Introducing JusBeGreat™: A Wake-Up Call to Reimagine Youth Sports

Here’s the truth: Young athletes today face more pressure, more distractions, and more emotional strain than any generation before them.

Sports still have the power to shape character, community, and confidence. But the system hasn’t kept pace with the needs of young people today.

That’s why the National Sports Association of Wellness & Mental Fitness (NSAWMF) is stepping up with JusBeGreat™ (JBG)—one of our core initiatives to bring mental fitness, performance mindset, and emotional growth directly to athletes under 18, launching this September.

It’s time to stop expecting young athletes to carry the weight alone. Let’s give them the support they deserve.

Too Many Kids Are Paying the Price

There’s a hidden crisis happening in youth sports. According to the CDC, nearly half of all U.S. kids under 18 participate in organized sports, which can be vital to their development. Sports build confidence, discipline, teamwork, and joy. But several factors have dampened the desire of many young athletes to continue with their chosen sport.

Consider this: 70% of youth athletes quit by the age of 13, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The reasons? Burnout, pressure, excessive training demands, and performance-first mentalities have sucked the joy out of sports, according to Healthychildren.org. When you throw in social media, it adds another layer of stress, amplifying comparison culture and fueling anxiety and perfectionism.

If kids stick with sports, this pressure can follow them through their athletic careers. A 2019 study found that over 35% of elite athletes face mental health challenges, stemming from burnout, depression, and anxiety.

Additionally, girls and youth of color are also more likely to report fears of injury and lower rates of participation, which are driven by cultural, social, and economic pressures, according to an Aspen Institute study. 

A generation of kids are struggling with pressure, perfectionism, and a culture of comparison, and then they are told to “tough it out.”

We can’t keep asking young athletes to perform like pros without giving them the tools to stay grounded, confident, and whole.

It’s time to do better—for them and for the future of sports.

JusBeGreat™: A Long-Overdue Shift for Young Athletes

JusBeGreat isn’t just a program. It’s a long-overdue shift in how we develop, educate, and empower young athletes.

JBG differs from youth sports programs in that it prioritizes mental fitness. We teach young athletes how to recognize stress, manage pressure, and develop internal resilience long before it becomes a problem.

We’ll create information hubs for young athletes that will deliver inspiring, digestible, and relatable videos, interviews, and insights on Instagram and YouTube. Our goal is to meet young athletes where they are and offer support in their own voices.

JBG also offers family and coach integration into the program, so we don’t treat athletes in isolation. Parents and coaches get practical tools and language to help kids thrive, not just compete.

We’re not lowering expectations; we’re demanding more. More care. More connection. More courage.

NSAWMF is Drawing a Line in The Sand

The NSAWMF was founded to tackle one of the most overlooked crises in sports: the mental and emotional well-being of elite athletes. JBG is our declaration that enough is enough, and we're taking action now.

This is our flagship youth program, designed to create real, measurable change for athletes 18 and under, starting early when it matters most.

We’re not offering Band-Aids. We’re building a foundation with education, community, and evidence-backed strategies to improve mental fitness in athletics.

This Work is Personal to Us

For us, this isn’t just strategy—it’s family.

JBG was inspired by the legacy of Sam Knight Sr., a legendary collegiate athlete and father who passed down more than just athletic skill; he passed down principles. He showed his sons, Gregg and Sammy Knight—founders of the NSAWMF—what it means to lead with integrity, rise with resilience, and believe in more than yourself.

NSAWMF Founder & President Gregg Knight with his father

That legacy now powers a movement. In partnership with Dr. Jei Pearcey, Chief Sport and Performance Psychologist and co-founder, we are building more than a program—we're honoring every child who has ever questioned whether they are enough.

And we're making sure they never have to question again.

We're Not Asking; We're Calling You In

If you’re a parent, a coach, a school leader, or a former athlete, you’re already part of the story.

The question is, will you be part of the solution?

You can start by joining the National Sports Association of Wellness & Mental Fitness to get early access to the JBG program and exclusive launch updates.

We also encourage you to donate to the NSAWMF to help expand access to mental wellness programming for underserved youth. Finally, follow and share to spread the message where it matters most.

This is the moment. Not next season. Not once the damage is done.

Let’s stop talking about what’s broken and start building what’s possible. Because greatness isn’t something you win. It’s something you build together.

Join the NSAWMF for free today to gain more unique, credible, and actionable insights from our team and connect with a community that wants to help athletes on their journey in the world of sports.

Become a Member

Disclaimer: The content provided by the National Sports Association of Wellness & Mental Fitness (NSAWMF) is for performance and developmental purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing mental health challenges or emotional distress, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional. Always consult a qualified provider with any questions you may have regarding your mental well-being.