance of multi-sport participation and avoiding burnout • What parents should prioritize when making youth sports decisions • How to help kids maintain a healthy identity beyond their sport Linda also shares a powerful reminder for parents: youth sports are not as important as they’ve been made to feel—and that realization can be incredibly freeing. If Part 1 helps you understand the system, this conversation is about navigating it with more clarity, confidence, and intention. Because youth sports doesn’t have to stay what it is today—it can be something better. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/40961030

[Essential] Linda Flanagan: What Youth Sports Has Become (Part 1) 04/22/2026

[Essential] Linda Flanagan: What Youth Sports Has Become (Part 1) Before sharing my newest conversation with Linda Flanagan, I wanted to bring back our original discussion—because this is where the conversation started. In this episode, Linda, author of Take Back the Game, joins me for a powerful look at what youth sports has become. From the pressure parents feel to the commercialization of the system, to the growing concerns around mental health, identity, and early specialization, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the reality many families are navigating today. Linda brings a unique perspective as a former athlete, longtime coach, parent of three, and journalist who has spent years studying the evolution of youth sports. Together, we explore how we got here, and why so many well-intentioned parents find themselves caught in a system that feels overwhelming, confusing, and at times, misaligned with what’s best for their kids. We talk about: The fear that drives youth sports decisions today The pressure to specialize early—and why it can backfire How identity can become too tied to a single sport The disconnect between what parents want and what the system demands Why youth sports can feel far more important than it actually is This episode is Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Linda. In Part 2, we shift from understanding the problem to exploring what youth sports can be—and how parents can start making more confident, informed decisions for their families. If you’re a parent trying to navigate the youth sports journey, this is an important place to start. Because before we can change the experience—we have to understand it. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/40957175

Barry Buetel: A Girl Dad’s Youth Sports Journey Through Pressure, Mistakes, and What Really Matters 04/15/2026

Barry Buetel: A Girl Dad’s Youth Sports Journey Through Pressure, Mistakes, and What Really Matters What really happens when a lifelong sports professional becomes a youth sports parent? In this episode of Be Valiant, Host Todd Merkow sits down with longtime friend and broadcaster Barry Buetel to unpack the real, often emotional journey of raising three daughters in youth sports. Despite decades in professional sports, Barry shares how unprepared he felt stepping into the youth sports environment—and how quickly things like pressure, sideline behavior, and the pursuit of scholarships can change a parent’s perspective. Together, they explore: • The shock of entering competitive youth sports as a parent • The difference between development and winning—and why it matters • How sideline behavior impacts every child, not just your own • The emotional toll youth sports can take on families • The importance of relationships, culture, and choosing the right coach • Why, in the end, it’s about time together—not outcomes This is an honest, relatable conversation about mistakes, growth, and what it really means to support your child through sports. Final Thought If you’re a parent navigating youth sports, remember: You’re allowed to walk away from the wrong team. You’re allowed to demand a better culture. And most importantly—you’re allowed to lead your family in a way that’s right for your kids. Be Valiant. Play Fearless. Powered by Valiant Sports Society For more info and resources go to www.PlayFearless.org Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/40726345

Jonathon Carone: Healthy Sports Parents, Fear, Failure, and Letting Kids Find Their Own Path 04/08/2026

Liz Masakayan: An Olympic Volleyball Player and Coach’s Perspective on Youth Sports 04/01/2026

Liz Masakayan: An Olympic Volleyball Player and Coach’s Perspective on Youth Sports In this episode of Be Valiant, host Todd Merkow sits down with former Olympian, elite beach volleyball player, and coach Liz Masakayan for a candid, real-world conversation about what youth sports has become—and what it should be. Drawing from her experience as both an athlete and coach, Liz breaks down the growing tension between structure and freedom in youth sports. From the pressures of tryouts and early specialization to the realities of team dynamics, confidence, and development, this episode challenges many of the assumptions parents and athletes carry into the process. Todd and Liz explore: Why so many athletes are moving from indoor to beach volleyball The difference between control and ownership in an athlete’s journey How early labels and positional decisions can limit development The importance of accountability, communication, and resilience What parents get wrong—especially from the sidelines Why adversity, not comfort, leads to long-term growth This is not a theoretical conversation—it’s grounded in lived experience, real challenges, and honest perspective. If you’re a parent navigating youth sports, or an athlete trying to find your path, this episode will help you think differently about development, competition, and what truly matters. Be Valiant. Play Fearless Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/40648540

Andrew Beinbrink: The Truth About College Recruiting (and What Parents Get Wrong) 03/25/2026

Christian Lavers and the ECNL Vision: What Youth Sports Should Look Like 03/18/2026

Christian Lavers and the ECNL Vision: What Youth Sports Should Look Like In this episode of Be Valiant, host Todd Merkow sits down with Christian Lavers — founder and president of the ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) and a lifelong coach who has helped shape the modern landscape of elite youth soccer and college recruiting. Christian shares his own youth sports journey, how his parents approached sports in their household, and what ultimately pulled him from finance into coaching and leadership in the game. Christian breaks down why the ECNL was created, the original problems it set out to solve on the girls’ side, and how competition and adversity helped sharpen the league’s mission over time. The conversation goes deeper than wins and exposure, exploring what a truly great youth sports experience should feel like for players, parents, and families — and why environment matters as much as outcomes. Todd and Christian also discuss the changing realities of youth sports today: sideline behavior, communication between parents and coaches, mental health, and why resources like coach education and athlete health research are becoming essential. Christian explains how the ECNL is investing in better coaching, better information, and better experiences — while staying “sport-driven,” not just business-driven. The episode closes with a fun rapid-fire segment, including Christian’s definition of what it means to Be Valiant: be brave, be honorable, and stand up for what you believe. Key topics covered Christian’s multi-sport background, specialization, and path into coaching The origin story of the ECNL and how it evolved into a national platform Club standards, league values, and what creates an “aspirational” environment Parents, coaches, and communication: building better guardrails Youth athlete mental health, sleep, and the importance of credible resources High school soccer, balance, and avoiding overly “professionalized” youth sports The future of ECNL and what “best experience in the world” really means Links to Referenced Info: Guest: Christian Lavers (Founder & President, ECNL) Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/40331850

Dr. Erik Dean: Multi-Sport, Time Off, and Smart Prevention: A Sports Doctor’s Playbook 03/11/2026

Joel Votaw - From the Middle of the Field: What Youth Soccer Referees Wish Parents Knew 03/04/2026

Joel Votaw - From the Middle of the Field: What Youth Soccer Referees Wish Parents Knew Be Valiant sits down with Joel Votaw, Arizona’s State Referee Administrator and a longtime youth sports parent, for a conversation from the perspective most families never hear: the middle of the field. Joel shares what today’s referee landscape really looks like—why a huge percentage of officials are teenagers, what drives the ongoing referee shortage, and how sideline behavior (from parents and coaches) impacts not only the game, but the confidence and mental health of young officials. Together, Todd and Joel unpack the difference between passion vs. abuse, why tryout season creates so much stress for families, and what it takes to build a safer, more respectful environment where kids can simply play. You’ll also hear Joel’s push to grow the pipeline of female referees, plus practical ideas for how parents can help—starting with one simple habit that goes further than most people realize. If you’ve ever yelled “Call it both ways,” questioned a handball, or wondered what refs are thinking when the sidelines get heated—this episode is for you. Topics covered: The reality of youth referees (and why so many are minors) Why officials quit—and what keeps them in the game Passion vs. abuse: where the line gets crossed How coach behavior fuels parent behavior (and vice versa) Building “Team Cool” culture on the sidelines Growing pathways for women in officiating Share this episode with a coach, a team parent, or any family entering the soccer/travel sports world. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. Learn more about Valiant Sports Society: www.PlayFearless.org Support the mission: playfearless.org/donate Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/40265335

Skye Eddy: How to Be the Sports Parent Your Child Actually Needs 02/25/2026

Crystalrae States: Development, Mental Health & Youth Softball 02/18/2026

Crystalrae States: Development, Mental Health & Youth Softball This episode is a must-listen for softball parents (and yes—baseball parents too). Todd Merkow sits down with Crystalrae States, a former Division II catcher, longtime coach, and the founder/owner of Boilermaker Softball Club in Pennsylvania—built with a clear mission: female-first development, led by high-quality coaches, and anchored in perspective, communication, and care. Crystalrae shares her journey from athlete to educator to sports industry leader—working in facility management, national youth programming, and coaching at multiple levels, including as head softball coach at Holy Family University. She also brings fresh perspective as a sports parent just entering the youth sports grind, raising three young kids (ages 3, 5, and 7). Together, Todd and Crystalrae unpack what too many families are fighting through right now: Why development beats “tournament chasing”—especially at 10U/12U/14U transitions The real challenge of finding quality coaches, and why female coaches are harder to retain (not for lack of talent—because life moves fast after college) How Boilermaker’s culture is built on relationships, long-term growth, and creating athletes who still call their coach years later for advice The red flags of overpromising college outcomes (“We can’t tell a 10U kid we’ll get them to Oklahoma…”) The narrowing window for multi-sport athletes, and how clubs can support cross-training without forcing early specialization A grounded approach to mental health: looking for patterns, getting to the root—not the symptom—and knowing when families should seek professional support Why sports culture at home matters—and how parents can follow the child’s path instead of projecting their own Parent-coach communication done right: clear boundaries, real conversations, and shared responsibility for the athlete’s experience The conversation closes with rapid fire, laughs, and Crystalrae’s direct message to parents: these are kids—keep perspective, love watching them play, and don’t lose the joy. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/40099940

Growing Up Santo: How Linda Santo Raised Confident, Balanced Athletes 02/11/2026

Growing Up Santo: How Linda Santo Raised Confident, Balanced Athletes In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode of Be Valiant, Todd Merkow sits down with longtime friend Linda Santo—sports parent, sports media veteran, and the daughter of Chicago Cubs icon and MLB Hall of Famer Ron Santo—for a wide-ranging conversation about youth sports culture, pressure, and what it really takes to protect kids’ confidence and joy. Linda begins with her own unique upbringing in a baseball household shaped by her father’s legacy, explaining how her view of sports was influenced not only by Ron Santo the player, but later by Ron Santo the broadcaster—returning to the Cubs spotlight for more than two decades and deepening his bond with the city of Chicago. From there, the conversation turns toward the generational contrast of sports parenting: the “drop-off and go” era versus today’s hyper-involved, high-pressure environment—where kids are coached, evaluated, and specialized far earlier than ever. At the center of the episode are Linda’s two sons, Sam and Spencer, and their very different journeys through baseball. Sam, a natural athlete (including a remarkable early ability as a switch hitter), experiences the emotions of trying out for his high school program—a moment that forces a new path and ultimately leads him to soccer, where he rediscovers confidence and joy before later returning to baseball with a healthier mindset. Spencer, driven and relentless, dives deep into the modern club baseball machine—private coaching, travel weekends, roster politics, and the mental strain of constant performance evaluation. Linda shares the toll that pressure can take on a young athlete’s identity, including the telltale signs of stress and overthinking that parents often miss until it’s staring them in the face. Together, Todd and Linda unpack the realities of today’s “manufactured athlete” ecosystem: expensive club programs, oversized rosters, status ladders (“A team / B team”), parental sideline dynamics, and the myth that more money and more training automatically equals a college scholarship or pro opportunity. They also underscore a critical theme for families: multi-sport participation isn’t just nostalgic—it can be a lifeline, physically and emotionally, especially when one sport stops being fun. The episode closes with rapid-fire takeaways and a powerful message Linda returns to again and again: keep perspective, protect the kid, and play the long game. The goal isn’t just producing athletes—it’s raising healthy, resilient young adults. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/40066350

Part 3 of 3 — When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes: Will Proctor, The Athlete’s Voice 02/04/2026

Part 3 of 3 — When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes: Will Proctor, The Athlete’s Voice In the final episode of the three-part series “When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes,” Todd Merkow sits down with longtime family friend Will Proctor to hear the athlete’s full story—after earlier conversations with Will’s parents, Jeff and Lisa Proctor. Will shares how sports shaped his identity from a young age, how baseball became his obsession, and how early success brought elite opportunities—and intense, self-imposed pressure. He opens up about the anxiety that quietly built behind the scenes, the moment everything shifted during his senior year of high school under heavy scouting attention, and how mental strain can derail performance even when the talent is there. Will then takes listeners through college baseball at the University of Georgia, an unexpected transition from infielder to pitcher, and a rapid rise that put him back on a pro trajectory—until a devastating shoulder injury changed everything. He describes the physical pain, the emotional fallout, the identity loss that followed, and the difficult process of letting go of the game he loved. Today, Will has built a new path as a filmmaker—carrying the discipline and drive from sports into creative work, including his documentary project American Daredevil. This episode is a powerful reminder for parents and athletes: your sport is something you do, not who you are—and the journey matters more than the outcome. Be Valiant. Play Fearless. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/39952470

Part 2 of 3 - When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes: Lisa Proctor, A Mother’s Perspective 01/28/2026

Part 2 of 3 - When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes: Lisa Proctor, A Mother’s Perspective In Part 2 of 3 of When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes, Todd Merkow sits down with Lisa Proctor—attorney, former ranked junior tennis player in Texas, marathoner, and the mother at the center of the Proctor family’s youth sports journey. Lisa shares her own athletic story first: a highly competitive tennis career that unraveled in her senior year as she struggled with what we now recognize as the “mental game” and the yips—long before mental health support was part of the sports conversation. That lived experience shaped how she approached parenting two very different athletes: Hannah, who played with a healthier, more social mindset, and Will, whose discipline, drive, and identity became deeply tied to baseball. This episode goes behind the highlight reel and into the moments families rarely discuss: the pressure of MLB scout attention in high school, confidence swings, the intensity of SEC baseball, and the reality that athletes often hide anxiety behind toughness. Lisa describes the period leading into Will’s shoulder injury—how quickly the dream shifted, what it was like to be in Athens as everything changed, and how difficult it was to watch the physical setbacks fuel emotional weight. She also reflects candidly on parenting differences—how she and Jeff processed the end of Will’s baseball career differently—and why “checking in” matters more than checking stats. Lisa’s message for parents is direct and earned: talk to your kids, pull out what they’re really feeling, and remember it’s their journey. This conversation sets the stage for Part 3, where the story is told by Will himself—the athlete living it. Listen next: Part 3 of 3 — Will Proctor: The Athlete’s Voice. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/39799135

Part 1 of 3 — When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes: Jeff Proctor, A Dad’s View 01/21/2026

Part 1 of 3 — When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes: Jeff Proctor, A Dad’s View In this episode of Be Valiant, host Todd Merkow is joined by longtime friend, sports media executive, and Valiant Sports Society board member Jeff Proctor for the first conversation in a three-part family series examining youth sports, pressure, injury, and identity. From Jeff’s perspective as a former collegiate athlete and father of two, this episode explores what it’s like to support a child navigating elite youth and collegiate sports—often without fully realizing the mental and emotional weight they are carrying. Jeff reflects on his own upbringing in a very different sports era, the evolution of youth sports today, and how early success, scholarships, and professional attention can quietly introduce pressure long before failure appears. The conversation follows Jeff’s son Will’s journey from multi-sport athlete to elite baseball prospect, including national rankings, SEC competition, and MLB draft attention—before a devastating injury altered everything. Jeff candidly shares what he saw, what he missed, and what he learned as a parent watching from the outside, particularly around mental health, anxiety, and identity loss when the game ends. This episode sets the foundation for the series, which continues with Part 2 (the mother’s perspective) and concludes with Part 3 (the athlete’s voice)—offering a rare, multi-angle look at the realities families face when chasing big sports dreams. This episode is for parents, athletes, and coaches who want a more honest understanding of what youth sports success really looks like—and what it can cost if we’re not paying attention. Listen next: Part 2 of 3 — When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes: Lisa Proctor, A Mother’s Perspective Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/39791315

Jody Jackson: Sports, Youth Sports Parenting, and Perspective 01/14/2026

Jody Jackson: Sports, Youth Sports Parenting, and Perspective In this episode of Be Valiant, host Todd Merkow sits down with longtime Arizona sports broadcaster and sports parent Jody Jackson for a candid conversation about navigating youth sports, competition, and mental health. Jody shares her unique perspective as a former collegiate athlete and the parent of two high-level youth athletes—a quarterback and a pitcher—two of the most pressure-filled positions in sports. Together, they explore the realities of club volleyball and club softball, the emotional toll of tryouts, early specialization, coaching dynamics, and the financial and mental strain placed on families. The conversation also highlights the importance of character, resilience, and perspective—reminding parents that athletic performance does not define a child’s value. Jody reflects on moments of adversity her children faced, how they learned to bounce back, and why allowing kids to own their journey is essential for long-term growth and well-being. This episode is a powerful reminder that youth sports should build confident, healthy human beings—not just athletes. Key Takeaways for Parents Athletes are human beings first: Performance does not define worth. Pressure positions amplify mental stress: Quarterbacks and pitchers carry unique emotional burdens. Specialization isn’t always the answer: Multi-sport exposure and balance matter. Club sports demand vigilance: Politics, finances, and culture can overshadow development. Let kids own their journey: Parents should guide, not dictate. Resilience is built through adversity: Struggles often teach more than success. College paths are not one-size-fits-all: Club sports can be a fulfilling alternative. Be present: The sidelines, the bleachers, and the quiet moments matter more than parents realize. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2025 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/39718655

Mark Hilinski: What Parents Don’t See — Student-Athlete Mental Health and Hilinski’s Hope 01/07/2026

Mark Hilinski: What Parents Don’t See — Student-Athlete Mental Health and Hilinski’s Hope In this powerful and deeply human episode of Be Valiant, Todd Merkow sits down with Mark Hilinski, co-founder of Hilinski’s Hope and father of Tyler Hilinski, the Washington State quarterback who died by suicide in 2018. Todd opens with the sobering reality that college sports continues to face devastating losses—reminding listeners that high-achieving athletes can carry unseen mental and emotional weight. Mark takes us back to the Hilinski family’s youth sports journey: three athletic sons, a multi-sport upbringing, and the family-centered culture that many sports parents will recognize—practice fields, carpools, snack bars, and the joy that sports can bring. He describes Tyler as the “Mr. Happy” teammate: a funny, caring, relentlessly positive presence who made others feel seen, often by focusing on them instead of himself. The conversation then turns to the questions that haunt so many families after tragedy: What did we miss? What signs were there? Mark shares how few indicators surfaced—and how Tyler’s struggles remained largely invisible until the very end. He also discusses Tyler’s posthumous diagnosis of CTE Stage 1, the uncertainty around what causes CTE and how it manifests, and how those findings shaped difficult conversations about risk, identity, and athlete brain health. Finally, Mark explains how Hilinski’s Hope transformed grief into action—creating campus education, resources, and Student-Athlete Mental Health Week, now embraced by hundreds of schools nationwide. For parents listening, Mark offers a core message: don’t let a crisis be the first time mental health is discussed. Build the habit early. Make every topic safe. Trust your gut when something feels off. And remember that sport can be a gift—when the athlete’s whole person is protected, not just their performance. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child’s health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2025 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/b8fd253f-19f8-4339-a207-378d8d6cac9f/id/39635595