Author: Youth Texas Teams

Supporting Bright Smiles and Bright Futures for Texas AthletesPearland’s Harmony Dental Group, led by Dr. Josephine Lee, is all about making kids smile—on and off the field. Dr. Lee believes that confidence is key in sports, and a healthy smile plays a big role in self-esteem. Harmony Dental Group’s support of Youth Texas Teams magazine reflects their commitment to helping young athletes shine.Dr. Lee’s advice for athletes is simple but powerful: “Believe in yourself and smile through the journey.” She hopes that every young athlete learns the importance of both self-care and self-belief. Harmony Dental Group wants athletes to know…

Strengthening Texas Athletes with Physical and Mental FitnessAll-Star Gym in Forney, founded by personal trainer and coach Lisa Turner, is dedicated to helping young athletes build strength, endurance, and mental toughness. Turner believes that sports are about more than just physical performance—they’re also about building resilience. By supporting Youth Texas Teams, All-Star Gym hopes to reach a broader audience of youth who want to improve both physically and mentally.Turner advises athletes to “focus on one goal at a time and build from there.” She knows that mental toughness is just as important as physical conditioning in sports. All-Star Gym is…

Nourishing Young Athletes for Optimal PerformanceLocated in Waco, Fresh Bites Café, owned by chef and nutrition expert Marco Santos, is committed to providing healthy, energizing meals to the community. Santos, who works closely with local youth teams, believes that nutrition is key to athletic performance. Supporting Youth Texas Teams magazine aligns with his mission to educate young athletes on the power of healthy eating.Santos’s advice for young athletes is to “fuel your body with the right foods and stay hydrated.” At Fresh Bites Café, Santos promotes balanced meals that enhance performance, helping athletes feel their best on and off the…

For young athletes, having the right equipment is crucial to safety, performance, and confidence. In soccer, for instance, essentials include cleats for field traction, shin guards for leg protection, and a comfortable, durable jersey and shorts for mobility. For baseball or softball players, a well-fitted glove, batting helmet, cleats, and an appropriate bat are non-negotiables for safe play. Football players require even more protective gear: helmets, shoulder pads, and mouth guards are all essential for preventing injuries in this high-contact sport.When choosing equipment, young athletes should prioritize fit and comfort over style, as ill-fitting gear can lead to injuries. Parents…

For young athletes, game day preparation is about more than just showing up to play. In the days leading up to competition, they follow carefully planned routines designed to optimize their mental and physical readiness. A key aspect of preparation begins with rest; coaches often emphasize getting enough sleep to ensure athletes are fully alert and physically capable. Hydration is another critical factor, as it helps maintain focus and endurance, with players aiming to stay hydrated throughout the day, not just right before the game. Many also follow a balanced nutrition plan, which includes consuming energy-rich foods such as complex…

Behind every successful sports team is a dedicated group of support staff whose contributions are often unrecognized. Trainers, for example, play a critical role in maintaining athletes’ health by overseeing warm-ups, providing first aid, and implementing recovery routines post-game. Equipment managers are essential in ensuring that each player has access to the right gear, preparing team uniforms, and organizing equipment for transport to games. Volunteers, often parents or community members, help with everything from setting up fields to running concession stands, making the game-day experience smoother for both athletes and spectators.Each member of the support staff brings invaluable skills that…