Parents & Guardians: Champions of St. Mary Athletics

Parent Like a Champion Training

At St. Mary Athletics, we are proud to integrate the nationally recognized Play Like a Champion Today program into our sports community. Developed by experts in sports psychology, coaching education, Catholic theology, and moral development, this initiative transforms youth sports by promoting values-based leadership among coaches, parents, and athletes.

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As part of this program, at least one parent or guardian of every family participating in St. Mary Athletics must complete the Parent Like a Champion training class before the start of the sports season. This essential training ensures that parents understand our athletic programs' mission, values, and expectations, equipping them to be positive role models for their student-athletes and active contributors to a culture of faith, sportsmanship, and community.

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What Is Play Like a Champion Today?

Play Like a Champion Today provides a framework for creating a positive, faith-centered sports culture. It equips participants with the tools to lead ethically, motivate young athletes, and foster character development through sports.

Key principles include:

• Justice, Tolerance, Respect, and Solidarity: Building strong teams and communities rooted in these core values.

• Research-Backed, Athlete-Centered Practices: Ensuring sports promote character growth and faith formation.

• Notre Dame Tradition: Backed by the University of Notre Dame’s legacy of academic and athletic excellence.

Why It Matters

This program addresses challenging issues in youth sports while equipping schools like St. Mary with strategies to:

• Promote athletics as a character-building experience for athletes and families.

• Foster teams as moral communities where every athlete belongs.

• Encourage sportsmanship and responsible decision-making.

• Teach champion-centered best practices for coaches and parents.

What Will You Learn?

Participants in Play Like a Champion Today workshops explore topics that enhance their understanding of leadership in youth sports:

1. The Spirituality of Sport: Connecting faith and athletics to inspire young athletes.

2. The GROW Approach to Motivation: Proven strategies to keep athletes engaged and motivated.

3. Child Development: Understanding how to coach and support athletes based on their developmental stages.

4. Promoting a Safe Sports Environment: Creating spaces where all athletes feel valued and protected.

5. Building Coach-Parent Partnerships: Strengthening relationships to ensure the success and well-being of student-athletes.

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