Listen "Episode 9: Decoding Emotional Constraints in Developing Athletes with the Incredible Melissa Richey"
Episode Synopsis
Coach Carolyn Wester is joined by a leading subject matter expert on pediatric and young adult emotional development Melissa Richey. Melissa is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a strong background in holistic psychology and emotional well-being, she is the mother of three wrestlers, two of which are currently wrestling at college (Duke & Gettysburg) and one who will graduate and go on to wrestle in college this year. In this conversation, she shares insights on how athletes develop mentally and emotionally through the challenges they face in our sport. Melissa has worked closely with many athletes and parents, giving her deep insight into how wrestling shapes emotional growth. Melissa provides valuable guidance on how sports like wrestling help athletes process emotions, manage performance anxiety, and grow through adversity. She also offers practical strategies for parents and coaches to support young athletes through both the triumphs and setbacks of competition. Carolyn adds her own perspective on the crucial dynamics between parents, coaches, and athletes, emphasizing the importance of these interactions in shaping an athlete’s emotional development.
Want to learn more about Coach Wester and Wrestling Prep?
Instagram: @wrestlingprep
Website: wrestlingprep.com
Online courses: courses.wrestlingprep.com
Want to learn more about Coach Wester and Wrestling Prep?
Instagram: @wrestlingprep
Website: wrestlingprep.com
Online courses: courses.wrestlingprep.com
More episodes of the podcast Wrestling Prep Podcast
Episode 16: Training Recap and Scientific Validation – Coach Wester Reflects on Summer Coaching
20/10/2025
Episode 15: Stop Chasing Matches, Start Developing Wrestlers – Advice from Two World-Class Coaches
14/07/2025
Episode 13: Acceptance Begins with Ownership - Why Avoidance Fails in Athlete Development
25/04/2025
Episode 12: Body Leveraging is the Future of Grappling - Positional Control & Movement in Jiu-Jitsu
06/03/2025
Episode 11: Cheat Code to Teaching Body Leveraging and Examples of Recent Success in Competition
11/01/2025
Episode 10: The Path to Long-Term Success in Wrestling - Improvement Through Collaboration
06/12/2024
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