Mental health experts urge parents and young athletes to balance ‘going pro’ dreams with realistic expectations, emphasizing fun, growth and identity beyond sports.
TOLEDO, Ohio — As the NCAA men’s basketball tournament — widely known as March Madness — tips off its first round, excitement is building across the country. For many young athletes, watching and dreaming of being on college basketball’s biggest stage can inspire wishes to compete at the highest level, or even going professional.
But mental health professionals say those aspirations should be grounded in reality. Sports can add to the pressures of an already trying time as a young athlete, no matter the age.
From neighborhood courts to elite travel teams, youth athletes often look to college stars, Olympians, and professional athletes as role models. Parents, can easily and at times often, envision their children following a path — especially those who played sports themselves, into stardom. However, experts caution how those hopes and expectations placed on a young athletes’ shoulders can sometimes do more harm than good.
Child and family psychologist Dr. Andrea Mata, of Brightspot Families, said sports can play a vital role in a child’s development, helping build discipline, responsibility, teamwork and goal-setting skills. At the same time, she emphasized the importance of maintaining balance.
“Let’s start giving you skills that translate to both the field and off the field,” Mata said. “We’re seeing anxiety, triggers, the need for composure training, perfectionism — all of those things.”
Her concerns align with broader research. According to the NCAA, roughly 6% to 7% of high school athletes go on to compete at the collegiate level, and an even smaller fraction reach professional leagues. The reality, experts said, underscores the need for young athletes to develop identities beyond their sport.
Mental health professionals report increasing levels of stress and anxiety among youth athletes, often tied to performance pressure and high expectations. Organizations like the American Psychological Association and American Academy of Pediatrics has noted that excessive pressure in youth sports can contribute to burnout, decreased enjoyment and mental health challenges.
Mata said parents play a critical role in shaping their child’s experience.
“Because the vast majority of youth athletes are not going pro — shocker — you’re going to need that identity outside of your sport to help you live the rest of your life,” she said.
Experts recommend parents focus on support rather than performance. Mata said it’s best to allow the coaches to guide athletic development while ensuring their children enjoy the game. Encouraging effort, resilience and personal growth — rather than wins and losses — can help foster a healthier relationship with sports.
As the tournament begins and young athletes watch their heroes take the court, professionals say the message should remain clear: sports can open doors and teach lifelong lessons, but success should not be measured solely by reaching the next level.
At its core, they say, the goal is simple — keep the game fun.