Reigniting Curiosity in Youth Sports | Dr. Shaine Henert

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, Demi sits down with Dr. Shaine Henert, a seasoned sport psychologist with over 25 years of experience. Together, they explore the crucial role that play, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation play in youth sports development—and what happens when those elements are lost. Shaine shares his personal journey into sport psychology, beginning with imagery exercises in junior high, through his graduate studies at Michigan State and Minnesota, and into his current work in higher education and youth sport advocacy.

This conversation is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and athletes who are navigating the pressures of organized sports and seeking to preserve joy and self-discovery in the process.

Topics Covered

• Shaine’s personal journey into sport psychology
  
• How early coaching experiences sparked his interest in mental performance
  
• The value of free play and curiosity in athletic development
  
• The shift from community-based sports to high-pressure, club-driven environments
  
• Navigating stress, burnout, and high athletic identity in adolescents
  
• The psychological impact of over-scheduling and comparison culture
  
• Strategies for reigniting joy in sport—especially for teens feeling stuck or burnt out

 Resources & Mentions

• Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS)
• Project FLEX at Northern Illinois University
• PACE Coaching Education Program (Michigan State)

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