Rethink the Win: Winning Matters—But So Does the Journey:
Lea B. Olsen’s platform Rethink the Win was created to remind athletes, parents,
and coaches that winning is powerful, but it’s not everything. Let’s be real—when we step onto the field or court, we all want to win! But the big question is, at what cost? Is the focus on victory worth it if it drives kids away from the game they once loved?
Take Kobe Bryant’s story: as a kid, he played an entire summer without scoring a single point. When he was feeling down about it, his dad told him, “Whether you score zero or 60, I’m going to love you no matter what.” That moment taught Kobe the freedom to fail, learn, and keep pushing without fear.
Rethink the Win is all about creating that space—helping athletes play hard, grow, and stay passionate about the game.
Why Are Kids Stepping Away from Sports?
Here’s a stat that says it all: By age 13, about 70% of kids stop playing organized sports. And it’s not because they don’t love the game; it’s often because the fun is overshadowed by pressure.
What’s Going on in Youth Sports Today?
Why We Put Our Kids in Sports:
- To learn the game and grow confidence and resilience
- To build friendships and learn teamwork
- To instill healthy habits and perseverance
Why Kids Are Dropping Out:
- Intense pressure to win or meet expectations
- Toxic environments that make playing less fun
- The game stops feeling like play and starts feeling like work
Protecting Young Athletes:
- Keep an eye out for burnout and help them balance sports with downtime
- Listen to them—are they still excited to play?
- Focus on their growth and enjoyment, not just the score
The New Culture of Year-Round Sports:
- Pros: Improved skills, dedicated focus
- Cons: Higher chance of burnout, overuse injuries, and missing out on other activities
