The Youth Sports Parenting Tribe

Meet Patricia, a seasoned business professional with over 17 years of experience in senior-level roles. With a knack for operations management and strategic planning, she excels in driving business growth while ensuring cost control and quality assurance. Patricia is known for her leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and implementing process improvements that enhance overall efficiency. Her passion for building relationships and motivating teams has contributed to her success in leading high-profile projects and driving positive culture change within organizations. Patricia's strong interpersonal and communication skills make her a valuable asset in any corporate setting, where she consistently aims to exceed expectations and deliver on corporate goals. Connect with Patricia on LinkedIn. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Stephanie Rudnick is a pioneering figure in the sports industry, distinguishing herself as an entrepreneur in a field dominated by traditional roles. As the Owner and Business Director of Elite Camps since its inception in 1999, she has overseen its growth into one of Canada's foremost basketball organizations, annually impacting over 6000 athletes. With a degree in Physical & Health Education from the University of Toronto and over two decades of hands-on experience, Stephanie's commitment to leveraging sport for life lessons sets her apart, evident in her creation of state-of-the-art facilities like the Elite Outdoor Leadership Centre. Beyond her professional endeavors, Stephanie treasures her roles as a devoted wife and mother to her three sons, Ryan, Jeremy, and Nathan. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Nathan Last is a seasoned leadership training and operations executive with over a decade of remarkable achievements in driving organizational success. As the Chief Engagement Officer at Mission 6 Zero and former Principal & Chief Performance Officer at Mental Grit Consulting, Nathan has honed his expertise in L&D strategy, talent management, and cultural transformation, consistently delivering exceptional results. With a unique blend of visionary insight and decisive leadership, Nathan is dedicated to fostering high-performing cultures and empowering teams to excel in today's dynamic business landscape. Connect with Nathan on Instagram. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Modesto "Tito" Vázquez, a tennis virtuoso hailing from Argentina, blazed through his collegiate career at UCLA, clinching the NCAA Men's Tennis Championship thrice. Transitioning from player to mentor, he captained the Argentine Davis Cup team to victory on two occasions, while also honing the skills of elite players like Victor Pecci and Pablo Arraya, solidifying his status as a luminary in the world of tennis. Connect with Tito on Instagram. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Dr. Adele Diamond, PhD, FRSC, is a trailblazer in developmental cognitive neuroscience, pioneering research on 'executive functions' (EFs) crucial for problem-solving and creativity. Her interdisciplinary approach explores the impact of biological and environmental factors on cognitive development, leading to groundbreaking insights that have transformed early education and improved treatment for conditions like ADHD. Through her work, Dr. Diamond emphasizes the vital role of holistic approaches, advocating for the integration of physical activity and the arts to nurture cognitive abilities and overall well-being. Connect with Adele on Her Website. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Dr. Jessica Garza, founder of the Youth Sports Parenting Tribe, empowers parents of young athletes with knowledge and tools for their children's athletic journeys. With 15+ years in performance psychology, Dr. Garza's expertise includes biofeedback training and cognitive enhancement. She holds a Ph.D. in Performance Psychology, master's degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Sport and Exercise Psychology, and certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in AZ and TX, and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Dr. Garza has spoken at Capitol Hill, government agencies, and TED events, and published research on self-transcendence and flow in military intelligence. Her mission is to help parents empower young athletes for optimal performance under pressure. Connect with Jess on LinkedIn. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Isabel Cabrejas Ruiz is a seasoned professional in women's football, currently serving as a project manager at 4Football. With a background in sports management and a master's degree from the Johan Cruyff Institute, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her responsibilities at 4Football include designing strategies, developing projects aligned with the growth of women and youth football industries, managing budgets and expenses, establishing marketing plans, and creating sponsorship programs. Passionate about sports and photography, Isabel is dedicated to building a better football environment for all. Connect with Isabel on LinkedIn. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Richard Shorter brings over two decades of experience in supporting and empowering families to his role. Acknowledging that he's not a perfect dad himself, Richard leverages his background in delivering effective support to organizations and parents, fostering collaboration for the benefit of children. His expertise lies in utilizing sports as a platform to cultivate character and success both on and off the field, offering invaluable insights and strategies to parents and their children. Richard's qualifications include honours degrees in Community and Youth Studies and Theology, along with certifications in life coaching and facilitation of parenting programs. He's known for his honesty, passion, and ability to address tough issues without judgment, making him a trusted resource in navigating the challenges of parenting and coaching in high-pressure environments. Connect with Richard on LinkedIn. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Ana Jovanović, a former professional tennis player from Serbia, now serves as a Project Manager at the Novak Djokovic Foundation. Combining her background in Media, Communications, and Public Relations with her passion for sports psychology, she spearheaded the creation of the Foundation’s groundbreaking program "Path of a Champion," aimed at guiding parents of aspiring athletes. With nine singles titles and one doubles title on the ITF Women's Circuit, Ana brings a wealth of experience to her role, echoing the wisdom of Maya Angelou: "When you learn, teach. When you get, give." Connect with Ana on LinkedIn. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Thomas Anderson is a visionary leader in college placement, renowned for founding USP, a premier agency facilitating college recruitment since 1995. His expertise lies in navigating the complex landscape of academic and athletic scholarships, ensuring students find their ideal college fit. As the author of "7 Steps to Win an Athletic Scholarship," Thomas has empowered countless individuals to achieve their educational and athletic goals. Hailing from Venezuela, he brings a unique blend of cultural diversity and academic acumen, honed through his collegiate journey at New Mexico State University. Through USP, Thomas has impacted over 1900 students and athletes worldwide, embodying his commitment to transforming lives through education and sports. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Ruben Jongkind's professional journey underscores a remarkable fusion of analytical prowess and athletic passion. Transitioning from a career in organizational analysis to the realm of sports coaching, Jongkind's multidisciplinary approach became evident during his tenure at AFC Ajax Amsterdam. As a key architect of the "Plan Cruyff," he spearheaded a paradigm shift in talent development strategies, emphasizing individualized approaches within the academy structure. His collaboration with renowned figures like Johan Cruyff and Wim Jonk heralded a new era of player-centric methodologies, reshaping not just Ajax's youth system but the broader landscape of football development. Despite the challenges encountered along the way, Jongkind's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport. Connect with Ruben on Montessori Sports' Instagram. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Daniel Orsanic, a former professional tennis player from Argentina, left a lasting mark on the sport as the captain of the Argentina Davis Cup team, leading them to their first title in 2016. Known for his left-handed play and double-handed backhand, Daniel excelled as a doubles specialist, clinching eight titles and reaching the finals seven times, all on clay courts. After retiring from professional tennis in 2003, Daniel transitioned into coaching, guiding notable players like Thomaz Bellucci, José Acasuso, and currently, Uruguayan star Pablo Cuevas. His coaching career highlights include a Grand Slam doubles title with Cuevas and two ATP Tour titles with Acasuso. Off the court, Daniel is involved in charitable endeavors through Fundacion Nordelta, demonstrating his commitment to making a difference beyond tennis. Connect with Daniel on Instagram. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Gustavo Carbonari, a former professional tennis player, resides in Switzerland and shared the tennis tour with Hernan. Recognized as one of the Argentinian young guns and an icon in the junior circuit, Carbonari boasts an incredible life story and has played alongside tennis legends such as Gabriela Sabatini and Alberto Mancini. He is happily married to Gisela and is a proud father to Olivia and Tomas. Connect with Gustavo on Instagram. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Nicolás Pereira, born on September 29, 1970, is a distinguished former tennis player from Venezuela, achieving the prestigious title of International Tennis Federation Junior World Champion in 1988 by triumphing at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Throughout his professional career, he garnered significant victories against top-ranked players, such as Brad Gilbert and Amos Mansdorf, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 74 in July 1996. Beyond his achievements on the court, Pereira transitioned to a successful broadcasting career, joining ESPN in 2001 as a play-by-play tennis commentator for ESPN International and ESPN Deportes. His contributions extend to being the #1 Davis Cup Player for Venezuela (1985-1997), earning nine singles and thirteen doubles titles in the ATP Tour, securing a gold medal in the '95 Central American Games, and participating in the '96 Atlanta Summer Olympics. Fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and French, Nicolás Pereira remains a respected figure in the world of tennis and sports broadcasting. Connect with Nicolás on Instagram. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Ken Willner is a dedicated advocate for youth sports, driven by a passion to keep children engaged and flourishing in athletics. As the founder of Active Illustrated and Yellow for Yelling, he brings a fresh perspective to youth sports, blending applied science with practical insights from coach educators, sports psychologists, and former professional athletes. Ken's programs cater to young athletes, coaches, parents, sporting organizations, and schools, aiming to foster inclusivity and positive experiences in sports. With over 50 years of personal involvement in sports, including his role as a youth sport photographer for the past seven years, Ken leverages his wealth of experience to create environments where individuals can thrive and sustain their engagement in sports. Connect with Ken on LinkedIn. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Laura Vallverdu, a native of Valencia, Venezuela, emerged as a tennis powerhouse during her tenure at the University of Miami. As a student-athlete, she left an indelible mark, achieving records such as being the school's all-time leader in singles wins and total victories. Her outstanding performance on the court includes reaching the finals of the NCAA Singles Championship and earning five ITA All-American distinctions. After concluding her illustrious playing career, Vallverdu seamlessly transitioned into coaching, joining the University of Miami women’s tennis program. With a comprehensive coaching journey, from volunteer assistant to associate head coach, she played a pivotal role in the team's success, contributing to their ACC Championship title in 2013. Vallverdu's impact extends beyond wins and losses, as she mentors players to numerous accolades, including ITA All-America honors and All-ACC recognition. Beyond her coaching achievements, Vallverdu is a distinguished alumna of the University of Miami, graduating in 2010 with a degree in psychology and a minor in business. She continued her academic pursuits, earning a master's degree in sport administration from Miami in 2012. As both a player and coach, Vallverdu has been a key figure in the sustained success of the Miami women's tennis program, leaving an enduring legacy on and off the court. Connect with Laura on LinkedIn. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Dr. Hendrie Weisinger, a renowned and accomplished psychologist, is a leading expert in the fields of emotional intelligence, anger management, and pressure management. With a Ph.D. from The University of Kansas and a diverse background in clinical, counseling, organizational, and school psychology, Dr. Weisinger has made significant contributions to the application of emotional intelligence in specific industries, as evident in his books like "The Emotionally Intelligent Financial Advisor" and "The Emotionally Intelligent Real Estate Agent." A prolific author with two New York Times Bestsellers, "Nobody's Perfect" and "Performing Under Pressure," Dr. Weisinger has not only written extensively on these subjects but has also made over 200 appearances on television and news programs, including Oprah, Donahue, and The Today Show. His groundbreaking work includes the development of Criticism Training and a pioneering role in the emerging field of pressure management. As an executive educator, Dr. Weisinger has taught in various business school programs, including UCLA, Wharton, and NYU, and consulted for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and professional organizations such as YPO. In addition to his impactful articles for publications like The Wall Street Journal and TV Guide, Dr. Weisinger is the proud author of "Choke Proof Your Game," an evidence-based playbook designed to empower athletes to perform at their best under pressure. With a commitment to transforming individuals' emotional intelligence and enhancing their performance, Dr. Hendrie Weisinger continues to be a leading figure in the psychology and self-improvement landscape. Connect with Dr. Weisinger on LinkedIn. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Javier Palenque is a multifaceted executive, entrepreneur, and tennis enthusiast with a unique perspective on the sport. Born and raised in Bolivia, he experienced a privileged upbringing but harbored discontent with the socio-economic disparities in his home country. At 17, seeking opportunities for change, he moved to the United States and earned an MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Boston University. Currently based in Florida, Javier has made significant contributions as an Investment and Real Estate Consultant. His passion for tennis led him to observe a disconnection between the USTA's reported statistics and the reality within the tennis community, especially in Miami. As a data-driven business consultant, he has highlighted concerns about the declining state of youth tennis, high attrition rates, and discrepancies in reported league numbers. Javier is not just a critic; he actively engages in discussions about reform within the USTA, addressing issues such as funding allocation and executive compensation. His candid assessments of the organization's challenges and cultural problems underscore a desire for positive change. With a focus on "growing the game," Javier advocates for open conversations with those invested in tennis's future, believing that transformative solutions can only emerge through collaboration and understanding. Connect with Javier on LinkedIn. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Rod Ray, currently in his remarkable 24th year as the head tennis coach at Wofford College during the 2023-24 season, has left an indelible mark on the tennis program. Taking over in 2000, just three years after the transition to Division I, Ray has meticulously built a highly competitive tennis program. His coaching tenure has been characterized by notable achievements, including guiding the team through a challenging non-conference schedule and earning wins over prominent opponents like Clemson and North Carolina. Ray's coaching prowess is evident in the numerous accolades earned by his players, including Southern Conference recognitions and All-Academic honors. Under his leadership, the team's success is not only measured on the court but also in the classroom, with consistent appearances on the SoCon Academic Honor Roll and ITA All-Academic Team recognition. Beyond the numbers, Ray has fostered a culture of sportsmanship and excellence, reflected in the team's NCAA special recognition for outstanding academic achievement and sportsmanship. A respected figure in South Carolina tennis, Rod Ray's coaching journey extends beyond the court. His commitment to youth development is evident in the annual Rod Ray Tennis Camp, attracting young talents from across the Southeast. In 2022, he received a USTA South Carolina Coach of the Year Award, underscoring his impact on the tennis community. Ray's multifaceted career includes serving as the head women's coach and directing the tennis program at Wofford, showcasing his adaptability and dedication to the sport. Outside of coaching, Ray is undertaking a significant endeavor—writing a book titled "Hard Comes First," slated for publication in 2024. The book will share Ray's insights as a coach and a father of a child diagnosed with Autism, aiming to inspire and support goal setting. With a bachelor's and master's degree in political science, an MBA from Colorado State, and a profound influence on Wofford's tennis program, Rod Ray's legacy extends far beyond the confines of the court. Connect with Rod on Instagram. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.

Jorgelina Cravero, born on January 27, 1982, is a retired Argentine tennis player who enjoyed a successful professional career from 1999 to 2011. Hailing from San Francisco, Córdoba, Cravero achieved career-high WTA rankings of 106 in singles and 114 in doubles. While she did not secure a title on the WTA Tour, Cravero notably claimed 15 singles titles and 34 doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. In 2007, she made significant strides by qualifying for three Grand Slam tournaments, including Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Although she faced early exits in these events, her achievements were notable. With a playing style favored on clay, Cravero contributed to the Argentina Fed Cup team, accumulating a win–loss record of 6–7. Having turned professional in 2000, Cravero announced her retirement from professional tennis in 2011. Post-retirement, she continued her involvement with tennis, traveling with the Argentinian national teams during 2011/12. Since 2012, she has served as a tennis coach at TTA in Tulsa, Oklahoma, showcasing her commitment to the sport beyond her playing years. Cravero, a right-hander, currently resides in Buenos Aires and comes from a family where her father, Carlos, is an accountant, and her mother, Rita, is a math teacher. She has one brother, Eugenio, and three sisters, Monica, Daniela, and Maria Alejandra. Connect with Georgi on Instagram. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/. The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at klauersebas@gmail.com.