For Parents: Helping Your Athlete Set and Reach Their Goals

Your daughter has big dreams on the court—and off of it. One of the best ways you can support her journey is by helping her understand the power of goal setting.

Goals give athletes direction, motivation, and purpose. They help young players stay focused in a world full of distractions. As a parent, your role isn’t to set the goals for her, but to create the space for her to dream big, plan thoughtfully, and follow through.

Encourage her to create SMART goals:

• Specific: “Improve shooting percentage” becomes “Make 200 shots daily from five spots.”
• Measurable: Progress she can track helps build confidence.
• Achievable: Push her without overwhelming her.
• Relevant: Goals should be tied to her passions and aspirations—not someone else’s.
• Time-bound: A deadline builds urgency and discipline.

You can support her by asking thoughtful questions:

“What’s one skill you want to grow this month?”

“What’s your plan to reach it?”

“How can I help hold you accountable?”

Celebrate effort and consistency more than results. Remind her that goals aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress. And that every rep, every early morning, every small step forward matters.

Stay curious. Stay supportive. And watch her grow—on and off the court.

Click here for a post your athlete can use to create their own goals: Set the Goal, Chase the Dream