877-632-9123Boys Town Highlights Youth Mental Health Tips as Spring Sports Pressure Peaks
Tryouts, travel schedules, injuries, and high expectations can push young athletes past healthy stress—experts share how families can help
Boys Town, Neb. – (March 10, 2026) — Spring sports season is exciting, but March is also when pressure ramps up quickly. Tryouts begin, travel schedules intensify, and competition for roster spots and playing time can make young athletes feel like every mistake matters. For some kids, that pressure does not stay on the field. It shows up as anxiety, irritability, sleep trouble, or dread before practice.
Boys Town Dr. Christopher Blank, licensed psychologist at Boys Town Behavioral Health Center, says parents are often the first to notice when “normal nerves” start turning into unhealthy stress, especially when a child’s confidence becomes tied to performance, statistics, or what they believe adults expect.
“Kids should leave sports feeling stronger, not smaller,” said Dr. Blank. “Sports can build resilience, but they can also become a source of anxiety when kids start believing their value depends on outcomes. This time of year, we often see more perfectionism. Kids are working hard, but they still feel like they are never doing enough.”
Injuries can be especially difficult for teens who see their sport as a core part of who they are. Recovery is not only physical. It can come with fear of falling behind, isolation from teammates, and a real sense of loss. Dr. Blank encourages families to treat setbacks as an opportunity to support the whole child and reinforce that their identity is bigger than athletics.
How parents can build resilient athletes:
- Praise effort and growth more than results: “I loved your hustle,” not just “good game”.
- Keep sidelines calm. Big reactions can increase pressure even when intentions are positive.
- Change the post-game conversation: “What did you learn?” “What felt better today?”
- Normalize setbacks: being cut, benched, or losing as part of development, not a verdict.
- Protect sleep and recovery. Fatigue increases burnout and injury risk.
- If injured: support identity beyond the sport with connection, routines, and other interests.
Dr. Blank is available for interviews to discuss spring sports stress, confidence versus perfectionism, injury-related mental health, and what parents can do to lower pressure while still supporting performance. For interviews, contact Jordan Weinandt at 531-355-1273 or jordan.weinandt@boystown.org.
About Boys Town
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven education, prevention, training, and treatment for behavioral and physical problems in multiple locations throughout the United States, with a comprehensive array of resources and services. In 2024, more than 3.5 million children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.
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