Beyond the Game: How Westlake is Tackling the Mental Health Crisis in Girls' Sports

WESTLAKE, OH – April 29, 2026 – For 40 years, coach Mary Herrick has witnessed a heartbreaking pattern repeat itself on courts and fields: a talented, passionate young girl loves her sport, dedicates herself to it, and then, just as her potential begins to blossom, she quits. This isn't a rare occurrence; it's a quiet epidemic unfolding in youth sports across the country. Now, a powerful coalition of Olympians, professional athletes, and mental performance experts is converging on Westlake to confront this crisis head-on.

On Saturday, May 9, The Elite Competitor and the US Coaches Association will host "From Pressure to Power: A Parent-Athlete Experience in Building Confidence That Lasts" at Crocker Park. The event, spearheaded by Herrick's search for a meaningful solution, aims to equip young female athletes and their parents with the mental tools needed to navigate the intense pressures that are driving so many away from the games they love.

The Silent Epidemic in Youth Sports

The statistics are stark and paint a concerning picture. According to the Women's Sports Foundation, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by the age of 14. Further research from Women in Sport reveals that 43% of girls who once identified as "sporty" disengage from athletics during their teen years, a figure nearly double the 24% seen in boys. The reasons are complex and deeply rooted in the emotional and psychological challenges unique to female athletes.

"It's harder for children that are highly competitive because the fear of losing is such a big factor," says Herrick, who has seen the toll it takes firsthand. "And then you have the child that is the perfectionist… it's never gonna be perfect."

This pressure to be flawless, coupled with a fear of failure, creates a high-stakes environment where the joy of competition is often overshadowed by anxiety. Breanne Smedley, a certified Mental Performance Coach and co-founder of The Elite Competitor, argues that the exodus is not due to a loss of passion for the sport itself.

"Girls don't quit because they stop loving sports," Smedley states. "They quit when the emotional cost becomes unbearable."

Research supports this, identifying a host of contributing factors including fear of being judged, body image concerns, and a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety among female athletes compared to their male counterparts. The challenge is not a lack of talent or desire, but a lack of tools to manage the internal pressure.

A New Playbook for Confidence

The "From Pressure to Power" event is designed to provide that missing toolkit. The Elite Competitor, which bills itself as the #1 mental training program for girl athletes, moves beyond simple motivation. Their philosophy is built on a foundational principle: "Confidence isn't a mindset you choose. It's a skill you build."

Smedley, a former head coach with four state championships, has translated this philosophy into a tangible program. The Elite Competitor's methodology often involves a multi-phase system using techniques like visualization, structured breath work, and cognitive reframing to transform negative self-talk into a source of strength. Studies in sports psychology back this approach, with data showing that athletes who work with mental performance coaches report significant improvements in confidence and handling pressure.

The upcoming workshop in Westlake will bring these concepts to life. Athletes will learn a practical reset process to recover from mistakes in real-time, while parents will be given concrete strategies and even specific phrases to use for support—most notably, for navigating the notoriously tense "car ride home" after a tough game or match.

"That car ride home after a tennis tournament can be brutal," Herrick notes. "Parents really want to know how to support their children." The goal is to transform that anxiety-filled space into an opportunity for connection and growth.

Olympians and Mentors Answer the Call

Adding immense credibility and star power to the event is a panel of athletes who have competed at the highest levels. The "Real Talk with Athletes Who've Been There" panel will be moderated by U.S. Olympic Committee veteran Dr. Dobie Moser and features women who have faced and overcome immense pressure.

Panelists include two-time Olympic speed skater Katie Class Marquard, a World Championship bronze medalist who later served as Executive Director of USA Speedskating. Now a Westlake resident and local coach, her journey from Olympian to mentor provides a powerful local connection. Joining her is Brianne McLaughlin, a two-time Olympic silver medalist in ice hockey from Elyria, Ohio. Known for her NCAA record-breaking career and for being the first woman to coach men's D1 hockey, McLaughlin offers a profound perspective on resilience.

Representing the world of professional basketball is Cassie Sant, a former D1 standout at the University of Dayton who played professionally in Europe and Australia. Sant now works as a Senior Graphic Designer for the Cleveland Cavaliers, demonstrating how skills forged in sport can lead to success in other fields. Rounding out the panel is Gemma Wichmann, a local standout from Magnificat High School. As a recent commit to Loyola University Chicago for basketball, Wichmann represents the very athletes the event seeks to empower, offering a relatable and current perspective on the pressures of being a high-achieving teen athlete.

More Than a Game: Empowering Parents and Athletes

This initiative is a direct response to a community need, driven by a veteran coach's plea: "We need to do something now. We must make things better." The focus extends far beyond winning the next game or tournament. It is about fostering a generation of mentally strong young women who can carry the skills of resilience, self-advocacy, and confidence into every aspect of their lives.

The interactive workshop is open to all girl athletes aged 11 to 18 and their parents, creating a shared learning experience that can strengthen family bonds and redefine what it means to be a supportive sports parent. By bringing together proven mental skill-building techniques with the inspiring stories of elite female athletes, the event aims to turn the tide on the dropout crisis.

For the young athletes of Westlake and the surrounding areas, this event offers a new playbook where mental strength is the ultimate victory. The "From Pressure to Power" workshop will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Market Square at Crocker Park. Interested families can find registration details at www.uscoaches.org.