Building Positive Relationships and Social Support

One of the most overlooked components of resilience is the strength of the relationships athletes build along the way. No matter how talented or driven you are, achieving greatness in sports is never a solo pursuit. Resilient athletes understand that the people around them, coaches, teammates, mentors, and family, play a crucial role in their success. They intentionally cultivate a support system that helps them stay motivated, grounded, and focused.

A powerful example of this comes from Allyson Felix, one of the most accomplished athletes in track and field history. Felix burst onto the international scene as a teenager and went on to earn 32 world championship medals22 of them goldalong with multiple Olympic titles. But behind her achievements was a strong support network that helped her navigate the pressure of competing at the highest level.

During the 2012 London Olympics, where she captured three gold medals, Felix shared how much she relied on the comfort of being surrounded by her family. They rented a house near the stadium, brought in a chef so she could stay rested and refueled, and created a calm environment where she could unwind between races. That support allowed her to stay mentally fresh and emotionally balanced throughout the most demanding stretch of her career.

Athletes who show strong resilience often seek out and nurture these kinds of relationships. They look for people who challenge them, encourage growth, and provide honest, constructive feedback. These connections anchor them during difficult stretches and remind them that they’re not facing the journey alone.

Just as important, resilient athletes also invest back into their relationships. They show gratitude, communicate openly, and value the people who help them succeed. This mutual support not only strengthens their resilience but also reinforces a sense of belongingsomething every athlete needs when the pressure rises or adversity hits.

Building positive relationships isn’t optional; it’s a core mental skill that fuels long-term resilience. Surround yourself with people who elevate your mindset, support your goals, and help you navigate the highs and lows of competition.

This is Mental Strength.

For Players

Do: – Build strong connections with teammates and coaches. – Lean on your support system during tough moments.

Don’t: – Withdraw or isolate yourself when challenges arise. – Take your support network for granted.

For Parents

Do: – Be a consistent source of encouragement and emotional steadiness. – Celebrate effort and progress, not just results.

Don’t: – Criticize or increase pressure when setbacks occur. – Allow performance outcomes to dictate the tone at home.

For Coaches

Do: – Create a team environment built on trust, communication, and respect. – Encourage players to support one another on and off the field.

Don’t: – Neglect the role of positive relationships in performance. – Allow negativity or isolation to take root within the team culture.

Train With Us

If you’re ready to develop the mental skills that shape resilient, confident, and high-performing athletes, come train with us.

We help athletes build the mindset needed to thrive on the field and in life.