When a Confident Athlete Starts to Doubt Herself

A short, science-informed guide to help parents understand what’s happening and how to support confidence without adding pressure.

Free guide. Takes about 10 minutes to read.

Is this guide for you?

This guide is for parents of adolescent athletes who are noticing increased self-criticism or frustration, hesitation or playing it safe, big emotional reactions to mistakes, or worry about what coaches or teammates think. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.

What this guide will help you understand

By the end of this guide, you’ll have language for what’s actually happening beneath the surface, reassurance that this stage is common and navigable, and a clearer sense of how to support confidence without adding pressure. The goal is not to fix your daughter. It’s to help you support her with more clarity and calm.

Why this guide was created

This guide was written by Margaret Butler, a Mental Performance coach who works with female athletes, teams, and families. Her work focuses on helping athletes understand their minds, build confidence under pressure, and develop skills that carry beyond sport.