Resilience Isn’t Something You’re Born With

About this episode

Hockey development expert Topher Scott dives deep into the importance of resilience for young athletes. In a world where youth sports are becoming more intense and competitive, he explains why learning how to handle setbacks, pressure, and failure may be the most important skill athletes can develop. This episode explores how adversity shapes stronger competitors and stronger people. Bio Topher’s passion is in bringing people together and making the hockey world a better place. Growing up playing youth hockey outside Chicago, Topher moved through the ranks playing junior hockey for the USHL’s Chicago Steel before enrolling at Cornell University. At Cornell, Topher was a two-year captain, scored over 100 points, and garnered NCAA Leadership recognition for his work off the ice including being a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award in 2008. In 2010, Topher began his college coaching career at Miami-Ohio while getting his Master’s degree in Sports Studies. The team won its first ever CCHA championship that year. From there, Topher moved to his alma mater, Cornell, where the team won two Ivy League championships. Topher also worked at the University of Michigan where he helped the program win the Big10 championship and reach the Frozen Four. Topher is now a staple in youth hockey having spent time as a Youth Hockey director and now leading the Hockey Think Tank. His contributions to the hockey community include his work with hockey programs from the Division One college to youth levels and as a board member of Illinois’ youth hockey affiliate for USA Hockey (AHAI). His contributions continue off the ice as well, chairing two charity hockey events that have raised over $1.5 million for special needs charities. He and his wife, Emma, reside outside Chicago with their 3 daughters Paige (7), Lucy (5), and Celia (3). His hands are full. Takeaways: Topher Scott emphasizes the importance of resilience in youth sports, encouraging athletes to view challenges as opportunities for growth. The podcast discusses the evolution of youth hockey, highlighting the increased pressure and competition faced by young players today. Coaches and parents are urged to foster environments where children can develop a love for the game without the burden of excessive expectations. Topher advocates for the necessity of parent education in youth sports, suggesting that informed parents contribute to a healthier athletic culture. This episode is proudly sponsored by Play It Again Sports Newark When the ice calls, you answer. But to answer, you need the right gear. Play It Again Sports Newark has everything you need to take your game to the next level. From quality used gear at a great price to get you started, to top-of-the-line new products for your semi-pro tournament season, Play It Again Sports Newark has you covered. Expert advice, custom fittings, gear that works as hard as you do, not to mention on-demand skate sharpening services, their team will make sure you have what you need to dominate the ice. Plus, save even more when you sell them the gear you no longer need. We all know hockey is expensive, so buy more while paying less at Play It Again Sports Newark. Tell them you heard it from us and get an extra 15% off with code EDGE15 Hockey Wrap Around My name is Lee Elias, and I am the CEO of Hockey Wrap Around. We've been in business for over 10 years. We're an American-made company, and we basically make. Off-ice solutions for your ice hockey player, including our flagship product. The hockey wraparound it's the original. It's the longest-lasting blade protector on the market, and what it does is it allows your ice hockey player to use their ice hockey stick outside on rough pavement without any fear of damaging their stick. We have thousands of positive reviews. It has been a major solution for a lot of hockey players looking to train outside. We also recently introduced. The puck around, which is the first off-ice puck. That's the same wei