How do you support a young athlete through the middle school years—when bodies are changing fast, emotions run high, and competition starts to feel real?

Ages 11-14 are a pivotal phase in athletic development. Growth spurts, social comparison, and rising expectations can either build confidence and resilience—or quietly push kids toward burnout. In this episode of Inside the Wave, Perry Wirth sits down with returning guest Chandler Lewis for Part 3 of their four-part youth development series, focusing on the often tricky middle school years.

Chandler is a sports psychologist, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, and competitive swim coach who has guided athletes from their first lessons all the way to NCAA-level competition. Together, Perry and Chandler break down how parents and coaches can support developing athletes without rushing specialization or adding unnecessary pressure.

You’ll learn how to:
• Understand the major PIES shifts (Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social) during ages 11–14
• Support rapid growth and awkward movement phases without overloading intensity or volume
• Build skill, strength, and body awareness before chasing performance outcomes
• Encourage ownership, autonomy, and intrinsic motivation in young athletes
• Approach competition with process-based goals instead of result-based pressure
• Support kids emotionally before, during, and after competitions
• Avoid common parenting and coaching habits that unintentionally increase stress

Chandler combines real-world coaching experience with mental performance principles to help athletes (and their parents) navigate this stage with clarity, patience, and long-term perspective.

Whether you’re coaching from the deck, watching from the sidelines, or parenting an athlete who’s starting to feel the weight of competition, this episode offers a roadmap for turning the middle school years into a foundation for confidence, resilience, and lifelong enjoyment of sport.

Connect with Chandler
Swim Program: Clewis@wsacltd.org
Sports Psychology: championshipmind.com | Chandler@championshipmind.com

Stay tuned for more conversations that go beyond the mats.

Approaching Athletic Development & Competition in Children Ages 11-14 (Middle School) with Chandler Lewis