Mental Health & Youth Sports - Keeping the Balance

At Marysville Getchell High School, we love cheering for our athletes—whether they’re spiking volleyballs, scoring touchdowns, or breaking personal records on the track. But behind every uniform is a teenager balancing school, friendships, family life, and the demands of their sport.

The Green & Gold Booster Club believes mental health is just as important as physical training. Here are a few ways parents can help their athletes thrive—on and off the field.

1. Recognize the Signs of Burnout

• Look for changes in mood, energy, or enthusiasm for the sport.

• Notice if your athlete is unusually tired, irritable, or withdrawing from friends.

• Burnout can happen when teens feel constant pressure to perform without enough rest.

2. Encourage Rest and Recovery

• Rest days aren’t “lazy” days—they’re essential for physical and emotional recovery.

• Ensure your teen is getting enough sleep (8–10 hours a night for high schoolers).

• Consider scheduling a true off-season where they can explore other interests.

3. Focus on Effort, Not Just Outcomes

• Praise your athlete for their hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship—not only for wins or stats.

• Remind them that mistakes and losses are part of growth.

4. Model Balance

• Show your student how to manage commitments without burning out.

• Prioritize family meals, game-free weekends, or activities outside of sports to create a healthy rhythm.

5. Know Where to Find Support

• School counselors and coaches can be great allies.

• In Snohomish County, resources like Compass Health, YMCA Youth Programs, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer youth-focused mental health support.

  
  

💚💛 The Boosters aren’t just about raising funds—we’re about raising healthy, happy students. Supporting our athletes means caring for the person inside the jersey as much as the player on the field.