Those are words a parent never wants to hear. But fewer will hear it when more parents and coaches of girls learn about ACL tears—and implement programs designed to prevent them.

Minnesota is one of ten states where high school athletic programs are refocusing on the educational value of sports. The programs start by acknowledging there is a difference between why we do something and what we hope to achieve by doing it.

Many kids and their parents dream of playing for a popular college team. But what are the chances, really?

While growing up I would never have imagined women would referee men’s sports. But they have been for two decades—and they are still making history.

What does March Madness mean to you? This year as you root for your favorite teams or enjoy the thrill of an upset, take some time to acknowledge the unsung heroes who help make it possible for us to enjoy The Big Dance.

Many parents have been led to believe that specialization is the key to their child’s athletic success. But it’s more likely that specialization will lead to burnout or injury. A recent study showed that most Division I athletes did not specialize, even in high school.

Whose desire drives your children’s activities—yours or theirs? Letting kids discover their desire and choose their own activities provides benefits now and in their future.

Thanks to Title IX a girls’ basketball team was formed just as I started high school. And while I got to play, seeing a female athlete on television was a rare opportunity. Seeing one in person was nearly impossible. It’s time to thank the one I did.

For 35 years the Women’s Sports Foundation has sponsored National Girls and Women in Sports Day. This year you can join virtual events being held across the country.

About 8 million kids a year suffer a sports injury that requires medical attention. What can parents and coaches do? Start learning more about the risks and prevention of injuries.

There are many reasons kids drop out of sports. Sometimes I wonder if we are missing the obvious.

For some of us, the pandemic pause on full schedules has been a chance to slow down and make different choices—from what we eat and what we wear to how we spend our precious free time. It’s also the perfect time to tune into our kids’ true interests and rethink the activities they’ll return to.

Focusing on what your kids can do right now instead of what they can’t will help them now and in the future.

Today I launch Lessons from the driveway, where I will share lessons I learned as a coach’s daughter, player, coach’s wife and sports parent. I hope you will join me for lessons and observations about the evolution of youth sports, injuries and opportunities for girls and women.