After four decades coaching young athletes, Mary Herrick has watched it happen far too often: talented, hardworking girls who love their sport suddenly walk away.”It’s harder for children that are highly competitive because the fear of losing is such a big factor,” Herrick said. “And then you have the child that is the perfectionist… it’s never gonna be perfect.”Frustrated by the pattern, the longtime Westlake coach sought out the best solution she could find: targeted mental performance training designed specifically for girl athletes. That search led her to The Elite Competitor.On Saturday, May 9, Herrick is teaming up with The Elite Competitor and the US Coaches Association to host a free interactive event at Crocker Park aimed at keeping talented girls in the game.From Pressure to Power: A Parent-Athlete Experience in Building Confidence That Lasts will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Market Square at Crocker Park (239 Market Street) in Westlake. The event is open to girl athletes ages 11-18 and their parents.
Why it matters locally and nationally
Girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14, according to the Women’s Sports Foundation. Another study found that 43% of girls who once considered themselves “sporty” disengage by their teens, compared to just 24% of boys.”Girls don’t quit because they stop loving sports,” said Coach Bre (Breanne Smedley), a certified Mental Performance Coach, former 14-year head coach with four state championships. “They quit when the emotional cost becomes unbearable. Confidence isn’t a mindset you choose. It’s a skill you build.”The workshop will teach athletes a practical reset process for handling mistakes on the field or court. Parents will learn the most effective ways to support their kids — including what to say (and what not to say) on those often-tense car rides home after competitions.”That car ride home after a tennis tournament can be brutal,” Herrick noted. “Parents really want to know how to support their children.”Featured speakers include local and national standouts:
- Katie Class Marquard — Two-time Olympian speed skater and World Championship bronze medalist, former Executive Director of USA Speedskating
- Brianne McLaughlin — Two-time Olympian, NCAA record-holder, first woman to coach men’s D1 hockey, and US Women’s National Team Goalie Coach
- Cassie Sant — D1 basketball player, four NCAA Tournaments, professional overseas experience, now Senior Graphic Designer for the Cleveland Cavaliers and WNBA Cleveland Rockers
- Gemma Wichmann — Magnificat High School standout committed to Loyola University Chicago
The panel will be moderated by Dr. Dobie Moser, a U.S. Olympic Committee veteran.”We need to do something now. We must make things better,” Herrick said.The goal isn’t just better tournament results — it’s developing mentally strong young women who can thrive in sports and in life.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: The Market Square at Crocker Park, 239 Market Street, Westlake, OH
Registration: Visit www.uscoaches.orgFor more information on The Elite Competitor’s mental training programs for girl athletes, parents, and coaches, visit elitecompetitor.com.