Ages 8–18

Kirsten Jones

Sports Parenting Coach | Peak Performance | Former D-I Athlete

Competitive Balance Sports Specialization Dealing With Coaches Burnout Fear of Failure Tryouts Confidence Recruiting Quitting Sports Team Dynamics Athletic Pressure Positive Parenting Keeping It Fun Mental Well-being Sideline Behavior

Why we partnered with Kirsten

Youth sports have become an intense pressure cooker for both kids and parents. We brought Kirsten to HumanUp because her unique perspective as a former Division I athlete, 15-year Nike executive, and peak performance coach helps families balance high achievement with lasting mental well-being and joy.

About Kirsten

Kirsten Jones helps families navigate youth sports with confidence, balance, and perspective. A former Division I athlete and performance coach, she focuses on healthy motivation, resilience, and keeping sport joyful while building life skills that last off the field, too.

What Kirsten Helps With

Raising confident, mentally strong young athletes
Balancing performance goals with well-being and family connection
Managing pressure, perfectionism, and sports anxiety
Parent–athlete communication and motivation that sticks
Next-step planning: clubs, recruiting, and fit

Credentials

Author of Raising Empowered Athletes
Peak Performance & Sports Parenting Coach; former Division I volleyball player; 15-year Nike executive
Host of the Raising Athletes podcast

Books

Raising Empowered Athletes : A Youth Sports Parenting Guide for Raising Happy, Brave, and Resilient Kids (2023)

Speaking & Coaching

Kirsten offers workshops and keynotes for leagues, schools, and parent groups on confidence, pressure, and healthy motivation in youth sports.

Learn more about working with Kirsten →