Kelly Kratz (@kellymkratz) is a Positive Coaching Alliance Lead Trainer, administering workshops for coaches, parents, athletes, and leaders since 2009. She brings a wealth of experience to PCA as a former Division-1 field hockey and lacrosse player at St. Joseph's University, former college and high school basketball coach, and high school lacrosse coach. Kelly also has a Master's degree in Guidance & Counseling and is a proud sports parent of four daughters.

Here, Kratz explains that it can be important for kids to learn to lose at an early age. While it is easy for parents to be excited about repeat undefeated seasons before age 12, Kratz wonders - what are young athletes learning from that experience? When they are older and have not yet experienced how to lose, they may not know how to handle it and may not know how to work hard because they never had to. When kids lose at an early age, it can be a good thing as they learn these important lessons and what it truly takes to succeed in sports and in life.