Finding Calm in the Chaos

Middle school can feel like a pressure cooker — especially for student-athletes trying to perform their best.

One of our players on the girls’ basketball team, knows that feeling all too well. In one game, the stress became too much — panic set in, and she started to hyperventilate and cry.

In that moment, one of our coaches stepped in — not to critique or correct, but to connect. Through face-to-face grounding, deep breathing, and calm presence, Ava was able to regulate her emotions and return to the game confident, centered, and focused.

Since that day, she’s learned that her worth isn’t defined by her performance, but by who she is.

At FOR Lakeland, we believe that growth happens when students feel safe, seen, and supported. Every student deserves that opportunity — on and off the court.

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