In this episode, we cover…
(0:05) Jonathan’s background and athletic background
(0:24) His passion for sports extending beyond playing
(1:20) Being cut from the baseball team
(2:03) Staying involved through coaching
(3:08) Working with the football program at Liberty University
(5:40) The growing pressure in youth sports
(9:45) Multi-sport athletes vs. early specialization
(17:16) Jonathan’s daughter nearly quitting soccer because of a negative coaching environment
(24:13) How parents should handle difficult coaches
(33:09) Separating your child’s performance from the love and support they receive
Healthy Sports Parenting: Jonathan Carone
In this conversation with Athletes Untapped, we are joined by Jonathan Carone, creator of Healthy Sports Parents, a community helping parents navigate the ups and downs of youth sports. From North Carolina, his perspective is refreshing: sports should be led by children, supported by the parents, and focused on long-term development rather than short-term success. Through stories from his own athletic journey and coaching experience, Jonathan shares how families can create healthier sports environments for kids.
From Youth Athlete to Coach: A Journey Through Sports
Jonathan grew up always loving every aspect of sports, though he described himself as a “mediocre athlete.” As a kid, he played soccer, baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, and even roller hockey. Although he wasn’t necessarily a star on the field, his passion for sports led him to coaching. He spent countless hours watching games, making play-by-play commentary, and dreaming about the culture of sports. After being cut by the baseball team in high school, Jonathan knew he wanted to stay involved and asked if he could help the coaching staff. He spent the season sitting next to the coach in the dugout, analyzing his strategy and decision-making. His experience in the dugout sparked his long-term love for coaching. He went on to work with the football program at Liberty University in Virginia, and continued to stay involved in athletics through coaching and community sports.
The Problem with Youth Sports Today
When it comes to the biggest issues Jonathan sees today with young athletes, it’s the pressure put on them. He describes seeing parents feeling anxious about their child falling behind, worrying about making the wrong decisions about travel teams, specialization, or training opportunities. Jonathan believes much of this pressure comes from the fear of their children not making the team, getting a scholarship, or keeping up with other kids. Unfortunately, when decisions are driven by fear instead of passion, kids often burn out. He’s seen firsthand how, when sports stop being fun, kids lose motivation. He’s seen too many examples of talented athletes who quit sports entirely because they were pushed too hard for too long. He believes youth sports should be kid-led, not parent-led. If the love for the sport is there, they will work harder and seek more opportunities to improve. But when parents push their kids into programs or competitive teams, the motivation becomes external instead of internal. The athletes who succeed long-term are the ones who genuinely love their sport.
Multi-Sport Participation vs. Early Specialization
The debate between early specialization vs. multi-sport participation has become one of the biggest discussions in youth athletics. When asked for his opinion, Jonathan doesn’t think the answer is simple. Research shows that playing multiple sports through middle school usually leads to better athletic development and lower burnout. However, there are situations where specialization can be necessary. For example, athletes in highly competitive school districts may feel pressure to specialize earlier because other kids are doing the same. Ultimately, Jonathan says the decision should depend on three factors: the child’s interest and motivation, the competitiveness of their environment, and the family’s values and priorities. The most important factor is still the child’s passion.
Helping Kids Fall in Love with the Game
Many parents wonder how athletes develop a deep love for their sport, but Jonathan’s answer is simple: make it fun first. He shared a story about his daughter, who nearly quit soccer after her coaches created a negative environment. The coach focused heavily on mistakes and created pressure during games. Everything changed once she switched teams to a more supportive environment. The new team emphasized fun, teamwork, and creativity. Players sang songs together during drills and celebrated simple accomplishments like completing three passes during a game. Without the harsh coaching, Jonathan’s daughter slowly started developing confidence and motivation. Eventually, she began asking for more practice and committing to improving.
Why Family Values Matter in Youth Sports
Jonathan also encourages parents to step back and evaluate their family values before making sports decisions. For example, some families prioritize spending weekends together, community involvement, other extracurricular activities, or financial stability. When sports dominate the family schedule or budget, parents can sacrifice the things that matter most. Jonathan believes sports should enhance family life, not control it. If a family loves to spend time at the ball field together, that’s great. But if sports begin creating stress, financial pressure, or conflict, it may be time to reconsider priorities. One of the most powerful points Jonathan made in the conversation is separating performance from love. Parents often celebrate great games with rewards, but if kids only receive this after successful performances, they may start believing their value depends on winning. Jonathan suggests doing the opposite. Sometimes, the best time to take your child out for ice cream is after a tough game, not just after a win. That simple act reinforces an important message: “I love you for who you are, not for how you performed.”
The Most Important Role for Sports Parents
At the end of the day, Jonathan believes parents have one primary responsibility in youth sports: be your child’s biggest supporter. Research shows that kids perform better when parents are simply supportive and encouraging on the sidelines. When parents cheer, celebrate effort, and create a safe emotional environment, young athletes feel confident enough to take risks and grow. That confidence helps them develop a lifelong love for sports.
About Athletes Untapped
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