EP 1 | The Level Field Podcast

What do coaches actually wish parents understood — but won't say to your face? In our inaugural episode, Texas High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year Justin Quest sits down to answer that question with 23+ years of experience behind it.

Justin is the head tennis coach at Allen High School, a USPTA Elite Professional, a USTA tournament director, and the co-host of this podcast. He's also a dad with two junior players developing in the sport right now — so he's living this from both sides. This is the conversation that sets the tone for everything we're building at Level Field Hub.

What we cover:

Where the coach-parent relationship breaks down
Why trust has to come before expectations
What supportive parenting actually looks like in practice
Why the simplest things — showing up on time, teaching your kid to be a good teammate — matter more than most parents realize

If you're a sports parent trying to figure out your role without overstepping, or a coach looking for language to share with the families in your program, this is your starting point.

🏠 Join our free community → my.levelfieldhub.com

❓ FAQ

Q: What do youth sports coaches wish parents knew? A: Coaches want parents to build trust with the coaching staff first, then let go. Trying to control outcomes without that foundation creates friction that hurts the athlete most. The best parents show up, support the team culture, and let the coach do their job.

Q: What does great sports parenting actually look like? A: It's simpler than most think: get your kid there early, keep them hydrated and fueled, encourage them to embrace the team culture, teach them to be a good teammate, and don't try to be a second coach.

Q: What is the most common mistake youth sports parents make? A: Parents wanting too much control before trust has been established with the coach. That hesitation gets transmitted directly to the athlete.

Q: What is the USTA pathway vs. the UTR pathway for junior tennis? A: Both are legitimate development paths, but there are real misunderstandings about which to take and when. Justin plans to use Level Field Hub to help parents and coaches navigate both systems.

Q: What is Level Field Hub? A: A free community where junior athletes, parents, and coaches connect, learn, and grow together. Join at my.levelfieldhub.com.

📌 Resources

🌐 Community: my.levelfieldhub.com
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The Level Field Podcast | College Recruiting & Youth Sports