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Finding The Balance Between Challenging Kids And Pushing Them Too Hard

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Anne Walker was named the Margot and Mitch Milias Director of Women’s Golf (@StanfordWGolf) in 2012, quickly establishing herself as one of the top college coaches in the country. She has guided the Cardinal to four consecutive NCAA Championships berths and captured the first national title in program history during the 2014-15 season.

Walker talks about the importance of challenging her athletes. They have not become collegiate athletes to be given an easy time. They got where they are by being pushed and challenged. This must continue in order to help them improve and be successful. This should bring them to their limits, but it is crucial not to push them too hard. A coach should stay positive and supportive while challenging the athletes. Also, a player who has reached their limits in a practice will not get better or enjoy themselves if they are pushed too far. Coaches need to find balance in order to get the most out of the athletes while still allowing them to enjoy the game.